Traveling Solo: YOLO
Jessica Parker traveling solo in Jordan
Traveling solo doesn’t mean you’re ever really alone. It’s actually the best time to meet other like-minded people and pushes you to put yourself out there more. Talk to strangers. Ask for directions. When you’re with a companion or group, you’re less likely to strike up a conversation with others.
If you want to visit your dream destinations, don’t wait for other people if that’s the holdup. The perfect time to go doesn’t exist. You just have to go.
Here are my tips on how to make the most of your trip and make future travel companions….
Choosing your destination for a solo trip
Consider the background and track record of the destination you want to visit. That can be found on travel forums, blogs, and credible news outlets. Now there will always be hearsay that will have some truth to it, however, don’t let anyone fearmonger you out of a place you wish to travel. If it’s particularly unsafe/sketchy for solo travel or cost prohibitive for single occupancy travel, there are ways to take precautions and find ways to make your budget go further, despite going it alone.
Avoid single-room occupancy costs and expensive individual tours
When you aren’t splitting the costs with a companion, the travel expenses can add up. The industry makes a better return in most cases when there are two individuals paying. That’s why I recommend joining a group. There are lots of group departures with tour operators with full itineraries like G Adventures, Intrepid Travel, and FlashPack, or activities with Urban Adventures, GetYourGuide, and TourRadar, if you still want your flexibility. The companies will outline what’s included, what to expect, and a recommendation for spending money to help keep you on budget.
If you’re a solo female traveler, you have the option to do a room-share and make a new friend. Personally, I’ve organized tours with the founder of Wander Women Retreats Alex Baackes to Lebanon, where a lot of women find future travel buddies and life-long friends by joining the group. Intrepid has room share options like many other tour operators — male and female. Cruise lines have decreased their single-cabin supplement fees or done away with them on certain itineraries, which is a nice cost-savings. Single room fees can really add up for solo travelers.
Wander Women Lebanon Retreat Group Photo
Another great way to share in costs is to join a group pub crawl or organized activity like a food tour where you have extra comrades as well as pick up and drop off at your hotel location in many cases.
If you're going alone, you should sit at the bar so you can chat with the bartender and get some local tips as well as someone who is watching out for you too. You may meet someone who sits around you, which you cannot get sitting at a table.
Solo travel safety
When you’re going alone, be sure to watch your alcohol consumption when you're out to enjoy the nightlife and watch your drink at all times - another reason befriending the bartender helps. When you head out alone, let the reception of your hotel know and leave your contact details plus emergency contact. Make sure a designated friend or family member knows where you're going. There are apps and location-sharing services on your phones now, so you can do that easily.
Pick a hotel or accommodation that's centrally located and in a well-lit area. If you aren’t sure, you can check the forums and look for main attractions nearby or big transportation lines. Typically, I would book an Airbnb at certain destinations, but you might want to pick a hotel or a place with a reception with someone manning it 24/7 when going alone. The peace of mind and reliability are worth it (as published in Best Life). When you’re flying in and out at an odd time, a hotel can be more accommodating with holding your things, shift in check-in times or be available for those off-peak times. If you do work with a travel advisor, many hotels will give perks like early check-in or check-out when available. It also alerts the hotel staff a VIP guest is there and to look after you more closely.
Check out the hotels on Virtuoso.com that you can book with these perks by selecting Jessica Parker, Trip Whisperer as your advisor. You can check in with me prior or book on your own. Up to you if you’re independent!
Be prepared. Pack a change of clothes in your carry on.
What to pack
Remember to bring a change of clothes in your carry-on and keep a copy/photo of your important documents on you when you travel. Print out your travel receipts for proof of payment for tours, as well as the company phone numbers and emergency contacts in the same time zone to have on hand.
Carry the local currency. Don't have big quantities on you, however, just in case someone's credit card machine isn't working and in case of an emergency, you’ll want enough. Sometimes the best way to get the local currency is when you arrive at a local ATM that’s well-lit and populated. Avoid those big-fee currency dealers if possible. Take the current currency without the exchange rate and let the bank give you the fairest rate. If a location is a bit more wearisome, it would be worth getting a sum at your local bank before.
Pick up a local SIM card to have reliable phone and data, especially if you are location-sharing with a friend or family member for safety. You don't want to get caught out of range of your international plan or slower data. Now, lots of phones are offering dual SIM cards if your phone is open and you want to have both.
This blog is not comprehensive on the subject of solo travel but as your travel advisor, I can help you plan your next solo getaway! You can also read more tips on the recent Best Life that I contributed to here: https://bestlifeonline.com/secrets-traveling-solo-news/
