Solo Travel…Why?
For me the better question is why not? And if you’re going to do it hopefully provide a few tips on how to be successful. My initial intention was not to make this post specific to women, but in seeing how my ideas compare with what is currently on the internet I uncovered some fairly startling statistics. The current numbers show that significantly more women travel for pleasure solo than men. I can think of some reasons why that might be - but nothing I can prove so I’ll let you just think of your own reasons, and stick to the facts and say yeah for women! I almost just wrote there’s never been a better time to try it out but then I remembered - oh yeah Covid😣 Well there’s never been a better time to start planning a trip - whether your first solo adventure or you’re 25th!
I took my first big solo trip in 1984. I was single and out of college for a few years, and really wanted to go to Europe. At the time none of my friends were in a position to go - mostly because of work obligations, so I decided to go alone. I had never been out of the US, so decided to book with a tour group. The trip was 18 days and 6 countries - a real whirlwind. We started and ended in Amsterdam, and in between saw parts of Germany, Switzerland, France, Belgium and Luxembourg. I was the only solo traveler on the tour and had a wonderful time. I got special attention from the tour guide and just about everyone on the trip. In general I have found most people who take a tour are pretty friendly. Maybe they just felt sorry for me because I was alone, but someone was always inviting me to join them for a meal, drink or just to visit so I never felt lonely. Then long story short it was many years before I would have the opportunity to travel alone again.
Fast forward to 2014 and I got a case of the serious travel bug. All of a sudden it was all I could think about. So I reached down deep inside and rediscovered the person I was in 1984 who just booked a trip and went. But so much has changed in 30 years. We have so much access to information right at our fingertips making trip planning fun and relatively easy. I have traveled a lot since making that first big trip in 2014, and about half or a little less has been by myself - both internationally and domestically. People ask me often which I prefer, and my answer is that depends. If I had to choose between traveling with someone that has interests, habits or an energy level significantly different than mine I would pick solo 100% of the time. That is a recipe for disaster. I’m fortunate in that I have a few good friends that are like minded and similar enough that we’ve gone on some pretty lengthy trips and had a wonderful time together. But I would never let not having someone to travel with hold me back from making a trip I wanted to take. This past August I had planned a month long trip to Scandinavia that unfortunately due to Covid had to be cancelled. I was doing that on my own, and still am so disappointed it didn’t happen, although my fingers and toes are crossed that in 2021 I will finally get there.
Me - 2014 in Berlin at the Brandenburg Gate!
Reasons to travel solo:
Do what you want when you want - sleep in or get up early, relax for hours in a coffee shop or see 3 museums in one day, eat snacks for all your meals so you can splurge on that beautiful purse you want! You’re the boss….always!
Discover the you you used to be or the you you want to be - there are no expectations or responsibilities, no one judging you. You are and can be whoever you want to be. So freeing!
A confidence builder - as much as you’ve planned your trip it won’t all go perfectly. You’ll need to think on your feet and you’ll be proud of yourself for what you accomplish. It will force you out of your comfort zone and help you grow.
Now for some tips - to keep you safe and confident:
Pack light! You’re going to be on your own so make sure you can handle your luggage and personal items comfortably. A carryon and one personal item is best. You can do it! Check my blog post from August 8, 2018 in the archive for a detailed list.
If this is your first solo trip it’s best to either pick a domestic destination, or somewhere that is culturally not a huge departure from what you’re used to. London or Paris yes. India maybe down the road.
Plan to arrive at your destination in daylight. Most flights from the US to Europe arrive during the day which is perfect, but have a plan for getting to your accommodations in advance. If you fly through the night you’ll be tired so that’s not something you want to leave to chance. If you’re not planning part of your trip until you get there to be flexible make sure you have somewhere to stay at least your first night.
Before you leave give a few family members and/or friends a copy of your itinerary, and a plan to check in with them periodically via email, text or phone calls. I usually text or email my kids a few pictures every day or two so that they know I’m doing fine. If your itinerary changes that’s fine - just make sure someone knows where you are headed.
If you’re posting on social media don’t say specifically where you are as far as what hotel or address of an Airbnb. Since I’m typically blogging while I travel I post where I’ve stayed after I have moved to another location. It’s best to be cautious. In this day and age if someone knows your name they can google you and connect quickly to your social media and see what you’ve posted.
One of the really fun things about traveling solo is talking to locals or other travelers. I have found it’s easier to meet people when you’re alone, but it’s best to be cautious and not reveal that you’re alone. Your safety is the most important, so I will typically not bring it up and if they ask I just say that my friend is somewhere else currently. Beware of offers from men or even women to do you favors, show you something or take you somewhere. Have a plan as to what you’re doing so you’re not tempted to make a bad decision you’ll regret later. The majority of people have good intentions but how do you really know?
You don’t have to be alone all the time. It’s fun to take a day trip, cooking class, or museum tour to just name a few options. I have utilized a company called Viator and had good experiences. You typically don’t have to book far in advance. I have done just a day or two and been successful. I’ve usually been the only American so fun to meet other travelers from places all around the world.
Security is very important. Please check out my currency post dated July 1, 2019 for tips on currency, credit cards, and keeping it all safe. I have a great travel purse I reference in that post that has worked out perfectly. A money belt is fine too if you prefer. Purchase an old fashioned rubber door stop and use it in your hotel or Airbnb to protect entry. Especially with an Airbnb you have no idea who has a key or the key code to enter, and by using the door stop no one is getting in. Don’t forget to take it with you when you leave.
Research cultural norms like attire and physical body language. Many places are much more conservative in attire than the US, so you want to blend in and not stand out. Also Americans tend to be more outgoing with smiles and eye contact. In some places that can be taken as more than just friendliness and more of an invitation so something to be aware of.
Stand up for yourself. If you are feeling uncomfortable for any reason don’t hesitate to ask for help or speak loudly to convey command of the situation. And always be aware of your surroundings. I always ask at the hotel or Airbnb if there are any areas I should steer clear of in terms of walking around by myself. In most European countries you will be a lot safer than in the US. Guns are not common for citizens to have so pickpocketing is usually the biggest risk.
Dining alone is not something to dread. Practice locally before you travel. Bring a book or notebook to journal what a great day you just had. Talk to your waiter. Eat your main meal at lunch (which will save you money) and then eat light while sitting at a bar enjoying a glass of wine and chatting with the person sitting next to you.
A day trip I took when I was in Barcelona. Santa Maria de Montserrat is a Benedictine abbey which hosts the Virgin of Montserrat - a statue of the Virgin Mary and infant Jesus which is one of the black Madonnas of Europe. It is believed to have been carved in Jerusalem in the late 12th century. Just kind of a spur of the moment decision to join a tour I read about. Worth it!
Travel makes me very happy💕
My Dad gave me great advice. He said “if you have things you want to do and you can afford it, then don’t wait because you never know how much time you have.” And my Mom always said “life is what you make it. You will be as happy as you want to be.” They were wonderful parents and I was listening💕 We are each responsible for our own happiness, and if Covid has taught me just one thing it’s that you never know what’s coming. I hope you find something in this post helpful!