Since solo traveling season is almost upon us, I figured I’d post some tips for those of you that are starting or planning your first solo traveling adventure. Solo traveling is one of the best ways to see the world and explore new countries, and I can almost guarantee that you’re going to have the time of your life.
Be Spontaneous
You can’t always have a plan, and most of the time really great things come from spontaneity. Your level of spontaneity depends on the kind of person you are, but it’s definitely good to have some room in your itinerary for spur-of-the-moment decisions.
Personally, I pretty much just book my flight and lodging for whatever city I’m traveling to, maybe have one or two major places I want to see/visit, and the rest I figure out when I get there. I love the feeling of wandering and going with the flow, but I realize that style of traveling isn’t for everyone, so be as spontaneous as you’re comfortable with.
Speak Up
If you’re an introvert like I am, it might take some time to open up and talk to the locals. It can feel pretty daunting, especially in countries where their local language isn’t English, but I can assure you almost anyone will be happy to point you in the right direction or provide you with advice.
One of the best ways to find hidden gems is by asking either your hostel/hotel receptionist or your server at a restaurant. They are often locals, so they will usually be able to provide you with some really good (and often non-touristy) recommendations.
Start a Travel Journal
Travel journals are hands down the best souvenirs. You can do it however you want, putting and writing whatever you want in it, and in 30 years it will feel like a time machine reading through it, all the memories flowing back. Travel journals, especially when you update them as you travel, are a great way to capture the feelings and the experiences you had on your travels.
It’s honestly one of my favorite parts about traveling because I love journaling, but it’s just an amazing way to remember such a rich time in your life.
Travel Light
If you’ve made the decision to go on a solo trip then you probably already know this, but you definitely don’t want to be one of those people at the airport with two suitcases, a backpack and a handbag. Depending on your style of traveling, you might be spending only a couple days in each city and lugging multiple suitcases to and from the airport/bus station every couple days will likely make your experience miserable.
I recommend bringing a backpack/handbag and a larger backpack for your clothes that can pass as a carry-on bag. This way you don’t have to pay for any checked bags, you don’t have to wait for baggage claim, and you don’t have to drag around a suitcase.
If you want a full list of all of the travel essentials I recommend for a solo trip, click here.
When I embarked on my first solo trip to Europe at the ripe age of 20 years old, I was definitely a little nervous since I had never even been outside of the United States before. It’s now just under four years and two solo trips since then, and every day I long to return to the excitement of finding my own way through a country I’ve never traveled before.
For those of you that are about to begin your first journey, I encourage you to enjoy every single second and take every opportunity to try something new. It’s not the moments when you sat in your hotel room and scrolled on your phone that you’re going to remember for the rest of your life.
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Have a great week and safe travels!
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