Solo Travel: Expectations And Realities Of Hitting The Road Alone

Traveling alone can be a liberating and life-changing experience. It can be scary and push you out of your comfort zone, but the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. You'll have the freedom to do what you want, when you want, and can connect with people if you wish or avoid them completely. It's a chance to discover who you are when no one you know is looking.

However, it's not for everyone. Some worry about loneliness, safety, and other concerns. But with a little preparation and common sense, you can travel alone and have a great experience. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your solo travels:

- Do your research and plan ahead, especially when it comes to accommodation and transportation.

- Stay in social places like hostels, and look for opportunities to connect with other travelers or locals.

- Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and avoid appearing like a tourist.

- Carry essential items like a pen, a small first-aid kit, and a hidden wallet for your valuables.

- Mark your phone map with your accommodation so you can always find your way back.

- Be flexible and open to new experiences and people.

- Embrace your alone time and use it for reflection and mindfulness.

- Take precautions to stay safe and protect your valuables, especially when traveling alone.

- Consider joining a group tour or activity to meet others with similar interests.

- Volunteer or work abroad to gain access to large social circles and give back to local communities.

- Remember that it's okay to ask for help and reach out to others if you need it.

So, if you're thinking of traveling alone, go for it! With the right mindset and preparation, you can have a safe, enjoyable, and life-changing solo travel experience.

Planning and research

Save Money and Plan Your Budget

Having a financial buffer is important when travelling alone. You never know when you might need emergency cash, so put away more than you think you'll need. Create a budget and try to stick to it at each destination you visit. Without a travel companion, money management is vital.

Research and Book Accommodation in Advance

Being spontaneous is fun, but booking (or at least researching) accommodation ahead of time ensures you're in the right place. Some hotels, hostels or homestays are more solo-traveller friendly than others. If you want to make friends, try to find somewhere with other solo travellers.

Use Public Transport to Save Money

If you're trying to save money, don't fly everywhere. Use trains or coaches for a fraction of the price. Although cross-country rail and road travel takes longer, there are some amazing scenic routes to make it worth your while.

Buy Travel Insurance

Never leave home without it. A good policy will cover you in all emergencies, including medical emergencies, incidents of crime and theft, or natural disasters. Try to find country-specific policies or cover that has been designed for your type of trip, such as multi-destination or long-duration travel.

Get Vaccinated

Staying healthy is important when travelling alone. Make sure you get the recommended vaccinations before you go. The NHS Fit For Travel website provides information on recommended boosters or medication for destinations across the world.

Avoid Unwanted Attention

Solo travellers can sometimes be targets for thieves and scammers. Avoid drawing attention to yourself and try to blend in. Be aware of local etiquette and customs, and dress appropriately for each country. Don't wear flashy jewellery or clothing.

Book Official Tours

Safeguard against fake guides by booking with reputable tour operators, especially if you want to take part in activities such as white-water rafting, zip-lining or quad biking.

Plan How to Handle Loneliness

Before your trip, come up with a plan to handle any loneliness you may feel. Bring journaling prompts, download your favourite podcasts or songs for a mood lift, and start a travel journal where you can collect mementos and photos.

Write Postcards

Writing can be therapeutic if you’re feeling lonely. Try writing a letter or sending a postcard to a loved one. You can even send a note of gratitude to yourself so that you have something waiting for you when you return home.

Look for Opportunities to Connect with Others

While travelling, look for activities where you can connect with other travellers or locals. For example, join a guided tour of a museum rather than visiting alone. Go to local cafes, markets, and community events, and learn about the local culture. Participate in group excursions like day trips and tours.

Safety and security

Safety is a common concern for solo travellers, and it's important to be vigilant and prepared. Here are some tips to help you stay safe and secure during your solo travels:

• Do Your Research: Familiarise yourself with your destination before you arrive. Know the approximate travel costs and duration from the airport to your accommodation or the city centre. This will help you avoid being overcharged or "taken for a ride".
• Choose Accommodations Wisely: Opt for a hotel with a 24-hour front desk, especially if you plan to arrive late. This will ensure you have a safe place to stay and won't be left stranded.
• Carry Good Identification: Have multiple forms of ID with you, and store them in different places. Keep your passport and extra money tucked away securely, and use a theft-resistant bag for daily spending money.
• Stick to Open and Public Places at Night: Avoid deserted or poorly lit areas, and stick to well-populated, open spaces after dark.
• Exude Confidence: Walk with purpose and confidence, especially at night or in unfamiliar areas. This will help deter unwanted attention. If you do get lost, enter a shop or restaurant to ask for directions instead of appearing confused on the street.
• Avoid Looking Like a Tourist: Ditch the tourist attire and try to blend in with the locals. Avoid wearing flashy jewellery or clothing that makes you stand out as a tourist.
• Be Discrete with Valuables: Leave expensive jewellery and other valuables at home. If you must bring them, be discrete, and consider using a hidden wallet or money belt to keep your valuables close to your body.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Stay alert and avoid wearing headphones or staring at your phone while walking alone, especially at night.
• Keep an Emergency Stash of Cash: Always have some emergency funds in the local currency, as well as a good reserve in your bank account. This will be invaluable in case of medical emergencies or other unexpected expenses.
• Travel with Insurance: Invest in a good travel insurance policy that covers medical emergencies, incidents of crime, theft, and natural disasters.
• Get Vaccinated: Ensure you are up to date with your vaccinations before travelling to reduce the risk of illness.
• Book Official Tours: When participating in activities like white-water rafting, zip-lining, or quad biking, book with reputable tour operators to ensure your safety.
• Volunteer and Connect: Consider volunteering on projects or joining traveller-friendly communities to meet like-minded people and gain local connections.
• Be Aware of Local Laws: Research and understand the local laws and customs of your destination, especially regarding drugs and alcohol.
• Register with Your Embassy: If applicable, register with your country's embassy or state department to help them assist you in case of an emergency.

Meeting people

Go to traveller-friendly places

Every town or city has spots where travellers and backpackers like to hang out. Head to well-known traveller cafes, bars or restaurants, or look for apps that can help you connect with others on the road. These are great places to meet other travellers and get recommendations for things to do in the area.

Volunteer

Volunteering is a fantastic way to meet people who share your values and interests. Look for opportunities to get involved in animal welfare, wildlife conservation, teaching, or other projects that interest you. You'll make friends and have a positive impact on the community.

Be flexible

Don't stick to your travel plans too rigidly. Be open to meeting new people and making connections. You may decide to join forces with other travellers you meet along the way, or part ways when you're ready to move on. Remember, the world is your oyster!

Find work

Working while travelling is a great way to pay the bills and meet people. The hospitality sector is a great place to start, with plenty of part-time and weekend jobs available. You'll make friends with your colleagues and have a built-in social circle.

Take a class or tour

Consider signing up for a cooking class, language lesson, or other activity that interests you. These are great ways to meet people and learn something new. You can also join a free walking tour, which is a fun way to explore a new city and meet fellow travellers.

Stay in a hostel

Hostels are fantastic places to meet other travellers. You can easily socialise with others in the common areas, or keep to yourself if you need some alone time. Many hostels also offer activities and events that make it easy to connect with others.

Be friendly and approachable

Don't be afraid to strike up a conversation with someone new. Whether you're in a hostel, cafe, or bar, put yourself out there and start chatting with people. You never know who you might meet!

Travelling alone can be an incredible experience, and meeting new people is a big part of that. So get out there, be open-minded, and enjoy the journey!

Food and dining

Dining alone while travelling can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if you are new to solo travel. However, with the right mindset and strategies, it can be a fun and enjoyable part of your trip. Here are some tips to help you navigate food and dining during your solo travels:

Embrace the Experience

Solo dining can be liberating. You get to choose any restaurant you like, order whatever food you want, and leave whenever you want. It is an opportunity to explore the local cuisine, savour new flavours, and discover a culture through its food. So, try to view solo dining as an adventure and a chance to indulge in some much-deserved self-care.

Manage Your Mindset

It is natural to feel anxious about dining alone, especially if you are surrounded by groups of people. Negative thoughts and self-consciousness might creep in. Remember that most people are too focused on their own experience to pay attention to you. Try not to overthink and recognise that these negative thoughts are normal but not necessarily true. You can also try to focus on the present moment and savour the dining experience—the sights, sounds, smells, and flavours.

Choose the Right Setting

If you are feeling nervous about dining alone, opt for a casual café or a restaurant with communal tables. This increases your chances of interacting with others and can make you feel less out of place. You can also choose to dine during off-peak hours, such as having an early dinner, to avoid the crowds and enjoy a quieter atmosphere.

Sit at the Bar

Sitting at the bar is an excellent option for solo diners. It makes it easier to strike up conversations with other solo travellers or the bartender. Bartenders can also be a great source of local recommendations. Additionally, you may receive more attentive service from the bartender compared to a server handling multiple tables.

Bring a Distraction

If you feel uncomfortable dining alone, bring something to occupy yourself. A book, journal, or even your smartphone can help you feel less self-conscious and provide a sense of familiarity. However, try not to get too absorbed in your device, as it can defeat the purpose of embracing the solo dining experience and exploring your surroundings.

Be Open to Socialising

Solo dining presents opportunities to meet new people and socialise. You can strike up conversations with fellow solo diners, the bartender, or even the waitstaff. Joining a cooking class, food tour, or dining at a chef's table are also great ways to meet locals and fellow food enthusiasts.

Practical Considerations

When dining alone, there are a few practical things to keep in mind. Firstly, carry a pen to fill out any necessary forms, such as those required for dining indoors in some countries. Secondly, be mindful of your budget and research restaurant options beforehand to find places that align with your taste and financial preferences. Lastly, be aware of your surroundings, especially if dining alone at night, and try to avoid isolated areas.

In conclusion, dining alone while travelling can be intimidating, but it can also be an enjoyable and empowering experience. By embracing the freedom of solo dining, managing your mindset, choosing the right setting, and being open to socialising, you can make the most of your food and dining experiences during your solo travels.

Mental health

Travelling alone can be intimidating, and it's normal to feel nervous or uncomfortable about the prospect, especially if you're travelling to a different country. However, there are some things you can do to look after your mental health when travelling solo.

Before you go

If you're nervous about travelling alone, it can be helpful to practice doing smaller activities by yourself, such as going out to eat or taking a day trip. This can help you get comfortable with the idea of doing things alone. It's also a good idea to do some research about your destination, including learning some emergency phrases in the local language.

While you're away

Staying connected with friends and family back home can help with feelings of loneliness. It can also be helpful to connect with other travellers and locals. Hostel common areas and pub crawls or walking tours are great ways to meet people.

It's important to be flexible and spontaneous when travelling alone. Have some downtime built into your itinerary, and be prepared to throw out your plans if something better comes along.

Travelling alone can be overwhelming, so make sure you take time to settle in and learn how the city works. It can also be helpful to have some familiar comforts, such as your favourite TV shows, downloaded before you go.

Keeping safe

It's important to take steps to stay safe when travelling alone, as this can help you avoid additional stress. Share your travel plans with trusted family or friends, and stay in touch with them throughout your trip. Keep your valuables secure, and avoid reckless behaviours.

Frequently asked questions