Mustering up the courage to travel alone could be one of the best decisions you will ever make. Exploring new countries and cultures is an incredible experience and doing it by yourself can be very liberating. Travelling solo isn’t something to be afraid of or concerned about. With the right precautions and frame of mind, it might just change the way you travel! After all, there are many reasons why solo travel can be good for you. Here are my top tips for travelling alone for the first time.
13 Top Tips for Travelling Alone for the First Time
1. Share your itinerary with friends and family
Make sure that your family and friends know where you are going and have a rough itinerary of your travels. It’s always worth sharing flight details with loved ones. If travelling in remote areas, always tell people when you expect to arrive to your next destination. This way, people can raise an alarm if something should happen. Staying in touch via social media will give you and those at home a piece of mind.
2. Book your first night’s accommodation
Look, there are some aspects of travel just made for spontaneity. Joining your new friends for a tour. Changing your itinerary last minute. Grabbing yet another banana pancake. Arriving in a new city without somewhere to stay is not one I would recommend. Walking around an unknown location with luggage in tow isn’t my idea of fun. Last thing you want after a day of travel is to spend hours in the heat (or rain, or snow) desperately hoping to stumble on a hotel. Booking in advance will give you a piece of mind and is also much safer than wandering the streets alone. Some people might disagree but this is one thing I will never compromise on when it comes to travelling!
3. Embrace meeting people
Travelling solo doesn’t mean travelling alone! Meeting like-minded people is one of the best parts of travelling and as a solo traveller, you’re in luck! Meeting people when travelling by yourself is easier than if you’re in a group. You become more approachable and it also makes it easier to start conversations. You don’t even have to be the most outgoing person in the world.
4. Learn some local phrases
Picking up a few local words and phrases will go a long way on your travels. As well as overcoming the language barrier, you could endear yourself to locals who often engage more with solo travellers. So, making an effort to communicate in their native language can open many doors while also being satisfying and fun. It will also do wonders for your confidence and independence.
5. Safety first
As a solo traveller you have to keep your wits about you a bit more than if travelling with someone. While doesn’t necessarily mean you are automatically more at risk, you do have to be more vigilant. Scammers and touts are more likely to see solo travellers as easy prey. When travelling on public transport, especially overnight, make sure your belongings are close and never let valuables out of sight. Don’t leave your drinks unattended in bars and try not to walk alone at night. And, most importantly of all – DO NOT LEAVE HOME WITHOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE. I can’t stress this enough – it’s one thing you should never skimp on. Make sure you have a good policy that covers you in a variety of situations.
6. Try to blend in
Do a bit of research before arriving at your destination. Dress like the locals do – nothing screams “tourist” more than a Bintang top or a pair of Crocs (why, just why?). Stopping in the middle of the street to look at a map or consult a travel guide also singles you out. Be discreet, try not to look lost (even if you are) and be confident when engaging with locals. Have a rough idea of how much it should cost to get a taxi to your destination. Or how much to pay for that souvenir (answer: probably half of what you are offering). Blending in will also help you have a more authentic experience and keep you safe too!
7. Be open minded
Travelling alone also provides an amazing opportunity to try new things. New cultures, strange foods and wonderful sights all there to be experienced. Travelling solo may also shape your trip differently as you are less likely to be influenced by other people. You also have the freedom to go anywhere you want. So let yourself get lost in the new city or eat something you haven’t before.
8. Keep your accommodation options open
While travelling with someone can make accommodation cheaper due to sharing rooms, travelling alone opens up loads of opportunities. Dorm rooms are usually one of the cheapest ways to get a bed for the night but you can get very affordable private rooms in guesthouses or homestays! The guesthouse in the heart of ubud I recently stayed in offered comfortable ensuite double rooms for just £7 a night! Consider couchsurfing where you can get free accommodation while also meeting locals. Variety is good – after a night in a homestay, you may be ready to mix it up with other travellers in a hostel!
9. Eat where the locals eat
Cafes and restaurants packed with foreigners are usually not a great sign. The food is less likely to be authentic and will probably be more expensive! So do as the locals do! I always keep an eye out for places bustling with locals – if the food is good enough for them, it’s good enough for me! It’s also a great opportunity to people watch and have an authentic experience. My visit to Seoul’s Gwangjang Market is a great example! It’s also worth asking for recommendations at your accommodation – staff usually have great tips to hand. Ask them to circle some good spots on your map. Read online reviews and check what’s near you on a maps app. I often find top places to eat just by seeing what’s within walking distance!
10. Start early
I am a huge believer in making the most of your days when travelling. Without having to wait for anyone, you could start exploring as early as you like. Getting to places early can give you a different perspective and help avoid the crowds at popular sights! When I visited Kyoto, I headed to the Fushimi Inari shrine at first light, arriving at 6 am. Not only did I have the entire place almost to myself, I got to interact with locals out for their morning walks. This is also a great way to get the most of your travels, leaving you with more time to explore!
11. Don’t be afraid be alone
For all the benefits of travelling solo, it can sometimes get lonely. Spending long periods of time by yourself isn’t always going to be easy. This can affect your mood and combined with missing family and friends from home, can be pretty tough to deal with. However, remember why you went away in the first place – to have unique experiences around the world. Some alone time can actually be good for you and offer a chance to reflect and recharge your batteries. The feeling will pass and there is always social media for keeping in touch with loved ones. If you’ve had enough of your own company, just strike up a conversation with a fellow traveller or a local!
12. Take time to reflect
Travel can be hectic – sightseeing, catching flights, dragging luggage around – so make sure you build in time to chill. Relaxing in a local café or watching the world go by for a while may be just what you need. See it as an opportunity to make some notes or just reflect on all the incredible places you’ve seen.
13. Trust your intuition
Listening to your inner voice is important. If a situation doesn’t seem right or you have a bad feeling about something, don’t take chances. Trusting yourself is something that becomes a valuable tool of any solo traveller and can help avoid unsavoury experiences. Once, during a 16 hour bus trip from Krabi to Kuala Lumpur, I craved some hot food. We stopped at a small service station and I went straight for the chicken curry stand. I could see the flies circling over the food on a very hot day and just KNEW I shouldn’t eat it. However, I felt like I couldn’t stomach any more cookies and nuts so ordered a portion. Well, needless to say, I should have stuck with the nuts. Cue my one and only (yet very violent) food poisoning episode in all my trips to Asia. Trust your instincts!
Have you travelled solo? If you haven’t, what’s stopping you from trying it?
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42 Comments
Anda
May 12, 2018 at 1:18 amGreat advice. However, I don’t think I could be so “open minded” as to eat those worms (lol!) I had to travel alone a few times, for business, but didn’t enjoy it. I like to share the joy of traveling with someone. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Travel Lexx
May 21, 2018 at 10:00 pmYeah travelling with other people is quite different and is also a lot of fun – I guess I am just quite independent and my style of travel doesn’t always suit other people! And the worms are great but yeah I get it – not for everyone!
antonio s. go
June 19, 2018 at 4:31 pmwhat was the taste of this fried worm lexx? did they taste like shrimps ::)
curious but willing to try ::)
antonio “sonny” go
Travel Lexx
August 5, 2018 at 12:48 pmIt tastes very different to what you expect. A bit starchy, similar to potato I guess! Really good for you because of all the protein!
Anisa
May 12, 2018 at 7:52 amGreat tips! One of the things that helps me when traveling by myself is to eat at the bar at restaurants. I just feel more comfortable and the bartenders are usually friendly. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Travel Lexx
May 21, 2018 at 9:58 pmThat’s a great tip actually! I have done that before but it’s a great way to meet people too!
Charlotte
May 12, 2018 at 9:26 amgreat comprehensive list! Trying not to look lost, I try that ALL THE TIME. Especially when you don’t have google maps or internet… Usually I just head into a shop to look at a map if I’m going round in circles. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Travel Lexx
May 21, 2018 at 9:56 pmHaha yeah sometimes it’s easier said than done – “I’m sure I’ve been at this square before…”
Cynthia
May 12, 2018 at 12:14 pmThese tips are fantastic! I have never traveled alone, but I have been to a theme park by myself and some of these are true of that, too. I love this post! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Travel Lexx
May 21, 2018 at 9:52 pmThanks Cynthia – hopefully these inspire people to give it a go one day! You should try it!
Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net)
May 12, 2018 at 5:43 pmGreat post, Lexx, with tons of useful pointers. Booking accommodations ahead is huge for us, and not just for the first night. I may not always have a plan, but I need to know where I’m staying. The rest I can make up as we go. Travel Insurance is huge, too. But the #1 tip I bet we’re all wondering…how do you get those great shots of you around the world all by yourself? 😉
Travel Lexx
May 21, 2018 at 9:51 pmRob, not sure I can reveal my secrets just yet! No, I just pay everyone to get out of the shot haha. You are absolutely right – I don’t book far ahead in advance when I am on the road but I always need to know where I am putting my head down for the night. I would be extremely stressed otherwise
Sharon
May 12, 2018 at 5:46 pmExcellent tips, and most of them are great for any traveler. I like the idea of mixing up types of accommodations. We stay in Airbnbs to have the neighborhood experience in a big city sometimes. And now and then I’ll happen on an unbelievable hotel deal in a fancy place that should be beyond our budget. I’m also an up-at-sunrise fan!
Travel Lexx
May 21, 2018 at 9:46 pmThanks Sharon – I am also beginning to consider Airbnb more and more after my stay in Tokyo which I enjoyed! I am also hoping that one day I will get an awesome deal on a really fancy hotel!
Urska | sliva
May 12, 2018 at 6:04 pmGreat tips! Trusting intuition is probably the life-saving tip, and yes definitely always eat where the locals eat – it’s usually the best place to eat cheap and good food.
Travel Lexx
May 21, 2018 at 9:45 pmThanks – intuition is super important! I mean there is nothing wrong with a touristy restaurant once in a while if you want comfort or maybe a prime location but it’s quite rare for me to go to them!
Goblinette
May 12, 2018 at 9:09 pmI am not a morning person but seeing the sunrise at Borobudur temple before the crowds was worth it. #weekendwanderlust
Travel Lexx
May 21, 2018 at 9:44 pmAh when did you do it? Yeah it was pretty special and I am glad I got to do it at the site. Some people decided to go to the hill overlooking it which would also be amazing I am sure!
California Globetrotter
May 13, 2018 at 7:22 amThese are some great tips in general whether or not your traveling solo. I’m quite the picky eater though but when traveling I usually am brave enough to try new things, but nothing will get me to eat bugs. I don’t care how much protein they say are in them! haha Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard!
Travel Lexx
May 21, 2018 at 9:38 pmHaha I did kinda put that photo up to see how people react – I know it’s not for everyone. By the end of the trip I was walking around with a bag of them as if they were nuts! And you are right – I hope these can be used by all travellers!
Michael - The Boys Abroad
May 13, 2018 at 9:46 amSome solid tips in here Lexx. Not only for those travelling alone, they’re all things that we try to do even travelling as a couple of a part of a bigger group. Start early and eat where the locals eat are my two favourites!
Travel Lexx
May 21, 2018 at 9:37 pmThanks Michael! You are right – these can be used by anyone travelling. Local food spots are great and you can interact with the locals which can be super fun!
Jill
May 13, 2018 at 1:57 pmI’ve never traveled to another country alone – though I’ve traveled solo a few times here at home. I think I might start with a tour for my first single journey abroad and then work my way to solo trips. Great tips.
Travel Lexx
May 21, 2018 at 9:35 pmThanks Jill – it’s a lot less scary than it sounds and gives you so much freedom and flexibility. Maybe it’s because I am an only child and am used to being alone anyway ha!
Lisa
May 13, 2018 at 2:49 pmMe traveling alone for the first time will probably happen in 2019 so I’m sure your tips will come in handy!
Travel Lexx
May 21, 2018 at 9:26 pmAmazing! You will absolutely love it, take my word for it! Glad you found this post useful!
Two by Tour
May 13, 2018 at 11:24 pmThis is a fantastic list. I especially agree with #2. Be safe, but be prepared to take advantage of the time you have to go outside your comfort zone. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard!
Travel Lexx
May 21, 2018 at 9:27 pmThank you! You are absolutely right – there is a balance to be had and doing new and different things while also ensuring your own safety is important!
Charlotte Jakobsen
May 15, 2018 at 11:37 amGreat post, thank you!
🙂
Paul and Carole
May 16, 2018 at 5:23 amExcellent tips for solo travel. Must admit I have never travelled alone but I can imagine it is quite liberating! Maybe I need to get out of my comfort zone. Great post. ~ Carole #feetdotravel
Travel Lexx
May 21, 2018 at 9:24 pmIt definitely gives you a different perspective on things – plus you are never truly alone. So many fellow, like-minded travellers. I love it if you haven’t noticed!
Shruti Prabhu
May 17, 2018 at 7:17 amAbsolutely agree with you on all of the tips. But unfortunately I’m not a morning person. I’ve been struggling to get up early to catch the sunrise. Hopefully I will get better at it.
Travel Lexx
May 21, 2018 at 9:18 pmCoffee solves everything! I understand – it’s not easy to get yourself up but the payoff of seeing incredible sunrises or exploring popular sights without the tourists drives me on!
Angie (FeetDoTravel)
May 18, 2018 at 5:46 amI would agree these are some top tips. Having travelled solo myself, I can agree with all, apart from maybe waking up day haha, yes I do it, if course, I’m not going to miss a sunrise at a fabulous destination, but I will admit it’s not my favourite lol. Pinned #feetdotravel
Travel Lexx
May 21, 2018 at 9:17 pmHa, thanks Angie – I mean some mini lie-ins are ok. I think my idea of a lie-in is a bit different to most people’s!
David
May 18, 2018 at 6:11 pmSome great tips mate and as usual I totally agree with you. I manage to do some of these better than others but totally support #11 and #13. I know people often dislike the terms “introvert” and “extrovert” but I think it’s really possible to solo travel with either personality, each just has its own challenges and different tips of yours apply even more for each.
Travel Lexx
May 21, 2018 at 9:16 pmYeah I find that I can be both of those personalities on different days (or even parts of the same day) – it shouldn’t inhibit anyone or make them nervous about travelling!
Shona
May 19, 2018 at 8:32 amSome excellent tips here to take on that solo travel challenge. It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve done it, I still get a little nervous about a new destination. All of your tips calm the insecurities.
Travel Lexx
May 21, 2018 at 9:08 pmThanks Shona – I think being a little nervous is actually a good thing. It means you are always aware of your surroundings and are not taking anything for granted. As long as it doesn’t stop you from actually travelling!
Anna
May 23, 2018 at 10:45 amI remember when I traveled solo for the first time I was so afraid of the unknown! And with time I realized these were some of the best experiences in my life and meeting like-minded people, for sure, was one of the best parts of traveling! Great tips – couldn’t agree more! #FeetDoTravel
Kim Mibram
June 6, 2018 at 6:28 amI’m planning to take a solo international trip in the next coming months and this article has been by far the most encouraging and helpful one to read! Thanks for these tips, these are very useful for me.
Travel Lexx
June 8, 2018 at 5:35 pmI am glad to hear it and I am sure it will be one of the best experiences of your life!