Top 5 Travel Tips For The Solo Traveler

• By Jimmy Hoffman
• 7 August, 2013
• 6 Comments

Below are my top 5 travel tips for the solo traveler to help you get the most from your trip.  There are a lot of pros to traveling solo.  My solo travels have taken me around the world.  I even left my small hometown to move 9,000 miles away to Singapore.  I have no regrets.

Solo Travel Tip Number 1:  Have Fun.

You’re on vacation!  No deadlines, appointments or meetings.  As a solo traveler you can do whatever you want.  You don’t have to listen to anyone else.  Make sure your trip is what you want it to be.  Choose the options that are right for you.  Although its not my preference, if you want to sit by the beach all day and relax by yourself then do it!  Don’t let anyone get in your way!  This is your time!  Enjoy it!

 

Solo Travel Tip Number 2:  Be Safe

While traveling alone make sure you use your street smarts.  As a solo traveler you increase your risk of being a target for potential crime.  Stay away from areas that look suspicious and are not populated.  Follow your gut feeling.  If something feels wrong, it probably is.  In this case, stay calm and get yourself to a safe or crowded place as quick as you can.  Always know where your nearest safe haven is.

We all have seen movies or have heard horror stories of someone getting lost, trapped, or kidnapped.  This is why it is a good idea to let at least one person know what your plans are for each day of your trip.  This should be someone you trust.  In the event that something happens to you, this person can take the appropriate steps to locate you.  They will be able to inform the authorities of your plans so a search can begin.  There is also an app I would recommend called Glympse.  Glympse allows you to share your location with anyone for a specified period of time.  Once the time is up your location will no longer be accessible.  This is a good app for providing peace of mind to loved ones back home.  If anything were to go wrong this app can also be very useful.

 

Solo Travel Tip Number 3:  Meet New People

This travel tip is my favorite.  It is always good to make new friends.  Meeting new people on your travels is a great way to accomplish this.  As a solo traveler you may have limited resources in the destination location.  If you want to get to know the ins and outs of your destination go say hello to a local.  Ask them a question you want answered about the local area.  Most people are very welcoming to questions.  Like you, they are probably interested in knowing who you are?  Where are you from?  Why are you visiting?  Before you know it you will be in an intriguing conversation.  A lot of people are proud of their home and will enjoy telling you all about it.  They may even offer to show you around.

It is also good to say hello to other tourists.  You both already have your trip in common.  What else do you have in common?   Talk about your travels!  This is a great way to make a long-term friend.  Exchange information.  Who knows, someday you may be traveling with them somewhere or visiting their hometown.  In turn, someday they may visit you and you may get the opportunity to pay it forward.

Of course it doesn’t always work out this way.  Not everyone is as welcoming as others.  If not, it’s their loss.  Don’t give up!  Try again!  I’ve met several friends on my travels from all across the world.  I have traveled with them, been to their hometowns and showed them my hometown.  I even met my current girlfriend while traveling solo 9,000 miles away from home.  If I can do it, you can do it!

 

Solo Travel Tip Number 4:  Select The Right Accommodations.

One big con to solo travel is not having the luxury to split the bill for such things as accommodations, car rentals, and taxis.  This can significantly increase the cost of your trip, especially when it comes to accommodations.  When traveling you usually want to spend the least amount of time in the hotel and the majority of the time seeing and experiencing the destination.  This means you are out pushing yourself all day to get the most out of your trip.  It is important to get a good nights rest so you are ready to go at it again the next day.  If you want to come back to a hotel room all to yourself that is fine.  Keep in mind that you can get a good nights rest at a 2-3 star hotel.

For the more adventurous solo traveler, you can try a hostel where you will be shacked up with fellow travelers, college dorm style.  This is a cost effective option and a great way to meet new people.  If you want these same benefits, but hotel accommodations are more your style there is a solution for you, but you will have to have a roommate.  You can try one of the many apps and websites that provide roommates for your trip.  These services pair solo travelers with one another for their hotel accommodations, allowing each traveler to split the hotel bill.  Most of these services are free and allow you to meet the other person over the internet prior to your trip.  Some even allow you to plan a whole trip with another solo traveler who meets your “criteria” (similar to a dating website, but for travelers).  A quick Google search can provide you with a list of these websites and apps.

 

Solo Travel Tip Number 5:  DO IT!

Conquer your fear!  Traveling solo can be a very rewarding experience.  At times, you will be forced to go outside of your comfort zone.  This is a great way to learn more about yourself and find out who you really are.