If you have yet to take a solo trip, there are many reasons why you really should. Solo travel helps you build confidence and new skills. It also provides time to reflect, recharge and reconnect with yourself — so you can return home the best version of yourself for the people who rely on you day-to-day.
I know it can be daunting to embark on your first big trip alone. But never fear, intrepid soloist. I’ve rounded up the top solo travel mistakes so that you can avoid them to ensure your trip goes smoothly.
Not doing your research
One of the perks of solo travel is that you get to decide where to stay and what to do, so put some thought into it. This will ensure you have the best trip possible.
A good starting point is to check the State Department travel advisory for your destination, which will help you understand any safety concerns and identify neighborhoods you may want to avoid. It’s also a good idea to enroll your trip in STEP, so you’ll be alerted to things like natural disasters and security threats.
Safety isn’t the only thing to consider. Are you looking for a quiet, relaxing getaway or a bustling neighborhood with endless things to do? Would you rather stay close to the action or save money by staying in a less popular area? Choose your accommodations accordingly.
Don’t make the mistake I made on my first solo trip and not plan any activities. Spontaneity sounded fun, but I found making decisions on my own much harder than expected. You don’t need to have your entire itinerary planned out to the minute, but doing some planning before you travel will reduce your stress during the trip.
Plus, many popular tourist attractions and trendy restaurants fill up quickly — and waiting in long lines is even less fun with no one to talk to. Do your research, and if needed, make a reservation or book a timed-entry ticket ahead of time.
Overpacking
Sometimes, the difference between traveling solo and with others really shines through in the little things…like using an airport bathroom.
You can’t simply ask a companion to hold your luggage while you run to the restroom or figure out how to operate a metro ticket machine; you must keep track of it at all times. So think twice about packing that extra-large checked bag or hauling a not-so-ergonomic shoulder duffel on an international trip, as you will have to take it with you literally everywhere.
I personally prefer a backpack and small rolling carryon, which I can easily maneuver through crowded airports and over cobblestoned streets — without reaching my destination with a backache. Plus, it’s big enough to accommodate sufficient clothing for a week (or more). My carryon is expandable, so if I buy too many souvenirs, I can unzip the extender and check it on the way home.
Broadcasting that you’re alone
Connecting with new people is one of the many joys of solo travel, but that doesn’t mean you should completely let your guard down. You may run into pickpockets, con artists and worse on your journey, and as a solo traveler, you’re more likely to be targeted.
One simple step to reduce your risk is by not broadcasting your solo status. Err on the side of caution when chatting with new friends — and if they start getting nosy, tell them you’re meeting up with friends later.
One way to prevent hotel staff from knowing your single status is opting for mobile check-in so that you can bypass the front desk completely. Or, you can ask the concierge for an extra key and allude that someone will be joining you shortly. And when catching a ride to or from your accommodation, it’s a good idea to be picked up or dropped off down the street from your hotel.
Not keeping friends and family in the loop
You only want to be incognito to the locals.
Let your actual friends and family know your travel plans: flight numbers, where you’ll be staying on which dates, contact info for your tour operator, etc. You’ll be glad you did if you hit a snag and need help rebooking on the fly. You can go a step further by sending them a copy of your passport or ID, in case you lose your documents while traveling.
You’ll probably want to stay in contact with loved ones through text messages, phone calls or social media posts every so often. But you can also share your location continuously with apps like Find My, which can help ease their minds as well as give you an added layer of security. That way, both you and your loved ones can enjoy your trip stress-free.
Forgetting the essentials
Some things are must-haves no matter how many people you’re traveling with, but they become even more critical when you’re on your own — because if you forget something, you can’t just reach into a companion’s suitcase.
For instance, do you have a backup plan in case your phone dies while you’re navigating a new city or road-tripping through an unfamiliar country? You can’t simply borrow someone else’s phone, so a charged power bank or old-fashioned map can come in clutch.
The same goes if you wind up at a store that doesn’t accept your credit card. Always pack a couple of backup cards (preferably ones that don’t charge foreign transaction fees) and keep some cash on hand.
Similarly, if you catch a cold on your flight or get food poisoning during a solo trip, there’s no one else to run to a drugstore. And if you hurt yourself while out hiking alone, it may take a while for help to arrive. Prepare yourself for anything with a travel-ready first-aid kit.
Not meeting new people along the way
One of the downsides of solo travel is that it can start to feel lonely, especially on longer trips. Making new friends is a great way to combat loneliness, as well as learn more about local culture and/or meet likeminded travelers.
If striking up a conversation with a stranger sounds more stressful than fun, you’re not alone. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways for even the shyest travelers to make connections, including cruises and small-group tours designed specifically for solo travelers.
Female Travel Buddies is one of many Facebook groups ideal for those flying solo: Members post open invitations for fellow travelers in the same area to join you for brunch, sightseeing or a show. If this type of thing interests you, consider joining a handful of groups a few months ahead of your trip to get familiar with the members and learn how they work.
Not being camera-ready
Just because you’re traveling alone doesn’t mean you can’t take photos along the way — but capturing memories can be trickier by yourself.
The good news is you don’t have to be limited by the length of your arm. Be sure to pack a selfie stick, mini tripod with remote shutter or selfie monitor screen. You’ll find it well worth the investment, as having the right tools will make it far easier to snap the perfect selfie. (Just remember: safety first, especially when hiking, taking selfies near cliff edges, etc.!)
If, like me, you feel a little awkward or uncomfortable taking selfies alone, the best advice I can give you is to do it anyway. The more you do it, the more comfortable you’ll get and the better your photos will turn out.
Bottom line
Solo travel doesn’t have to be daunting. Follow these tips to embark on your first solo trip with confidence and ensure it goes smoothly, and before you know it, you’ll be a seasoned solo traveler.
Ready to start planning? Check out these guides for more inspiration:
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Source: thepointsguy.com
