Whether you’re on a journey of self-discovery, need time alone, or just want to skip the hassle of coordination, solo travel is on the rise.
It can be equally fun and challenging. After all, you only have you to rely on.
To help you plan your next solo vacation, we’ve listed some tips on how to travel alone – and love every minute!
Choose the Right Location
Some destinations are better than others when it comes to traveling alone. These categories are your best bet for having an awesome time as a solo traveler:
- Big Cities: They’re easy to navigate and full of activities to keep you busy.
- Beaches: If you’re looking for a place to completely disconnect, then check out oceanfront locations.
- Adventure Destinations: These places might be remote, but they attract large numbers of backpackers and skiers.
Wherever you choose, make sure there’s an easy source of transportation and, if you want, an absence of couples and families (avoid theme parks and romantic spots).
Research the Location
Get familiar with your destination before you go. Look up the areas that are known to be safe for tourists and be sure to read reviews from other travelers.
Study maps of the area and talk to anyone you know who’s visited before.
Make a list of things you want to do and find out how to get to each of them from where you’re staying. Look for major landmarks to help orient yourself so you can explore the city with confidence.
Write it Down
Make a hard copy of all your travel arrangements:
- Flight numbers and times
- Accommodation reservation details
- Event or activity bookings
Write out your emergency contact info and place it in your wallet. When you arrive at your hotel, grab a business card so you can flash it to your Uber or taxi driver in case you get lost.
This way, if your phone is lost or damaged, you still have important phone numbers, addresses, etc.
Consider a Hostel
These are budget-friendly places where you’ll meet like-minded travelers, get great local tips, and schedule tours.
Hostels make it easy to socialize with others in communal spaces. And they often host small events where the guests can mingle and swap tips. There’s also an element of safety in numbers when you stay in a hostel. Everyone is in the same boat as you, so it’s easy to find support if you need it.
They’re also treasure troves of local knowledge. The staff will know everything you need to navigate the area, discover local gems, and where to find activities.
Pack Light
A large backpack is your best luggage option when it comes to traveling alone. Rolling suitcases are nice, but they can quickly become inconvenient when walking through crowds or on uneven ground.
Overpacking is an easy pit to fall into, but it’s not necessary when traveling alone. No one will know if you wear the same outfit twice! Not to mention your luggage can easily get too heavy. The weight on your back is a good barometer for checking if you’ve packed too much.
Remember to bring a daypack that’s big enough to hold water, money, and other important things. Consider a fanny pack or sling to discourage pickpocketing.
Tour the Town
Group tours are common in most vacation destinations and often cater to solo travelers. It’s a great way to meet other vacationers and sometimes locals. Also, tour guides are a great source for delicious restaurants or hidden gems.
These can be anything from walking and bicycling to open-air bus tours. Regardless of the mode of transportation, you’ll learn a lot about the destination in a fun and relaxing way.
Be Open to New Friends and Experiences
You may have started the journey alone, but it doesn’t mean you have to spend the entire vacation by yourself. Keep an open mind, and you’ll find that meeting others in new locales is actually quite easy. You’ll often find that those new connections can become the most memorable parts of your trip.
Consider accepting invitations from other travelers who have the same interests. Always be flexible with your plans – you could have the experience of a lifetime!
Check out the nightlife. Your destination can feel completely different when the sun goes down and is worth exploring. Just because you’re alone doesn’t mean you should stay in your room with a book!
Eat Meals at the Bar
Mealtime can be the loneliest part of the trip. To offset this, sit at the bar or counter to make it feel like a social affair. It gives you the chance to converse with the bartender or server (who’s usually a great source of info) and meet other people sitting around you.
Remember to bring something to do. Eating alone can get boring fast, so take a book or iPad to keep yourself entertained.
Carpe Diem
Last but not least, remember to seize the day! This is your time. You can do whatever you want whenever you want. You can explore anywhere without having to compromise. For the duration of your trip, you have no schedule, and no one to report back to.
This is the perfect time to be as self-indulgent as possible! Do something that no one else would be interested in doing with you and push yourself outside your comfort zone.
Have you ever traveled alone? What was it like?
Let us know in the comments!
Book your next solo vacation with Allegiant to save money on nonstop flights.
