My Top Tips For Solo Travelling

I've had many experiences of travelling alone and even when I plan a trip now, it can still feel a daunting prospect. Before becoming a regular traveller I used to be quite comfortable staying in my own home and being in my comfort zone, but now I find travelling alone an amazing experience. Yes, it can be tough and tiring at times, but the memories I've made and confidence I've gained has been well worth it. I always feel it's good to have some things in order before I go travelling and any help I got was useful. So, I thought I would share my own tips for travelling alone so you can enjoy your trip without stressing about other things too!

Plan, Plan, Plan

Planning in advance is always the best thing to do. I've never really been one to just wing it. You should avoid planning everything down to the fine details, as you will want some flexibility during your adventure, but my first point of call is always making sure that I’ve got my first week’s accommodation sorted and knowing how I will get from the airport to my first destination. It saves a lot of stress! Making a list of the places you wish to visit during your trip is also a good idea, as you’ll be able to make a vague itinerary of when you will need to plan your next set of accommodation and travel.

Discover Your Travelling Style

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? The perfect solo trip is all about how you plan your travel, as well as where. I love meeting new people and being social, so I always plan to to go to places where I can meet them. If you prefer your own company, then don’t feel that you have to be out meeting people every day or staying in a large shared hostel room. When you arrive, a few friendly introductions and chats is all that you need to suss out the rest of your time there. Plan the trip around you and don’t be afraid to do what you want to do.

Make It Your Trip

As I mentioned before, this trip is your trip. You don’t need to go out on trips if you don’t want to. If you’d rather spend the day wandering along the beach or taking in the city sights, then that’s what you should do. Solo travelling is the ultimate indulgence and this is your once in a lifetime adventure, so feel free to do what makes you happy. I prefer the exploring and getting out and about. I can be forgetful sometimes though and I find a slight downside to solo travelling is remembering that I'm in charge, so make sure you're on top of your plans.

Pack Light

Remember, when solo travelling, you can’t share the luggage load with someone. What you pack is what you will end up carrying around with you, so you need to be tactical. I've written a piece before on packing whilst backpacking which may help. I find a carry-on case or sturdy backpack is the best luggage choice, as they are lightweight and easy to carry and move. My top tip is that on your outbound journey try to wear the bulkiest of your items, such as shoes and a jacket, so that you’re not taking up valuable room. Pack clothes that are comfortable over stylish - when you’re out on a fun excursion you’re not going to be worried about what your clothes look like. Plain items are best, so pack a few cotton t-shirts and a couple of pairs of lightweight but durable shorts. That way, you can mix and match your outfits for a good few days.

The Internet Is Your Saviour

Some travellers opt to take a simple, calls-only phone. Whilst this is fine, the internet can be such a handy thing to have at the touch of a button. You can keep in touch with family and friends back home, which is great for those lonely days when you just need a little pick-me-up. I get those often! When you first arrive at a new destination, a mobile phone can help you find the way and locate the best places to stay, eat and stock up on essentials. It's my saviour every time I go travelling to different destinations. Alternatively, I find traveller hotspots have an abundance of internet cafes, so if you just choose to take a simple phone you have that option as well.

Research The Country You’re Visiting

In the past, I've been carried away with the excitement of travelling that I've not even bothered to research the country in full and understand what I need to know. It’s best to do a little research on the history of the country you’re visiting - find out some interesting facts, learn a few key phrases and see if there are any certain laws that you need to be aware of. Some countries don’t allow certain food or drinks to be taken in through customs, bar crawls may be banned and, if the country is religious, you may need to cover up certain areas of your body whilst out in public. I found that a bit awkward once when I stopped off at Dubai on a flight and showing some skin was considered bad in public. Don’t get caught out by unfamiliar rules, and always check that your passport, UK visa and travel documents are in order. I've heard some experiences where travelling documents have been lost or misplaced and it's caused a real fuss, so don't be that person!

I hope these tips have reassured you that travelling solo isn't so bad and if you plan it right, you'll be just fine.