You’ve seen them right? As you sit at home, scrolling through your socials. Flipping through TikTok and Instagram posts. The epic Solo Traveller, roaming across the planet, all on their own. And you think, “Dang, that’s so awesome. I wish I could do that.” But then that little voice in your head stops you, because you’ve never gone to a different part of town alone, let alone a whole other country.
Well, I have some good news for you. I was in the same place as you when I first started on my solo travel journey. Now, I love solo travel (maybe a little too much). I love how freeing and spontaneous it can be, and (this is the selfish bit) how I get to do exactly what I want, because who wants to spend all that money traveling just to do what others want? Right?
So, if you are looking to start your solo adventures, but are unsure where to begin. Let me help.
Start Small
Starting small may seem like an obvious tip, but sometimes we need the reminder that we learn to crawl, long before we learn to run. Maybe you sit a little closer to the timid side of the confidence spectrum (like I did at the beginning) and want to build up to traversing the world alone. So before you go planning that month long solo trip to Europe or Asia, try one of these starter outings first:
- Go to the Movies: If you have never really done a solo outing before, this is a great way to ease yourself into it. Firstly, it takes the risk of being bored completely off the table because the movie is the entertainment. Second, you’ll get a taste of the freedom solo travel offers, because you0 get to choose what you are going to watch. No vote or negotiation with friends, just perfect autonomy. Lastly, you’ll get to practice breaking some of those social expectations. I don’t know about you, but for me, growing up, no one I knew went to the movies alone, it was usually a group activity, and there was almost a stigma around it for some reason. Now, I embrace the opportunity for me to enjoy something, without waiting around for someone else to have the time, funds, or desire.
- Go to Dinner: Grabbing a meal in a restaurant by yourself is a great way to stretch those solo traveling legs, and it will inevitably become a common place activity the more you travel solo. A couple of tips for your first time:
- Pick a restaurant with a bar or a counter. If the idea of sitting alone at a table feels too uncomfortable, start by sitting at the restaurant bar or diner counter. Firstly, these sections are often designed for solo patrons or people in transit. You won’t get stuck next to some super (i.e. awkwardly) romantic couple or large (i.e. loud) group for super long. Second, it is a fantastic opportunity to chat with new people. Whether you chat with another solo diner next to you or with the bartender/staff, it can be a great way to find new recommendations or just learn more about someone’s life story.
- Bring an activity. These days, I almost never leave home without a book and/or journal. So when you find yourself eating alone, and don’t really feel up to chatting, you can always enjoy a good book or write about the experience. I remember one of the first times I went to dinner alone, I took my journal and some stationery and spent my meal describing the atmosphere in my journal and writing letters to a few friends. It was delightful. *Check out that first night’s blog post here*
Starting small can look different for different people, but it’s all about taking small steps outside your comfort zone and building your confidence so you can become comfortable trying new things alone. It is also a low commitment opportunity to see if solo travel is even something you want to do. Solo travel isn’t for everyone, and it doesn’t have to be. It’s just another option.
Start Local
You don’t have to travel halfway across the country to begin solo traveling, you can start by just exploring your own home state or a nearby city. Granted, where you live can heavily impact what options you have available to you, but hopefully you will see something on this list that inspires:
- Take a Day Trip: A lot of times, you can find fun new experiences just a short drive or train ride away. By keeping your adventures local, you can not only save on lodging, but also explore more often since you’re not spending as much time and money on commuting to your destinations. Some of my top day trip ideas are:
- Visit a nearby State or National Park
- Visit a local Museum, Botanic Garden, or Zoo
- Explore a nearby city or town
- Visit a new local coffee shop or brewery
- Go for a scenic drive and picnic
- Weekend Staycation: Booking a nearby hotel for the weekend is one of my favorite local solo trip options. It is close to home but has just enough of a change of pace, that it encourages me to try some local offerings that I usually overlook for being too “touristy.” Sometimes I will pair it with a concert, or dinner at the hotel restaurant, or even just a photography day where I walk around and take photos.
While staying local may seem contrary to the whole point of “travel,” it is a great way to build that solo travel mindset without adding the stress of navigating unfamiliar landscapes or cultures with no possibility of retreat. Plus, I think no matter where you live, there is probably at least one person who thinks your hometown is a perfect vacation spot. So, why not take a day to see your “mundane” town through the eyes of someone who thinks about visiting it all year, because where you are is only as exciting as you make it.
Be Prepared
While solo travel is exhilarating and liberating, it can also be a little daunting to start because if something goes wrong, you’re kind of on your own. Although it would be so much more fun to pretend that things always go well and there are never any hiccups when traveling, that just isn’t realistic and would set you up for failure. You can’t plan for every possibility, but depending on the length, cost, or style of trip, I would recommend considering the below:
- Roadside Assistance/Travel Insurance: Especially as you take bigger or longer trips, these can come in clutch. If you are doing a week long roadtrip, knowing who to call when you lock your keys in the car, or get a flat, is a huge reassurance. And if you are traveling overseas, having travel insurance to cover flight cancellations, lost luggage, medical emergencies, or emergency evacuations is more than just a good idea. In my book, it’s a requirement. I speak from experience, you never really know when a country is going to have a revolution or fall under martial law. Travel insurance is your safety net for the unpredictable, especially on those big international trips.
- Supplies: Whether it is having a little bag of portable hobbies (Think: Book, Journal, Cross-stitch, Watercolor Kit, Sketchpad, etc.), a battery pack or charging cable/block for your electronics (This is key for longer trips! Think: Boarding Passes, Navigation, Translation Apps, etc.), or keeping some bottled water, protein bars, and a sleeping bag in your car, as you start your solo travels you will notice the things that you wish you had with you. Make a mental note and start to keep them on hand. I love how spontaneous solo travel can be, but it only works that way if you are prepared for the random drive.
- Roadtrip Checklist: Below are just a couple of roadtrip specific items I have learned to keep up on, some are obvious, some I learned the hard way.
- Tires – Check your tires, make sure you have enough tread, and enough air in your tires. That includes your spare! The last thing you need is to be switching out a flat tire just to find out your spare is flat too. Trust me, I’ve been there, it sucks.
- Car Maintenance – Does your car need an oil change? New breaks? New wipers? Washer fluid? Keeping up on car maintenance will allow you to go on those spur-of-the-moment adventures without having to worry if the automotive section of an old Wal-Mart in some small town will have what you need at 10:00 p.m. on a Sunday (If they’re even open).
Like I have already said, you can’t prepare for everything, and if you really need help, ask a local. I have been directed to the most helpful and kind mechanics by the person working the McDonald’s Drive-Thru and gas stations attendants. I have had my Airbnb host help tighten my oil filter, and had a complete stranger (with a big truck) pull me out of a snowdrift.
Ultimately, if solo travel is something you really want to do, make it happen. If you are unsure, start small, start local, and build your confidence. Traveling solo has led to some of the most exhilarating and rewarding experiences of my life so far, and I highly recommend it.
I can’t wait to see you out there!
Sojourn Nation 