How to Travel Solo and Have the Time of Your Life

Ask anyone who has traveled solo, most of them will say one thing: “It was amazing!” If you ask us, what’s the big deal, we’d say that you will have the time of your life and the freedom of choice. But novice solo travelers need our help because the idea is initially daunting, especially for a woman. Here we are going to give you an idea of how to make your friends jealous by traveling alone. Let’s find out the things you must know while you are traveling solo for the first time.

Plan Ahead, But Be Flexible, and Expect the Unpredictable

The highlighted thing about traveling solo is you can do and go whatever and wherever you want. With that in mind, we are not proposing you go without any preparation. Before you go somewhere, it doesn’t matter whether it’s a new city or a new country—do your research and book your accommodation. Create a to-do list first and fill it up with your wildest adventures while traveling solo.

But then again, you may encounter some unpredictable things like rainstorms. Don’t let them dampen your spirit. You must embrace the unpredictable. Who knows, maybe you will find a handsome stranger handing you an umbrella.

Practice the Art of Conversing with Strangers

If you happen to meet such a stranger on the way, it would be a shame not to talk to them. Learn the art of talking to strangers and it will be your superpower—to save you from boredom on those lonesome journeys. Strangers are the friends you haven’t met yet. Believe in us when we say this: the stories you swap with those strangers will help you make lifelong connections. And they will be worth every ounce of courage you have to master to talk to them. When you are traveling with a group, though, you wouldn’t even feel the need to make friends outside of your team. And that’s a disadvantage of traveling with friends/family.

Pack Light But Smart

One more benefit of traveling solo is that you don’t have to pack other people’s luggage and won’t have to deal with their preferences. Pack whatever you will need during your trip but don’t a) overpack, b) underpack. Pack light but use your brain. Don’t forget the essentials like toiletries, clothes, documents, gadgets, etc. But at the same time, don’t forget the fast-aid and medical things. In extras, you can add a flashlight, power bank, or whatever you think will be helpful. Some things are worth keeping when you are going away alone because you will never know when you are gonna need them.

If You Get Lost, You Will Find Yourself. Have Faith

It’s a real, classic struggle when you are going solo and it’s bound to happen at some point. But the silver lining is getting lost means finding yourself. When you are wandering aimlessly, you are sure to find hidden gems that you were not planning to discover in the first place. And then you will feel the knack of reading the map which will just add some knowledge to your brain, nothing else. But at the same time, don’t rely blindly on GPS. Talk to strangers, ask them for directions (be careful about it), and enjoy your time.

Dining for One, Party of You

If you have not dined solo at a restaurant, it’s going to be daunting at first but treat for the senses later. Don’t even worry about trying a new cuisine, don’t even compromise on what you want to eat. Since you are all alone, eat, drink, smoke whatever you like. But don’t do too much of it because that’s not healthy for any of us, y’know. Also, a pro tip: bring a book along. That way you can look cool while trying to avoid eye-contacts with the waiter.

Stay Safe, But Don’t Be Paranoid

Don’t get scammed, harassed, or robbed because we know that’s what you fear. Unexpected can happen anytime even when you are not traveling solo. But don’t let them stop you from living the time of your life. Just follow your common sense. Don’t stay away from your belongings, don’t go to a shady alley, and always trust your gut. But above all, have the time of your life and enjoy yourself. Don’t let the bad guys ruin your experience.

Conclusion: To Infinity and Beyond

There goes everything you need to know about traveling alone but there are some bonus tips we might add. Carry an eye mask because it’s difficult to sleep during a trip as it is—you don’t want to miss a chance you might get of taking a nap. Be it a bus, train, or car, keeping an eye mask in your backpack might just save the day. Don’t get lost while you are at it, though.

And before capturing the moments of your journey into a frame, remember to enjoy them fully with your bare eyes. Otherwise, it won’t be worth it.