Traveling solo can be an amazing adventure, but it can also be extremely daunting. This morning, I had a conversation with my sister-in-law, Taylor, about her first solo trip. As I lounged on the couch, sipped my coffee, and talked about what to do when traveling alone, I got to thinking that there are probably a lot of people like Talyor who haven’t yet traveled alone and may benefit by hearing from someone who has.
Why People Love Solo Travel
For me, it’s all about the independence. I don’t need to consult with someone to make a decision. No one else’s preferences need to come into play when deciding where to go, how to spend my day or where to eat. It’s also about self-discovery. Traveling alone allows you to learn more about yourself and grow as an individual. Taylor feels like learning to travel alone will open up the world for her exploration, and she’s not wrong! Whether you enjoy alone time periodically or even just appreciate that the cost is less overall when you don’t need to pay for your significant other, there are benefits to solo travel.
Planning Your Solo Trip
Taylor and I started by discussing the importance of planning and considering where things may become tough. “Thinking ahead is key,” I told her. “Understanding what to expect and how to handle the challenges makes all the difference.” Taylor’s first solo trip won’t be completely alone. She’ll be flying on her first solo flight and riding to a hotel at Universal Studios where my youngest daughter and I will meet up with her. Then, she’ll turn around and do the same thing when heading back home, only this time she’ll be a little more used to it. That said, while she’ll only travel alone for a portion of the trip, the basic concepts of solo travel are the same. The first step was choosing her flights and Taylor was working hard to stay within a predetermined budget for her trip. Taylor worried about making a connection at a strange airport alone, so while she could have saved money by choosing flights with a stop, she chose the more expensive, but more reassuring, direct flight option. While some travelers may be comfortable making airport stops, the concept here is universal. Consider where you may not feel as comfortable and plan ahead by choosing options that will give you more peace of mind wherever you are able to do so.
Safety Tips for Female Solo Travelers
Our conversation naturally shifted to safety, a crucial aspect of solo travel, especially for women. “Always stay in communication with someone back home,” I advised. “Share your itinerary and check in regularly.” We explored the idea of using apps that allow trusted friends or family to track her location in real-time. Knowing that her husband, my daughter and I could all track her location left her feeling more at ease. She expressed concerns about using a car service to transfer from the airport to the hotel alone, so we talked about sharing her driver’s details with the group tracking her as well. I also offered a tip I often leverage when I’m traveling in a car service alone. “Just call a friend or family member and talk during the ride. This lets the driver know that you’re in contact with someone back home and also lets your friend/family member hear what’s going on in the car until they know you’re safely at your destination.”
While the flight and the car ride are the end of Taylor’s solo travel, that’s not always where solo travel ends. There are so many more insights I have to share from all of my solo trips! When it comes to safety, it’s important to choose safe accommodations. Opt for reputable hotels with good reviews. And avoid isolated areas, especially at night. When traveling alone, I often opt for dinner at the hotel or delivery in when the sun sets early in the evening. While I would love to spend that time exploring, I rarely venture out alone in the dark. If I do, my head is always on a swivel. Look around you as you walk and keep your head up. Being aware of your surroundings is important.
Making the Most of Your Solo Adventure
As there is safety in numbers, I encourage solo travelers to join group tours and make friends along the way. Group tours are a great way to meet people and explore safely. There are group tours that are specialized that may also appeal to your personal needs and interests. For example, I work with suppliers offering group tours to females only, to younger adults, to older adults, to families, and more. In my travels, I’ve met fascinating people from all over the world that I still connect with on Social Media. While you may arrive in a destination alone, you don’t need to remain alone the whole trip!
Kendie enjoying a beverage at a bar overlooking the beach during a solo trip to Jacksonville, Florida.
Overcoming Loneliness
It’s important to recognize that there are times when solo travel is lonely. I’ve felt it periodically when traveling for business, especially on longer trips. Dealing with loneliness can be tough, but staying connected with loved ones through video calls and social media helps me. If I’m feeling really lonely, I don’t hesitate to hit a nearby bar. I’m not a big drinker anymore, so it’s not about the alcohol for me. You may not realize this, but bartenders as a whole tend to be friendly folks. It’s how they earn good tips! During a recent trip to Jacksonville, FL, for training, I went to Jacksonville a day early to stay by the beach (you know me – I need my ocean fix!). The hotel I stayed at was near a Joe’s Crab Shack, and I found myself needing some human interaction. I went over to Joe’s, bellied up to the bar, asked the bartender to make me something fun to drink, and had conversations with the bartenders between customers. I also met other solo travelers doing the same thing and learned a lot about what they were seeing and doing. Take it from me – this is a great way to beat loneliness!
Conclusion
As Taylor and I wrapped up our conversation, I could hear the excitement and confidence growing. Taylor is looking forward to embarking on her solo adventure. Where will you go on your solo travels? Consider setting up time to talk with me about your future solo trips and let’s get to planning!
As always, safe travels my friends.
Kendie
