As the popularity of solo travel continues to rise, more and more people are becoming interested in how to become a solo traveler themselves.
Here are 10 great tips on how to become a solo traveler successful!
- Prepare
- Planning is key, and often people find themselves in stressful situations without proper planning. You can never be too prepared. Take some time to figure out your budget and determine how long you plan on traveling solo for. Having an itinerary will help you avoid unnecessary hassles while you travel.
- Know where you’re going, when you’re going, and what accommodations are available before you get there. Make sure your passport is up-to-date and that you have enough funds available for emergencies or last minute changes in plans. Many countries require visitors to purchase tourist cards; make sure that your card has not expired and has enough room for multiple entries into the country (this could take some research).
- Choose A Destination
- Choosing where you’re going can be one of your best tips for solo travel. After all, nobody wants to go on vacation only to find themselves in a place where they don’t know anyone. Some people choose popular destinations with lots of other tourists, which isn’t ideal if you want peace and quiet. A better way is to pick off-the-beaten path destinations that aren’t as popular and aren’t crawling with fellow tourists. These types of places can give you an authentic feel while allowing you to meet other friendly locals who are just as excited about your adventure as you are!
- When to Go
- Decide whether you will travel during peak season (June - August) or shoulder season (September - November). In peak season, it's harder to get cheaper airfare and accommodations; however, those months will have an array of festivals and events happening around town. On that note, if culture is your thing, shoulder season is still full of things to do and see—the weather is more pleasant than in summer as well. If you are unsure about when you want to travel then read up on my post which goes into more detail.
- Book Your Flight
- There are lots of great travel sites out there like Orbitz, Expedia, and Kayak. There are also smaller sites that cater specifically to solo travelers.
- What To Pack
- If you’re set on packing light and travelling solo, there are a few things you should make sure to bring. For one, it’s good to make sure that your electronics are all equipped with international adapters — these can cost as little as $5 each and will allow you to plug in virtually anywhere in the world. You’ll also want some sort of sleep sheet or blanket, so you don’t freeze at night. Always have toiletries on hand (like toothbrush and toothpaste) just in case there aren’t any available for purchase where you end up staying.
- Packing Tips For Solo Travellers
- Packing for solo travel is different than packing for someone else. It might seem counterintuitive, but I recommend you pack slightly less when travelling solo—and not just because you can use fewer clothes (though that’s true). A first-time traveller is often over-prepared: have a bag full of things they don’t need. Some people bring way too many shoes, when all they really need are a couple pairs of sturdy footwear. An experienced traveller knows exactly what will suit their trip and personal style, which means there’s no excess baggage. Even if you plan on dressing up in more formal clothes, bringing just one or two outfits that are simple enough to mix and match is plenty.
- Time To Leave
- How To Leave A Country You Love: If you’re thinking about leaving a country you love, you might be scared that doing so will leave an irreparable hole in your life. Rest assured: Nothing can replace your time abroad, but there are ways to ease back into life at home. Make sure to visit family members who are distant and far-flung once you get back from your travels, take local trips that bring you closer to your new community, and don’t forget friends—they never have a chance to miss you if they don’t know what they’re missing! As for helping others who may have just started out on their journey? Volunteer—it'll be good for both of you.
- Final Thoughts About Being A Solo Traveller
- You’re young, you have money, and you want to go on an adventure. You don’t want to commit long-term to going away somewhere that isn’t your home base (i.e., living in a hostel for two months) and you can afford it? Congratulations, welcome to solo travel! It can be harder than it looks, but as long as you keep certain things in mind while you’re planning your trip, you should be just fine.
The Benefits of Travelling Alone
Travelling solo can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life, but it does take some preparation. Many worry about travelling alone and being away from friends and family for an extended period of time.
However, there are many benefits that come with travelling solo that many don’t consider: You won’t have to split food or accommodation costs and you can move around at your own pace. Solo travellers can also meet more locals, as there is less of a language barrier than in groups.
The Challenges of Travelling Alone
Travelling alone can be expensive. Not only do you have to cover all of your accommodation, food and transportation costs by yourself, but you also need to find ways to stay entertained when travelling alone.
Additionally, sometimes it can be challenging keeping up with where you are if you don’t know anyone else in that city or country. If you’re considering going on a trip as a solo traveller, keep in mind these three tips for making sure it goes smoothly. First off , make sure that whatever city or country you’re planning on visiting has good public transportation options available; otherwise you could end up spending more money than necessary taking taxis and cabs around town if there aren’t many people living in that particular place.