It’s a life changing albeit slightly daunting experience but that’s part of the adventure! You might just learn things about yourself you never knew possible. Going it alone is a chance to abandon your everyday routine and let your imagination run wild… this is the time to choose your own adventure.
Now, as you dream out your itinerary, let us do some of the heavy lifting and offer up our best tips on travelling solo.
Set Your Intentions
It’s always a great idea to think about what you would like to get out of your solo trip. Is it to have your own Eat Pray Love moment or simply spend some much time on your own clock in a place you’ve always wanted to go? What have you always wanted to do? What scares you? Do you want to push yourself out of your zone? All things to think about.
Join A Small Group Tour
If you’re a little hesitant at first, this is a great way to start any solo trip. It’s a safe and great way to meet other like-minded travellers and have an itinerary planned out for you in advance.
Be Open And Flexible
Try to be open to every possible scenario that comes your way because part of the joy of travelling alone is to challenge yourself.
Be flexible in your arrangements, if you can, as you might get to a destination, adore it, and decide you want to stay there longer. Get to know the locals, learn the language by putting in time learning before you arrive, immerse yourself and most of all, understand and be respectful of those who you are visiting.
Do Your Research
While you’re planning your itinerary, do some deep diving on the places you want to visit. Whether it’s searching up the best Airbnbs in Bali or the coolest London pubs, take note of all the things you really want to do. Word of mouth is also the best way to find off-the-beaten track haunts even Google doesn’t know about. Talk to people who have been to the places you’re going to because they may have some secrets to share.
Seek Guidance
You may want to enlist in the help of a travel concierge who knows the destination like the back of their hand. Travel concierges create tailored itineraries for solos and groups based on destinations they have been and know most about.
Check Your Documents
There is nothing worse than getting to the airport and feeling your heart sink as you discover your passport is out of date! Possibly the biggest vibe kill of all time. For heavens’ sake, check your documents, be sure of any vaccines recommended for specific destinations and apply with enough time for your visa approval. The U.S. is particularly strict with visas. No visa, No travel!
Pack Sensibly, Take Good Walking Shoes
Keep your eye on the weather in the lead-up to your trip. You don’t want to be stuck in breezy winds with nothing more than in a light blouse. Great walking shoes should also be the first thing you pack. Invest in them, you won’t regret it.
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Consider Travelling Out Of Peak Season
Look at travelling in low season for a cheaper room. Staying in a well-researched Airbnb with great reviews is also a good option, you can prep and cook your own meals. Consider districts out of but close to main tourist hubs.
Take Pictures
Not so much for Instagram, more for your own memories and to remember how epic your adventure was and how happy you are that you did it! Pack a disposable camera and print photos months after your trip to relive all the memories.
Sit At The Bar
Possibly one of the best things about travelling solo is the people you will meet along the way. Some will become lifelong friends and others will live rent-free in your mind long after you’ve unpacked your bags. Introduce yourself to someone else who is on their own and don’t be afraid to have conversations with the bar staff, they know all there is to know about their cities.
Above all, possibly one of the best pieces of advice we can give you is to slow down and take it all in.
Give your phone and/or social media a break if you can and revel in the fact that you are the only one in the world having this experience.
Read on for the best places to travel alone in 2024.
Image credit: Urban List