5 Tips to Empower You to Book a Solo Trip

A few weeks ago I returned from my 5th solo trip. Friends and colleagues praised me for my courage to take on travel by myself, and like usual, I shrugged off their remarks. Solo travel has never felt any more brave or different than normal travel for me. Maybe it’s my natural independent disposition or familiarity being alone from spending decades as an only child. 

I’ve become a HUGE advocate for solo trips since my first one in 2014. I constantly encourage all of my friends, especially those in their 20s, to go for it! Even those who aren’t naturally inclined to hop on a plane by themselves will takeaway something valuable. If you’re considering a solo trip, here are some tips to empower you to book it!

Make Loneliness Your B*tch
Almost everyone I talk to about solo travel generally fears loneliness. I’ll admit that some of my more awkward moments on solo trips were when I was navigating moments alone, many of which were mealtimes. Whether that was in Madrid when my waitress agreed to make a “special” paella-for-one plate, which wasn’t offered on the menu, or in Hong Kong when my waitress failed to warn me that what I ordered was actually meant to serve 10 people and left feeling guilty for leaving most of it untouched. 

There is comfort in having a guaranteed travel companion, but more often then not, you’ll feel it will be easier to make some incredible friends and amazing memories. It might take a little effort and be slightly daunting to approach a stranger, but you’re likely to be met with a more friendly response than you’d imagine. 

Don’t be Hostile About Hostels
Each time I book a trip I have the same internal debate – “Am I getting too old for a hostel?” I still have this stigma that hostels are only for poor study abroad students or college backpackers, but each trip I’m proven wrong. Hostels are also perfect for all traveling alone looking to meet people from around the world. 

When selecting a hostel for a solo trip I usually exam the venue’s reviews for four main criteria – cleanliness, safety, location and environment/culture. 

• Cleanliness – I think this is pretty obvious, but making sure reviewers said the place was kept clean and habitable. 

• Safety – As a solo traveller, I want to make sure the hostel is in a safe neighborhood, that the hostel has safety measures in place to keep anyone unwanted out and that those who have travelled there before as solo travelers have felt safe staying their previously. 

• Location – It’s important to know what type of neighborhood the hostel is in before you go and make sure you’re in close proximity to important things like mass transit, the city center, etc. The last thing you want to realize when you arrive is that your hostel, while affordable, is in a terrible, inaccessible, shit-hole. 

• Environment/Culture – This is definitely the criteria I use to make my final decision. I look at reviews that give me a sense of what type of experience I’m going to have and what type of people I would likely encounter. Larger venues often attract bigger groups (tours and schools), which aren’t as open to interacting with “outsiders”. Reviews that mention making friends or meeting others usually appeal the most to me. 

Raise a Glass to Freedom 

This is actually the part of solo travel I love and fear the most. All of the planning is in your hands and you can be as structured or as spontaneous as you want. You can have a plan in the morning and throw it out the window as soon as you step outside. Personally,  I like to go with a mix of planned activities and winging it. 

Not having anyone else to determine your itinerary gives you the flexibility to do whatever you want. It also puts all the pressure on your shoulders to create the best experience for yourself. Before my first solo trip I was terrified I would let myself down because I didn’t have enough time to plan every detail. As the days went on, I was able to shake the nervousness and just try to enjoy each moment, planned or improvised. 

While that pressure still haunts me leading up to every trip I plan, I wouldn’t exchange it for the freedom. On a solo trip you can be an empowered “yes” man and go wherever the wind takes you. 

Don’t Be A F*cking Idiot
Normally, this is great advice for life in general, but when you’re traveling solo you really have to remember it all the time. I often forget it once (or twice) during my trips, and while that often leads to fantastic stories, they can be moments you reflect on later and think to yourself, “I probably shouldn’t have done that”. 

Yes, solo travelers can easily be targeted or seen as vulnerable. My concerned, loving, Jewish mother often reminds me. But I believe if you listen to the advice of locals and other travelers, follow common sense and avoid doing stupid things, you don’t have anything to truly worry about. 

Enjoy Yourself

This probably sounds cliche but a solo trip allows you the opportunity to spend time with you. You would be surprised how therapeutic it can be, especially if you’re the type of person constantly surround by others and caring for about their needs. Also, you can learn about yourself on a solo trip – how you conquer fears, how you handle independence, how you explore outside your comfort zone, how you absorb things without talking to another person about it, and SO much more! I’m confident that after a few days you’ll start of feel comfortable being alone, and even appreciate it. 

No matter where you are in your life, at least one solo trip should be on your bucket list. Your trip could be two days, two months or two years, the opportunity to learn valuable life lessons, meet interesting new people and create incomparable memories will be it worth it. I hope that others who have also experienced solo trips will continue to share their adventures and inspire others to take the leap!