Solo travel tips: everything to know before travelling alone
The first time I travelled for a week, I packed like I was going away for months, forgot necessities, and didn’t really optimize my time or budget. But, like many things, packing and prepping is something you get better at the more you do it. After many solo trips, from Europe to Africa, and Asia to South America, here are my tips for travelling alone.
Stay in Hostels
If you had described the concept of a hostel to me 10 years ago, I’d have probably been entirely disgusted. Now, it’s one of my favourite parts of travelling. Not only is it a great way to save money, but an excellent way to meet people and find out what’s going on in whichever city you’re in.
Read reviews on Hostelworld and join the Hostelworld Chat
Want to see if the hostel you’re looking to book provides towels or offers a free breakfast? Hostelworld is a great way to read reviews from other travellers. In addition, booking through them allows you to use the Hostelworld chat, an in-app feature that lets you chat with other travellers in the city and at the hostel you’re visiting before and during your arrival… a great way to meet up with others for dinner or a group activity!
Look for free walking tours
Joining in on a free walking tour is a great way to get to know the city you’re in before going out and exploring. Most cities or hostels offer free walking tours, to find one, ask at the front desk of your accommodation or simply Google: “Free walking tour ‘city name’”.
Get a sim card upon arrival, or download an e-sim
Having a sim card will help you tremendously. Opt to buy one at the airport (usually a tad more expensive), in the city, or to download an e-sim. I like to use Airalo: it can be purchased prior to arrival, downloading the e-sim is easy and straightforward, and it’s easy to pop-up using your credit card or Apple pay.
Download offline maps on Google Maps
Even with a sim, in some cities reception is spotty. Download offline maps via Google Maps to make sure you can get around, even without service.
You don’t need to bring as much as you think you do
No matter where you’re going, a good rule of thumb is to pack for a week’s length of time. If you run out of clothes, laundry can always be done in a laundromat or in a hostel sink. Your back will thank you for carrying the least amount possible.
Pretty much every country has a well-stocked pharmacy…
Leave your huge first-aid kit at home. Almost everywhere you go, you’ll find a pharmacy. Unless, of course, you’ll be trekking for days at a time, you’ll be fine with just a few necessities.
…but bring a mini first-aid kit
While almost everywhere you go will have a well-stocked pharmacy, it’s good to have some basics on you in case of emergency. Some things I like to keep in my first-aid kit include electrolytes, alcohol swabs and band-aids, and traveller’s diarrhea tablets.
Use a VPN
If you’ll be spending a lot of time in airports or connected to public networks, using a VPN is a great way to make sure your device stays safe. Depending on your needs, there are tons out there. I like to use Surfshark because it fits my budget.
Bring copies of everything…
Always travel with a copy of your passport, immunization records, flight itinerary, and the confirmation for your first accommodation. You never know when your phone will die, if you’ll need proof (some countries require proof of accommodation for entrance), or if the original copies will get lost.
…and leave a copy of all these things with someone
This is one of those just in case things. It’s always good for someone to have.
Get the right travel insurance
Will you be partaking in extreme sports or have medical issues? Not every insurance covers all activities, age groups, or illnesses. Do your research and make sure you have the right travel insurance for the type of traveller you are. A good tip is to request a quote from many companies and see which one best fits your needs.
Download WhatsApp
From chatting with your newly made friends to making reservations at hostels, or chatting with family back home, WhatsApp is an all-around great app for communication while abroad.
Have an emergency fund
Always have an emergency fund of a few hundred dollars in your bank account. From buying medication to other unexpected expenses, it’s always good to be safe.
Find out what transport app is used
While Uber might be the most common transport app in your country, there are plenty out there. Do your research to find out what app is most widely used wherever you’ll be travelling. Some popular ones include Lyft, Bolt, and Grab.
Download Bookaway
Will you be taking lots of buses or trains? Bookaway is a great app for viewing transport timetables and reserving a seat in advance. This will save you time instead of having to wait in line at a ticket booth hours in advance.
Depending on where you’re going, you’re going to want to bring toilet paper
Do your research before you go. In some countries, toilet paper has to be paid for upon entry into a public restroom. Other instances where you might need your own toilet paper include camping or trekking, or for homestays in rural areas.
Fanny! Packs!
Since most of them are small and can be worn cross-body, under jackets, and in front of your person, using a fanny pack is a great way to lower your chances of getting pickpocketed and keep your belongings safe.
Sites like explore-share and AirBnb Experiences are great for joining in on organized activities
Want to partake in a group activity but you don’t have a group? Websites like explore-share and AirBnb Experiences allow you to book guided and group activities all around the world with local guides.
Use a multi-currency travel card to avoid fees
Cards like Wise are great for travelling abroad. They can be used like a regular debit card, minus the transaction fees and exchange rates.
Download a translation app and know a few basic phrases in the local language
In addition to downloading Google Translate and downloading the local language offline for 24/7-access, be sure to know a few basic phrases. Not only can it be helpful, but it’s a great way to connect with locals. Knowing how to say “hi”, introduce yourself, and say “thank you” will really be appreciated.
Download a currency app
A currency app such as XE Currency is a great way to keep track of your spending and know the exchange rates before going to exchange your funds.
Make sure you’re up to date with your vaccines and have any medications you might need
Talk to your doctor or a travel nurse to make sure you have any recommended vaccines for your destination. Additionally, certain cities at high altitude might require you to have altitude sickness medication on hand.
Research and save recommendations by pinning them on Google Maps
You’ll meet a lot of people along the way, each of whom will have great recommendations from their travels before you. Save recommendations in Google Maps by pinning them to your map. You can do this by finding the recommendation > Save > Save in your lists > ‘Favourites’ or ‘Starred Places’.