10 Solo Travel Tips for a Stress-Free Adventure

Have you been contemplating a solo trip, but wonder how it would really feel? It’s a lot to take on. You have to make every decision for yourself – from the big ticket items like airfare and accommodations to the smaller decisions like where to have dinner at night. But, not only is it possible to have the best trip of your life – it’s highly likely that it will change your life forever!

Solo travel signals to yourself that you can do anything you set your mind to. But, as with anything in life, there’s a specific way to approach it to stay safe and maximize your time abroad. If you’re ready to conquer the world, one footstep at a time, we have ten solo travel tips to help you craft the itinerary of a lifetime. 

Do Your Research

What’s the saying? Knowledge is power? Whichever spot on the map you’re choosing to travel to, always research the area well. You want to arrive there and walk the streets as if you’ve been there a thousand times before. It’s important to know your public transportation options, and whether or not Uber is an option in that area. This way, when you’re walking the streets – by day or by night – you’ll walk with purpose and, hopefully, blend right in with the crowd. 

Stay In Safe Areas

When traveling solo, it’s worth every penny to pay a little bit more for the posh side of town. You want to talk in and out of your hotel or Airbnb without a worry in the world or a fear of walking home alone at night. So, if you’re going to Paris, pay to stay in one of the ritzier arrondissements and then find cost savings in other ways like maybe taking the less direct flight or taking the bus or train to your hotel instead of a car service. In addition to splurging on the good areas, here are 20 more safety tips for female solo travelers. 

Pack Lightly

Instinctually, you might feel the opposite – like you need to pack heavily because it’ll just be you and your wits. But, you actually want to stay nimble and feel light on your feet, instead of schlepping heavy bags through the airport and city streets. Challenge yourself to only take a carry-on with you. Pop in laundry detergent sheets to handwash a few items one night. Pack clothing you can mix and match and re-wear. Keep your electronics to a minimum. For more on that, here are 11 ways to pack for a week in a carry-on. 

Stay Connected

Although you want to keep your electronics to a minimum, you want to be well-connected at all times. Don’t forget to pack your chargers, converters, and portable power bank. Check with your cell phone provider to see if you need to do anything to ensure service if you’re traveling abroad. Tell friends and family to stay connected with you via WhatsApp or you’re preferred method of communication. Give a family member or a close friend a copy of your itinerary, as well, so someone will always know where you are.