7 Travel Tips for the Solo Traveller

There’s something unique about travel.

It opens your mind in a different sort of way. If life’s feeling a bit routine for you, travelling can be a great way to throw things out in the open and see the world in a whole new way.

Whether it’s trying to find your way in a strange new city, or buying items when you don’t speak the language, life suddenly feels different, fresher.

And it’s a whole new experience when you do it alone.

You get to learn so much more about yourself and who you really are both by being alone for some time and by the way you handle the travel challenges.

Travelling by yourself can be fun, regardless of whether you’re travelling for pleasure, for work or as a simple visit.

But there are things you should consider before leaving home.

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when planning your trip.

 

7 Things to Watch Out for When You Travel Alone

Know Where You’re Going

If you’re travelling alone, you need to make sure you know where you’re going.

This means knowing what city you’ll be visiting, how far away it is, and whether you’ll be staying in a hotel or renting an apartment.

If it’s a hotel for you, which one? There’s lots of info on the Internet written by a bunch of helpful people who have had travel experiences and are putting them out there in case someone like you might need them.

Which areas of the town or city have the priciest hotels? Are there budget options close to the city centre?

What are some of the things to be expected if you’re renting a local apartment? Or would you be better served renting an Airbnb?

It also helps to know what kind of transportation will be available to you. Bus, taxi or cycle? Which ones are more budget-friendly?

Do you have to take extra care in your location to avoid getting scammed? They’re a real thing! Even in Europe. And generally, naïve travellers and tourists are the perfect prey.

Get helpful info on the Internet from experienced travellers like Rick Steves, Chelsea the Portable Wife, and right here on Travel Smart before you set out.

 

Pack Lightly

You should pack as light as you possibly can when you travel solo because it makes things way easier for you.

Firstly, you won’t have to worry about access to any luggage storage facilities since you can easily carry everything with you.

If you only have a backpack, for instance, you can take it as a carry-on on your flights, which takes away time-wasting at baggage claim or worries about lost luggage. Imagine losing some of your luggage as a solo traveller. Just imagine that!

If you want to pack lightly, try packing only what you absolutely need.

When you carry a lot of luggage, you usually throw in a lot of things that you’ll never end up using anyway, so why bother yourself with lugging all that extra and unneeded stuff?

 

Be Prepared

If you’re travelling alone, you’ll probably need to make some adjustments to your usual routine.

This includes planning out your meals, finding accommodations, and making sure you have enough money to cover your expenses.

These were probably things you didn’t have to worry about before, but sitting down and making these arrangements ahead of time will save you a lot of trouble on your trip.

The last thing you want is to get stranded while travelling alone.

 

Don’t Forget Your Passport

You should also consider getting an international passport if you plan on visiting other countries while travelling.

It will help you avoid any issues with customs when entering different countries.

Besides your passport, find out whether the country you’re travelling to requires you to get a visa. Depending on your nationality, you can travel to some countries visa-free, whereas some will require you to get a visa on arrival. Some other countries will require you to get a visa in your home country.

For instance, if you’re travelling to the UK from the US, you’ll need to get a visa in the US!

 

Be Mindful of Local Norms

When in a different city and especially country, pay close attention to how the locals behave.

It is always a good idea to blend in. Besides, you want to be careful so you don’t offend people.

You also don’t want to do anything too outlandish to mark you out as a tourist or stranger. If people think you don’t know much about the environment, you might be an easy target for scams and theft.

 

Watch Your Spending

If you’re travelling alone, you need to be careful to avoid spending too much.

I’m sure you can imagine what it would look like if you ran out of money!

People generally think that tourists and newcomers have a lot of money to spend, so be careful so you’re not overcharged for things.

Make sure you confirm real prices before you pay.

Avoid being drawn into excessive tipping. And learn how to haggle!

 

Stay Safe

If you’re planning on travelling alone, there are some things you need to keep in mind for your safety.

First, make sure you’re prepared. Know where you’ll stay, how much money you’ll need, what kind of food you’ll eat, and so on.

Second, ensure you share your travel plans and itinerary with your family and trusted friends. (And no, I don’t mean social media friends!)

Third, be cautious about going anywhere too far away from where you’re staying until you get to know the city or town better.

Fourth, be smart about your personal safety. Don’t drink too much, and keep a close eye on your drinks.

Avoid going anywhere alone with strangers.

If you’re staying in a hotel and you want to go out on a trip alone, it might be a good idea to let the hotel staff know where you’re headed and when you’re expected to return.

Finally, have fun!