Travel Tips for Solo Travellers

Travel Tips for Solo Travellers

I vividly remember my first experience of travelling to a foreign city alone. A few years ago, I went to Kuala Lumper to visit my food blogger friends. While it was a relatively short trip, it was enough to get me hooked on the idea of travelling alone.

I was intoxicated by the idea of venturing out to see the world by myself. A few months after my Kuala Lumpur trip, I took the plunge and went on an solo adventure to Sydney. Ever since then, I never looked back.

I like travelling alone because I feel that it gives us the opportunity to rediscover and find out more about ourselves.

If you’ve always wanted to travel alone, plan a trip and go for it! I promise you will be rewarded by the experience. But before you go, let me share some tips on travelling alone.

Be comfortable with yourself.

For people who are new to traveling alone, they may find the challenge daunting. There are many people who are uncomfortable being alone. I have no problem with that as I actually like to be alone sometimes. I like catching a movie by myself, I like to eat alone; I appreciate having ‘me time’ as I can get away from people. If you are afraid of being lonely, you can always read a book, or play games on your phone during the journey.

Always keep your valuables out of sight.

This is the basic rule of travelling. Always keep your valuables from sight, don’t attract the wrong attention. For women travelling alone, avoid being too flashy, and learn to blend in with the local crowd.

Talk to other travellers and make friends.

When you travel alone, it is easier to talk to other travellers and make friends. Not that you can’t do that while travelling with companions, but most of the time it is just so much easier to stick in a group. Pick up your courage and talk to people.

Write down a list of things that you want to accomplish on the trip.

Experience dining alone in a restaurant. Check. Chat with people from five different countries. Check. Learn a new skill during the trip. Check. There are so many things that you can do.

The best part about travelling alone is that you have the freedom to do whatever you like; there’s no need to accommodate anyone. So enjoy the ‘me time‘ and do things that you’ve always wanted to do.

Plan your itinerary ahead.

For me, the biggest problem when travelling alone is food. It is difficult because I can’t order more to share. I always try to plan my itinerary ahead by researching on food places to eat. I’d usually have a list of cheap eats, and another list of restaurants to splurge on.

Another challenge of travelling alone is definitely accommodation. There’s no one to share the cost with, so it is important for solo travellers to plan ahead.

Check out hostels or apartments for rental. They are generally cheaper than staying in hotels. For female travellers, safety and cleanliness of accommodation are the most important factors – read reviews and ask your friends if they have any recommendations.

Know the important numbers

It is also important to note down important details like emergency numbers to call: local embassy in the city (they will be helpful if you get into any trouble), banks hotline (to report credit card cancellation if your wallet is lost), family and friends’ contact details (in case your phone is stolen).

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I know it is not an easy thing to step out of your comfort zone and travel alone, especially for women because of safety concerns.

But if you take the necessary precautions, everyone can experience the beauty of travelling alone. In fact, I have met many female solo travellers, and a few of my good friends also travel alone frequently.

Travelling is food for the soul. Plan your next trip; go out and see the world!