You’ve finally made the decision to stop hounding your friends for travel plans and to take matters into your own hands. You’ve looked at low-cost airline tickets, watched dozens of YouTube vlogs, and feel you’re ready to set out into the world by yourself. However, you’re feeling nervous. The kilometers stretch before you, and you’re becoming aware that solo traveling is not really a breeze. So our post aims to help you out in that respect.
First-Time Solo Travel Tips
Advice and tips are a life-saver in any undertaking. Whether it’s while traveling or when doing a hobby, it’s always good to have someone point you in the right direction. The best tip anyone can give a fan of gambling is to go for the $5 deposit casino, which lets you play at a minimal cost, rather than for the first site you come across. Likewise, solo travellers should take the shortcut and stock up on some solid travel tips. If you’re a first timer, we’ve got you. We are about to go over some safety tips, things to avoid, and talk about a few useful habits you should pick up.
Staying Safe While Traveling Alone
The dangers of solo travelling do tend to be blown out of proportion, as everyone’s minds automatically go towards the worst case scenarios. While it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be trafficked or held as a political hostage, it’s definitely wise to err on the side of safety, especially in an unfamiliar environment.
It goes without saying that you should start by researching the place you’ll be visiting. It’s one of the top solo travel safety tips. What are the local customs and beliefs? A certain dose of awkwardness is completely normal during any initial intercultural interaction, but becoming a persona non grata among the locals is definitely not a desirable way to kick off your career as a solo traveller. Certain remarks, ways of dressing, and gestures can be highly offensive in certain parts of the world. For example, touching someone’s head is a big taboo in Thailand, even though it’s a perfectly affectionate gesture in many countries. The same logic applies to specific fields, such as casino industry regulations, where knowing the local framework can save you from major headaches.
Solo-travelling will also teach you the importance of trusting your instincts. Though you can’t know everything when you’re first starting out, the more you travel, the more you’ll learn to notice when something fishy’s going on. It’s one of the top travel safety tips for solo female travelers in particular. Avoid neighbourhoods that feel off, leave events that you think aren’t going in a good direction. Humans are born with a good sense of danger, even if we can’t always place it.
What to Avoid
There are no 2 identical solo travelers, and what works for me may not work for you. Truth is you have to make mistakes and learn what works while you’re on the road. Still, there are certain bad practices that you should nip in the bud. There’s no need to learn everything the hard way.
1. Having a Rigid Schedule
If you’re one to have excursions and museum visits booked back to back 2 months in advance, you might consider the other side of your type A approach to solo travelling. Travel is often about thinking on your feet and spontaneous adventures. A rigid plan might prevent you from seizing those.
2. Booking Cheap Hostels
Hostels are great budget-stretching options that often lead to new friendships being formed on the road. But don’t compromise your security just to pinch a few pennies. Booking a pricier hostel is unlikely to put a hole in your pocket, but will likely lead to a safer, cleaner, and more pleasant stay overall.
3. Picking a Challenging First Solo Route
It’s understandable that you want to jump in with both feet. But solo traveling is a skill and is learned over time like any other. Don’t push yourself too hard by insisting on bringing the heaviest backpack as you hitchhike across Asia. Start small by picking a part of your home country that you’ve never been to before. It will help ease you into the mindset while you’re still on your home turf.
4. Drinking Too Much
This is regularly overlooked compared to other travel safety tips for solo travelers. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have a beer or 2 with your hostel roommates or go for a pub crawl. However, don’t let your trip turn into a binge. Drinking too much makes you vulnerable and also gets you to do some irresponsible things that you’ll regret later. You want your memories of your solo trip to be clear and unhazy.
5. Travelling Without Insurance
We’ve mentioned being adventurous and spontaneous, but there is such a thing as too much spontaneity. Although it’s the last on our list of mistakes, it should be the first thing you check off of your travel to-do list. Don’t skip getting travel insurance. Seriously.
Smart Habits for Solo Travelers
Keep Your Phone Charged
A fully charged phone gives you quick access to maps, emergency contacts, and essential apps, ensuring you’re always a few taps away from what you need. Don’t forget to pack a portable charger and maybe even download some maps for offline use—just in case you find yourself without internet.
Say “Yes” to Things
Step out of your comfort zone. This is not the time to stick to the beaten path. When you say “yes” to unexpected invites or try out new activities, you open doors to unforgettable memories.
Walk with Confidence
When it comes to solo travel safety tips for women and men alike, this one applies in every case. Stand with your shoulders straight, and walk with a purpose. Not only will you feel more confident, you’ll also deter any scammers or ill-meaning individuals looking to take advantage of a disoriented tourist.
Plan Your Budget
Managing your budget effectively can remove a lot of travel stress, letting you focus on the fun. Do some research on expenses before you go, set a daily limit, and track your spending. There are plenty of apps that can help, like Mint or YNAB.
Pack Lightly
Be minimal. Packing lightly not only makes it easier to move from place to place but also keeps you agile and carefree during your travels. Stick to the essentials and remember, most things can be bought locally if you find you need them.
To Sum It Up
While useful, most travel safety tips for solo travelers pale in comparison to lived experience and hands-on lessons. You need to actually get out there, your backpack and all, and experience the adventure to the full. However, staying informed and doing your homework ahead of time can save you a lot of time and energy, and you’ll need both while on the road.
