My Best Advice for Solo Travel ... Just Do It! Part 2:
- whereintheworldsar
- Aug 28
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 6
Yep! Just Do It ...
In each journey that you take, anywhere in your life, you will no doubt return to your point of departure, so you could say, "well, I'm already at the destination so why bother going?' Yet there is something that doesn't quite fit with that way of living life. As much as we can love where we are, there is something invigorating in stepping out from that space and into something more, into the expansion of life experience, even if it is just to walk your dog, sit at the beach or buy a coffee; you return with more than you left with.
Solo travel enabled me to step out onto a bigger stage and return with more than I had left with ... the memories, the achievements, the self confidence and a sense of self sufficiency in relationship to my whole self.
So, continuing on with my advice on solo travelling, let's start with some things to consider before you leave home and then we can move into the actual on-the-road experience...
1. Prioritise Safety Without Letting Fear Rule You
My travelling motto is, 'to see the best that the world has to offer,' and I thoroughly recommend having your own uplifting motto, so that the universe can respond to your good intentions and vibration. It may sound silly to start with this idea, but from experience, it works!
Leave home with a feeling of safety and also take some steps to provide a sense of peace of mind .. share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member and check in regularly. Keep photocopies of your passport and important documents in a separate bag or saved securely online. Use cross-body bags with zippers, choose accommodation with good reviews, and always trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, remove yourself from the situation. I found that it was easier to do some tours with Intrepid Travel in places where I felt it would be safer and easier to be in a small group, have assistance when crossing borders and travel with the help of expert guides, like Africa, Central America and South America, and this certainly worked out fantastic for me; plus, it added a fun environment. For further peace of mind, there's always travel insurance to give you a sense of financial support, if needed.
2. Pack Light (Lighter Than You Think You Need)
The baggage that you take is not all about the 23kg of 'luggage' .. are you carrying extra worries or concerns? Leave them at home! Pack the joyous and fun, easy going 'light' you! The journey will respond to whatever you put out there.
When it comes to what to pack in your suitcase .. Choose versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched. Aim for one week’s worth of outfits and do laundry on the road. Pack a microfiber towel, a small first aid kit, and a reusable water bottle. Remember that most items can be purchased at your destination if needed and there are always Op (Charity) Shops in most places, for cost saving options. Some of my tours restricted me to only one bag of a certain weight and size, so you need to be aware of any baggage limits. Should you need, you can always leave bags in a hotel for pick up after your tour or in a baggage storage facility .. I have done both of these options and it has worked in well.
3. Embrace the Awkward Moments... see the fun in them!
Expect situations where you feel out of place, such as dining alone or trying to communicate in a new language. Carry a book or journal to use in restaurants so that you feel more comfortable. Learn a few local phrases before arriving, even if it is just “hello”, “please”, and “thank you”... say "hola" when in a Spanish speaking country, "grazie" when with Italians and "merci" to the French ... and throw in a "G'day, mate" to an Australian. Most places speak english but it is fun to try out a few new phrases with the locals, they appreciate the effort. People are friendly and when you are open to a new perspective you get to see others and their culture in a way that you may not have expected.
4. Stay Connected, But Not Too Connected
Your phone is a very handy travel companion, don't leave home without it. Use apps like Google Maps, Rome2Rio, and Google Translate to help you navigate and connect. Keep friends and family updated, but avoid being glued to your phone and missing all that is happening in your here and now ... it might sound obvious, but I've seen it happen on many occasions. Spend time observing, journaling, or simply sitting in a local park to soak up the atmosphere. Post your photos and stories on social media to keep others aware of your whereabouts and involved in your travels, you might just inspire someone else to start out on their own adventures.
5. Say Yes to New Experiences
Join a walking tour on your first day to get your bearings and meet people. My favourite is to jump onboard a Hop On/Hop Off bus to get my bearings. They are in most of the major cities and offer a really good tour around the prime attractions. Accept invitations to group activities, try local dishes you have never heard of, or attend cultural events. Keep a flexible itinerary so you can change plans when something interesting comes up. Some of my best experiences have come from inspired action and synchronicities, so I thoroughly recommend having days when you really aren't sure what is going to unfold until all of a sudden you are involved in something unforgettable. One standout moment for me happened when I found myself in Texas and floating down the river in a tube that I had found on the side of the road. I came across a couple of motor bike guys who were cooling off with a swim ... they were astounded to find a Kiwi chick floating past and loved my story of how I happened to be there by pure inspiration. Trust your inner guidance, you just don't know who you will uplift or meet along the way.
Summary
You made the decision to set out on your solo journey, so you are over the hardest hurdle .. from there on in, try new things and, most importantly, enjoy yourself. Pack only what you need, including the right attitude, and leave everything else at home. Don't be afraid to ask for help, there are many kind souls out there who will go out of their way to guide you, and don't hesitate to help another, you just don't know what difference you might be making in someone elses life by a simple act of kindness.
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