Traveling alone is one of the most empowering and liberating decisions you can make. You get to do the activities you want on your schedule and travel at your own pace, creating a trip that perfectly suits your needs and preferences.
While a solo trip can be an exciting and life-changing experience, it can also be intimidating, especially if you're inexperienced. The key is to prepare beforehand and learn some best practices for independent travel.
From prepping your cell phone to planning for the unexpected, learning how to take a solo trip can open a world of possibilities. Check out our solo travel guide below for all of the important tips you should know.
1. Do Your Research Before Leaving
The best way to travel alone is to research the places you're going before planning or booking anything. The more you know about the places you're visiting, the better.
Read up on the local culture and how residents live there. Do a thorough online search to determine where the safest neighborhoods are and where to stay.
Before booking accommodations, read through all the online reviews and find a hotel or rental space with a good reputation.
2. Be Flexible and Don't Overplan
Planning every moment of your trip can be tempting. You want to make the most of every dollar and minute spent on your travels. However, you can only plan for so much, and being flexible is key to having the best time on your trip.
New opportunities might pop up, or a plan may go differently than expected. Be open to mixing things up and going with the flow — you never know what you can discover by going off the beaten path for a little bit. It'll make the moments like a canceled dinner reservation or a double-booked hotel room less stressful, too.
When it comes to traveling across the country or internationally, learning to be flexible is especially important, as more than 21% of flights have been delayed in 2023.
3. Share Your Travel Plans With Loved Ones
One of the most important tips for solo travel is to share your plans with your loved ones. Let them know your itinerary for each day and where you expect to be.
Stay connected with friends and family throughout the day and share updates about your adventures. Consider sharing your GPS location with someone you trust throughout the trip. This tip can be lifesaving.
4. Start Close to Home at First
If you're a first-time solo traveler, going on a major trip out of the country or a state far away can be stressful and lead to a poor first experience. Beginning with a few smaller trips close to home can be very advantageous if you've never traveled alone.
Going on a solo day or weekend trip can help you get your bearings and figure out how you like to travel. Building your experience over time can help you feel more like a pro when the time comes for your first international solo trip.
5. Pack Only the Essentials
When traveling on your own, it can be tempting to overpack so you don't forget anything and feel prepared. However, bringing too much stuff with you is unnecessary and can put a damper on your experience, especially when you're stuck carrying more than one bag up a steep flight of stairs or on public transportation.
When packing, only include the essentials. Choose clothing items you can mix and match to optimize your luggage space. You should be able to comfortably carry your suitcase or bag around without struggling.
6. Get Travel Insurance
Getting travel insurance before a solo trip can bring you peace of mind and make handling last-minute or emergency situations much less stressful.
Some key situations that travel insurance can assist with include:
- Trip cancellations
- Emergency medical coverage
- Trip interruptions
Pay attention to your travel destination's rules and laws. Some governments require all visitors to have travel insurance with medical coverage before entering the country.
7. Check in With Your Cell Phone Provider
If you're traveling abroad, it's important to contact your mobile service provider and inform them of your upcoming trip. You'll likely need an international phone plan and a prepaid SIM card to use your smartphone in a different country.
Your service provider can help you avoid data roaming charges and ensure your phone will work while you're away.
8. Always Be Alert and Aware of Your Surroundings
Staying alert is an essential safety tip for solo travelers. Keeping a close eye on your surroundings can help you avoid as many undesirable situations as possible.
Some additional tips for staying alert include:
- Don't wear headphones while walking around in public.
- Keep your eyes up and focus on your surroundings — not on your phone.
- Always present yourself like you know where you're going.
- Always stay sober enough to be safe.
9. Bring a Custom First-Aid Kit
When packing for your solo trip, always remember to bring a first-aid kit with you. Having a kit handy will make dealing with minor inconveniences, like a scraped knee or headache, easier.
You can customize your first-aid kit to include the tools and products most important to you. Some ideas of what to pack include:
- Bandages
- Antibacterial cream
- Pain reliever
- Bug spray
If you have specific allergies or medical needs, packing your medications is essential, so be sure to include those, as well.
10. Step out of Your Comfort Zone
Once you understand how to travel solo safely, it's time to step out of your comfort zone and engage yourself in the local culture. Taking a trip alone allows you to branch out and interact with new people.
Immerse yourself in the local lifestyle. Attend local events happening while you're there. Eat at local restaurants that serve the area's cuisine. Go shopping at small businesses and consider signing up for guided tours or classes during your trip.
The beauty of traveling solo is that you have total say over what you do on your trip, so use the opportunity to try something new.
11. Create Backup Plans
Having backup plans will help you handle mishaps better during your travels. Plan for things like your phone battery dying or your debit card not working.
Backup plan ideas include the following:
- Find secondary accommodations in case your first option isn't safe or comfortable.
- Write down the name and address of your accommodations on paper and carry it with you.
- Keep emergency cash on you, preferably in a pouch or pocket of your bag separate from your wallet.
- Bring a backup battery source for your phone.
- Take pictures of all your important travel documents and upload them to the cloud, so you have backup copies.
12. Plan With a Travel Advisor
Working with a professional travel advisor can make your entire trip more pleasurable. They can help you find a quality place to stay and handle the booking details. Most travel advisors have connections and can link you with a tour guide for your trip. As a result, you can rest assured knowing your solo trip is planned perfectly for your interests and needs.
Plan Your Next Solo Trip With AAA
If you're interested in taking a solo trip soon, turn to AAA. You can enjoy easy planning when you work with a AAA travel advisor. One of our expert advisors can help you with booking accommodations and transportation for your adventure.
AAA Travel gives you peace of mind at every phase of your trip, from planning to arriving home. Members can enjoy a wide range of exclusive benefits and vacation packages. Whether you need travel insurance or a passport, we have you covered.
Plan your next trip with Central Penn AAA today!
