Solo travel is already a big deal for millennials and it’s only going to get bigger. The truth is, we can’t wait to escape from our everyday lives. We may not always be able to take a vacation with friends or family, and we might not even have anyone who wants to travel right along with us. But we do want the experience of traveling—the knowledge that we’ve seen something new, learned more about the world around us, and hopefully grown as people. solo travel is the best way to do that! Especially because of its huge number of benefits.
What are the Benefits of Solo Travel?
- It’s often cheaper than group trips—saving you money that you can spend on amazing experiences.
- You won’t feel pressured to join in with other people’s interests or itineraries, so you’ll get to explore your own authentic self while traveling solo.
- You’ll get more opportunities to interact with others doing solo travel for similar reasons, which can lead to lasting friendships and memories.
- Here’s a look at all the important aspects of solo travel, from the feeling of accomplishment to a whole list of things you should know before you go on your first solo adventure–plus tips on how you can make your trip a success! What are the Benefits of Solo Travel?
- You’ll save money on a vacation—in the long run, you’ll be able to spend it on experiences you’ll never forget.
- You’ll get to travel at your own pace, not having to rush to be somewhere at a certain time.
- You’ll get to experience the world without the pressure of others depending on you, which will help you appreciate your trip even more.
- You’ll learn more about yourself, both as a person and as a traveler.
- You’ll meet new people who are on similar paths as you are, which will help you stay motivated and positive throughout your trip.
- You’ll make lasting memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Resources for Planning Your Solo Trip
No two solo vacation experiences are the same (yes, even if you’re traveling alone), which means you’ll need to figure out your own route while you’re planning your trip. To help you navigate all the details, here are 9 resources that will assist you in preparing to travel solo:
This independent travel guide is a great resource for anyone planning on travel solo in 2012 or beyond. Whether you need to see which countries will be the most interesting, which cities you should visit, or which accommodations are most affordable, it has everything needed to guide you along. You’ll also find how to get a solo trip off the ground and tips on how to make your trip worthwhile—you know, because traveling solo should still be fun! Check out this site for everything you need to know to plan your solo trip. You’ll find travel tips, info on the best solo travel apps, what solo travelers should do and not do, and even a free video to help you on your way.
Travel Alone Tips:
If you’re a little hesitant about traveling solo, or just looking for some helpful tips on what to expect, here are a few to keep in mind:
1. Avoid Lodging With a Single Supplement
If you’re staying in a single room or a shared room with another person, you’ll be required to pay an extra cost for a room with a single bed.
2. Don’t Rush
When you travel alone, you don’t have to rush to get to a certain place or do a certain activity. You’ll have more time to explore and get to know the culture. This can also make your trip more affordable and less stressful.
3. Make Friends
If you’re traveling solo, you’ll probably be around other people doing the same thing as you. You’ll get to know people in your area, which will be easier to do than when you’re traveling with a group. That said, if you’re planning to do a lot of solo travel, it can be helpful to make friends with a few other solo travelers before you go so you can help each other along the way.
4. Have Fun
Even though you’ll be alone a lot, traveling solo doesn’t mean you’ll have to miss out on the fun!
You can still have as much fun as you want—even more fun than you would if you were traveling with a group. There are plenty of ways to have a good time when you’re traveling solo, including going to a live music show, watching a movie, or even doing a little yoga!
5. Keep a Budget
When you’re traveling solo, you’ll be responsible for your own expenses. This can be both an advantage and a disadvantage.
You can choose to spend money on the things that you want, which will help you enjoy your trip more. On the other hand, if you don’t budget your money, you might find yourself spending too much and have to go back home early.
6. Learn to Navigate
When you travel solo, you’ll need to be comfortable with managing your own travel plans and figuring out what to do when you need to get somewhere.
There are plenty of apps and online resources to help you with this, but some travelers prefer to use a map and printed guide when they travel solo.
7. Read Up on Local Culture
If you’re traveling solo, it can be helpful to learn a little bit about the culture in the area you’re visiting.
There are a lot of resources out there to help you learn about a new place, including this guide that helps you learn a little bit about the history, culture, and geography of any country you’re visiting.
8. Go Where the Food is
When you’re traveling solo, it can be helpful to learn what the local food is like in the area you’re visiting.
If you’re not too fussy, you’ll probably find that the local food is good enough that you don’t have to eat out.
However, if you want to enjoy a more diverse food experience, it can be helpful to go to a restaurant where you can order different types of food.
9. Stay Safe
When you’re traveling solo, it can be helpful to know what to do if you need help while you’re traveling.
For example, if you’re traveling in a foreign country, you’ll need to know where the local police station is and how to get help if you need it.
If you’re going to be spending a lot of time in a foreign country, it can be helpful to take a few safety courses to learn what to do if you need help.
10. Make a List of Your Emergency Contact Information
If you’re traveling solo, you’ll need to make sure you know who to contact if you get into an emergency.
It can be helpful to make a list of all your emergency contacts, including your family members, friends, and medical providers.
11. Make Sure You’re Prepared
If you’re traveling solo, you’ll need to make sure you’re prepared for any unexpected events.
You should always have your passport and emergency contact information on hand, but you should also have a few other items on hand to help you if you need them.
You should make sure you have these items with you at all times:
A medical kit
A map
A flashlight
A book or magazine
A travel pillow
Conclusion:
If you are planning to take a solo trip, there are many things you need to consider. First, you must pick the right destination. Then, make sure your travel insurance is in place. You should also pack everything you need for your trip when traveling alone in order to have an enjoyable time. To learn more about the benefits of traveling on your own, check out our blog post today!
