I just returned from my first real solo trip last week and I’m so excited to report that it was a huge success!!
I’ve been trying to schedule a solo trip for years now (among the travel community it’s known as something you have to try at least once), but weirdly I’d had a difficult time doing it. Sure I’d traveled for a day or two alone, but I was always eventually meeting up with someone. There was always a friend or family member who wanted to come along and join the journey, and really who can say no to that?! Traveling and making memories with friends and family is great too of course!
But, I figured after living abroad now for 3 years and counting, it was finally time I gave solo travel a real shot. So, when I was given a week vacation from work that didn’t coincide with anyone else I knew here in Santiago, I decided to book my first solo trip to Colombia!!
After only 7 days traveling alone, I can safely say I’m obsessed with solo travel. It was an experience unlike any other and one I’m definitely going to repeat as soon as I can. After I got past all those silly first-time butterflies, I had the time. of. my life. After all, there’s nothing better than experiencing a first!
If you’re thinking about taking a solo trip of your very own, I only have one thing to say to you- JUST DO IT! Book your flight, pack your bags and don’t look back. You won’t regret it, I promise.
For those of you who have already decided and are well on your way, here are some tips to make sure your first solo adventure goes as smoothly as possible!
1. Stay somewhere social
When traveling solo, you’re never really alone. There are always new friends around just waiting to be made. I’ve found that the best way to meet new people is to book social accommodation. When you’re sharing a roof and close quarters with other travelers, it’s pretty hard to avoid striking up a conversation. For your first time traveling alone, it also helps to have others around to talk to and beat the feelings of loneliness.
For my current traveling situation, as a 20-something solo female, I really like staying in social hostels, because that’s where I find other young, budget, sometimes solo, travelers like myself. Because we’re so similar, we have lots to talk about and relate on. When booking hostels, I almost always use Hostelworld, because I can really get a feel for where I’m going to be staying ahead of time. I always check the “atmosphere” rating percentage and read a few recent reviews to make sure that I’m staying somewhere with a decent social reputation. This doesn’t necessarily have to mean a party hostel (if that’s not your thing) but I have found in the past that hostels with a “party reputation” end up being a great place to socialize with others! Not a hostel person? There are still plenty of social options for accommodation. Try renting a room in a shared AirBnB or using CouchSurfing!
2. Plan your travels ahead of time
When traveling solo, all of the planning is on you and you won’t have anyone else to rely on. Try to at least have your transportation plans from the airport ready, have the address of where you’re going written down in the local language, have some of the local currency on hand, etc.
When I arrived in Medellín, I had completely forgotten to write down the address of my hostel and just assumed that the taxi driver would know where it was. Needless to say, he had no clue and none of his 15 taxi driving friends did either. Thankfully, I speak Spanish and was able to eventually sort it out, but this type of experience can be a bit uncomfortable when you’re on your own and definitely isn’t a great way to start your first solo trip.
3. Don’t make too many plans
Okay, so I know I just told you to plan, but the key is not to plan too much. This was hard for me. There’s no denying it- I’m a planner. Still, after one of my friends with more solo travel experience than me suggested that I make minimal plans on my first solo trip, I reluctantly took her advice.
She insisted that planning out my every minute would really hinder my solo travel experience. Well, she couldn’t have been more right. I ended up making so many spur-of-the-moment plans with new friends that I actually had to cancel or reschedule my even minimal previous bookings. I wouldn’t have had to go through any of that if I had just left myself completely open. When traveling solo it’s a good idea to go with the flow, take advice from others and leave yourself free to just pick up and go for last minute opportunities.
4. Just say yes
On the topic of not making too many plans ahead of time, when you’re solo traveling and presented with an opportunity, sometimes you need to take a little risk and just say yes. In normal non-traveling life, I tend to be someone that shies away from potentially awkward situations for fear that I may end up feeling slightly uncomfortable. On this past trip, I went against every fiber of my being and tried to think of the positives that could come from these situations. When I could, I basically just said “screw it” and went ahead and said yes.
As a quick example, I met a guy, also traveling solo, at a café one morning and we got into some light conversation. After a while he asked if I had plans for the day and if I’d like to hang out. At first I hesitated because I didn’t know if I wanted to be stuck with some “rando” for the remainder of my afternoon, but I actually didn’t have set plans so I said, “you know what, why not?” We ended up having a great day, really hitting it off, adding a few others to our crew and hanging out together for the rest of the weekend!
If someone invites you out to dinner, to get a drink, to try something new or simply just to hang out for a few hours, even if it may feel a little weird at first, try giving it a shot and just saying yes. What’s the worst that can happen?
No I’m not telling you to say yes to anything and put yourself in potential danger. Please be smart and use your discretion…
5. Take a Free Walking Tour
I swear by free walking tours. A walking tour is always one of the first, if not the first thing I do when I get to a new city. It’s a great way to get your bearings, to learn about your surroundings and also a great way to meet people! You can ask your guide for suggestions of where to go, what to eat and what to do and your bound to get talking with other travelers. You may even be among some other solo travelers who are new to the city. Whoever you meet, you’ll be in a tight-knit group walking around for a few hours together, so you’ll have plenty of time to mix and mingle.
6. Bring something along to occupy downtime
When you’re traveling on your own, there will inevitably be times that you will be, surprise, surprise, alone. Taking a long daunting bus ride or sitting to eat alone at a restaurant can sometimes kick in the dreaded lonely feelings. For times like these, bring a book, magazine, iPod, travel journal, or something else to occupy your time and distract your mind. Just be careful not to burry yourself in it and close yourself off to meeting others.
7. Take lots of photos
Just because you’re traveling solo, doesn’t mean you can’t document your journey. Your family and friends will want to see lots of pictures of not only where you went, but who you met, what you ate, what you did and everything in between. Oh yeah, and they’ll want to see pictures of YOU. I’m not a huge selfie taker- but I’ll admit it, sometimes selfies are necessary. If no one else is around, grab a selfie stick or use a timer. Other people around? Ask a stranger, tour guide or new friend to take your picture for you. Whatever you do, make sure you have some concrete memories to look back on. Trust me, you’ll definitely want to remember your first solo trip! 😛
Learn how to take great pictures when you’re traveling solo here and here.
8. Put yourself out there
None of the above tips will matter if you’re not willing to step out of your comfort zone and actively take some risks. Don’t wait for opportunity to come knocking. Start with baby steps and take it from there. Walk up to a group of interesting people and say hello. Try that kind of crazy looking foreign food. Do things you normally wouldn’t do and embrace the unfamiliar. No one is around to judge you and you’re likely never going see these people again. You’re free to be yourself and do exactly what you want. Challenge yourself, open up and you’ll really learn what you’re capable of. Just think about how potentially exciting, thrilling and exhilarating life can be!
9. Don’t be afraid to spend some time alone
This last tip may just be the most important of the bunch. You’re traveling solo for a reason. Maybe you couldn’t find anyone else to come along. Maybe you just needed to get away for a while. Heck, maybe you just wanted to give solo travel a try. Whatever the reason, you decided to give solo travel a go and you’re going to learn so much about yourself because of it. Don’t be afraid to embrace your alone time and go out to eat by yourself, go for a walk on your own or sign up solo for a class or a tour. Just because traveling solo is a great way to make new friends and meet new people doesn’t mean that you always have to be surrounded by others. Take some quality time for yourself and you will quickly learn to feel comfortable on your own. You may even enjoy your own company.
Have you ever traveled solo? What tips would you add to this list? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
Thinking of taking a solo trip? Pin this post and save it for later!
Welcome to Wanderful Wednesdays!
Consider yourself a wanderer?! Well then, this Blog Hop is for you!
Meet your hosts: Lauren of Lauren on Location, Van of Snow in Tromso, Isabel of The Sunny Side of This and Marcella of What a Wonderful World.
Here on Wanderful Wednesday we hope to promote an open and supportive community for like-minded bloggers- expats, travelers and all kinds of wanderers!
The linkup will take place every Wednesday at 8AM GMT.
Wanderful Wednesday Guidelines:
- Link up a wanderful travel related post below! One per blogger per week please!
- Spread the LOVE! Blog Hops are all about hopping around & getting to know others within the community! At the very least please try to comment on one other post before you go!
- Let’s get Social! Really liked a post you read? Don’t be shy! Share your favorites on Social Media! You can use the hashtag: #wanderfulwednesday
- Don’t forget to grab the button and link back to your wanderful hosts! Help us spread the word and let’s get others involved!
You can also pin your post to our new Pinterest Board! Let me know if you’d like the invite.
This week I’m highlighting The Bernina Express by Tracy of Tracy’s Travels in Time. I’ve never thought about taking a scenic rail journey as a way to travel, but her trip through Italy and Switzerland looks just breathtaking! If you haven’t already, be sure to go check out this post and spread the love! Thanks for linking up with us Tracy!
**Wanderful Wednesday Announcement- Facebook Group- add to our community with open conversations. If you would like to be added message me on my Facebook – Lauren Bonheim or Lauren on Location and I will add you 😀 .. Been having a hard time finding everyone by name on Facebook..
Happy Hopping Friends!! 😀
I have to say I have never really done Solo Travel – Ok a little, I bought a one way ticket to Europe alone to move here, and many times I visit family in London, I have traveled alone and saw the sights alone a few times. My biggest adventure was a solo trip to Prague. All my friends had gone when I studied abroad and I didn’t want to leave Europe without seeing it for myself first, so I just went. It was amazing to know that I could solo travel. But I didn’t join any groups or meet any people – that was before I was a travel blogger and knew that “Solo Travel” was a thing. #WanderfulWednesday
Sounds like you’ve done quite a bit of solo travel! Just because it’s not the “typical” type, doesn’t mean you haven’t done it! All sound like amazing experiences! 😀
Great tips! I’m heading out for a semi-solo trip this weekend and struggling with not planning too much. I am def an overplanner so I need to take your advice a bit 🙂
Oh I feeeeel you there- I’m definitely an overplanner!
I’ve yet to go on a trip alone but it’s on my to-do list. I think #8 is crucial to making it happen in the first place and also #9. The art of being along and enjoying one’s company is alot harder than it seems (based on my few attempts at “going on a date with myself”) but it is sooooo good for everyone to enjoy that quality alone time every once in a while. Thanks for sharing this awesome list of tips!
No problem! And yes, I still definitely need to improve my “being alone skills.” Even though I really value my alone time, I also get lonely without others around pretty easily! Luckily when I was solo traveling, that almost never happened!
I have never done solo travel. I haven’t really had the desire to do it- I’ve thought that traveling is much better when shared with others- but ever since becoming a mom, the idea has become more and more tempting. I love my kids more than anything but sometimes mama needs some alone time… #wanderfulwednesday
Even though I don’t have kids yet, I can sooooo see why a Mama could need some quality “me” time! No shame in that! 😀
I enjoy travelling by myself. I am a planner, too so I have lists of things t o see. I don’t always get to them all but that’s ok.
MY post today is a solo food tour.
Ohhh I’ll have to check that out! I’ve done a lot of food tours solo! It’s one of my favorite solo activities! 😀
Pipas Frias. The best! So refreshing. Great tips and photos.
Thanks Sharon 😀
I love the idea of going on a solo trip! I think that it would be a great way to break out of my comfort zone and try something on my own. I love your advice for not being afraid to say yes on a trip. You never know the interesting types of people that you might meet on your trip, or the opportunities that might present themselves if you say yes!
Saying yes isn’t always easy, but I have to admit it always leads to some kind of story! 😀
I feel like I still haven’t had a real solo trip! I went to Brazil by myself but it was to go to a Portuguese school so I feel like it doesn’t count! Would love to do an actual solo trip one day, but I have to figure out how to get my parents to not freak out about it hahaha
Well I would say going to Brazil by yourself definitely counts, but hey more solo travel never hurt anybody! And maybe start with something small or close by to ease your parents into it… or just rip the bandaid off and GO for it!! hehe .. They’ll get over it, I promise! 😀
Great article! I really want to do a solo trip but I’m finding it a bit difficult to choose – I mean if I go on a solo trip and meet new people (which isn’t my favourite haha) then why didn’t I just go with my partner? lol I guess I will try it one day, but may end up by myself a lot, which I’m totally okay with (for a short time anyway) 😀
Not all solo travel has to be about meeting new people! Sometimes it’s all about just getting in your “me time” and that can be great too! 😀
TOTALLY AGREE!!
Three of my five months travel in S America were ‘solo’ but really, after day one, you are never solo! The best ways for me to meet people were using Couchsurfing (both in person and the website), and also volunteering as you meet other solo travellers 🙂
Such good ideas Marcella! I’ve never used Couchsurfing, but would really love to give it a try in the near future!
My first solo trip happened because a friend canceled after we made plans for Argentina and Uruguay. I ended up going because I didn’t want to loose money. It ended up being a defining moment. I think that fueled more my love for travel. After that, I visited places like China by myself. Like you said, I think it is something everybody has to experience. I have not done a solo trip since I got married. I think I am going for one at the end of the year.
DO IT! I think it’s something everyone has to try once, because well if you don’t try it, how will you know if you like it or not! And see for you, it changed everything! I hope to continue doing amazing solo trips like yours in the future! 😀
Great tips for any solo traveller. It can be quite scary and unknown before you go but it’s one of the greatest experiences you can have in life so I think everyone should try it at least once! Love Colombia too – what a beautiful country to visit for your first one 🙂
It was definitely the perfect place for a first solo trip! So many other solo travelers to meet going through the same thing!
Look at you, you are glowing!! Congrats on your first ever solo trip, aren’t they so liberating? Your outfits looked super cute and it looks like you had a blast. Excellent tips too 😉
Thanks so much Isabel! I kept telling my new friends that I hadn’t laughed that much in so long. I actually had to excuse myself at one point because my cheeks hurt from smiling! Definitely the most fun I’ve had in a longggggggg time!
I love solo travel mainly because you’re free to do whatever you want whenever you want! It’s so liberating not having to make plans cause you have to take care of your partner’s or friends’ needs!
That was one of the best parts! I definitely always have very concrete ideas about what I want to do in the places I go, and it was so nice to not have to check with anyone and just do what I wanted when I wanted! 😀
I’ve done solo business travel and days by myself tacked on to trips with others, so I don’t think I can really say I’ve done proper solo travel. Having a husband who also likes travel means he usually wants to come with me to places (and I can’t really say no to that, nor do I want to!) but I think I think this is one of those life things that just needs to happen!
One day you’ll do it Rachel, I know it! I had done other little trips here and there too, but I felt like I never had the real experience, so I was so happy to do it! Not sure when it will happen again because like you I usually have people who want to come along (luckily!), but it was definitely an amazing time!
Solo travel can be so fun! it definitely has it’s pros and cons, but I 100% think it’s something every traveler should experiment with at least once. so glad you had fun and so glad you’re sharing these tips! they’re great!
That’s how I feel! Whether you like it or not, it’s one of those things you just have to do! You don’t know until you try! 😀
Great tips Lauren! I did my first solo trip last year to Switzerland and loved it. I also found a great way to spend downtime – writing my travelblog 🙂 #wanderfulwednesday
Also a great idea!! If I do a longer trip in the future, I’ll definitely try to do that, but on this trip I didn’t even bring my laptop along! It was SO liberating! hehe
Great tips. This is the first year I’ve seriously considered solo travel but I’m not quite ready yet. I wouldn’t know where to begin… Maybe somewhere in the US? Ideally Europe (can’t get enough of Europe) but I am spooked by the situation over there nowadays.
Solo travel in Europe is awesome!! There are always so many other solo travelers and the cities and hostels are so fun! There’s always tons to do and you’ll never be bored! I wouldn’t let the situation spook you too much, just be smart and you’ll be fine 😀
Over the past decade, I have gone on several solo trips as well as with friends. I have found I tend to plan more and focus on the places I visit when I travel solo. I am most flexible when traveling with friends or family because I then tend to focus on the people more than the places. I like both travels. Great tips, by the way, and love the photo of you, with the pink wall, blue doorway and yellow pots in the background… such a lovely contrast of colours!
Thanks Ahila! And I agree! Both types of travel have their pros and cons! They are just very different, but both special 😀
I traveled solo for a long time and loved it at the time, but you know what, I’m not sure I’d be so keen on it any more. I love being able to make memories with my travel partner and doing things together is just fun.
Traveling with loved ones can be just as great as traveling alone! It all depends on the situation! I mostly travel with friends these days and still value every moment! 😀
I’ve only travelled solo once and have to say, it was one of the best trips I’ve ever had. Living in a hostel and meeting friends from all over the world was probably the best part of the trip – so I’m totally with you on point 1! #WanderfulWednesday
Isn’t it the best?! I always thought my first solo trip would be great, but never imagined just how much I would love it! Had the absolute time of my life 😀
I have travelled alone a few times in my life and you are 100% right – you are never alone! I stayed in hostels with like minded people and it was very social, I loved it! I remember when I was at the Acropolis in Athens, I was sitting on a bench in the shade looking at the Acropolis and though to myself “I best get up and go” then I re-thought “but why do I have to go? I’m enjoying sitting here and I have no one else to please but myself” so I stayed there a little longer – that’s the beauty of travelling solo – pleasing yourself and not having to worry about anyone else 🙂 #WanderfulWednesday
Doing what you want, when you want is a beautiful thing and not something we get to do very often. I don’t mind considering others of course, but there is something so liberating about not having to answer to anyone but yourself for a while! Seems like sitting on that bench at that moment is exactly where you belonged! 😀
Great post, Lauren!
Solo travel is sure to be a wonderful thing. I have done some solo trips and I just love it. You feel free to do whatever you want in the time you want, you get to meet so many people. It is definitely an experience you have to give it a goal at least once in your life.
I just love staying in hostels and make friends from all over the world. ♥ posts like this make other people feel courage to do it. And it is kinda addictive, once you go solo, you want to go solo pretty much nearly the whole time haha
🙂
– http://nyrdagurblog.com/en/
Thanks so much Taís! and I agree the experience is definitely addictive! It’s one of those things at is so scary at first, but once you get past that, it’s truly amazing and you can’t get enough!
Sounds like you had a great time!