One of my goals when we moved to Spain was to go on a solo trip. I consider myself to be a pretty independent person but realized I’d never gone on a trip alone. I’ve lived alone, moved to Australia to study abroad not knowing anyone (though within the comfort of an organized program), but traveling without my family, husband or friends has been something I’ve never tried.
Part of me felt slightly selfish for wanting to go on a solo trip since my husband also loves to travel (& he is an excellent travel companion!), but it felt like an experience worth having. Of course I would have loved for him to join me, but as we live abroad for these 8 months, he has to go to work and um well, I’m lucky and I don’t!
So far I’ve visited Stockholm and Copenhagen solo and have another trip coming up later this month where I’ll be journeying as a party of one.
So why go on a solo trip? Traveling solo is an incredible experience. While seeing the world, you have the opportunity to spend time alone with your thoughts, get to make the itinerary 100% suited to you, and challenge your adventurous side. I’m going to write a full post on why solo travel is amazing, but today’s post focuses on how to make it a safe adventure.
Traveling to a new city or foreign country without the safety net of a buddy can feel a bit unnerving. When you’re properly prepared and make safe choices along the way, there’s no reason to shy away from solo travel. Allow yourself to have this adventure that’s completely about you.
7 Tips for Safe Solo Travel
Carefully Select Your Destination
Not all places are great for solo travelers, especially female travelers. Do your research and select places that are known to be safe. Of course bad things happen everywhere, but set yourself up for the best possible situation. I chose Copenhagen and Stockholm for my first solo trip because I’d read how safe they are, especially for females traveling alone.
Share Your Itinerary
Create a very detailed itinerary and share it with your family, significant other, friends, whoever. Really get into the details, including flights, hotels, your daily agenda. The more information you can share, the better.
Check In Frequently
Don’t feel like you need to be digitally connected at all times (in fact, solo travel is an awesome time to disconnect), but it doesn’t hurt to send texts throughout the day to your friends or family giving your status. It will put their mind at ease probably more than yours, but it’s worth doing.
Opt for a Hotel
Staying at an Airbnb and feeling like a local is a great experience, but sometimes it’s best to go the tried and true hotel route, especially when you’re in a new place. If you don’t know your surroundings super well, a hotel offers you extra security. Use the concierge as a resource. Get their advice on anything you might be unsure of, like if it’s safe to walk alone at night or help finding a good and populated running route.
Don’t Take Risks
If you’re not totally confident about the safety level of something, don’t risk it. Not sure about how safe that short cut is to get to dinner? Go the long way. Don’t assume that you’ll be fine. Of course most of the time you will be, but in a new city alone, spend the extra few dollars on a taxi or walk the route through the busier areas to ensure you’ll arrive safely.
Stay Charged
Never leave home without your devices well charged! Getting lost in a city without communication can be extremely stressful and is also completely avoidable. If your phone charge won’t last all day, bring a portable charger and always carry a charging cord with you.
Be Alert
This one will keep you safe, and will enhance your experience. Instead of walking around with a pair of headphones in distracting you, keep a clear head. Sure, it’s a safety precaution, but it will also open you up to a stronger connection with the city you’re in. Experience all the sights and sounds and who knows, you might even strike up a conversation with a local or fellow traveler.
If you’re toying with the idea of a solo trip, take the leap and plan out that itinerary that’s always been on your bucket list. You may find your new favorite destination and learn that your best travel companion is yourself.
Have you gone on a solo trip? If so, where did you travel to?
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