15 tips for traveling alone

Traveling alone can be scary, especially the first time. We think something dangerous might happen, that we won’t be able to communicate with the locals, that the loneliness will weigh on us, that it will be difficult to meet people… But that’s not the case! There are certain risks associated with traveling, but they’re not much greater than traveling alone. Plus, if you miss having company, you can always meet people at your destination (we’ll show you it’s easier than you think). And you already know that the advantages of traveling alone are endless: you’ll be able to enjoy the freedom of choosing your path without having to explain yourself, doing and undoing as you please; it will allow you to get to know yourself and incredible people, and in the end, you’ll have a life-changing experience. Here are some tips to help you achieve this in the most pleasant way possible.

1.- Find out about the most dangerous or problematic places

in the area you’re planning to visit. This will help reduce the fear that seems inevitably associated with traveling alone.

2. Don’t get carried away

By this, I mean that most places are no more dangerous than your city (some, probably, are much less so), so don’t let your imagination imagine horror movie scenes every time you go out, and don’t let that idea stop you from traveling alone. Asia, for example, is much safer than Spain in terms of pickpockets, yet its traffic is much more dangerous. That’s why, as we mentioned before, it’s crucial to do your research before you go out.

3.- It’s normal to be nervous

before embarking on a solo trip, just as it’s normal to be nervous before doing anything extraordinary in life. Don’t worry! If you need help, there will always be someone willing to lend a hand, no matter where you are.

4. If you’re getting into a taxi and are worried about the route being too long

look up your destination yourself on Google Maps **. This way, you’ll see where it’s going, whether it’s taking any major detours, and how long it should take you to get there. You can also give the directions yourself as if you know the route, or explain that you have the detailed route in advance, so they’ll know what to expect.

5. Hostels, guesthouses, and bed and breakfasts are better than hotels for

meeting other solo travelers. Spend time in the common areas and you’ll see friendships develop. Coachsurfing and Airbnb rooms are better than hotels for meeting locals.

6.- If you prefer to sleep in a hotel room

but don’t want to pay more than a double room (sometimes they even add a supplement to the bill for traveling alone), you can have tour operators like G Adventures or Intrepid Travel find you a roommate

7. If you want to meet people, be honest

It’s better to show you’re nervous than to try to dismiss your fears and get embarrassed or make them think you’re a lunatic. Try: “Hi, I don’t usually do this because I’m so shy, but I’m traveling alone and I’d like to talk to someone local and ask them a few things about the area. Can I sit down?” It sounds silly, but it works. Don’t you think you’d let them eat with you?

8. If you don’t like eating alone, try memeasuringou can start by searching for restaurants with communal tables (tip: type “communal table” into Google along with the city and you’ll see several options). You can also sign up for organized tastings or dinners, where everyone joins at the same time—sometimes in private homes—or even find a lunch partner. You can do all this on Kitchenparty, New Gusto  or MealSharing .