Our hardest times are when we are alone, but those are the times that make us the strongest. Ever since we took our first steps until we grew older, most of us have been looked after, provided for, and guided. Exploring a new, vast world may seem rather daunting. Doing it alone? Impossible, perhaps. But when a person travels alone, there is no denying that person grows in some way. Venturing into new countries encourages us not to rely on anyone but ourselves while creating life-long memories.
Some call solo trips a rite of passage. They aren’t typical work trips or bestie/bro holidays; they are adventures with challenges. Having realistic expectations and preparing a solid itinerary will enhance your first solo experience. We are here to make sure that happens. Check out our tips below on what to expect before you turn your solo trip into reality!
We also ranked some of the best solo travel destinations to help you get started.
Be ready for new ways of life
Once you step foot outside your country, what you perceived as normal may not be normal anymore. The food may taste differently, people may behave unexpectedly, even modern conveniences like using the bathroom may require you to change your habits. For example, after using the toilet in many Southeast Asian countries, one may panic after learning someone forgot to buy toilet paper! Actually, no one forgot. Countries like Vietnam and Thailand opt for water sanitation using spray hoses or another form of water supply, which happens to be a very hygienic and effective method of cleaning.
Be present
Many people will go on vacation and not really treat it like a vacation. They’ll fly from their homes searching for adventure while still carrying mental baggage about the past or future. Place negative thoughts aside. Put yourself in the present. Absorb everything there is while exploring new territory on the edge of a continent, connecting with people from various walks of life, or staring at your curious plate and deciding if this is actually food. That grilled scorpion from the Thai street vendor isn’t going to eat itself, is it? After you take the leap, sit back and relish that moment of courageous spontaneity you just experienced halfway across the world. Preferably with a sunset across a shimmering horizon.
You will make connections with wonderful people
Traveling solo means you will have times of complete solitude, and other times you will come across a thousand different types of people from nearly every continent. Take this opportunity to widen your horizons through simple human connection, whether it’s exchanging creative ideas inside Nice’s incredible art galleries, playing card games on South Korea’s bullet train, echoing laughter inside Malaysia’s hidden caves, or just simply talking over a cafe sua da in a Vietnamese cafe. There aren’t many times in life where so many free spirits are on the same wavelength at a given time.
Pack light
While you’re skipping across cities, there are 3 universally accepted things considered most critical to take care of: your passport, your money, and your safety. Other things, like smartphones or clothes, are also important but if you prioritize those 3 main things, you shouldn’t need too much else. Traveling by yourself means you will need to pay more attention to your belongings since you won’t have a travel buddy to watch over it. Most lodgings provide secured lockers, so take advantage of those. Some major cities, like Tokyo, provide secured lockers inside train stations where you can store your luggage for a few dollars a day.
Be respectful
Respect is a universal language. Showing respect wherever you are can translate to making life easier, especially as someone completely new to a foreign country. The local people will appreciate your attitude and likely reciprocate. If anything, you will create beautiful relationships in your travels. For example, wearing the right outfit for a temple visit or removing your shoes in an Asian household when invited is considered common courtesy. In South Korea, it is respectful to pour soju (rice wine) for your elders with both hands on the bottle, while in Japan, you’ll want to wait until the eldest begins eating before you do.
Use common sense
Travelling alone affords you unprecedented freedom in an entirely new place. However, common sense should still apply. Try not to draw attention to yourself as a tourist. There isn’t any reason to wear flashy jewelry in a touristy spot where pickpockets hunt. Food may not be as regulated in some areas, so if the barbecued meat doesn’t look quite right, move on to see the other yummy options.
You will learn new skills
Depending on the country you visit, you’ll notice right away your language skills improving. You’ll be surprised how quickly you’ll pick up words like nha ve sinh (Vietnamese for ‘bathroom’), bae-go-pa (Korean for ‘I’m hungry’), santé! (French for cheers), and igualmente (Spanish for nice to meet you).
Your observation skills will also noticeably improve. Can’t seem to get a waiter’s attention? Observe how the locals are doing it. “Em oi!” will usually get the waiter’s attention in Vietnam. In Malaysia, you’ll observe close friends greeting each other with a special handshake, and in France, a friendly kiss on the side of the cheeks is the usual greeting.
Be prepared to change
Traveling alone isn’t for the average person. You will be immersed in an entirely different culture, making new friends, and seeing things you’ll never forget. You’ll likely be faced with challenges that will only help you grow. If your motorcycle breaks down during a road trip in Laos where nobody speaks your language, will you find the patience to communicate in other ways? If you’re camping under the stars in Perth, will you be able to put your mind at ease with no one to rely on? Will you gain appreciation for the efforts behind food when you see the amount of labor that goes into preparing rice for sushi in Japan? Be prepared to change how you perceive other cultures as you open up your own world.
Your first solo trip
The one thing that will make traveling alone in a different country much more beautiful is your attitude. Realize that adapting during times of discomfort will only lead to personal growth. You’ll experience a different culture’s way of life and see how they manage to thrive in ways you had no idea was possible. Explore, appreciate, and make incredible memories on your first solo trip.
