This article was written in collaboration with my friend and fellow backpacker, Liv Franzman. Check out her website here!
There is something equally exciting and terrifying about setting foot on a new continent where you don’t know a single person within thousands of miles. However, with the right guidance and enough confidence, it will be an unforgettable adventure. Between the two of us, we have insights and stories from over 34 countries. Based on our experiences, we are excited to share these 11 tips to make your first solo adventure cheaper, safer, and most importantly, fun.
1. Stay in hostels
Hostels are budget-friendly and, in our experience, safe. If you don’t like the idea of sharing a room with strangers or just want your own space, many hostels have private rooms – a great alternative to the dorm configuration. Some also have communal kitchens so you can save money on dining out. To get an idea of prices, Hostelworld is a great place to start.
2. Meet other travelers
Not only are hostels the most affordable, but they are also a great way to meet people since they are full of solo travelers looking to make new friends. When searching for the best hostels in each city, we read reviews on Hostelworld or our favorite blogs (Nomadic Matt and The Broke Backpacker). To find the most social hostels, look for specifics about common areas, organized events, or hostel bars (even if you don’t drink, they often have games or other activities).
Once you’re there, make an effort to introduce yourself to your dorm mates or other people in your hostel, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! For example, one of Liv’s favorite hostels in Cartagena, Colombia offered free yoga classes in the mornings with a local instructor. Her first morning there, she went to yoga and became friends with a German traveler who she ended up spending nearly every day with on that trip.
Another way to make friends is to join solo travel Facebook groups. Members range from those who are just looking to meet for drinks or explore the city all the way to those who are trying to plan a group trip. When Jules was in Bangkok, she met up with another American girl from The Travel Squad, a popular Facebook group. Their plan was to get one drink but they immediately clicked and not only spent the rest of their time in Bangkok together, but also reunited in other parts of Thailand. To this day, they are still friends and are hoping to plan another trip together.
3. Take walking tours
Exploring a new city by yourself can be overwhelming, which is why we suggest taking a walking tour. Most cities have free or very cheap walking tours, and sometimes hostels organize them. They are great for familiarizing yourself with the area, learning about the history and culture, and meeting fellow travelers.
4. Be flexible with travel plans
If you plan to stay at a hostel, book your accommodations far in advance so that you can secure a spot in a nicer, more popular one. Keep in mind travel plans can change, whether it’s to visit a place you hadn’t previously heard of or to coordinate plans with new friends you made on your trip. When Jules was in Australia, she rearranged her plans last-minute to visit Byron Bay, a town she hadn’t heard of but became one of her favorite places in the world. We recommend booking refundable rates through Hostelworld so you can cancel up to 48 hours before your arrival.
5. Leave room in your budget
As the old saying goes, “When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money, then take half the clothes and twice the money.” Unexpected costs are inevitable due to travel changes, added excursions, or medical issues (like when Liv had to get treatment for her motorbike burn in Vietnam). Solo traveling can also be more expensive since you don’t always have the luxury of splitting things like taxis, meals, or accommodation. It’s always better to be over prepared rather than underprepared.
On that note, buy travel insurance! Things like flight delays, natural disasters, sickness, and lost or stolen items are not uncommon. Investing in travel insurance at the beginning can end up saving you a lot of money down the line (and don’t make Jules’ mistake of insuring the cost of the entire trip rather than just the nonrefundable parts).
6. Share your travel plans
Sharing your itinerary and location with a close family member or friend provides you with an extra level of safety and security. In an emergency, people will have a much easier time locating you if they already have an idea of where you’re supposed to be. We also recommend that you don’t post your location in real time when traveling, especially if you plan to tag the spots or post a well-known landmark.
7. Avoid arriving to a new destination at night
A new place can be intimidating enough, especially if you’re alone, so try your best to avoid getting in late at night. Before you’re there, plan out exactly where you need to go and consider downloading offline maps (a new IOS feature). If you do arrive at night, we’ve found that it’s worth the extra money to take a taxi directly to your destination rather than try to figure out public transportation, especially if you don’t have cellphone service. There’s nothing worse than being lost and alone in an unfamiliar city at night.
8. Learn basic phrases of the local language
Being unable to communicate with people around you can be uncomfortable. Learning some basic words and phrases will make your trip easier and keep you safer. Know how to say “hello,” “thank you,” “excuse me,” “where is the bathroom?” and most importantly “no.” You will inevitably be approached by people you don’t want to talk to, especially if you’re alone. Most commonly they are just trying to sell you something but occasionally they may try to make an advance on you. Being prepared with basic phrases will help you avoid unwanted interactions.
9. Be open-minded
Embracing new cultures, friendships, experiences, and limits is all a part of the journey of solo traveling. Trying new foods, conversing with strangers, and pushing past your perceived limits can take you to some of the best experiences in life. Refraining from judgements and assumptions about people or places will allow you to freely explore the unfamiliar. By keeping an open mind, you will expand your horizons, while simultaneously discovering parts of yourself you didn’t know existed.
10. Be patient
There is no denying that solo traveling can be intimidating and daunting. It’s important to remember that not every day will be easy or perfect, but that’s a part of the journey. It’s normal to experience bits of loneliness and discomfort; however, know that those feelings are temporary and make the good days even better.
11. Bring a journal
With so many unique and memorable experiences while traveling, we highly suggest packing a journal or notepad to record the thoughts, feelings, and memories you never want to forget. Your journal will also be a great place to reflect and grow.
Undertaking an entire trip by yourself is no easy task, but we hope these tips will make your first solo adventure easier, safer, and more affordable. We encourage you to embrace the freedom, challenges, and opportunities that solo travel offers so that you can embark on the journey of a lifetime. Happy traveling and cheers to new adventures!
