I’m no stranger to solo travel. I’ve been to London, Prague, & traipsed through the Italian countryside on my own, just to name a few spots. Most people are a combination of impressed, surprised, and concerned I routinely explore to world on my own. I tell them it’s no big deal, they don’t believe me. So I thought I’d share some solo travel tips I’ve learned along way that allow me to travel alone without fear or angst crippling me.
Hopefully, these solo travel tips will encourage those of you on the fence about traveling alone to get out there and make the most of your visit, while remaining safe doing so.
Featuring:
Tip #1: Research Where You’re Visiting
Before leaving, check out the cities you are visiting. This is a good way to prepare for any situations you may encounter. It’ll also help increase your comfort level about being in new surroundings. Now, you don’t have to become a walking encyclopedia, like I tend to do, 😉 but at least brush up on:
- Any social/cultural norms & no-nos (e.g. in some places, giving the “okay” or “thumbs up” signs are considered rude)
- Prevalent local scams or schemes (i.e. pickpockets at the Eiffel Towel or the friendship bracelet trap– I saw this one first hand at the Vatican)
- Any dodgy areas you need to either avoid or be extra vigilant about
- Basic words and phrases in the native language
Tip #2: Have a Travel Itinerary
Having an overview of the activities I want to do really allows me the peace of mind to enjoy myself. The agenda isn’t there to lock me in, it’s there so I don’t lose track of the important things I want to experience, to ensure that I never find myself bored, and for back up plans encase something falls through. You can’t predict the weather or if whether or not something will be closed.
Your itinerary can be as involved or high level as you want it to be. I’m a planner by nature, as anyone that knows me will tell you, so it’s no surprised my travel plan is quite detailed. 😄 I have everything from hotel & embassy addresses, to the weather, a daily agenda, activities organized by type, and much, much more.
No, I am not ashamed. This give me comfort, which means I can concentrate on having a good time. If you want to see what one of my travel itineraries look like, join my email list and you’ll receive a free copy of my travel planner to organize your next excursion.
Tip #3: Stay Where You Feel Safe
Be sure your accommodations are somewhere you feel safe coming & going both day and night. And preferably somewhere with restaurants and a bit of nightlife in walking distance. (Trust me, you’ll appreciate the option of a late night meal the very first time you get back to your room after room service has ended–been there, done that.) This is key whether you chose to stay at a hotel, a hostel, or an Airbnb.
I prefer hotels when I’m solo. I feel safer knowing there’s someone in the lobby 24/7 I can ask for help or recommendations if needed. I also like knowing my possessions are safe & secure while I’m out sightseeing & enjoying myself.
Tip #4: Look Good, Not Like a Target
Please don’t wander around looking like a tourist or an easy target for anyone seeking to include you in their nefarious plans.
Try to blend in: Referring to the first of my solo travel tips, this something I research beforehand. In some places, showing up to dinner in cargo shorts & tennis shoes will get you denied at the door, as well as peg you as an American (no athletic shoes unless you’re working out). And unless I’m going somewhere that warrants it, I don’t over do it with fancy attire. No sense in calling attention to yourself doing too much when it’s not called for.
Be aware of your personal items: I’m always cognizant when I have my gadgets out. Usually there’s a camera around my neck, another video camera in my hand, and my cell phone is in the mix as well. (You should have seen me at the Vatican, I was THAT person-lol. 😄)
If I’m going have a lot of equipment out, it’s during the day and while I’m at the specific attraction I came to see. I listen to my gut on this one. If I’m feeling comfortable, I keep it around my neck so I can easily capture images that grab my attention. At night, or if I’m not feeling very comfortable, I keep my camera in my bag within easy grabbing distance should I need it.
Shopping: Don’t walk around armed downed with lots of shopping bags & packages. I carry a medium sized, cross body bag that has room for quite a bit of stuff in there. When I do purchase something, it goes in my bag. This way, I’m not walking around with an arm full of shopping bags plus a big camera around my neck. I’m not implying anyone is looking to harm you, but I personally feel more comfortable when strolling around solo, not appearing as if I have a ton of valuables or cash on me.
Tip #5: Be aware of Your Surroundings
It’s easy to get caught up in excitement and awe when you’re taking in the sights & sounds of a new city. But don’t get so caught up that you lose touch with your environment. I do a lot of walking around on my own & while I enjoy the moment I’m in, I maintain awareness of what & who is around me.
Remember, some main attractions may not be in super friendly areas, and other places are notorious for pickpockets & schemes (see tip #1 again). If you are out at night, this goes double. Use common sense and pay attention to your intuition. If you ever feel uncomfortable or in danger, leave. Go to a public spot (safety in numbers) or pop into a restaurant, bar, or store to get your bearings, and help, if needed.
Tip 6#: Be Aware of Your Possessions
As mentioned in solo travel tips #1, #4, & #5, know where you’re going, don’t look like a target, and be aware of your surroundings. Being mindful of your personal possessions piggybacks on this sentiment. This includes equipment you may be carrying, walking around with a lot of shopping bags, or wearing expensive jewelry. Not only do you need to be aware in general, be aware as to where you place your valuables as well.
- Be aware of people in your personal space, especially in areas where pickpockets are common
- Keep your bags closed & close to your body
- Don’t flaunt or draw extra attention to yourself
- Be mindful of where you place your wallet and cash–I don’t place anything in my back pockets. It’s too easy to liberate items placed there in crowed places.
- Ladies, check out Eshaki for some super cute dress & skirt options with pockets. I’ve gotten a few from here with very deep front pockets that I LOVE using to store my phone & money in.
Tip #7: Money, Money, Money, Money
This one is simple, keep it safe & don’t keep a lot on you. I use cash for smaller shops & restaurants, public transit, tipping, and for purchases with street vendors. I estimate how much cash I think I’ll need during the day, then I keep that amount in a place I can easily access. Trust me, you don’t want to be drawing attention to yourself making a production of removing money from your wallets, pockets, or bags.
I also keep groups of bills separately and in different spots in my wallet. This way, if I need only need $2, I know where get it without having to pull out my entire wad of cash to flip through.
Tip #8: Daylight is Your Workhorse
Use the daylight hours to get in the majority of your sight seeing and wandering. I also use this time to get my bearings and the lay of the land. If you know me, you know I can be directionally challenged and *may* get lost on occasion…😊
Tip #9: The Nighttime Can be the Right Time
You’ve not really experienced a city if you’ve not seen it lit up at night. The Louvre, The Trevi Fountain, the Charles Bridge, (I could go on…) are beautiful once the sun goes down. Plus, there’s a completely different vibe that falls on a city at night. Just use a little caution and a lot of common sense, see previous tips #5, #6, & #7 again. 🙂
While I mostly walk during the day, I use taxis or public transit (if I’m staying close to a station) to get around at night. Again, listen to your own intuition here. Don’t be afraid to get out after sundown and explore. Go get yourself a nice meal, do a river cruise, check out a speakeasy or nightclub, or just go see some of your favorite sights all lit up.
Tip #10: Mind Your Alcohol🍹
Everyone loves a good beverage, I know I do.😉 Part of my trip to Prague was dedicated to exploring their cocktail culture. I easily visited 10 different cocktail bars, not including cafes and breweries I tried during my day excursions.
However, and this one of my more important solo travel tips, do not over indulge in spirits and wine. Especially if you are traveling as a single female. You need to keep a relatively clear head so you don’t find yourself in any uncomfortable, or embarrassing, situations. Plus, who wants to deal with a major hangover while on vacation?
Tip #11: Google Maps is Your Friend
Whether you use a map app on your phone, or an old school paper map, have a good idea of where you’re going before you set out for day. Personally, I LOVE Google Maps when I’m in Europe. It gives me the best walking directions for navigating the curvy, criss-crossing streets. And as long as I have wifi, I’ve never gotten lost (except that one time in Venice, but that’s a whole nother story-lol 😆)
And ALWAYS know how to get back to your hotel. Which leads me right into my next tip.
#12: Pin Your Hotel in Your Map App
This is an extension of Tip#11, but it warrants being mentioned on its own. Once I get to my hotel, I pin its location in Google Maps. Just in case I get off track or turned around and have absolutely no clue where I am (*cough* Venice *cough*), I can always pull up the pin and get instant directions from my current location to my hotel without having to have an address to plug in.
~Side note~ Go ahead and save your hotel’s address and phone number in your phone as well. It’s a good back up I appreciate having because with me, Murphy’s Law is always in full affect. Always.
#13: Get Acquainted with the Concierge
While we’re discussing hotels & contingency plans, I picked up this tip when I was in London 5 years ago quite by accident. The concierge asked me early on in my trip, what I had on my agenda for the day. I told him and he immediately gave me helpful navigation tips to get where I was going and cautioned me to be vigilant. In my research of my destination, I never got a hint it could possibly get dodgy (which it does at night) or that tourists were targeted there. It just goes to show, you can only learn so much via the internet. Running your plans by a local you trust is a great way to ensure you stay safe and have a less stressful time. In fact, for the remainder of my stay in London, the concierge gave me helpful insight on getting in and around London, plus some of the best places to visit.
#14: Know when to stop & smell the roses🌹
They say failing to plan is planning to fail. And this speaks to the core of my Type A personality. However, know when to follow your plan, and when to meander off road. This is another one of those solo travel tips I learned the hard way. I wore myself out in Paris with a list of items as long as my arm of things to do & see. I was all over the city and had a blast, but my time management was blown to heck. And since to sun sets late there, I didn’t get in from my day adventures until well after 9:00 pm most nights. Can you say tired? So, don’t underestimate a midday break or early evening nap to recharge, especially if you have evening plans.
Don’t get so focused on your travel plan that you physically push yourself too hard. Again, learned the hard way in Prague when I strained my calf muscle. No one wants to deal with injuries on a good day, let alone when you’re on vacation. Injuries sustained either because you’re too tired or you’ve pushed your body too hard are easy to avoid. When you get tired, sit down. Even if you’re not tired, sit down. Have a rest, grab a bite to eat, or a glass of wine. Sit back, people watch, and just let yourself enjoy being present & in the moment.
#15: Have fun
Ummm, duh! This is why you did all that prep work, packed all those clothes, and traveled all those miles. Relax, be smart, and have a great time! Remember to be fluid and let the stress go. Sometimes the best memories are unplanned. If something goes wrong, handle it, don’t dwell on it. If something you want to see or do is unavailable, it’s okay to be disappointed, but don’t wallow.
My main reason for visiting Prague was to see the Astronomical Clock. I’ve been wanting to see this clock since I was in the 6th grade! Wouldn’t you know, I get to Prague and it’s closed for renovations. 😢 Was I disappointed: Yes! Did I let this ruin my trip: Hell no! solo travel tips
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