Top Tips From Solo Travel Experts

Traveling alone might seem like a terrifying prospect. However, it’s nothing to worry about. In fact, it’s something to celebrate, and more of us should probably be doing it. While it’s always nice to have a travel companion, some of the most unbelievable experiences can come from doing things solo.

Of course, if you’re going to head anywhere on your own, you’ll probably want a few tips. After all, if you’re new to this, then jumping into it headfirst without any advice may be a little too overwhelming. Luckily, we’ve sourced some top tips from solo travel experts so that you can start your adventure in the best position possible.

Doorstops and glass cups are excellent safety measures for your room

Safety is paramount when you’re in an unfamiliar location, especially if you’re traveling alone. That’s why Abigail Akinyemi of ‘The Lady Who Travels’ recommends taking a doorstop with you for your solo travels. Sticking this in the entrance to your accommodation should prevent anyone from getting into your room overnight. Should you forget to bring one, a good alternative is to put glass cups on the handle. If they break, you’ll know that someone was trying to get in.

Packing light is necessary when you don’t have a travel companion

Luggage is something that every traveler needs to think about, no matter where they’re going, how long they’re away for, and who they’re going with. However, it’s even more important when you’re traveling alone because you don’t have anyone else to help you out when you pack too much. Lyia Mansel of ‘Just Packed’ recommends keeping things relatively light by only having two bags maximum. She also suggests ensuring that one of these is a backpack, as this will leave you with a free hand.

Staying in a casino hotel could potentially make you safer when alone

Of all the places you might think would be safe to stay in, a casino hotel probably doesn’t rank highly on your list. Think about it, though. These places usually have an abundance of security personnel and cameras because of all the money exchanging hands. So, you’re actually probably safer here than in a lot of other hotels. That’s why Lesie Carbone of ‘Sancerres at Sunset’ recommends staying in one of these when traveling alone. Regardless of your interest in playing the games here, it could be a wise move for your safety.

It might be better to do tours at night rather than during the day

Tours are a great way to familiarize yourself with your surroundings. However, if you’re going to book one of these, Jen Ruiz of ‘Jen on a Jet Plane’ suggests opting for those held at night. That way, you can do something once the sun goes down without the fear of being by yourself. There are often some excellent tours available at night, especially if you’re a fan of ghosts. Plus, you might make some new friends who you can go to a restaurant or bar with once the tour is over.

It’s better to avoid booking most tours until you arrive

Speaking of tours, did you know that you’re usually better off waiting to book these until after you arrive at your destination? That’s what blogger Catherine Xu reportedly found after visiting several dozen countries. Apparently, you’ll often come across tours that aren’t available online, especially if you’re staying somewhere that tends to see less footfall. The only exception to this is incredibly popular tours which will likely sell out in advance, so booking is necessary.

A few nights at a hostel can help to make friends abroad

Some people are put off by the thought of traveling solo because they want a companion to enjoy the adventure with. However, just because you leave home alone, that doesn’t mean you’ll be by yourself the entire vacation. Sophie Clapton of ‘We Dream of Travel’ says you can form some incredible friendships with people when you travel by yourself. However, it’s worth booking a few nights in a hostel if you wish to try and guarantee this. It’s an excellent way to get to know like-minded travelers while saving some money on accommodation.

Consider documenting your travel experiences on a postcard rather than social media

Keeping a record of your vacations may already be something you do. However, when you travel alone, you might want to think about doing things a little differently. Rather than taking hundreds of photos and posting things on social media, Dany Meyer of ‘BACK&PACK’ recommends opting for something more traditional. He reportedly likes to buy postcards wherever he goes and uses them for journaling his experiences. This way, he has something that still captures his travels but in a way that makes them more special. That’s not to say you can’t still take some amazing photos, though.

Traveling alone might be daunting, but it can also make for the most amazing experiences. Now that you know all the top tips from solo travel experts, venturing out on your own ought to be a piece of cake.