9 Tips For Travelling Alone

No matter how many times you’ve tried to reel in your mates and convince them to come travelling with you, sometimes they’ll still find some excuse to dog ya. Or maybe you're just looking for a personalised adventure where you can do what you want, where you want, when you want, because you're ridin' solo!

No matter the reason, solo travel really is a dream! Whether you’re keen on driving around in a van, moving from hostel to hostel while exploring the sights or want to climb Everest, here are some tips on nailing it. 😉

1. Do your homework

I don't particularly mean plan everything to the last tuk tuk ride (more on that later), but at least do some homework. Get the spine of your trip sorted - book some flights, maybe some hostels, make a rough itinerary and a list of things and places you don't wanna miss... Everything else can be improvised/changed on the go. 

Suss out recommendations and learn about the culture online. You may learn about classic tourist scams, different laws to obey, or a dress code to follow. The only person that can do this homework is you, so get on it.

2. Be prepared for the wack

Things will never pan out how you planned. Your bus might take six hours longer than you thought, your hostel might turn around and say "Hey sorry, we're full", and you might leave your passport at the airport...

Definitely don't manifest the worst by worrying 24/7. Just be prepared for things to go a little topsy-turvy. It's always a funny story in the long run. 😵‍💫😂 Figuring out solutions on your own may be overwhelming in the beginning but after a few bumps in the road, you'll be a problem-solving wiz. Trust me. 

3. Talk to everyone in your hostel

Approaching strangers at your hostel may feel a little awkward or forced at first, but just send it. (If it's any consolation, this will be as easy as breathing after a few experiences. After all my solo travel I feel like I have a doctorate in striking convos with strangers.) 

Talk to everyone. You never know who could be your next best mate, who you might travel with for the next week, who could be a wild story or just give you a great recommendation! 

4. Hit people up online

You can also meet people online. There are a tonne of Facebook pages dedicated to solo travellers or 'Aussies in *insert country here*".

Hostelworld also has a feature where you can message everyone in your hostel, or better yet, everyone staying in hostels in the city you're in. 

Couchsurfing or doing a Workaway will allow you to meet people!

5. Keep plans loose

When you're meeting so many new mates, you may wanna stick with them for a hot min. Maybe they want you to come to Albania with them, or a festival in Mexico... Um, fun?!?!!

If you've booked everything for the next three months, you'll probably have to say a sad hasta la vista to them buuuut if you keep your plans loosey-goosey, you'll be able to T up with 'em! Embrace the spontaneity of travel.

6. Suss Smart Traveller for safety and travel advice

#notspon but Smart Traveller is your one-stop shop for travel advice and safety precautions.

For every country, Smart Traveller will tell you the safety precautions, health risks, local laws, travel rules, and local contacts. They also have information on visas, passport services, insurance, and an abundance of advice if things go wrong.

7. Give your friends and fam the goss

Send your travel itinerary, planned activities, or just your updated location to a few people back home.

This may be excessive but I gave my mum my live location on 'Find My'. It was kinda class when she'd message "I see you're on the beach in Mexico and it's 4AM. Go girl."

8. Ask for help

Ask for directions. Food recs. A phone charger. The wifi password. Where to buy tickets... To save you time and strain, just ask strangers for help! 

9. Don't put pressure on yourself

Whilst solo travel is so unbelievably rewarding for a multitude of reasons, it can really take it out of ya. 

I mean, you have to be switched on 24/7 and you're relying on yourself for everything. How to get from A to B, where to eat, where to sleep, how to save your money... etc.

Veg out and watch Netflix in your hostel room if you're buggered. Read a book on the beach all day without feeling guilty. Stay in a location longer than planned to just chill out. If you don't let yourself relax, you'll burn out. Take time to smell the roses instead! 

So, what are you waiting for? Buy those flights. 🥰