Flying Solo: Practical Advice for Your Next Adventure

Traveling alone can be one of the most rewarding experiences out there. It allows you to explore at your own pace, giving you freedom to enjoy your own journey. However, it can also be daunting. Whether it's your first time or your fiftieth, it never hurts to be prepared. This post offers practical advice for anyone ready to embark on a solo adventure.

Planning and Preparation

Plan Ahead and Stay Flexible

"Failing to plan is planning to fail." That's a frequently used quote in my household when getting ready for our next trip. When it comes to traveling solo or with others, planning is key. Research where you're going, book your accommodations, and draft a rough itinerary of what you'd like to do. However, be ready for an AirBnB to fall through, for cars to break down, and for flights to be canceled. I don't want to discourage any would-be travelers. Rather, I want to prepare you for the eventual speedbumps that might come along. Ensuring that when you're out there on your own, you can maneuver any obstacles with ease.

Take One Bag

"One bag for an entire trip?" yes, trust me. Having just one bag while traveling will make your life considerably easier. If you find yourself lugging two suitcases, and a backpack through the crowded streets of Rome, it might be time to rethink your packing list. I understand overpacking; I used to do it all the time. But carrying that much will make you stick out like a sore thumb to those ready to take advantage of tourists. Plus, you won't be able to relax until you get to where you're staying to drop everything off.

Now imagine stepping out of the airport with just one backpack. You've got everything you need to start exploring right away. No need to stop by the hotel, just head to the nearest cafe, grab a cappuccino, and plan your adventures for the day.

Pack Light

When traveling alone, you're going to be the only one carrying your bag. Save yourself a backache and pack light. Focus on versatile clothes, essential toiletries, and important travel documents. For a more detailed breakdown of my go-to packing list, check out my 2024 Travel Essentials post. A good rule of thumb when packing clothes is to pack what you think you need, and only take half of that.

Learn some basics of the language

If you're traveling abroad, save yourself from sticking out as a tourist. Learning some basic words and phrases in the local language will do wonders. You probably won't fool anyone into thinking you're a local but learning the basics like "hello," "please," "thank you," and "Where can I find?" can put you way ahead of other travelers who don't put in the effort.

Staying Safe

Stay Connected

To ensure your safety when traveling alone, keep your family and friends up to date on your whereabouts. Share your travel plans with them, check in regularly, and consider using apps like Find My Friends or other location-sharing services. Taking these precautions can ensure someone knows where you are, which can be critical in case of an emergency.

Trust Your Instincts

Traveling alone can remove the safety in numbers that traveling with others can sometimes provide. When you're on your own, your intuition is one of the strongest tools for staying safe. If something feels off to you, trust your gut and remove yourself from the situation immediately. It’s better to be cautious and avoid any risky scenarios. Always have a backup plan. Know the location of your country’s embassy or consulate. If worst comes to worst, it's best to be prepared.

Keep Copies of Important Documents

Make digital and physical copies of important documents like your passport, visa, travel insurance, driver's license, and emergency contacts. Store them separately from the originals. This can save you a lot of trouble if you lose your documents. Having to visit your country's embassy to get a new temporary passport is a headache you want to avoid.

Embrace the Adventure

Perhaps most importantly, don't forget to embrace the adventure. It's easy to get bogged down in planning, worry about safety, and stress about flight schedules. There's no doubt that solo travel can be challenging, and stressful, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. It teaches you self-reliance, broadens your perspective, and offers a unique sense of freedom. My favorite trips have been the first few I took on my own. Focus on having fun, enjoying new experiences, taking lots of photos, and making memories that will last you a lifetime. Happy travels!