Solo Travel Tips

I love travelling solo, but some people don’t like the idea of travelling alone or have concerns about it, so I am here to give you some tips on making it fun and safe, as well as some of the advantages of travelling solo.
I have been travelling solo for over 20 years now and have gathered some great tips and things to watch out for over the years.

The freedom to do whatever you want, when you want

The main advantage of travelling solo is that you can do what you want, when you want.
You don’t have to worry about being bored at something your friend or partner is doing, you can eat where you want, visit whatever you want and go to bed when you want.
No negotiating needed!
I love travelling solo so much that I only travel solo now.

Meeting people while travelling solo

If you want to meet people while travelling solo, staying in a hostel can be a great option.
Hostels are an environment where lots of people are travelling, often staying in shared rooms and sometimes eating or socialising together. It can be a great way to meet new friends, and hostels are usually much cheaper than hotels too.

Another option is to take tours, such as walking tours or group tours. You will meet other people who are interested in similar things, and it can be a really easy way to socialise when you are travelling alone.
You don’t have to spend your whole trip alone just because you are travelling solo!

Safety travelling solo

Some people worry about their safety while travelling solo, but travelling alone doesn’t automatically mean you are unsafe.

As with any trip, check the safety situation of the country you are visiting before you go. I recommend checking your own government’s official travel advice, particularly if you are travelling somewhere you haven’t been before.

Also make sure you tell a friend or family member where you are going, where you are staying and when you are expected back.
That way, if something did happen, someone knows where you are supposed to be and when you should be back.

I also use a free travel safety app called Hollie Guard which lets you send an alert if you are in danger, as well as gathering evidence using photos, videos and audio.
Thankfully, I have never needed to use it in a real emergency, but I have tested it and it works well. There are also paid features available if you want them.

Also, be aware that laws can be very different depending on where you are travelling. If you are considering anything for personal safety, make sure you check the laws of the country you are visiting first.
For example, the laws around carrying certain items are very strict in places such as England, so don’t assume that something which is legal where you live is legal where you are travelling.

Be flexible with plans

I personally take each day as it comes.
I make a list of things I would like to do, but I don’t schedule everything into each day because some days you may be tired, want to relax or simply find something else you want to do.
Be flexible with your plans.
The weather can change too, so having a flexible itinerary is great in situations like that.
I usually keep a list of places and things I want to see, either written down or in an app such as Wanderlog. That way, if I suddenly have some free time or change my plans, I have a list of things I can do.

Try taking a tour or walking tour

Tours can be a great way to learn more about the place you are visiting while also finding new things to do.
Walking tours are particularly good because you can see parts of a city that you might otherwise miss.
They are also a great way to meet people, so if you want to socialise while travelling solo, give one a try.
You may even meet some like-minded people who you end up spending more time with during your trip.

Download offline maps

I always recommend having an offline map available when travelling.
I use apps such as Maps.me so that I can still see where I am even if I don’t have mobile data or a phone signal.
You never know when you might need it.
Having an offline map also means you don’t have to stop and ask for directions if you aren’t sure where you are going.
I actually recommend downloading your maps before you leave home, just in case you have problems getting online when you arrive.

Evenings don’t have to be boring

Just because you are travelling alone doesn’t mean you have to sit in your hotel every evening.
You can still do the same things you would do with someone else.
Go to concerts, comedy shows, theatre performances, sporting events or whatever you enjoy.
You can also still eat at restaurants and enjoy the local food.
Don’t worry about what other people might think about you eating alone. Most people aren’t paying any attention to you anyway!
Enjoy your trip.

Be aware of your surroundings

Always keep an eye on your surroundings, particularly in busy tourist areas.

Pickpockets operate in cities all over the world and tourists can be an easy target.
Keep your valuables secure and don’t leave your bag on the floor when you are eating.
I keep my bag close to me at all times and put my leg through the crossbody strap of my bag when I am sitting down, so someone can’t simply grab the bag and run.
If you go out drinking, don’t overdo it and make sure you still know where you are and how you are getting back to your accommodation.
You don’t need to be scared of travelling alone. Just use common sense and pay attention to what is going on around you.

Save on roaming costs and get a data eSIM

One of my favourite travel tips is to use an eSIM when travelling abroad.

By buying a data eSIM for the country you are visiting, you can have internet access while you are out and about without relying on expensive roaming.
This is really useful when you need to find somewhere to eat, look up directions, check opening times or find something to do.
Roaming can be very expensive, while an eSIM can give you much more data for considerably less money.
I would never go back to relying on roaming when travelling.
Check out my blog post comparing eSIMS, roaming and local sims.
You also can’t always rely on hotel Wi-Fi, so having your own mobile data means you can get online wherever you are. It can also save you from paying for expensive hotel Wi-Fi, while giving you internet access when you are out exploring too.

I personally use aloSIM because I have found their prices good, their customer service helpful and they have eSIMs available for destinations all over the world.

If you decide to use aloSIM, you can get a huge 15% OR $3 off your first purchase, brilliant prices and amazing customer support, plus no minimum spend and valid worldwide too!
Use code CHRONICTRAVEL for 15% off or MYTRAVEL for $3 off your purchase on the aloSIM website.

Check out my post about aloSIM for more information on aloSIM and my blog post comparing eSIMS, roaming and local sims.