If you ever find yourself solo on a trip, are thinking about solo travel and a little scared, or just like to hear my voice, then this video is for you. Some people fear traveling alone because they’re scared of loneliness or of something bad happening to them, like in the movie ‘Taken’. But I have not traveled to eight different places by myself since I was 22. Here are 24 solo travel tips and hacks to ease your mind and show you how life-changing solo travel can be. I am an introvert, but traveling alone can be a lot of time alone. Why travel solo, other than work-related things?
Traveling solo gives you the freedom to do exactly what you want without worrying about anyone else. That can also teach you what kind of traveler you are. What do you enjoy doing? What pace do you enjoy? Because you’re not worried about anyone else’s schedule, it’s your own. I adapt to other people’s travel styles, but when I’m alone, I don’t mind getting up early. Then I’ll come back for a midday nap. Then I’ll go back out again in the evening. Next, traveling solo allows for introspection. Where you are outside of your daily routine in another country. Or different states, and you really get some time to yourself to think and reflect.
And introspection is so important for us as humans to be mindful of how our actions and who we are. Traveling solo also allows you to really grow as a person. I get very homesick when I travel by myself, which puts me in uncomfortable situations. And to grow and to push through it. And when I come back, I’m like, I was just in Japan by myself. I can handle this work email. And you have to problem solve all by yourself. With those experiences, I get even 1% more mature. Another perk of traveling solo is that there is a higher chance your seat will be upgraded or you’ll be moved because you’re by yourself, compared to when you’re traveling with other people or in a group.
Traveling solo also allows me to practice communication skills because I have no one else to talk to. So, if I’m lost, I need directions, or I have to talk to the servers or the people around me—as an introvert, that’s very scary. But now, with solo travel, especially as a woman, comes solo travel safety. That’s very important. Some of the things I share may sound a little bit paranoid, but I’d rather be safe than sorry. And I’m going to err on the side of caution, so you can have the best time without worrying about anything. First, research your destination and find out its walking score. It’s a place you can walk to, especially if you don’t have a car.
Now, traveling in the off-season can be helpful because many flights and accommodations will be cheaper. On the flip side, it’s less crowded when there are many tourists because more people are outside. People are roaming the streets everywhere, but if you’re in IRCircle, you’re totally safe; it’s fine to go during the off-season, even though there aren’t many people out and about. In Korea and Japan, I felt very safe walking out at night. In. In Madrid, I also felt very safe, but there may be some cities and places you should avoid late at night, especially alleyways. Next, share your itinerary, like your flight number and the time, as well as your hotel, with someone at home or someone that you know who is in your home country.
That way, they can keep tabs on you and make sure you’re where you need to be, and they know where you’re staying in terms of your accommodations, just in case. Make sure you stay connected, whether you have Wi-Fi or an eSIM, or any other way you know you can contact someone, especially if you’re international, so you have a way to connect. My friends and I also have each other on Find My Friends. It’s just a way for us to make sure you know our friends are safe, and we’re also curious about where they are next. Make sure you pack lightly, especially when you’re traveling. Just take what you can carry by yourself, because there’s nobody who can help you in the overhead compartment.
When you’re lugging it through public transportation, you want to make sure you can handle it, because there’s nothing more pressuring than trying to get everything by yourself. Next, decide how you’ll get to and from the airport before you go. On your trips, this is just one less thing to worry about when you land. Where you already know how you’re going to get from the airport to your accommodations— whether it’s Uber, public transportation, or someone’s going to pick you up— know what you’re going to do. Secure your valuables; make sure your wallet and phone are in a pocket and not just hanging behind you. Make sure your thing is in the front. Nobody else is looking out for you, so you have to look out for yourself.
So I always have a sling bag. I make sure the zipper is in front of me, and I make sure my phone is always in my wallet, always in front of me, never behind me. Next, stay in reputable places and choose accommodations with many reviews. Where can you see the notes? How is it at night? How’s the noise level? Did people feel safe? I also like to check the location on Google Maps, tap the yellow person icon, and see what the surrounding area looks like. Of course, we can’t know for sure what a location is like, but it gives you a general idea of the neighborhood’s feel.
And if you’ll be using public transportation, make sure your accommodations are near a stop so you’re not walking, you know, 20 minutes every single night. Make sure to use the second lock in your hotel room—the one at the very top, like a little bar that goes across there. There have been stories of the front desk making a mistake and creating another key for someone who happens to open your hotel room. I’ve heard this happen before. Not to me. So you want to make sure nobody can barge into your hotel room, even if it’s a mistake. I always have the bar right across. That even if someone tried to open the door, they couldn’t come in.
Before heading out for the day, make sure you download Google Maps and preview the route you’ll take. Even if you’re looking at it and you’re like, ‘This doesn’t make any sense,’ at least you have it there. It’s open because, whenever you are out and about, and you’re looking a little lost, you’re really bringing attention to yourself because people notice. You want to make sure that you are safe and you don’t draw unnecessary attention to yourself. If you start to feel lonely, it’s also helpful to call a friend or a family member. And for me, I like to use either KakaoTalk, FaceTime, or Facebook. Messenger, and then I’ll either call my husband, my mom, or my dad.
Usually, that’s it. And then, usually, I’ll text my friends. I always vlog most of my trips. So that is very helpful for me not to feel alone, especially when I’m eating. I have my camera in front of me, and I feel like I’m eating with you guys. But for most people, it can start to feel daunting. However, enjoy the food. I found that the servers in Madrid were so nice to me because I was eating by myself. They would check in on me much more often and also give me free food. But I really had to learn to sit with the feeling of ‘I’m okay,’ ‘it’s okay,’ ‘I’m fine with it,’ and ‘it’s okay.’
It’s normal to feel alone sometimes, and it’s normal to sit with that feeling. But if solo dining is daunting, some places have solo dining options. Whether it’s taking food to go and eating it at a park, or some restaurants specialize in solo dining with just a small table for yourself. This is really popular in Asia. When I went to Korea, I went to get Myeongdong Gyoja, which is like a kalguksu place. And when I said I was eating by myself, they sent me upstairs, where everybody was eating alone. It’s just all these people at their own table. But you can also read a book, listen to a podcast, or an audiobook.
And we live in a generation where many people have their phones with them while they’re eating. But if you want to people watch, that’s fine too. Carry a safety device; once, I went to Europe and brought my pepper spray. I don’t even know how it made it to Europe with me, but then I was going from Prague to London, and I realized—oh no, I have my pepper spray in my backpack. So they made me throw it away. But I have found that, you know, hand sanitizer would probably hurt if you sprayed some on it. So know that—this could be something that helps you feel safe too. Hopefully, you never have to use a hydro fast water bottle or anything made of metal or tin.
Just in public settings, especially public transportation, surround yourself with families and children. I always feel safe when I see children walking around. It’s safe for them, it’s safe for you. I find it unfortunate that I have to think that way, but it is what it is. Know the emergency number for wherever you are in the United States: 9-1-1. But in other countries, it’s not. Like in Korea, it’s actually 119. Another safety thing is to be mindful of sharing your itinerary, especially on social media. I am on social media for me; I am mindful not to post in real time. So if I am eating at a restaurant, which you know, that could be like an hour experience, then I try to post after I leave because if I post right at that moment, you never know who could be looking at our socials, especially if your profile is not private.
Of course, if a viewer… said hi to me, I’d always be so happy and so excited. So this isn’t just for content creators; it’s for everyone. Just be mindful of what you’re posting, especially what hotel you’re at, or what you’d like to do for the entire week. Make sure to use a reliable mode of transportation so you don’t get scammed. Because I know there are different countries where some people have their own taxi lines, and you don’t know how much they’re charging. They can scam you. So be very mindful that you have a reliable means of transportation. I don’t mind using Uber in other countries, because there’s a customer service line.
So if anything happens, I can contact customer service and keep emergency cash on hand, because you don’t have anybody else to ask or rely on, and it’s nice to have some emergency cash. Shoes you need it back in 2013— not all places in Europe accepted cards, but I’m sure now that’s changed. Again, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Usually, I like to think of enough cash to last me one day, because I feel like, okay, then at least one day I can figure out whatever problems are happening. If you’re into it, you can talk to strangers, but be mindful to listen more about them before you share your whole life story and that kind of thing. You’re traveling alone and all that.
Because you want to be, make sure you feel out the vibe and that they are trustworthy, safe people to talk to. Make sure to have a portable charger with you so your phone doesn’t die when you need it most, because there’s nobody else you can borrow from. So I hope that this encourages you but also keeps you safe if you plan to… travel alone. But also remember that you are never truly alone. Behold, I am with you always to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20. If you like what you see, please like and subscribe, and I’ll see you later. Travel safely. Bye! Thank you.
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