Travel Secrets: Pro Tips For Going Solo

The opportunity for personal growth also attracts blogger Meg Cale. “Aside from being able to control my schedule, solo travel can teach you a lot about personal resilience, decision making, and how well you can adapt to the curveballs that life will inevitably toss your way,” she says.

Marketer and kite-surfer Crystal Veness agrees that without the expectations of others, travelers are open to greater self-discovery. “When you have no one to answer to, who are you? How do you behave? Do you challenge yourself or stay comfortable? Do you appreciate the mystery of the journey or the security of Yelp?” asks Veness. “It’s an interesting way to discover who you are.”

Join In
“Solo” and “alone” are not the same. Opt for a hostel designed to bring strangers of all ages and backgrounds together. With common areas for cooking and relaxing and free to low cost activities, hostels breed friendship. “Before you know it, you’re making an impromptu potluck with a mismatch of cultural cuisine or joining a group for a night on the town,” Trimboli says. “When you’re by yourself, you’re open to these opportunities, which makes for an exciting, memorable experience.”

Millare also recommends connecting with meetup groups hosted by Couchsurfing’s project community. “You don’t have to stay on a couch or offer one to reap the benefits of this community!” says Millare. “You can find events and group outings organized by local members and fellow travelers.  This allowed me to get great tips on upcoming destinations, and feel like I always have family in any city.”

Independent bookstores and coffee shops can also be fertile ground for connections. Don’t forget to search for Facebook groups and Instagrammers in the area.

Go Group
Being solo within a group can offer the best of both worlds. Tour companies such as On the Go Tours, Intrepid Travel, Insight Guides, and Explore! are leading the way by creating solo-friendly trips and eliminating single fees.

On the Go’s managing director Carl Cross says tours are a particularly good choice for first-timers. Benefits including sharing experiences with like-minded travelers, a knowledge guide, and built-in safety net. Cross says travelers frequently discover off-the-beaten path spots not easily accessible when alone.

Livingston adds that other benefits include minimizing loneliness and planning time. “There’s time to be alone and a ready group of people to be with when you want company,” he says. “Plus, seasoned professionals and locals will put the itinerary together and make all the arrangements and you simply turn up.”

Follow Solo Footsteps
Booking.com found that 80% of solo adventurers are planning international travel to far-flung destinations, with The Bahamas, Australia, Canada, Austria, and Japan topping the list this year. Cross recommends first-timers opt for a destination that is especially friendly to singles and solos. “Dublin is a good pick since everyone speaks English and the locals are very friendly,” he says. “Iceland is another great pick, especially for adventure travelers. It’s very welcoming and incredibly safe.”

Search travel forums like Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree to learn about solo experiences in specific destinations and always consult U.S. State Department country guides.

Prioritize safety
Regardless of destination, be mindful of surroundings. “When traveling alone, try not to get sucked into the glow of your smartphone,” says Cross. “It’s so easy to just scroll screen after screen through social media. Instead, try to strike up a conversation or at the very least take in your surroundings.”

Leave a trail. “Check in with a family member, friend, or social media platform every few days so that someone knows where you are and that you’re okay,” recommends Bisesto.

When meeting new people, be cautious but don’t go overboard. Connecting with locals and fellow travelers can be the most rewarding part of travel. “Keep your valuables locked away, and trust your instincts,” says Trimboli. “Don’t be afraid to accept invitations to go out with people you just met, but also don’t feel you have to if something doesn’t feel right.’

Cross emphasizes blending in. “Even in the safest countries, you don’t want to make yourself out to look like a tourist. Do not read maps out on the street, not even on your phone,” he says. He advises ducking in a shop to consult a map to re-orient yourself as well as being aware of local customs for dress and behavior.

Never sacrifice safety to save on budget. “When getting around at night, spend extra cash on a safe ride,” advises Cross. Don’t choose out of the way lodging, especially if keeping late hours.

Learn a few key words and phrases in the local language, be cautious about who you tell you are traveling alone, and most importantly, trust yourself. “You are strong, independent, and fully capable of handling anything that comes your way,” says Bisesto. “After all, you’re traveling solo and that takes courage!”

Main photo by George Pauwels/ Flickr CC BY 2.0
Lead photo by George Pauwels/ Flickr CC BY 2.0

Jess Simpson’s Travel Secrets column appears bi-weekly for Paste Travel. She is a full-time digital nomad, grateful and giddy for bylines for Mental Floss, Fodor’s, Bustle, and UAB magazine, among others. Connect: Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.