Five Things to Consider Before Booking Your Solo Trip

Traveling solo can be an incredibly rewarding experience. It allows you to explore new places, meet new people, and discover more about yourself. However, before booking your trip, there are a few important things to consider. Here are five key factors to think about as a solo traveler:

1. Safety First

When traveling alone, safety should always be your top priority. Research the destination you plan to visit and familiarize yourself with any potential risks or safety concerns. Check the travel advisories issued by the government and read up on local customs and laws. We’ve made a post on this for popular destinations. It’s also a good idea to share your travel itinerary with a trusted friend or family member and keep them updated throughout your trip.

Check with your consulate or embassy if you’re traveling internationally. The US State Department offers a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. It’s called the STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) program.

Additionally, take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Invest in a sturdy lock for your luggage, use a money belt to keep your valuables secure, and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Trust your instincts and avoid any situations or places that make you feel uncomfortable.

2. Research Accommodation Options

Choosing the right accommodation is crucial for a solo traveler. Consider staying in well-reviewed hotels or guesthouses that have a reputation for being safe and welcoming to solo travelers. Make sure to review accommodations across various sites to get a better understanding of the reviews. Check out Yelp, Google, Expedia, etc. Don’t rely on one source.

Look for places that offer single rooms or dormitories specifically for solo travelers, as these can provide a great opportunity to meet fellow adventurers.

Another option to consider is booking a homestay or using a reputable home-sharing platform. This can give you a chance to connect with locals and get a more authentic experience of the destination. However, always read reviews and do your research to ensure the accommodation is safe and reliable.

3. Plan Your Itinerary Wisely

As a solo traveler, you have the freedom to plan your itinerary according to your interests and preferences. Take advantage of this by creating a flexible schedule that allows for spontaneity and exploration. However, it’s also important to plan ahead and have a rough idea of the places you want to visit and the activities you want to do. Take a look at our Passport to Palates City Guides and see if there’s one for your destination city. If you need help creating one, we offer trip planning as a service.

You can also utilize Wanderlog. It’s a free app (with a subscription option), planning every kind of trip, including road trips and group travel: create a trip itinerary, budget costs, organize flight and hotel reservations, view places to visit on a map, and collaborate with friends.

Research the must-see attractions and popular local experiences, but also leave room for unexpected discoveries. Be mindful of the time it takes to travel between destinations and consider the feasibility of your plans. Remember, it’s better to have a few meaningful experiences than to rush through a long list of sights without truly savoring each one.

4. Connect with Other Travelers

Traveling solo doesn’t mean you have to be alone all the time. One of the best parts of solo travel is the opportunity to meet new people from around the world. Take advantage of social platforms and online travel communities to connect with fellow travelers who may be in the same destination as you.

Join group tours or activities that align with your interests. Viator offers some great tour activities that solo travelers can join. This can be a great way to meet like-minded individuals and potentially form lasting friendships. Don’t be afraid to strike up conversations with locals or fellow travelers in cafes, hostels, or public transportation. You never know who you might meet and what incredible experiences may come from these connections.

5. Embrace Solo Time and Self-Care

Solo travel provides a unique opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. Embrace the moments of solitude and use them to recharge and reconnect with yourself. Take time to indulge in activities that bring you joy, whether it’s reading a book in a cozy cafe or exploring a local market at your own pace.

Practice self-care by prioritizing your physical and mental well-being. Stay hydrated, get enough rest, and listen to your body’s needs. Travel can be exhausting, so don’t hesitate to take breaks and give yourself permission to slow down when necessary.

6. Be Cautious

Solo travel is an amazing experience, but there are a few things it’s wise to keep to yourself when meeting new people. Here’s what to avoid sharing:

• Your exact location and accommodation: Sharing your hotel name or room number can be a safety risk. It’s okay to say the general area you’re staying in, but avoid specifics.
• Your entire travel itinerary: While sharing some plans can be fun, avoid revealing your entire schedule. This keeps you flexible and allows for spontaneous adventures.
• Financial details: How much money you’re carrying or spending is a private matter.
• Negative feelings about traveling alone: While venting to a trusted friend at home might be okay, avoid dwelling on anxieties about solo travel with new acquaintances. It might project an air of vulnerability or negativity.
• Oversharing personal details: Keep it light and friendly at first. There’s no need to share your entire life story or past relationship woes with someone you just met.
• Bragging about expensive travel habits: This can unintentionally create distance or make you seem out of touch.

Focus on positive conversation starters!

Instead, chat about:

• Your travel experiences so far.
• Interesting things you’ve seen or done.
• What you’re looking forward to seeing in the city.
• Local customs or interesting facts you’ve learned.
• Your hobbies and interests (as long as they’re not overly personal).

By keeping your conversations positive, light, and focused on the adventure of travel, you’ll build rapport with new people while staying safe and enjoying the journey!

Remember, solo travel is about embracing the freedom to explore the world on your own terms. By considering these five factors before booking your trip, you can ensure a safe and enriching experience that will leave you with lasting memories and a newfound sense of independence. Now, what should you pack?

Leave a comment and let me know if you like to travel solo. If so, where have you gone? Any tips I might’ve missed?