If you are someone who desires to explore the world but feels anxious about traveling alone, don’t worry. Traveling by yourself encourages you to break out of your comfort zone and engage with individuals you would not typically interact with. Moreover, being a solo traveler has a unique power in attracting fellow travelers towards you. Solo individuals are more welcoming compared to couples or groups, resulting in invitations to join day trips, share transportation, or have a meal together.
Even though you will experience moments of solitude, it is inevitable that you will be alone at certain times. However, any instances of being by yourself will be worth it, as you may discover your new closest companion, your true love, or simply an amazing group of individuals to venture the world alongside, at your next destination.
No one can teach you how to travel alone at the end of the day. Once you have experienced it, you will be able to determine if solo travel is suitable for you. Meanwhile, here are some additional tips and tricks that I wish I had known before my initial solo backpacking adventure, which will ensure a smooth and stress-free trip for you.
Preparation is key
It is important to conduct thorough research on your destination. Identify the locations that are considered ‘dangerous’ and familiarize yourself with common travel scams. Additionally, ensure you are aware of any government travel advice pertaining to your destination.
It is important to think sequentially while rephrasing a text without adding or removing any information. This also applies to the task of maintaining the original meaning.
- Make sure to have a rough idea of the city lay-out in order to avoid a sneaky taxi detour.
- Learn a bit of the local language.
- Carry a phone number and address (in the local language) of your guesthouse with you.
- Consider to pre-book your accommodation in your first destination
Avoid taxi scams
When I arrive at a busy taxi/riksja/tuktuk stand, my strategy is usually to choose the driver who appears to be the least interested or possibly even taking a nap. This reduces the likelihood of encountering any malicious intentions. Another helpful tip is to ask the hostel/guesthouse for contact information of reputable taxi drivers in the area. While this may result in a slightly longer wait compared to hailing a taxi on the street, it ensures that you are with a reliable driver. However, be cautious of taxis that already have one or more passengers inside (although this practice is commonly accepted in some countries).
Buy travel insurance
It is crucial that I emphasize this point. In the event of any issues while traveling alone, the last thing you need to worry about is the expense of emergencies. Whether it involves a hospital visit or the theft of your phone, insurance will provide the necessary coverage. We have utilized our insurance unexpectedly numerous times while traveling. In the best case scenario, you have paid for it and do not need to use it, while in the worst case scenario, it prevents you from accumulating significant debt amounting to tens of thousands of dollars.
Don’t flash fancy jewelry
I am awful at this. My DSLR is always hanging around my neck. Nonetheless, I suggest that you avoid doing the same and ensure that valuable possessions are not visible. This recommendation applies to expensive jewelry or laptops/tablets that may appear expensive.
Don’t dress sexy
For female solo backpackers, it is essential to consider a travel safety tip – checking the dress code of the country you are visiting. In case the dress code permits revealing clothes, it is still important to prioritize your personal comfort level when deciding what to wear in your destination. Typically, I tend to adjust my attire according to the fashion preferences of young local women.
Act confident
For solo backpackers, having a plan or acting like you have a plan is crucial and considered one of the top safety tips. Based on my experience, arriving at a crowded bus or train station in a new place poses a high risk for theft. Instead of appearing lost, it is advisable to pretend to be familiar with your destination and locate a peaceful area to strategize your next steps.
Find company
Being with company makes you less vulnerable. When I travel by bus or train, I usually make an effort to connect with a fellow local passenger. The chances are high, around 99%, that they will take good care of me during the journey. Additionally, I often inform long-distance bus drivers that I am a foreigner. For instance, on a bus ride from China to Laos (known for theft incidents), the kind bus driver arranged a 1-person bed at the front of the bus for me. During this journey, three people were robbed, all of whom were sleeping at the back of the bus. I firmly believe that small actions can have a significant impact.
Packing for solo travel
If you’re not going to an extremely remote place, chances are you can buy most things overseas in case you forget something from home. However, it’s comforting to have the certainty that you have everything you need before boarding the plane. When backpacking alone, you don’t have the chance to borrow items from a friend. Here are some essential items we always bring when traveling.
- Buff
- Good travel shoes
- Shawl
- Quick dry towel
- Multi-country Converter
- Reef-safe sunscreen
How to meet people while traveling
I previously mentioned that meeting people is not a difficult task, and it truly isn’t. However, it is necessary for you to place yourself in circumstances that offer the possibility of encountering others. If you are comfortable with the youthful and adventurous ambiance of backpacking, hostels are an excellent location to connect with fellow travelers. It is important to note that not all hostels are exclusively focused on partying. By referring to HostelWorld, you can typically discover a variety of options, ranging from lively hostels to more relaxed and laid-back ones.
If you’re not comfortable staying at a hostel, it can be more challenging to socialize with others when staying at a hotel or Airbnb. However, there are online resources available that can help you meet new people. One such resource is Couchsurfing, which allows you to stay with and connect with locals or other travelers. Additionally, Couchsurfing frequently organizes meetups in popular cities, providing opportunities for large groups to gather and engage in conversations about travel.
Additionally, there are popular Facebook groups specifically for travelers, where you can locate companions to embark on journeys together. If you are seeking recommendations on the top destinations for solo travel, female-oriented groups such as Girls Love Travel and the Girl Crew Facebook groups and app provide excellent guidance. Moreover, these groups offer ample opportunities to connect with amiable locals and fellow travelers who are enthusiastic about meeting up.
