I’ve made no secret of the fact that I love travelling solo. It gives me a freedom that you don’t really get when you travel with others and there’s zero compromises or friction when it comes to decision-making. This being said, when I went on my first solo trip to the East Coast of America & Canada, it took some getting used to.
On this trip, I was travelling for the most part with a small tour group, but this was very much an “I’m going on a trip just for me” kind of moment for me. Subsequently, I’ve relied less on small group travel, stepping out, and exploring on my own, but here are 8 things I wish the younger me knew before embarking solo.
1. You’re Going To Over-Plan
Okay, so I am a researcher. I’ll spend hours Googling hidden gems, cool cheap restaurants, and things that I shouldn’t miss and make lists for when I’m over there. Now, there’s nothing wrong with this, but you have to allow for the unexpected – good or bad.
One of the best nights I had in Reykjavik was this free comedy show in an underground club that someone who owned a cafe told me about when I landed. And I’m sorry, no amount of over-planning is going to prevent your bag from going missing (happened in NYC), or your airline going bust (Sri Lanka), or an act of terrorism (also Sri Lanka). When you overplan, you cram your days full of stuff to do and you might miss out on some really fun, different or cool experiences because you’re so focused on checking off certain things. Pick a few things you want to see but don’t over-schedule.
2. You Don’t Need All That Stuff
Here’s a news flash: other countries and hostels have washing machines. Admittedly, most of them are awful and expensive but you don’t need to take a full month’s worth of clothing with you in a backpack. Not only is it heavy, it’s going to take you ages to find anything you actually want to wear.
Similarly, taking a load of books or teabags or twenty different types of bug spray is not necessary. Most hostels have a book swap shelf so just take one you don’t mind leaving behind and pick them up as you go. I think this is only a Brit thing where I know several people who take teabags with them when they travel, but again, other countries have tea – it might not be your brand but it’s still tea, and in the case of Sri Lanka, it’s much better tea too!
At the end of the day, whatever you’re packing, you have to carry, so if you don’t think you can stand on a subway with it for 20 stops or haul it out of the bus storage or get it up a flight of stairs, you need to reassess.
3. Loosen Up
This is pretty similar to not over-planning. Yes, it’s good to be sensible and have your wits about you in a place you’re not familiar with – of course it is – but don’t be so hung up on it to the point where you’re not enjoying yourself.
Say yes to things, go on a walk around the city without a set plan, and don’t get immediately worried if a local starts talking to you in a bar. I’ve had great conversations with locals in the past, where I’ve learned more about the country, gained some great recommendations and even been gifted a free avocado, so you never know.
4. Do What You Want To Do
This is a massive one. The whole point of solo travel is the freedom to do what you want to do, to explore areas you want to see, and yes to meet people on the way, but to satisfy yourself. Even if you’re travelling solo but on a small group trip, don’t forget about what you want to see, even if it means splitting with the group for a day or two.
Another thing is don’t just live the guidebooks. They’re great for visiting the main attractions of a place, but have a look online or ask around at your hostel or at cafes for local recommendations that might interest you. On a city break and want to get out of the city instead of seeing something that’s in Lonely Planet, you do you. After all, it’s your trip and you’re paying for it.
5. Learn How To Nap On A Bus
If you’re travelling solo, chances are you’re going to be utilising public transport to get around. It’s the cheapest way and in a lot of places it’s the most convenient. However, when you’re touring a country or area and you’re bouncing around from place to place, it can get pretty tiring. So, being able to nap on a bus is an invaluable travel skill.
Obviously, don’t do this if your stop is coming up soon – you don’t want to miss it – but if you’re on a Flixbus for a few hours or an overnight bus to save accommodation costs, finding a way to be comfortable and get some shut-eye is key. I’m talking about a reliable jumper/pillow combo, a sleeping posture that doesn’t ruin your back for the rest of the trip, and being able to shut out the noise. Trust me, you’ll need it.
6. Never Say No To A Snack Stop
Now, in regular, everyday life, will I ever say no to snacks? Absolutely not. They are a joy in bite-sized packaging. But when traveling solo we’re often watching our budget and trying to stick to designated meals. That’s a noble pursuit, really it is, and I used to do this too. Then your bus gets caught in traffic, or you’re in a new neighbourhood and can’t find somewhere to eat, or you have a nap and miss lunch.
Having some non-perishable snacks in your bag like cereal bars, crisps, popcorn, or whatever local alternatives are around is a must. No one likes the hangry person in the back of the bus. You also don’t know when the next food stop might be, so grab stuff whilst you can.
7. Book The Day Off After You Return
Even now, I don’t really do this and always regret it. When you’re booking your time off work, give yourself a solid 2/3 days at home before you go back to work. Not just for jet lag purposes but to do your washing, to do a food shop, to settle back into your home rhythm before you hit the grind.
I know, I know, when you’re booking time off you want to make the most of it, so you’d rather have those extra 2 days on holiday, but when you’re dead at your desk or scrabbling to find something clean to chuck on, you’ll understand why. I started a new job not even 24 hours after landing from a month in Sri Lanka – the train ride in almost killed me.
8. Put Your Phone Down
Ah the classic, put down your phone and actually experience what’s going on around you. Especially when it’s your first solo trip, you’re so excited that you’re taking photos of everything, so that you can capture the experience and share it when you get home. After all, there’s no one else there that can help explain.
But everything looks different through a phone. Experiences feel different when you’re taking them in through a screen. By all means, take one or two commemorative snaps but then put your phone away and take in what’s going on. All the things you can’t see in a photo: the smells, the noise, the feelings, the things that are happening behind the shot. That’s how you experience a place and that’s why we travel ourselves rather than just looking on Instagram.
So, there are 8 things I wish I had known before I started travelling solo. I’ve taken the majority of these to heart by now (I still like having my extra days away and not being responsible at home…) and it really does make solo travel a lot more exciting and fulfilling.
Let me know what you wish younger you knew before you started travelling in the comments below.
