The joys of solo travel are endless. There's freedom in exploring new places alone. You can go wherever you want, eat when you want, and enjoy quality time for yourself without interruptions. Interest in solo travel has been slowly growing for some time now, in tandem with a desire for deeper, slower, more connected travel. For many people, solo travel is the perfect way to achieve this. It gives you the opportunity to trust your instincts, follow your intuition, and immerse yourself in the experience. Relying on yourself, not on the whims and desires of others.
But for those new to solo travel, it can be a daunting prospect. In this age of constant connectivity, being alone for extended periods of time can be tough. Below, we spoke to travelers who frequently book solo trips about their golden rules for traveling alone.
It's not weird to eat alone
For most people, dining alone is one of the biggest barriers to traveling solo. But once you get past the certainty that everyone will be staring or criticizing you, it can be a completely liberating experience. “Dining alone is not as unusual as you might think,” says Estée Lalonde, a creative director and influencer with a passion for solo travel. “Personally, I find dining alone energizing. I'll bring a book with me, put on my headphones and watch my favorite show on Netflix, but I also sometimes chat with the people at the table next to me while enjoying the ambiance.”
If you feel a little odd, book a seat at the counter at a restaurant.
If you're nervous about dining alone, choose a seat at the bar or counter. It's much more comfortable than hogging a table, and you're more likely to strike up a conversation with the server or the person sitting next to you. “The first time I went out to eat alone was at JG Melon on New York City's Upper East Side,” says Sarah James, deputy digital editor at Conde Nast Traveler. “I brought a book, sat on a bar stool and ate my burger, but ended up chatting with the attractive bartender and the girls sitting next to me. Now, when I eat alone, I usually choose a counter seat and don't bring a book. I either talk to someone or just enjoy the silence. The general rule I follow is that we're all so wrapped up in our own lives that no one is really paying attention to anyone else.”
Consider a hostel
Not only are hostels affordable, they're also a great place to meet other travelers, solo or not. Many hostels have inexpensive on-site bars where you can naturally strike up conversation with people from your hometown who might turn into friends — or at the very least, give you some great tips on things to do.
Fake it till you make it
Most people feel nervous to meet new people. Introverts especially have a hard time taking the first step in a new place. But remember that everyone is in the same situation and most solo travelers have experienced the same emotions. The first 5 seconds are the hardest but once you have introduced yourself, you will soon realize that it is not as big a deal as you initially thought. You will regret letting a little embarrassment ruin your trip, so use that embarrassment as motivation to approach your fellow travelers. And remember, if you are confident, it will show. Fake it till you make it is a reliable life rule to follow.
Don’t consolidate all your assets
“This is a lesson I learned the hard way when I was pickpocketed in a crowded market in Jerusalem,” says Global Digital Director Arati Menon. “I foolishly carried all my credit cards and cash in one wallet. Luckily I didn't have my passport on me, but as a result I had no way to pay my hotel bill when I checked out that day. Now I always keep my cards and cash (and ID) separated in different places – my wallet, handbag, luggage – and, if possible, I keep at least one of these in a locked safe back at the hotel.”
Don't be afraid of loneliness
“Remember, a little solitude can be invigorating and character-building,” says Toby Skinner, features director at Condé Nast Traveler. “In my travel experience, people are generally polite, kind and interesting — and being alone makes this most keenly felt (whereas couples will likely stay away from anyone). Some of my most memorable travel experiences have been solo, such as when I was stranded in Nanjing at 2 a.m. in 2001 after a train delay left me stranded in the country at 2 a.m. and a local student let me stay in his dorm room for the night.”
Take the train
“While even the most extroverted traveler avoids small talk on airplanes, I find train travel a much more sociable mode of transportation,” says editor-in-chief Hannah Tway. “Last summer, I traveled solo from Santa Barbara to San Francisco on Amtrak's Coastal Starlight, spending the entire nine-hour trip in the communal observation lounge, where other travelers rotated in and out, sharing tables and playing cards while taking in the views. As the sun went down later in the trip, a few musical passengers formed an impromptu band with an acoustic guitar and mandolin. Gradually, word spread and people from other seats on the train joined in, taking turns singing songs in various languages. It may take a few hours longer than a flight, but who knows, you might even spot Julie Delpy's Ethan Hawke and spend an unexpected night together in Vienna.”
Plan around cultural events
Arriving at your destination just as locals are gearing up for a major cultural event is a great way to instantly immerse yourself in the culture. Check out religious festivals, bank holidays and street parties to see when is the best time to visit and plan accordingly. You'll get a true taste of the people, food and music, and maybe even make some friends along the way.
Explore solo travel destinations
“Do your research” sounds obvious, but it's an important step to remember. Look at online forums and talk to people who have been to the destination before. What safety precautions should you take? Is it safe to walk between locations, or would you be better off taking a taxi? Are taxis easy to find? What is the culture of the destination like at night? It's best to plan ahead, especially if you're a woman, to avoid being stranded in a remote area at night.
Make a rough plan for each day
It can be daunting to wake up in a brand new destination and not know where to start, so make sure you outline an itinerary for your trip. What are your absolute must-haves for this destination? Are there any big landmarks you have to visit? Are there any restaurants you've always wanted to try? Are there any beaches you've always wanted to visit? “I try to have three to five small activities in mind per day, like visiting certain stores or trying local cuisine,” says Este. “Having a bit of direction allows you to take time in between activities to explore the area spontaneously.”
Incorporate group activities
Booking a tour or group event is a great way to meet other travellers. Most hostels have a list of activities guests can sign up for; if they don't, there's a walking tour or a live music event at a local bar. “Try to see people as an opportunity,” advises Toby. “I recommend incorporating communal activities into your itinerary. You'll probably never see these people again, so you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain from any interaction. There might be a bit of male privilege involved, though.”
Walk as much as possible
“When I go to a new place and I'm traveling alone, sometimes I feel anxious about getting out of bed,” Este admits. “As soon as I get outside and start walking, I feel better. It's like I'm a part of the city, I belong there!” Exploring on foot is a great way to get the lay of the land in your destination. You'll soon form a mental map of the area near where you're staying, and you might stumble upon hidden gems you wouldn't have found otherwise.
Be spontaneous
In this regard, make room for impulse. Having a rough plan is definitely wise, but if you get a sudden urge to stop by a store, follow the sound of a crowd, or go to the beach, don't stop yourself from following your instincts. It's often the spontaneous decisions that lead to the best experiences.
Bring a good book
It's easy to whip out your phone and scroll when you're alone – it's a great way to de-stress when you're feeling tense – but few things are more romantic than settling into a street-side cafe and losing yourself in the pages of a good book.
Please bring your diary
While journaling has become a popular hobby recently, keeping a travel journal is the perfect way to combine the mental health benefits of writing out your thoughts and feelings with the memories and emotions of solo travel. “All that time alone helps me clear my head, so journaling is a great way to get in touch with my emotions,” explains Este.
Keep a separate copy of your personal information
It may sound old-fashioned, but instead of printing out all your bank details, phone numbers and accommodation details on paper, try writing it all down and emailing it to yourself. That way, if you lose your phone, you can ask the accommodation receptionist or any staff at the hotel, restaurant or bar to borrow your phone and you can log into your email account and access what you need. It's also important to remember your card details and emergency phone numbers (both your personal ones and the local emergency service numbers).
Take other safety measures
There are many ways to protect yourself when traveling solo. Sharing your location with friends and family back home is a great way to stay in touch without actually messaging them. They can watch your journey from afar and track your location even if you've been out of contact for a while. If you're staying in a hostel, remember to bring a padlock for your backpack and locker, and study some basic phrases in the language of your destination in case you get lost and need help.
Don't forget insurance
Things are bound to go wrong when traveling, and if you're a solo traveler, you want to reduce the stress of itinerary changes. Travel insurance is the best way to protect yourself against cancelled flights and other unexpected situations, and it will also cover the costs of injury or theft. It sounds scary, but it's worth it if the worst happens.
A version of this story originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveler.
