When I was younger, I never would have dreamed of traveling solo. I am a very social person and I love sharing experiences with others. My first solo experience happened sort of by accident, but it gave me the perfect first taste of what was waiting for me in the realm of exploring the world on my own. I visited some friends in Bali in May of 2017, and they ended up leaving a day and a half before I was scheduled to fly back. This was an amazing way to ease into being in a different country all on my own because I had already explored the town of Ubud for 6 days while staying with them, so I already felt comfortable. I used that solo time to hit the places I hadn’t visited yet, revisit some restaurants we’d already visited and check out some new ones, and see a healer. It was a very relaxing and enjoyable time and I was completely on my own agenda, exploring may my own pace. I had caught the solo traveling bug (and also another bug because I ended my trip with food poisoning 🤢).
Since that trip, I have been to many places on my own! Including the Bahamas, Amalfi Coast, Gdansk, Big Sur CA, Prague, London, Athens, Sylt and Málaga and have enjoyed incredible expansive experiences in each city! Traveling alone can be a really powerful tool for self growth and I’m excited to share some of my thoughts and tips for solo traveling here. I hope to inspire more people to take a little time for themselves to explore within.
1. Start slow!
Of course you could kick off your solo traveling adventure with an epic month-long backpacking trip through Europe or South America, but if you’re feeling any reservations I would suggest easing into it. Maybe you tack on an extra day for yourself on a trip with friends or family. Maybe you stay close to home and indulge in a solo weekend getaway. Maybe you plan a quick overnight somewhere to get comfortable being alone. In today’s fast-paced, connected society many of us are no longer used to the feeling of being alone, and it can feel scary at first. I would encourage you to ease into the concept by planning a small adventure that feels right to you.
2. Bring homey comforts
I find that traveling with something(s) comforting really make me feel more at home when I am traveling. This is going to be very individualized for each person, but I’ll tell you what that looks like for me. I always travel with tea and mixtures to make cozy beverages (usually my Four Sigmatic packets). I can then start and end my day with a comforting beverage and it helps me feel more grounded. I almost always travel with snacks that feel familiar to me, like bars, nuts and granola. That way, no matter where I am in the world and what kind of food is available, I know I have something reliable to fall back on! Sometimes I travel with essential oils, sometimes I travel with one of my favorite books, and I always bring my journal. It’s nice to have a little piece of home with you even if you are far away.
3. Act confident
Borrowing this one from my girl @sarahsday – “act confident and no one will question you”. I used to feel beyond uncomfortable with the thought of eating in a restaurant by myself. I always felt like everyone would be staring at me! I’m now a very confident solo diner but it was definitely a process to get used to it. It’s one of those things that will become more comfortable the more you do it. Believe me, no one is looking at you, and no one cares that you are there alone. It will probably feel weird at first, but enjoy it as a time to be really present with the experience and savor your food without the distraction of other people’s company. You don’t have to travel to try a solo dining experience, you can dine solo in your own city!
4. Plan a group activity
I’ve been enjoying taking advantage of Airbnb experiences and group tours on my solo trips. My personal favorite options are food tours and bike tours. I get to enjoy an activity I love, and connect with locals and other travelers! I would absolutely recommend looking for an activity that resonates with you on your next trip. My favorite booking options are Airbnb experiences (definitely the most unique offers), Get Your Guide and using my Chase credit card travel rewards. Almost all cities offer free walking tours, which is a great way to see the city and meet new people.
5. Enjoy this alone time to tune in
How often do you take the time to tune in and be with yourself? Traveling solo is a wonderful opportunity for you to dive inside and discover new things about yourself. Solo traveling is a fast track to personal growth. I always bring a journal with me because I find that things come up for me when I spend so much time by myself, especially in new environments.
6. Be safe
If you are traveling alone, it’s a good idea to scope out the city you are visiting to find out if there are unsafe areas you should avoid. While I would definitely encourage getting out there and meeting new people, I wouldn’t tell anyone where you are staying. It’s also a good idea to let someone from home know your location and your travel plans. I would also caution against drinking too much alcohol. Know your limits and don’t get yourself into a position where you lose situational awareness and can be taken advantage of. Keep your money and valuables safe and out of site and be wary of pick-pocketers, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
7. Consider staying in a hostel
I have stayed in many a hostel in the last 10 years, and have had both amazingly positive and amazingly negative experiences. When you are solo traveling, it is nice to be in an environment with other travelers and hostels usually offer a lot of social activities and group meals. You will meet other solo travelers and people from all over the world in this environment.
8. Treat yo self
I like to schedule one special treat when I travel. Sometimes, that might be a massage or a trip to the sauna or spa. Other times it might be a nice meal out. And sometimes treating myself just means I don’t make any plans for a day and just relax and enjoy a new place by spending time in a park or a cozy cafe or the beach!
9. Push yourself out of your comfort zone
Traveling alone definitely does not mean you have to be lonely. But it can be challenging to force yourself to get out there and take part in activities or start conversations with strangers. Say yes to new experiences that come your way, and remain open to connecting with new people! Humans crave connection, so chances are people are just as excited to connect with you as you are with them.
10. Learn some of the local language
If you are traveling somewhere where the language is foreign to you, learning a few important words and phrases will go a long way. For one, it will automatically make you feel more comfortable in a foreign country. It also goes a long way with the locals, because most people really appreciate when you take the time and effort to learn a few words. It shoes respect for the country’s culture and will deepen your connection with any locals you interact with. I usually use YouTube videos to learn a few things before I go anywhere!
I hope these tips help you feel more confident as you travel. Have you traveled anywhere solo or are you planning to? I’d love to hear in the comments!
Also Read : 5 Essential Travel Hacks
Recent Comments