Traveling alone can be fulfilling and exciting in ways you won’t find while traveling with others. Venturing to a new place by yourself will inevitably bring plenty of opportunities for growth and self-discovery, not to mention the complete freedom that comes with not having to consider anyone else’s needs. All of that being said, it’s important to do your research and plan all elements of your trip carefully in order to stay safe and make the most of your experience. Read on for some of our best solo travel tips.
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.