Solo travel is a growing trend, and for good reason. The joys of traveling solo are endless. There is something truly freeing about exploring new places alone – you can go where you please, eat when you want, and have uninterrupted quality time with yourself. The interest in solo travel has been rising steadily, with new data from the UK-based travel organization ABTA revealing that 16% of travelers went on holiday by themselves in 2023, a five percent increase from the previous year. Notably, solo travel among those aged 35-44 more than doubled to 13% in 2023 from just 6% in 2022.
This shift towards solo travel is part of a broader movement towards deeper, slower, and more connective travel experiences. For many, solo travel is the perfect way to achieve this, providing an opportunity to trust your instincts, follow your gut, and fully immerse yourself in the experience. Relying on yourself rather than others’ whims or desires can be incredibly liberating.
However, if you’re not a seasoned solo traveler, the prospect can be daunting. In an age of constant connectivity, the idea of being alone for an extended period can feel overwhelming. To help you navigate solo travel, we spoke to frequent solo travelers about their golden rules for traveling alone.
1. Dining Alone Isn’t Weird
One of the biggest barriers to traveling solo is the thought of dining alone. But once you get past the conviction that everyone is noticing or judging you, it’s a freeing experience. Estée Lalonde, a creative director and influencer passionate about solo travel, says, “Dining alone isn’t as uncommon as you might imagine. I personally find it empowering! Sometimes I bring a book or watch a show on Netflix with my headphones, but other times I just enjoy the atmosphere and end up chatting with the people at the table next to me.”
2. Fake It Till You Make It
Feeling nervous about meeting new people is common, especially for introverts. But remember, everyone is in the same boat. Most solo travelers have experienced those same emotions. The first five seconds are the hardest, but once you’ve introduced yourself, you’ll quickly realize it wasn’t as big a deal as you thought. Use that as motivation to approach fellow travelers. Remember, if you pretend to feel confident, that confidence will show.
3. Book Counter Dining at Restaurants
If dining alone feels intimidating, opt for a bar or counter seat. It’s less daunting than having a whole table to yourself, and you’re more likely to end up chatting with the staff or the person next to you. Sarah James, Condé Nast Traveller’s deputy digital editor, recalls her first solo dining experience at JG Melon in New York City: “I took a book and nervously sat at the bar, but ended up chatting with the bartender and the woman next to me. Now, I often choose counter seats and enjoy the peace or end up talking to someone.”
4. Don’t Be Afraid of Being Lonely
“Remember that a bit of loneliness can be bracing and character-building,” says Toby Skinner, Condé Nast Traveller’s features director. “My experience is that people are generally decent, kind, and interesting – and you find that out most acutely by being alone.” Some of the most memorable travel experiences come from solo adventures, like being stranded and relying on the kindness of strangers.
5. Plan Around Cultural Events
Arriving at a destination during a local cultural event can be an incredible way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Look up religious festivals, bank holidays, and street parties to see the best time to visit and plan accordingly. You’ll get a real flavor of the local people, food, and music, and you might even make friends along the way.
6. Research Solo Travel in Your Destination
Doing your research is crucial. Look at online forums and speak to people who have visited your destination. Learn about safety precautions, transportation options, and the local culture after dark. For women, in particular, it’s important to plan ahead to avoid being stranded in remote areas at night.
7. Have a Rough Plan for Each Day
Waking up in a new place without a plan can be daunting. Create vague itineraries for your trip. Identify non-negotiable attractions, restaurants, and activities. Estée Lalonde suggests having 3-5 activities in mind each day, leaving space in between for spontaneity and local exploration.
8. Build in Group Activities
Booking tours and group events is a great way to meet other travelers. Most hostels offer activities for guests, and local tours or live music events at bars are also good options. “Try to see people as opportunities,” advises Toby Skinner. “Remember, you’ll probably never see these people again, so you have nothing to lose and possibly a lot to gain.”
9. Walk as Much as You Can
Exploring by foot is a great way to get to know a destination. Estée Lalonde notes, “Sometimes, I can be nervous to leave my bed as a solo traveler. But as soon as I get outside and start walking, I feel better – like I belong there!” Walking helps you create a mental map of the area and discover hidden gems.
10. Allow Yourself to Be Spontaneous
While having a rough plan is advisable, don’t stop yourself from being spontaneous. Follow your gut if you have a sudden urge to explore a shop, join a crowd, or head to the beach. Often, spur-of-the-moment decisions lead to the best experiences.
11. Bring Good Books
A good book can be a wonderful companion during solo travels. While it’s easy to rely on your phone, losing yourself in the pages of a good book at a streetside cafe is a romantic and enjoyable way to pass the time.
12. Bring a Journal
Journaling during your travels can be a great way to process your thoughts and emotions. Estée Lalonde finds that solo travel allows her to clear her head, and journaling helps regulate her emotions and capture the memories of her journey.
13. Keep a Separate Copy of Your Personal Details
In case you lose your phone or documents, keep a document with all your important information and email it to yourself. This way, you can access it from any device if needed. It’s also helpful to memorize your card details and emergency phone numbers.
14. Take Other Safety Precautions
Share your location with friends and family back home so they can keep track of your whereabouts. Bring a padlock for your backpack and hostel lockers, and learn basic phrases in the local language in case you need help.
15. Don’t Forget Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for mitigating stress from unexpected changes in your itinerary. It protects you from transport cancellations, injuries, theft, and other unforeseen circumstances, providing peace of mind during your solo travels.
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Solo travel is a journey of self-discovery and adventure. By following these golden rules, you can make the most of your solo trips, embracing the freedom and joy that come with exploring the world on your own terms.