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]]>Climate
Tropical destinations tend to be some of the most popular when the temperature drops, though colder locations can have plenty to offer as well. If you’re traveling alone, the decision may be relatively straightforward, but if you’re traveling in a group, you may need to discuss the pros and cons of each with your companions in order to settle on a place that satisfies everyone’s wishes. For example, those looking to relax might prefer a resort stay in the Bahamas, while a ski trip may be more in line for outdoor enthusiasts.
Budget
Once you’ve decided what type of location you’d like to visit, go over your finances and set a realistic travel budget that includes accommodation, transportation, meals, and activities. Search for destinations that fit within your budget constraints, taking into consideration that rates may be higher or lower depending on whether it’s peak or off-season in your destination.
Activities
One of the best parts of holiday travel is getting to spend time with the people we love. After you’ve chosen a general location for your trip, take some time to discuss as a group how you’d each like to spend your time. This is especially important when traveling with children, who, unlike adults, don’t have the option to go off on their own should they not want to participate in any particular plan. Keep things inclusive by allowing each member of your group to choose at least one excursion or activity.
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]]>Reputable Sources
Always make sure to find accommodation through reputable sources, such as Booking and Airbnb. Many solo travelers turn to Couchsurfing to lower their expenses, but thread lightly with anything that comes free or sounds too good to be true.
Read Reviews
Reviews are your first line of defense when you’re looking for safe accommodation. Impressions of previous guests will help you make the final verdict, and you should pay close attention to the reviews of solo travelers.
Public vs. Private
Airbnb experienced a true boom in recent years, but it’s not for everyone. Staying at a private accommodation brings a level of uncertainty, and you should opt for hotels and hostels if you’re feeling too anxious.
Good Neighborhood
Do some research about the neighborhood where your accommodation is located, and avoid shady areas far away from the city center and public transportation.
Safety Measures
Check what safety measures your accommodation has in place, especially if you’re staying at a hostel. Private lockers are a must, but it also helps if there’s a 24-hour front desk and a surveillance system in place.
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]]>Plan Solo Excursions
The main downside to traveling in a group is having to compromise over the itinerary, but when traveling alone, you’re in complete control. Take advantage of the opportunity to embrace your introverted side by planning activities that align with your interests, especially things that you may not have access to at home. Explore museums, enjoy a cup of coffee at a local cafe, or just wander through the streets and take in the sights.
Communicate With Tech
Technology has made the world a much more comfortable place for introverts, especially when it comes to travel. If you plan to stay in an Airbnb, know that most, if not all, communication with your host can be completed by messaging through the app. Google Maps offers an easy way to navigate your destination without having to ask anyone for directions, some ride-sharing services like Uber have even introduced a “quiet preferred” option for passengers looking for small talk-free rides.
Pick Private Accommodations
Shared accommodations such as hostels can be uncomfortable enough for the average traveler, and while they may be a decent option for cutting down on costs, for serious introverts, sometimes the savings just aren’t worth it. Instead, consider booking a room at a boutique hotel or private Airbnb that will provide more personal space and a quieter environment. If you do need to stay in a hostel, try to reserve a private room.
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]]>Research Your Destination Thoroughly
Some locations are more solo traveler-friendly than others, so take your time planning and do extensive research on potential destinations to see which ones feel appropriate for you. Read up on the culture, customs, and laws of your chosen place, and try to find other solo travelers who’ve been there and can share any insights.
Have a Plan
While you don’t need to create a jam-packed itinerary for yourself (unless you want to), putting together a loose plan of the sights you’d like to see, landmarks you’d like to visit, and even restaurants you’d like to eat at can help make solo travel feel less overwhelming. Use Google Maps or a similar app to familiarize yourself with their respective locations, and research local transportation options to figure out how to reach them.
Stay Connected
Where safety is concerned, we highly recommend keeping in contact with a trusted friend or family member while traveling solo. Talk with them before you leave and create a plan for how often they should expect you to check in, and give them the number for your accommodations and local authorities to contact if they don’t hear from you after a certain period of time.
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]]>Step 1: Pick Your Destination
The world is your oyster, so where will you go? Maybe you’ve always wanted to explore the cobblestone streets of Paris, or maybe you’d prefer to soak up some sun on the beaches of Thailand. Whatever your destination, make sure it’s a place that speaks to you and will make you excited to explore on your own.
(@skylarkhotelapartments)Step 2: Research, Research, Research
Once you’ve picked your destination, it’s time to do some research. Read up on the culture, customs, and traditions of the country you’ll be visiting. Look into the best neighborhoods to stay in, and read reviews of hotels or hostels to find the perfect fit for your needs and budget. Make a list of attractions, activities, and experiences you don’t want to miss while you’re there.
Step 3: Plan Your Itinerary
Now that you know what you want to do and see, it’s time to plan your itinerary. Make sure to leave some wiggle room in case you decide to change your plans or stumble upon something unexpected. Don’t try to cram too much into one day, or you’ll end up exhausted and not able to enjoy your trip as much. Make sure to also schedule some downtime to relax and recharge.
Step 4: Budget Your Expenses
Traveling can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Make a budget for your trip and stick to it. Look for deals on flights and accommodations, and research affordable dining options. Don’t forget to factor in transportation costs and any admission fees for attractions.
(@thefrugalexplorer)Step 5: Pack Smart
When traveling solo, it’s important to pack light and smart. Make a list of essentials you’ll need, and try to pack everything in a carry-on bag if possible. This will make it easier to navigate airports and public transportation. Don’t forget to bring a good book or download some podcasts to keep you entertained during downtime.
Step 6: Stay Safe
Traveling alone can be intimidating, but it’s important to stay safe. Make sure to research the safety of the area you’ll be staying in and take precautions like not walking alone at night. Keep your valuables close to you and be aware of your surroundings. It’s also a good idea to let someone back home know your itinerary and check in with them periodically.
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]]>Couchsurfing
If you’re looking for travel accommodation that won’t cost you a dime, Couchsurfing will be your cup of tea. This unique hospitality exchange website will introduce you to countless friendly locals offering a free stay in their homes. Give it a shot and see if you can find a host who’s the right match.
Hostels
Hostels might not be free, but they’re extremely affordable when compared to other types of accommodation. They offer shared dorm rooms with a pretty low price tag, and they’ll be a great fit if you’re not too focused on what your accommodation looks like and simply want a comfy bed to sleep in.
Shorter Stay
If Couchsurfing and hostels simply aren’t your thing and you want to have a luxury experience without breaking the bank, don’t stay on the road for too long. Booking one place for a shorter period of time will mean you’re not splashing out for too long. If you want to stay in a hotel, plan everything accordingly and consider booking directly from their website.
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]]>Call a Friend
If you simply can’t bear the thought of eating without conversation, one of the easiest solutions is to simply call a friend while you eat. You can catch up and tell them all about your travels, and you won’t feel so lonely!
DMV(or a beach) (@patricecameau)Bring a Book
If you are determined to get through the meal without your phone, you can also bring a book. Reading while you eat eases some of the pressure from ‘entertaining yourself’, and lets you simply relax and enjoy your food and book!
Embrace Your Curiosity
We all have curiosity inside of us about a lot of things, but there’s something so fun about people-watching. You learn so much about how people communicate verbally and nonverbally, and it’s even fun to make up stories about strangers sometimes. Embrace your curiosity and shamelessly people-watch!
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]]>Cheaper Accommodation
If you’re willing to stay at hostels during your travels, solo trips are actually the most affordable option on the market. You won’t be sharing expenses with anyone or booking more expensive accommodation than you want because you have to compromise.
Cheaper Activities
When traveling with your friends and family, you’ll sometimes do things that you’re not extremely interested in, and some of them will come with a price tag. When traveling solo, you can do whatever you want to do and opt for the activities that fit into your modest budget.
Cheaper Food
Traveling with others often involves a lot of fancy lunches and coffee breaks, but you won’t have to waste your money on them when you’re on your own. You can eat and drink wherever you want to, grab some street food on the go, or cook your own food whenever you don’t feel like going out to eat on your own.
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]]>Party Extravaganza
The main benefit of staying at party hostels is pretty obvious and it’s right there in their name. If you enjoy partying during your travels, party hostels are a place to be because they’re designed with travelers who love nightlife in mind.
Making New Friends
Everyone staying at party hostels is there to have a good time, and that makes them a perfect place to make new friends. In addition to hosting parties at night, they usually have a bar on site all day long, where you can mingle and get to know other travelers.
Not Full Stay
The main disadvantage of party hostels is that they can be pretty loud, but no one said you have to stay there for the full duration of your trip. Book a day or two at a party hostel to explore the nightlife and meet some new people, and switch to a calmer place for the rest of your stay if you don’t want to deal with noisy guests.
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]]>Free Walking Tours
If you’re not staying at a hostel, you can still meet fellow travelers by joining a free walking tour. You’ll be mostly listening to your tour guide during these tours, but you can still try to strike up a conversation with other travelers and suggest exploring the rest of the city together.
Out and About
Clubs, restaurants, galleries, museums, major tourist sites—the list of places where you can meet new people is pretty much endless if you’re outgoing enough. Step out of your comfort zone, start a conversation with someone who seems interesting, and don’t worry if you don’t hit it off because you’ll probably never see them again anyway.
Meeting People Online
If you struggle to strike up a conversation with strangers in person, you can try to first “meet” them online. There are many Facebook groups where solo travelers look for company during their trips, but you can also use dating apps such as Tinder and Bumble to make friends—just be clear about your intentions and only meet people who make you feel safe.
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