Understanding Solo Travel
Solo travel, at its simplest, is about taking a trip alone, either independently or with a group of strangers. Independent solo travel is when you make all the arrangements yourself. You're the captain of the ship, charting your own course. Group solo travel means joining a tour or cruise as a solo participant. Either way, you're setting out without familiar faces.
Traveling alone offers a rare chance for self-discovery. Away from the expectations and rhythms of daily life, you get to explore what truly excites you. You decide how you're going to spend your time.
Traveling solo builds independence. When you're alone in a foreign place, you make decisions without leaning on anyone else. It can be daunting at first—figuring out public transit in a new city or ordering food in a foreign language isn't easy. Yet, with each small victory, you grow more confident in your abilities.
Solo travel also means flexibility. You can wake up whenever you want, change your itinerary on a whim, or spend extra time somewhere just because you feel like it. This kind of freedom is liberating.
There's also the chance to meet new people. When you're alone, you're more approachable. Locals and fellow travelers are more likely to strike up conversations. These encounters can lead to spontaneous adventures or meaningful connections.
Traveling alone teaches resourcefulness. If something goes wrong, you learn to solve problems quickly. Whether it's dealing with a missed flight or finding your way back to your hotel, being alone forces you to become self-reliant.
Finally, solo travel is about having experiences on your own terms. Whether you choose a silent retreat in Bali, a wildlife adventure in Kenya, or a solo hike through the Scottish Highlands, the trip is yours. You're creating a journey that's perfect just for you.
Photo by hollymandarich on Unsplash
Planning a Solo Trip
To start planning a solo trip, the first step is setting a budget. Know how much you're willing and able to spend. Account for transportation, accommodations, meals, activities, and a buffer for emergencies. Use money-saving strategies where you can, like traveling during the shoulder season or looking for discounts on flights and lodging.
Choosing the right destination is crucial. Consider factors like safety, language barriers, and local culture. Research places that are known for being friendly to solo travelers. Destinations like Japan, Iceland, and Portugal often come up as favorites due to their safety records and welcoming locals.1
Next, explore accommodation options. Solo travelers often prefer hostels, which offer a chance to meet other travelers, but there are also plenty of solo-friendly hotels and Airbnbs. Look for reviews from other solo travelers to get a sense of which places offer a safe and comfortable experience. Consider the location: Staying in a central area usually means easier access to public transportation and attractions, which can enhance safety and convenience.
When creating your itinerary, aim for a balance between planning and flexibility. Have a general idea of what you want to do each day, but leave room for spontaneity. Over-planning can lead to stress, while under-planning might leave you unsure of what to do. Mark any essential landmarks or activities, but also be open to discovering new places through conversations with locals or fellow travelers.
Managing logistics is key for a smooth journey. This includes:
- Transportation within your destination
- Understanding local customs
- Knowing where to get essentials like food and medicine
Download offline maps and translation apps to help navigate and communicate more easily.
Safety is always a priority. Share your itinerary with a friend or family member and maintain regular check-ins with them. Research local emergency numbers and the location of your country's embassy or consulate. Trust your instincts—if something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Avoid risky areas, especially at night, and keep your belongings secure.
Addressing loneliness can be a real concern for solo travelers. Combat this by staying in social accommodations like hostels or joining tours and classes. This provides structured social interaction and shared experiences, making it easier to meet people.
Taking these steps will help ensure your solo adventure is both enjoyable and memorable. With the right preparation and mindset, your solo trip can turn out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.
Safety Tips for Solo Travelers
Maintaining safety is paramount when embarking on a solo journey. While solo travel can be incredibly fulfilling, it also comes with unique challenges that require vigilance and preparedness.
The first line of defense is being aware of your surroundings. This may seem obvious, but staying alert in new environments is crucial. Avoid distractions like excessive phone use when walking around.
Securing your personal belongings can help prevent theft. Use anti-theft backpacks and bags with hidden zippers and compartments. Invest in a money belt or a neck wallet to keep crucial items like your passport, extra money, and credit cards close to your body. Never flash valuable items like expensive cameras, jewelry, or large amounts of cash. Instead, blend in with the locals by carrying modest accessories and dressing conservatively.
Technology can be your best friend when it comes to safety. Equip your phone with essential travel apps:
- Map apps like Google Maps can help you confidently explore unfamiliar streets.
- Safety apps like bSafe and Life360 share your location with trusted contacts, ensuring they know where you are at all times.
- Translation apps such as Google Translate can also come in handy for effective communication in foreign languages.
Another key safety measure is to stay connected. Regularly check in with friends or family. Share your travel itinerary, and let someone know your planned activities for the day. Consider setting a daily check-in time, so if your contacts don't hear from you, they'll know to raise an alarm.
Maintaining a low profile can significantly diminish unwanted attention. Research the cultural norms of your destination, and dress accordingly. Avoid discussing your travel plans or accommodation details with strangers. Use your hotel's business card or a screenshot of your address for directions back if needed.
Handling emergencies efficiently involves being prepared beforehand. Carry a basic first-aid kit tailored to your personal needs. Know the local emergency numbers and save them in your phone. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest hospital, police station, and your country's embassy or consulate. If you find yourself in a threatening situation, seek refuge in a busy public place or establish contact with local authorities.
Learning to trust your instincts immensely benefits solo travelers. If a situation or a person makes you uneasy, don't hesitate to remove yourself from it. It's better to appear impolite than to compromise your safety. Always question sudden, unnecessary, or overly friendly approaches from strangers.
Using accommodations wisely adds another layer of safety. Opt for places with good reviews from solo travelers. Secure your room by locking doors and windows. If you're staying in hostels, consider using personal locks for added security on your lockers. Some hostels even offer female-only dormitories, which can be a more secure choice for women traveling alone.2
Balancing awareness and precaution with enjoyment and adventure enables solo travelers to experience the world confidently and safely. By integrating these safety tips into your travel routine, you ensure not only a journey filled with new discoveries but also peace of mind.
Top Destinations & Experiences for Solo Travelers
Heading to some of the world's top destinations and engaging in unique experiences can transform your solo travel adventure into something extraordinary. Here's a list of prime destinations and experiences that are perfect for solo travelers, each packed with activities like solo hiking, cultural immersion, wildlife encounters, and wellness retreats.
Iceland is unrivaled when it comes to breathtaking landscapes and safety, making it an excellent choice for solo explorers. Drive through the Golden Circle, where you can marvel at spouting geysers, dramatic waterfalls, and the stunning Þingvellir National Park. Glacier hiking on Sólheimajökull and ice cave exploring are experiences that shouldn't be missed.
Bali is another gem for solo travelers, especially those interested in wellness and spirituality. The island's iconic Bali Silent Retreat offers a rejuvenating experience where you can disconnect from the noise. Engage in yoga sessions, meditation, and organic dining, all while nestled in a serene natural environment. For a cultural immersion, take part in traditional Balinese cooking classes or visit Ubud's sacred monkey forest.
Thailand offers a diverse palette for solo journeys. Embrace the tranquility of the Thai countryside with holistic health trips that include yoga retreats and spa treatments in pristine settings. Chiang Mai's Elephant Nature Park is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts looking to engage ethically with these gentle giants.3 The vibrant city life of Bangkok also offers plenty of solo travel perks—take guided food tours to sample street food and local delicacies.
Rwanda is perfect for solo adventurers eager to experience wildlife and rich cultural history. Join other lone travelers on guided hikes through lush terrains to find the majestic mountain gorillas—a once-in-a-lifetime encounter. Rwanda also offers deep explorations into its cultural fabric with visits to Kigali's museums and local markets in small groups, ensuring safety and camaraderie.
Morocco is a delightful blend of tradition, mystery, and vibrant marketplaces. Moroccan yoga retreats provide serene environments for rejuvenation and relaxation. Explore the medinas of Marrakech on your terms, wander through the souks, or take a relaxing break at a traditional hammam. If you're after more adventure, try a camel trek through the Sahara Desert.
Australia, especially the Outback and the coastal regions, is another top recommendation for solo travelers. Join guided hiking tours through the rugged terrains of the Blue Mountains or indulge in marine life exploration via snorkeling and scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef. For a more urban adventure, Sydney's vibrant cultural scenes and Melbourne's chic cafes provide ample opportunities for meeting new people.
While considering solo travel, guided experiences and tours can add immense value by reducing the hassle of logistics and increasing social interactions. LGBTQ+-friendly tours ensure safe and comfortable experiences.
With careful planning and an open mind, solo travel can be deeply rewarding. Whether you're hiking through Iceland's icy landscapes, immersing yourself in Bali's spiritual retreats, or engaging with wildlife in Rwanda—a world of unique experiences awaits. Choose your destination, plan your activities, and embrace the freedom and adventure that solo travel offers.
- Tilley JJ. The Health Benefits of Travel. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2018;12(5):401-402.
- Wilson E, Little DE. A "relative escape"? The impact of constraints on women who travel solo. Tour Rev Int. 2005;9(2):155-175.
- Bansiddhi P, Brown JL, Khokhar B, et al. Using Volunteer Tourism to Promote Ethical Elephant Tourism: A Case Study in Thailand. Animals (Basel). 2020;10(6):997.
