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Expert advice for solo travel: how to make your trip easier and avoid overwhelm so you can focus on enjoying the adventure!
Advice For Solo Travel Contents:
1. START SMALL
Prime advice for starting out with solo travel is to start small with a city break. One or two nights away feels a lot more manageable to take on by yourself compared to a longer tip. It means less travel time so you can maximise time spent enjoying your destination, minimal change in time difference and usually the closer you are to home, the less culture shock there is to deal with.
A city break doesn’t even need to require flying if you are stressed about navigating an airport by yourself, you can take a road trip to the countryside or to the seaside; or take a train up to beautiful Edinburgh or even over to Paris.
2. BUILD UP CONFIDENCE WITH A SOLO DAY DATE
If you’re nervous about travelling solo, I recommend getting used to spending time by yourself in advance of your trip. I love taking myself out on a solo day date – maybe to see an exhibition I’ve wanted to see followed by a fancy lunch and walk along the river.
It’s an excellent way to build up confidence and realise that spending time by yourself doesn’t have to be overwhelming or scary. It’s also a good opportunity to try dining by yourself, if that’s something you’re nervous about. My bet is you’ll end up finding it’s deliciously indulgent.
3. CHOOSE THE RIGHT DESTINATION
Perhaps one of the biggest pieces of advice for solo travel I can give is to choose the right destination for you. Particularly of note if you’re nervous, the key is to get to a point where your excitement for the adventure is greater than your apprehension about the challenge.
With that in mind, pick a destination that you’ve always dreamt of seeing, or somewhere that ties in with an interest of yours like cooking, art or architecture. You could even opt to go to destination gig, exhibition or sport event to have something to base your time away around. Basing your trip around something that instills excitement in you will help dispel any nerves you may have.
For more ideas on where to go for your solo trip, check out my blog on the Top 10 First Time Solo Travel Destinations.
4. PLAN YOUR TRAVEL TO AND FROM THE AIRPORT
Know how you’re getting from the airport to your accommodation in advance. I never turn up somewhere without having researched the options I have to get from my flight to where I am staying, because I don’t welcome unnecessary stress into my travels.
I’m a big fan of taking local public transport where possible, especially if it’s significantly cheaper to do so, as in Palermo. That said, many places have reasonably priced Ubers, like Madrid and Lisbon, so you may want to spring a bit more for the ease of a direct door to door journey.
Your mode of transport may also depend on the time of day you arrive; most will feel more comfortable taking buses and trains before sundown, so consider that when you choose what time you fly.
5. DOWNLOAD MAPS IN ADVANCE
Getting lost is no fun. It can be really stressful and induce panic, especially if you are travelling as a solo female. There’s no need to eat through your data; you can download Google maps to use offline or alternatively, download Maps Me which offers the same service. Get prepared and download in advance to minimise any unwanted stress on your trip.
6. JOIN A FREE WALKING TOUR
One of the best ways to get a feel for a place is to simply wander around. Why not to join a local free walking tour to get familiar with your destination and meet people at the same time?
Most cities have walking tours on offer to show you the highlights of a place, also giving you a chance to speak to a local and ask any questions you may have, plus get chatting to fellow tourists. The majority of these tours are free, but do bring some cash to tip the person giving you the tour!
7. BOOK ONTO A GROUP ACTIVITY OR DAY TRIP
Some people will want to truly lap up the solitude whilst travelling solo, and others will relish the chance to get out of their comfort zone and make friends whilst away. If you’re keen on the latter, a great way to combine being a tourist with meeting people is to book onto a group activity such as a cooking course, or a day trip to a nearby town or attraction. You’ll have the chance to kick back and relax as someone else is in charge, and the opportunity to get to know some fellow travellers.
8. LEARN SOME OF THE LOCAL LANGUAGE
In the majority of places people will speak English and be happy to help you out, but it’s common courtesy to be able to say hello, please and thank you in the local language. Learning a few basic words and phrases not only makes you feel more ready to tackle your trip, but it can open a conversation with someone local you may not otherwise get talking to. This is your sign to get started on your Duolingo!
9. CHOOSE THE RIGHT ACCOMMODATION FOR YOU
The type of accommodation you opt for will vary from person to person, but you should choose the right type that suits you. If you want the security of reception and the comforts of a hotel, do just that – choose a hotel in a good location. If you like the idea of having your own space and perhaps being able to stay in and cook one night with produce from the local market, maybe an Air BnB is right for you. Keen to meet others? Try out a private room in a hostel.
I often stay in Air BnBs as they are more cost effective for a solo traveller in Europe, but in Mexico and Thailand I have stayed in hotels as they are much friendlier on the wallet in those countries, and it’s nice to have a bit more luxury when you can!
By contrast, on my next big trip away I will predominantly stay in hostels as I want to meet people and make friends whilst travelling long term. All this to say, the type of accommodation you choose can set the tone for your trip.
10. DO SOME RESEARCH IN ADVANCE
Having an idea of what you definitely want to see and do on your trip will allow you to enjoy the time you have away more. Checking opening times and any planned closures will avoid disappointment, and it’s a great idea to group sights and restaurants by location so you don’t waste time zig zagging across a city each day.
Check out my Travel Guides section; I may have been to your chosen destination and already done the research for you!
11. SHARE YOUR PLANS WITH SOMEONE BACK HOME
I learnt early on that sharing my plans did not take away from my independence. I always told my parents which town I was in when backpacking (very handy back in the day when we didn’t have daily access to the internet) and I always give them my flight numbers and names of the hotels I’m staying at now. It doesn’t matter that I’m in my 30s, someone knowing where I am makes me (and them) feel better, and in no way does it affect my experience and independence.
12. DON’T PACK TOO MUCH IN
I’m a big fan of slower travel, and feel that particularly when travelling solo packing too much in can get quite stressful. There is no harm in having free time to just slowly wander around, or in taking an Aperol break for an hour between tourist attractions.
I often take a whole afternoon to bar hop and read my book instead of trying to squeeze in three tourist sights back to back, because that is what relaxes me. Prioritise the things you want to see most and plan around those. Factor in time to just take it all in and raise a glass to yourself for taking the brave step of solo travel!
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