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Flyin Solo? 10 Tips for the Solo Traveller in 2023

Solo Travel Tips


1 Know your strengths


The type of solo trip you want to take will be largely about who you are as a person and what your travel goals might be. Are you looking to immerse yourself into different cultures or are you more at home travelling closer to home? Are you wanting to step outside of your comfort zone or does this idea of this fill you with anxiety instead of excitement? Do you thrive on adrenaline or is relaxation and destressing a priority? Knowing what you want from your trip and understanding how you’re likely to handle different circumstances will enable you to get the most out of your solo getaway.

2 Research is key

You’ve worked out the type of trip you want and where you’d like to go, now it’s time to do your homework. You may be a spontaneous person who likes to wing it but if you’re completely new to a place it’s a good idea to research ahead of time. Check out the history, cultural norms, geography and likely weather conditions. This will give you a broad understanding of the area and give you an idea on what to pack.


3 Make Bookings in advance and write it down

Make any reservations for accommodation in advance to minimise any uncertainties. This will give you peace of mind and eliminate last minute stress. Once you’ve organised your accommodation, write down your itinerary including their contact details and dates of stay and write it down. Give a copy to a family member or friend and keep one for yourself to take with you. Likewise make a digital copy of your travel documents to ensure you have a copy for yourself and your family or friend. Similarly, keep up to date with smarttraveller.gov.au and stay safe with the latest travel advice.

 

4 Keep In Touch

For safety reasons, make regular contact to your person of choice. A quick call, text or email is all it takes and is a great way to let loved ones know you're okay. Decide on a time schedule for touching base and try to keep to it as best you can. 

5 Pack Light

As it will be just you travelling, try to pack light so that your luggage is easy to transport. A main bag with a smaller backpack is ideal so you can keep your main bag at your accommodation and use your smaller backpack for day tripping. Create variety in your wardrobe by having basics that are interchangeable to create different looks and multifunctional pieces that will work hard for you without taking up space.

 

6 Group tours

Group tours are a great way to see a lot of the area in a safe way and meet cool people along the way. They can be great value for money and are a great option especially when there may be larger distances to cover, or language barriers and can take the stress out of trying to work out how to get to and from places of interest with many tours picking up and dropping off from your accommodation.

 7 Sleeping Around

Trying different types of accommodation can open up new experiences and friendships. Think homestays, farmstays, hostels and the like. There are countless options, depending on where you’re travelling, and these can provide you with local insider knowledge and local experiences you may otherwise not find.

8 Ask a Local

Unsure of where to start in a new destination? Who better to ask than someone who lives there so try asking a local. Many locals love to share information about their region and will more than likely share some hidden gems like where to go (and where to not go), great places to eat, explore and experience. Some may be a bit off the tourist trail but the authentic experience will create long lasting memories.

 9 Love Yourself

Solo travel with its periods of alone time can be daunting. Enjoy getting to spend time with you and running to beat of your own drum. There’s nothing quite like the freedom of solo travel with no one else’s plans to factor in you are free to do what you want, go where you want, when you want. Craving company? There are plenty of opportunities to make friends along the way, from staying in hostels, striking up conversations with a group at a café or bar, going on group tours or walking tours and many more opportunities if you open yourself up to them. Offer to take photos for other travellers, ask for recommendations on where to go and what to see, you never know where these conversations may take you.

 

10 Don't forget the Spontaneity

While its advisable to plan and be prepared, you don't need to plan everything down to the last second. It is worth allowing yourself time to be flexible and spontaneous as one of the greatest things about travel is to expect the unexpected and that can mean a whole lot of fun and adventure. So you can use caution but stay carefree and jump in....adventure awaits!

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