Travelling the world on your own can be one of the most freeing and empowering experiences of your lifetime. Solo travel allows you to pick your own destinations, set your own pace, and create personal memories to last a lifetime. While this freedom can be thrilling, travelling alone can also be daunting and requires extra planning to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable journey. Read on for our top ten tips for solo travellers to help you navigate the world with confidence, stay safe and make the most of every moment!
The daunting part to a solo trip is those first few days, a mixture of nerves and excitement can cloud your mind and you don’t know where to start. I recommend booking the first few nights so you get settled and have a plan. After that you will likely meet people and gain more confidence, so you can decide what you’d like to do from there.
One of the best ways to meet people is through hostels. Whether you want to sleep in a dorm of 20 people or enjoy a private room, they are the perfect place to interact with others. Choose your hostel carefully – if you’re looking for a quieter stay, you won’t want to end up in a party hostel! I’d recommend one which specialises in local tours.
Local tours are the one of the best ways to see the sights and meet people. Book yourself on a free walking tour to save money, learn about the local history and culture and interact with others. Evening tours including food/drink and cooking classes are also a good social way to get involved.
Jet-lagged, tired and nervous; that arrival into an international airport is both exciting and intimidating. Pre booking a transfer allows for an easy, comfortable experience that allows for a peace of mind. It is worth that extra cost!
Hassle free, fantastic value for money and has everything included. Small group adventure tours plan and book everything for you, so you don’t have to! Whether you want to book a tour to start a trip or for your entire trip. It is the perfect way to travel and meet people.
The internet is vital in the modern world and travelling without it can be an unsettling experience to many. Although you may pay a premium, it is definitely worth purchasing a SIM card on arrival into the country you’re visiting, and you’ll be connected from the moment you land. As a backup, I would download offline maps, so you can at least find your way back to your accommodation if needed.
I first solo travelled after Covid where entry requirements were changing every day and visa regulations were uncertain. As a result, I gained the habit of noting down entry requirements for each country and checking them regularly on the Foreign Travel Advice website. I would highly recommend this to avoid problems, confrontation, costly consequences and allow for a stress-free border experience.
The best shopping centre in the world is your travels. From huge souvenirs to small magnets, shopping is exciting in any country. Packing light allows to buy more things and pack/unpack quickly. In case it got lost, I took a few inexpensive clothes and in return, bought multiple out there for both wear and souvenir.
Although many places now accept card, much of the world still wants cash. I made an important rule for myself; always have a backup of $100 on me. The reason being was circumstantial – if you lose your cards or can’t find an ATM, or even if there is an unexpected fee at the borders, it was always comforting to have cash on you. I’d recommend US dollars as they are accepted in most places and often preferred to local currencies.
Lastly, no trip is enjoyable if you are stressed. Solo travelling may seem like a stressful experience but in reality, thousands of people are doing and have done similar adventures to yourself. Everyone is helpful and locals will go the extra mile to help you. On that note, I would leave some of your plans flexible to account for either rest days or hidden gems you weren’t aware of.
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David Tomlinson
Marketing Executive
David is a Marketing Executive based in our Kensington head office. David has worked at TF since 2022 and has travelled to 39 countries. His favourite destinations include Vietnam, Nicaragua and South Africa.
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