Expert Tips for Solo Travel: Ensuring Fun and Safety

Written by: Cora Gold

Solo travel is on the rise, and for good reason. Solo trips can be whatever you need them to be, without feeling pressure from anyone else. Whether you need a White Lotus thrill or a self-love journey, these tips for traveling will guide you before you go, while you’re there and when you have downtime. 

Plan, Plan, Plan 

Even for spontaneous travelers, having at least a semblance of a plan — including where you’re going and how you’ll get there — is essential for ensuring your trip doesn’t go awry. Consider locations with lower crime rates and look for travel options that stay within your budget while still prioritizing safety. 

Do your research when booking hotels or AirBnBs. Always read multiple reviews and be skeptical of perfect ratings. Sometimes, a discounted price is that low for a reason. It can also be helpful to look at local forums, like Reddit or Facebook, to find unsponsored opinions or hidden gems. Looking ahead for lodging, events, restaurants and travel methods can improve your trip and save you time and stress once you’re there. 

Pack Accordingly

Whether you’ll be gone for a few days or a month, having everything you need can dramatically improve a trip. Pack the appropriate attire for the local culture and weather.

Consider “sunk costs” when deciding if something is worth bringing. For example, if there’s a 30% chance of rain on only one day, you might not need to pack a raincoat, but if getting caught in a storm could ruin your trip, bringing a slightly heavier bag with rain gear is worth it. Overpacking in the name of preparedness might feel better in the moment, but the overweight bag charges or flight of stairs may come back to haunt you, so weigh the pros and cons.   

With that in mind, it’s also essential to consider how you’re packing. If you’re backpacking through the mountains, a bag you can carry easily is better than a big rolling suitcase. 

Prepare for Anything

Though you don’t want to overprepare or panic, your comfort and safety should be your priority. Especially as a solo traveler, you should make sure that you have all your essentials, including medications, glasses, personal hygiene items and your phone, as well as all your comfort items. 

You may also consider bringing personal safety equipment, such as pepper spray, as long as you don’t risk harming yourself or others and comply with travel safety regulations. Keep a portable phone charger with you and look into communication methods like WhatsApp or phone service plans so you can communicate back home in case of an emergency. 

Keep Your Eyes Peeled

Being in a new place can be difficult and even dangerous when you don’t have your bearings. Women traveling alone, especially, are typical targets. Though the world's wonders may be enthralling, don’t let the awe of seeing attractions distract you too much. Be aware of your personal space and trust your gut when something feels off. 

Pickpocketing is a common nonviolent crime that preys on distracted targets. Ways to deter pickpockets include wearing a cross-body bag in front of you and keeping items out of your pockets. You’ll probably have your phone out to take pictures, so keep a tight grip on it and be aware of what’s around you.

Keep Your Head Up 

Confidence is key, especially when traveling. Even if you have to fake it, walk with an air of authority that says you’ve been there before, you know where you’re going and you belong there. 

Fear can stop us from doing so many incredible things. Even faking that confidence can push you to get out of your comfort zone to snap that once-in-a-lifetime picture or eat alone at that restaurant you’ve heard so much about. Plus, exuding confidence can be an excellent deterrent for pickpockets and potential tourist traps.  

Be Gentle with Yourself  

Traveling alone — as thrilling and eye-opening as it may be — can sometimes get lonely. That’s okay. You are entitled to your feelings just as much as you are entitled to experiencing a wonderful trip. As long as you take care of yourself and prioritize your needs, you’ll get through the tough parts so you can reach the good ones. 

Solo travel is a great way to learn more about yourself and try new things. You can even build new relationships and connections as you go. Stay connected to your friends and family at home, too, and don’t beat yourself up for the little things. 

Reflect and Reassess 

Downtime can be your best friend during travel. Whether you’re journaling every detail of your daily experiences or taking a moment to catch up on emails, going slow and grounding yourself is key to a successful trip.  

Part of reflecting is also considering what parts of your trip you’d like to adjust. Do you want to take it slower and spend more time simply people-watching at outdoor cafes? Do you want to prepare food at your Airbnb or hotel more often to reduce food expenses? Being mindful of your spending while still enjoying your trip can save you from becoming one of the 74% of people who incur debt after a vacation. 

Ride Out the Surprises 

Sometimes things don’t go as planned, and that’s totally okay. Have you ever been stuck in an unexpected layover or missed your flight and had to spend the night in an unfamiliar city? With trends like hundreds of flights canceled daily, things happen. 

When a situation is out of your control, remember that you did what you could and the situation just is what it is. You have the opportunity to make the most out of whatever you face. Think about all the new possibilities you can take advantage of when the unexpected happens to make the experience more exciting.

Take in Every Moment

Solo travel can be an incredible opportunity to see the world in a new way just for yourself. Preparation and safety precautions can help you feel more comfortable going into the experience, and once you’re there, your trip becomes entirely unique for you. Stay connected, stay safe and let your new adventure begin.