10 Must Know Tips for the Solo Traveller

Ever wondered how it feels to stand at the edge of the Grand Canyon, enjoying the wondrous view made by nature a billion years ago? Or stand in awe of the advancement of a long ago civilization as you stand on the steps of Machu Picchu? Travelling alone is one of the things that every modern traveler should have in their bucket list. While the idea may seem daunting, it is truly an eye-opening experience which allows you to explore a country or region on your own terms. It can be the ultimate form of self-indulgence as you can go where you want, whenever you want. If you want to expand your comfort zone and travel the world, try travelling on your own and see the world.

However, solo travelling do pose some dangers. When you are travelling alone, you are more vulnerable to pickpockets, swindlers, and thieves. 

Read on for some tips, where with some preparation and common sense, will help lessen your anxieties and get you through the rough spots.

1. Careful planning is key

From your budget down to the hotel you’ll be checking in, you should dedicate time to plan for your trip, especially if it is your first trip alone. Start by doing some research. With the power of the internet, you can read about the country you wish to visit, get some deals on your hotel and famous tourist attractions that you would be interested in. Solo travelling is all about spontaneity so you don’t have to be too detailed on your itineraries; at least ensure that you have a place to stay during your trip.

2. Pack all your essentials

With only two hands and legs, carrying a large suitcase full of unnecessary things can be a hassle when travelling alone. Many travel bloggers like Janice Waugh - author of the Solo Traveller’s Handbook, recommend that you pack light for your journey. What you need to bring are a set of clothes, a bathing suit, some undies, a pair of shoes, gadgets, and some grooming products (deodorant, moisturizers, sunblock, etc.) that would suffice a three day or three-week trip. Not only will it be easier to move around with a smaller, carry-on bag, it is also cheaper to fly without having to check-in some extra baggage.

3. Immerse yourself in the local culture

When travelling solo, don’t just stay at the hotel, wear your best pair of shoes and explore the city! Try the local cuisine, explore the tourist attractions and if ever you get lost, do ask for directions (but do take care and let your instincts guide you) to find your way home. A smart tip is to bring along your hotel address and have it written in the local language so that you can use it to ask for directions. Don’t forget to mingle with the locals and other tourists exploring the city. It would also help if you learn a little bit of the local language to help get you by. You can also go on an organized tour if you don’t want to be alone when exploring the city. Don’t be too scientific when you are travelling alone, learn to have fun, be spontaneous and immerse yourself in the local culture.

4. Take photos

Solo travelling is all about you, so make all your photos count. You don’t have to post it on social media, what you need is something to remember when you are back home. When the day is over, you can upload it on DropBox or Google Drive so that you can access it anywhere at any time. It is not a must to have a DSLR on your trip, what you need is a good quality, point-and-shoot camera and you are all set. Every photo comes with a story, just don’t forget to enjoy every moment of it.

5. Take advantage of all the useful apps

Don’t be afraid to rely on technology when solo travelling. Make your mobile device your tour guide, map, translator, GPS, camera, and more with useful apps to make solo travelling easier. Among the best apps you could ever have as a solo traveler is Google Maps, Translate, and Search. Skyscanner is also a great app for searching the cheapest flights as well as TripAdvisor for the best finds in the city. Make your phone into an all-in-one travel companion with these awesome travel apps!

6. Charge all your gadgets

From your cameras, phones, tablets, and laptops, always charge them before a solo trip. These gadgets are lifesavers when you have to get in touch with somebody or looking for nearby hotels. These gadgets can help you out in the dire situations. So make sure that they are always handy and ready for use. You can’t have them dying on you when you are trying to get in touch with your loved ones back home or using your GPS to get to your hotel. If you can, carry a power bank and charge that as well for emergency backup power.

7. Invest in a good travel bag

Your bag is your lifeline when travelling alone. It carries all your travel essentials and keeps them protected from all the elements that is why investing in a good travel bag is necessary. There are all sorts of travel bags that you can carry depending on your preference and storage capacity. You can opt for a rolling carry-on or a backpacking pack. Whichever you choose, always ensure that they are of good quality and can shield everything inside from external damage. It would also be a plus to have a TSA lock and locking zippers on your travel bag for added security.

8. Don't keep all your money in one place

Your pocket money is the life and blood of your solo trip to ensure that you always have enough to go around, especially if you are visiting more than one city or country. If you are planning to go out, don’t bring all your money with you, carry only what you need and leave some at the hotel safe. When carrying your bag, separate your money and put some in your travel luggage, in your pockets, and even on the soles of your shoes or your socks, and underwear. So in case you lose your wallet, you still have some backup money hidden somewhere.

9. Have a hard copy of all your itenaries and travel documents

With technology innovating the tourism industry, more and more establishments are now embracing a paperless environment. However, always play it safe by keeping hard copies of your itineraries and travel documents with you at all times. Have all pages of your passport, visa, and other important travel documents scanned and upload them on your preferred cloud server for easy access. Print out your hotel reservations, important phone numbers, and take note of your home country embassy address just in case.

10. Trust everyone and no one

People can make a solo trip more enjoyable. You can make new friends, meet up with old ones and simply hang out. However, it also makes you more vulnerable. One of the best solo travel tips is to never let anyone know that you are travelling alone, even at the hotel. While travelling, you would want to keep an open-mind but always be vigilant and never trust anyone but yourself. Never let anyone hold your valuable items and travel documents, and don’t do it for others unless you know them on a personal level. When travelling alone, always trust your instinct.

Travelling alone is an enlightening experience that helps you be more independent in today’s modern world. When travelling alone, always take time to plan ahead on your journey, especially if you are visiting more than one city or country. Before you start your travels, iprice recommends that you do a search on items from places to stay to waterproof luggage so that you can be duly prepared. It would also help to pack light and travel with as little things as possible to save up on air travel costs. Invest in a good pair of walking shoes and a secure travel bag to keep all your belongings safe during travel. Take advantage of technology and use your phone as your travel guide when going around the city. Take charge of all your expenses and trust your instinct when travelling alone. Do all this and your next solo trip will be a convenient, secure and enjoyable one. Happy travels!

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