Beware: Once you start solo traveling, you won’t want to go back.
I have been solo traveling since I was in college, but I am always asked how I got started and what are my best tips for newbies. What surprises people the most is that most of these tips are common sense, but put in the context of traveling. I have made countless Tiktok Videos, Youtube How To’s, and Instagram Posts, but here are my best tips broken down for those that are still hesitant to take their first solo trip.
If you’re still nervous about traveling on your own after watching this video and reading my tips, checkout my Solo Traveler’s Guide for Beginners on Etsy.
- Don’t Tell Anyone You’re Solo
From my experience, people are really friendly when you’re traveling abroad, but they can also immediately tell if you’re a tourist or a local. With that being said, some tourist destinations have higher rates of pickpockets and folks who target tourists. Therefore, when I’m traveling solo, I do not tell anyone I am on my own. If I’m in an Uber, or on public transportation, even shopping in a store, I always say I am visiting friends or visiting with friends. I even faked being in a relationship with a stranger, to get out of talking to locals. You don’t have to go that far, but beware people will be paying attention to you, especially if you stand out from the locals in that destination.
I also try to make friends with the hotel staff where I am staying so they are aware of my presence during my trip. I do this so that they remember who I am and what time I was coming and going, just in case something happens. In almost every missing girl documentary I have watched, the people that are the most quiet and under the radar are the ones that aren’t found. For this reason, I learn the names of the hotel staff members, introduce myself, and ask for general recommendations so they remember me.
2. Add Another Name to Your Hotel Reservation
This is a FREE way to ensure that people know you are traveling with someone else. In most hotels, they will ask for the names of your guests, and it doesn’t cost any money to add a second name on a King, Queen, or Double Occupancy Room. (This does not apply to solo/singular cruises, however regular cruises are typically double occupancy so you will be paying for a second person.) I do this so that the hotel staff does not think I am alone, even if I am the only person they are seeing during my stay, and I have not had any issues.
3. Pack as a Solo Traveler
Because you are traveling alone, it is sooo important you are prepared and pack specific items for your travels. For this trip you must assume, there is no one else for you to depend on during this trip, which means no friends to rely on for an additional phone charger, or band-aids, or even change for the bus. I always recommend people pack (1) a battery pack to charge your phone in emergencies, (2) a mini first-aid kit, (3) cash in the local currency, and (4) hard copies of your travel documents. I have a full list for solo travelers here in my Amazon Storefront.
Additionally, you should also email your (1) travel info, (2) copies of your travel documents, and (3) copies of your travel insurance to your friends or family at home.
4. Plan Your Activities & Excursions Ahead of Time
If you’re on a longer trip (5+ days), people will begin to notice that you’re traveling alone by the 3rd day or so. They will also notice if you book an excursion for only one person, so for that reasoning, I book all of my activities and excursions online before I leave for my trip. There have been few occasions where I did not reserve activities ahead of time and it worked out fine, but I would strongly suggest you prepare before you depart for your trip to limit any mix-ups or run-ins with tourist pickpockets.
If you like these tips and want more, make sure to follow me on socials at @bmekween and subscribe to my Youtube channel to see where I’m exploring next!