{"id":17045,"date":"2016-07-04T15:50:01","date_gmt":"2016-07-04T05:50:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/?p=17045"},"modified":"2024-09-18T16:17:22","modified_gmt":"2024-09-18T06:17:22","slug":"10-safety-tips-solo-travellers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/10-safety-tips-solo-travellers\/","title":{"rendered":"10 handy tips for solo travel"},"content":{"rendered":"

So you’re about to set off on your first solo travel adventure<\/a>. How many people have tried\u00a0to give you advice? No doubt you\u2019ve been told numerous times to use common sense, not to talk to strangers and to stick to well lit areas. You probably sat there nodding while thinking to yourself \u201cI’m not an idiot\u201d.<\/p>\n

Before I jetted off on my solo travels around Central America I went through all of this. I worried myself silly about Nicaraguan bandits, getting sick from Mexican street food and being eaten by mosquitoes in Panama. While the latter may have come true, l think that’s the worst that happened, so I’d say I coped pretty well!<\/p>\n

It’s natural to feel nervous before jetting off alone. So here are a few helpful tips on how to stay safe and make the most of your solo travels<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Solo<\/a><\/p>\n

1. Research, research, research<\/h3>\n

From how you get the bus in Thailand<\/a>, and the safest area of Havana, to where the most fun hostel is in Budapest, it\u2019s not just about Googling places. One of my favourite ways to research is by hopping on Instagram. Search by your location and you can see all the photos people have posted recently. Just last week I found the best ramen in San Francisco using this method!<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: WANT MORE DESTINATION INFO? SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

2. Feeling intimidated by travelling solo? Then book a group tour<\/h3>\n

\"Solo<\/a><\/p>\n

My first solo travel<\/a> experience was a 2 week trip to Mexico. I booked a spot on a group tour of 14 people \u2013 a bunch who became great friends. I\u2019m a big fan of group travel. It takes the stress out of the daily admin that goes along with travel and allows you to really enjoy the experience. It\u2019s also a great option when you\u2019re travelling through areas that may seem threatening. I was really glad to have the security of a tour and a local guide while in Honduras.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Savvy Packing<\/h3>\n

Taking care of yourself on the road can be hard at times. One of the best purchases I ever made \u2013 sun cream in an aerosol. Finally I can apply my suncream evenly rather than looking like I\u2019ve been assaulted by an iron! I\u2019d also recommend portable battery packs for when your phone battery is running low and padlocks for your luggage and lockers.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Allow for spontaneity<\/h3>\n

\"Solo<\/a><\/p>\n

I always used to get carried away with tip number one and over plan. It felt safer to know exactly what was happening every single day. Yet some of the most exciting moments on my own have happened when there was an unexpected change. I met a new friend or saw somewhere I\u2019ll never forget and more. Start with a rough plan but allow a bit of breathing space.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Get to know yourself<\/h3>\n

\"Solo<\/a><\/p>\n

This is something I definitely did during my time travelling solo.<\/a> There were days when I barely spoke to another human being. I had breakfast, lunch and dinner alone. Wandered around the shops alone. Hit the beach on my own. You get the idea. While I\u2019ve always enjoyed my own company, I wasn\u2019t sure I\u2019d feel very secure spending prolonged periods solo. Before you hit the road, try going out for dinner on your own to see how you feel. It gets easier, especially when the restaurant has wifi! Also, if you\u2019re not sure about the neighbourhood you\u2019re in, grab street food or cook in the evening to avoid any nasty after-dark surprises.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Get to know the locals<\/h3>\n

So your mum warned you not to talk to strangers? Well, sometimes it\u2019s actually a good idea. Throw a little caution to the wind and ask locals where to eat, stay and go out. While in Mexico someone suggested I go to a lagoon called Yal-Ku. It was pretty much deserted, totally magical and one of the best places I\u2019ve ever snorkelled. Thanks for the tip Pedro!<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Travelling solo doesn’t have to mean you have to stay solo<\/h3>\n

When you’re fancying company, find out which hostels have a good social scene. Even if you\u2019re not staying there, there\u2019s often a bar or list of activities you can take part in.<\/span><\/p>\n

8. Be travel efficient<\/h3>\n

\"Solo<\/a><\/p>\n

Save a scan of your passport on your email, take out comprehensive travel insurance, let your bank know you\u2019re travelling, send your itinerary to friends and family and make sure you have access to everything you need when you\u2019re away. I changed phone networks recently so that I can use my phone as normal in 18 countries across the world. Being able to access the internet on the go has saved me from a few sticky situations, while also allowing me to be a bit more spontaneous once I\u2019m out and about!<\/p>\n

9. Don\u2019t worry if you don\u2019t love every second<\/h3>\n

If you’re away for a long time it’s only natural to have low points. I travel solo a lot, but I still have my off days. Whether I\u2019m feeling homesick, a bit under the weather or stressed, I try to remember that it\u2019s all part of the travel experience and it\u2019ll pass. I\u2019ve panicked that I\u2019m not enjoying something enough, and that\u2019s made me enjoy it less and less. You have off days back home, so you\u2019ll definitely have them when you\u2019re away. Loosen up and embrace it!<\/span><\/p>\n

10. Embrace the solo life<\/h3>\n

\"Solo<\/a><\/p>\n

Think of all the things you wouldn’t be able to do if you were travelling with others. Want to party until dawn? Go for it! Fancy going to bed at 8pm? You can! What about going on a spontaneous date with someone you just met? Do it, he may be the love of your life!\u00a0Freedom is one of the greatest feelings in the world and this is your chance to let go and live a little.<\/p>\n

Ready to roll solo? A lot of our travellers do it. Check out all our solo travel info over here<\/a>.\u00a0Want more destination inspiration like this? Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter here<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Chloe Gunning blogs at Wanderlust Chloe<\/a>. You can follow her inspirational travels and adventures on Twitter<\/a>, Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a> and YouTube<\/a>. All image c\/o Wanderlust Chloe.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

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It’s natural to feel nervous before jetting off alone. 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