I’ve wanted to travel to as many places as I possibly could in my life.
It’s easy to imagine how amazing, and magical, travel and solo travel would be.
However, there are also some things I didn’t actively acknowledge until I began solo traveling on my own more consistently, and for longer periods of time.
Here are the top things I’ve learned solo traveling as a scaredy-cat (as someone in her late 20s).
Definition of a Scaredy-Cat traveler:
Hi, it’s me, I’m the problem… it’s me. JK
Scaredy-Cat Traveler: Someone who loves to travel (obviously)
It’s someone who wants to see new places, and who wants to try new foods and drinks, also someone who is skeptical of literally everyone, and everything.
Someone, who despite having anxiety about a lot of things when traveling, does it anyways because there are too many good things involved to be stopped.
(Unless it’s a visa stopping you, because those, those are pesky!)
I love the adventure of what travel entails. That being said, you’ll never catch me going out to a club, or getting tipsy enough that I could be out of control of my safety fo a nano-second. No ma’am.
you have to like spending time with you…
Romantic dinner for one? Yes, please!
This probably seems like one of those “obvious” things. However, if you’re like me then you may have never really taken the time to acknowledge the fact that when you solo travel you have… just you.
Yes, you can meet people. If you’re lucky then you make quick friends who let you tag along to whatever they’re doing. Lucky you, because I’ve not run in to that yet, hahaha.
I knew that solo travel was going to be lonely. It does hit a little differently when everyone is asleep in another time zone.
It is lonely. I can’t lie about it, but it’s still very much worth it.
You get to spend your time exactly how you want, and don’t have to plan for anyone else!
Again, this is one of those things that you might think “yes, that is obvious…”
However, my personal opinion is that you don’t get to fully appreciate this until you are traveling on your own.
Oh, you want to go to 15 museums? Guess what, you can!
Want to spend a day solely going to bakeries? Absolutely, do it!
Maybe you want to walk the entire city at your own pace instead of taking public transport? You can!
Don’t get me wrong, when you find someone who is a really compatible travel companion there is nothing like it. It’s amazing.
BUT, if you haven’t found that perfect companion, or, if you just can’t travel all the time with that person… solo traveling is fun to plan when you don’t have to take anyone else’s “wants” in to the itinerary.
SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY
This is probably the thing I take the absolute most serious… as I should. Being a woman traveling on her own in 2023 is scary, I don’t care what anyone says.
Make sure that someone knows where you are. My family all share our locations on find my friends.
Definitely share your location with at least 1 person.
I try to make sure that I send the hotel/air bnb/hostel name and address to my parents justtttttt in case they need it at any point.
To me, Air Tags are also worth having. I have one tucked in to the bottom of my backpack, but also connected to my house keys. I am always paranoid that I’m going to lose my house keys!
It NEVER hurts to be too safe.
Packing only what you can carry…
Do not pack too much. I’m telling you.
You’re the only one who will be carrying all of your things… If you overpack, just remember… you’re the only one lugging it all around!
Sometimes you get lucky and you can drop your things off before checking in. Or, your accommodations are close to where you arrive. Maybe they have lockers to hold your bag after checkout.
However, sometimes you have to lug your things around a city for a lot longer than is ideal. Packing light will be worth it.
Check out my tips for packing in a backpack if you need help with this!
confidence!
You might already be the most confident individual ever, and if that’s you then that is amazing!
Or, maybe your confidence comes and goes in waves (that’s definitely what mine does). Either way, solo travel is truly a life-changing experience in both big and small ways.
You learn to trust your gut more, and where you are and are not willing to take risks.
When you get yourself around a city on your own it’s empowering. Especially if it’s a city that mainly speaks a language that you’re not fluent in. There is a sense of pride you can’t help but have.
MORE TIPS I’VE LEARNED:
- Central Station Location
– When looking to book a place to stay, it’s always a good idea to at least know where the central station (in Europe at least) is. How easy is it to get to the central station from the airport etc?
– Always just a good idea in my opinion, as it makes things much easier. - SIM Card
– If you are using a pay-as-you-go SIM card make sure you have enough data.
Also that it works in all of the places you’re visiting.
– I use a UK SIM while I’m in here, but will switch to my Verizon SIM when traveling. I never want to be without data for maps, uber, etc., or the ability to call/text. (Been there, done that lol.)
- Cash
– I don’t carry much cash when I travel.
Definitely make sure that if you need to you are able to pull some out.
Rookie mistake: I didn’t bring my debit card on my first trip to France and couldn’t pull cash.
Nor did I bring the right SIM card. Luckily, I was traveling with a friend who was able to pull cash out for us. - Portable Charger
– Investing in a good portable charger is so worth it. Never be caught with a dead phone when you’re traveling. This has saved me multiple times. - Local Suggestions
– There are no better suggestions for anything than those of a local. Don’t be afraid to ask your waiter, barista, or even your hotel/hostel host for suggestions. A lot of time they’re better than what you might find online!
I’ve been solo traveling for almost 10 years now, and more consistently in the last 5.
Of course, finding a great travel partner(s) is always great. Although, if there is a trip (whether near or far) and you get the opportunity to go… I hope you go.
The confidence you build, the experiences you can have are some of the most incredible.
No matter if you choose to take a trip close to home, or across the world, enjoy it.
I feel like so often we’re in a rush to get through so much that we don’t stop and truly enjoy the moment we’re in.
Take time to bask in the joy!
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