They say you never know someone until you live with them. The truth is you never know someone until you travel with them!
I’ve been very lucky; I have several good friends I’ve traveled with over the years who are delightful travel companions.
The problem is this: being retired, I have more time and opportunity to travel than some of my friends.
Choosing a destination everyone wants can also be a challenge. Back in 1992, just after the fall of the USSR, travel to Russia became very popular. Except none of my friends wanted to go! So I went alone!
Yes, it was a “package deal” (airfare/hotel/meals at the hotel) but I had to navigate my way around Moscow and St. Petersburg by myself.
A different language, a different alphabet, no Google maps – and – even though I dressed in a low-key manner, clearly I did not fit in!
But once I pulled off that trip, I realized I could go anywhere alone!
Yes, when I’m traveling alone there are times I wish there was someone to have dinner with and regale the events of the day, but if there’s some place I really want to go, I don’t feel I have to wait.
When planning your solo travel, keep these questions in mind.
- Where do you stay? Which are the safest neighborhoods?
- What is public transportation like? Are there Uber or ride share services?
- How will you travel between cities?
- How will you structure your days and evenings so you're busy but not overwhelmed? Are there walking tours, concerts, cooking classes?
- Are activities within your budget since you aren't sharing costs?
Yes, you can eat alone. Here is what I do.
Then there’s the stigma of eating out alone, especially dinner. In some cities like London, it’s not an issue and it’s fairly common place. But in other cities, I admit I do sometimes feel uncomfortable.
How have I dealt with that? It’s simple. I always go out for a nice lunch, as lunch alone never seems to be an issue.
For dinner, I will typically go to a wine bar or a cafe for a drink and an appetizer instead of a full meal. In Italy, it’s called Apericena; in Spain, tapas.
I also travel with a small tablet, loaded up with lots of reading material. I can also use it to watch television shows and movies. And since I am studying Italian using Duolingo, I can always do some lessons in the evening.
What I bring that makes solo travel easier
Travel light! You’re going to be schlepping that bag yourself! You need to be able to get it on and off the plane and sometimes, on and off a train, which can be very challenging!
Travel with a whistle. If you’re walking home alone at night, wear it around your neck, just in case.
Travel with a portable security lock for your hotel room door. There are a million ways someone can pick a hotel room lock.
Have a good paper map with you just in case you run out of battery on your phone.
Carry a small battery back up on you to keep your phone charged.
Get a security purse, like one from Travelon which has a wallet lock, RFID and a steel wire through the strap so no one can cut it and run!
One more tip. Make sure someone back at home knows where you are at all times. I have a friend that I do a morning and evening check in with even when I’m not traveling, because I live alone in NYC.
So where are you dying to go? What’s on your bucket list? Don’t be afraid! Take the plunge!
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tip – Travelon currently cheaper at Kohls 🙂
Wow! That’s good to know! Thanks!
Omg! Girl you gotta come to South Africa with me. I have a small
Place … juliacop@yahoo.com
Wow! That’s wonderful! What a beautiful country; I was there five years ago.
I have thought about traveling alone many times, it is fantastic to hear you have found a balance that allows you to ” GO FOR IT ” !
Enjoying the site.
Why not try it for a short trip and see how it goes? You might surprise yourself. Keep in touch and let us know how it went. Happy travels!
Very informative article . Well written and easy to understand. Great tips and suggestions to follow to make your new worlds keep you on the right path .
Thank you! I know for some the thought of traveling solo is daunting, but its truly liberating!
I appreciate the practical tips and encouragement for solo travel. And we only have one life. Go where your heart leads you and enjoy!
Thank you – AGREED! You must follow your heart. Life is too short!