Traveling Solo Abroad: A Life-Changing Adventure

Travelling abroad alone can be a daunting prospect, but it's also an incredibly rewarding experience. Solo travel allows you to explore new places at your own pace, without having to compromise or keep up with anyone else. You can gain independence, discover more about yourself, and immerse yourself in different cultures. It can be liberating to rely solely on yourself and make all the decisions. You can also meet new people and make deep and meaningful connections. However, it's important to prioritise your safety when travelling alone and take the necessary precautions. With the right planning and mindset, travelling abroad alone can be an enriching and life-changing adventure.

Planning: Research and prepare an itinerary, accommodation, and budget

Planning is key when it comes to long-term travel. While you may want some flexibility, having a general idea of your destinations will help keep you motivated and focused. Here is a breakdown of the steps you can take to plan, research, and prepare an itinerary, accommodation, and budget for your trip.

Research and Prepare an Itinerary

Start by researching the places you want to visit and the activities you want to do. This will help you estimate the costs and duration of your trip. Consider the following:

• Destination costs: Research the costs of transportation, food, accommodation, and activities in each destination. Costs can vary significantly between countries and even within a country. For example, a 3-star hotel room in Amsterdam or London may cost the same as two dorm beds in a hostel in Antigua, Guatemala.
• Duration of the trip: Estimate how long you want to stay in each place. This will help you calculate the daily costs and ensure you have enough time to see everything you want.
• Daily costs: Calculate your expected daily costs by considering expenses such as food, transportation, accommodation, and activities. Don't forget to include pre-departure expenses like visas, travel insurance, and medical protection.
• Special experiences: Research and budget for any special experiences you want to have, such as scuba diving, sailing, or trekking. These can be more expensive than expected, especially in developed countries.
• Miscellaneous expenses: Allocate a budget for miscellaneous expenses such as souvenirs, toiletries, beverages, and tips.
• Contingency fund: Finally, add a contingency fund to your budget (around 15% of the total) to cover any unexpected costs or spontaneous splurges.

Research and Prepare Accommodation

When researching and preparing accommodation, consider the following:

• Book or research in advance: While spontaneity can be fun, booking or at least researching accommodation in advance ensures you find a place that suits your needs and preferences.
• Solo-friendly options: Look for hotels, hostels, or homestays that are known to be solo-friendly. If you want to meet other solo travellers, choose accommodations that cater to this demographic.
• Safety: Research the safest neighbourhoods and areas to stay in your destination. Choose accommodations with good safety ratings and, if possible, reserve a room above the ground floor but not too far from the lobby and amenities.
• Reviews: Read reviews from other travellers, especially those who have travelled solo, to get a sense of the safety and suitability of different accommodations.

Research and Prepare Budget

To prepare your budget, consider the following:

• Save and plan: Start by saving a good amount of money for your trip, even if you plan to work while travelling. Have an emergency fund for unexpected expenses, and stick to your budget in each destination.
• Destination costs: Research the costs of living and activities in each destination to create a realistic budget.
• Transportation costs: Consider the cost of transportation between destinations and within each place. Using public transportation, such as trains or coaches, can be much cheaper than flying.
• Income sources: If you plan to work while travelling, research income sources and estimate your expected earnings to supplement your budget.
• Currency exchange rates: Research the currency exchange rates for the countries you will be visiting, as these can impact your budget.
• Budget tracking: Find a suitable way to track your budget and expenses while travelling, such as using a budget tracking app or spreadsheet.

Safety: Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions

When travelling abroad alone, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your safety. Here are some detailed tips to help keep you safe during your solo travels:

Share Your Plans and Stay Connected

Inform trusted family members or friends about your travel plans, including your itinerary, hotel reservations, and any planned activities. Additionally, consider enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) if you're a US citizen or national, as this will keep the nearest US Embassy or Consulate informed about your whereabouts and allow them to contact you in case of emergencies. Stay connected with your loved ones and regularly update them on your whereabouts.

Make an Emergency Plan

Prepare for potential medical issues, accidents, or robberies by researching nearby hospitals, police stations, and other emergency facilities before your trip. Learn some emergency phrases in the local language to seek help effectively. Ensure you have the necessary inoculations and bring any prescription medications, face masks, hand sanitiser, and insect protection.

Secure Your Valuables

Only bring essential items when venturing out, such as your phone, credit card, cash, ID, and a copy of your passport. Keep these items concealed and within your sight at all times. Store extra money, jewellery, and important documents in the hotel safe.

Avoid Reckless Behaviours and Use Common Sense

Be cautious when consuming alcohol, and always keep your drinks within your line of sight. Avoid going anywhere alone with strangers. Stay vigilant and pay attention to your surroundings, especially when walking, hiking, or driving. If you feel uncomfortable, move to a public place or join a large group of people.

Do Your Safety Research

Learn about the safest neighbourhoods, routes, and forms of public transportation in your destination. Choose accommodations with good safety ratings and consider staying in a room above the ground floor, close to key amenities like the lobby or concierge desk. Keep your hotel room door locked with the security chain fastened, and don't answer the door if you're not expecting anyone.

Get Travel Insurance

Invest in travel insurance to protect yourself and your trip investment from unforeseen events, including trip cancellations, interruptions, medical emergencies, evacuations, theft, and more.

By following these precautions and staying aware of your surroundings, you can enhance your safety and have a more enjoyable solo travel experience.

Socialising: Meet locals and other travellers

Socialising while travelling alone can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you meet locals and other travellers during your solo adventures:

Stay in a Hostel

Staying in a hostel is a great way to meet other travellers. Even if dorms aren't your thing, many hostels offer private rooms as well. The social aspect of hostels is hard to beat, with common areas, bars, and activities that bring guests together. Whether you bond over a shared meal, join a hostel-organised tour, or participate in a fun activity like a cooking class, you're sure to make new friends and connections.

Be Open-Minded and Flexible

Keep an open mind and embrace flexibility when travelling solo. Differences like age become irrelevant, and you'll be surprised by the diverse range of people you encounter. Be willing to step out of your comfort zone and chat with strangers, and adapt your plans. You'll meet people from all walks of life, and sometimes, it's worth changing your itinerary to join them on a new adventure.

Learn the Local Language

Learning the local language, even just the basics, can go a long way in connecting with locals and immersing yourself in the culture. It shows respect for the local community and can help you communicate your interests, needs, and desires more effectively. While English may be widely spoken in some destinations, learning the local language will enable you to connect with a broader range of people and gain a deeper perspective on your surroundings.

Join Online Communities and Apps

Take advantage of online communities and apps designed for travellers. Facebook groups, such as Girls Love Travel and GoWonder's Solo Female Travel Group, provide opportunities to connect with fellow travellers and seek out meetups. Apps like SoloTraveller, Tourlina, and TripGiraffe also facilitate connections between travellers looking for companions or simply wanting to socialise.

Participate in Activities and Tours

Group activities and tours are excellent ways to meet people with similar interests. Whether it's a cooking class, a walking tour, or a day trip, these shared experiences provide natural conversation topics and create lasting memories with new friends. Look for activities offered by your accommodation or use platforms like GetYourGuide and Viator to find exciting options in your area.

Utilise Transportation and Social Spaces

Make the most of your time in transit by striking up conversations with fellow travellers. Trains, buses, and planes can be great places to meet people heading to the same destination. Additionally, cafes, restaurants, and social areas within hostels or Airbnb accommodations are ideal spots to socialise and connect with others.

By embracing these tips and maintaining an open and friendly attitude, you'll find that solo travel provides abundant opportunities to meet locals and travellers alike, leading to enriching experiences and lifelong friendships.

Independence: Embrace the freedom of travelling solo

Travelling solo is liberating and offers you the freedom to do what you want, when you want. It's all about you, your goals, and your interests. You can connect with people if you wish, or avoid them completely.

When you travel alone, you gain independence and are in control. You can travel at your own pace, do the things that interest you, eat where and when you like, and splurge when you want to splurge. You don't have to wait for anyone or negotiate your plans with others.

You can plan your trip to suit your interests and budget. You can choose to spend a day doing fewer things to save money for later in your travels. It's also easier to stick to your budget when travelling solo, as you are the one deciding where and what to eat.

Travelling alone also gives you the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. It is easier to make friends as a solo traveller, as locals are often more interested in what someone travelling on their own is doing in their country and are more likely to help you out. You can join groups for parts of your travels or connect with other travellers through online communities.

Travelling solo allows you to be more present and open to your surroundings. You will meet more people and be seen as more approachable. You will also discover more about yourself and gain a deeper sense of independence.

Solo travel gives you the chance to connect with nature and gain a deeper meaning in life. You can disconnect from technology and truly immerse yourself in local cultures and communities.

So, if you're thinking of travelling abroad alone, embrace the freedom and independence that comes with it. It will be a life-changing experience, allowing you to discover new places, meet new people, and learn more about yourself.

Personal growth: Reflect, learn about yourself, and gain life experience

Travelling abroad alone can be an incredibly rewarding experience that allows you to learn about yourself and the world around you. Here are some reasons why solo travel can lead to personal growth, self-reflection, and life experience:

You'll gain independence and self-reliance

Solo travel pushes you to navigate unfamiliar landscapes and situations on your own, fostering independence and self-reliance. You'll learn to trust your instincts and make decisions without relying on others. This can be empowering and help you discover your unique identity.

You'll step out of your comfort zone

Travelling alone can be intimidating, but it also presents an opportunity to challenge yourself and step out of your comfort zone. By facing your fears and embracing new experiences, you'll gain confidence and a sense of accomplishment.

You'll have time for self-reflection and introspection

Being alone in a new place gives you ample time for self-reflection and introspection. You'll have the space to think about your life, goals, and priorities, which can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of yourself.

You'll gain a different perspective and cultural immersion

When you travel alone, you are more likely to notice the small details of a new place, such as how people greet each other, order coffee, or interact. This heightened awareness can lead to a deeper understanding of different cultures and a more immersive travel experience.

You'll learn to be adaptable and resilient

Solo travel doesn't always go according to plan, and you may encounter challenges or unexpected situations. Learning to adapt and be resilient in the face of these obstacles is a valuable life skill. You'll develop problem-solving skills and gain confidence in your ability to handle whatever comes your way.

You'll gain life experience and a sense of accomplishment

Travelling abroad alone is a unique and enriching experience that can broaden your horizons and provide memories to last a lifetime. You'll gain valuable life experience, enhance your cultural awareness, and develop new skills that will benefit you in all areas of your life.

Frequently asked questions