Last year, I took my first-ever solo trip to Lisbon, Portugal, and I was genuinely excited about the experience! However, I’ll admit the scariest part was the thought of dining alone. I wondered: Would I get lonely without someone to share meals with? Would I feel judged or uncomfortable in restaurants by myself? These are common worries for solo travelers, but with the right solo travel tips, you can easily overcome them and enjoy the journey!
It might sound silly, but those concerns were real. Then the practical ones kicked in: What if I got lost or struggled with transportation? Would I be safe? How would I manage if I didn’t know the local language?
If you’re feeling similar jitters before your solo trip, you’re not alone! Solo travel tips can be a game-changer, so I’m here to help.
Here are some essential solo travel tips to ease your nerves and enhance your adventure. Since that first solo trip, I’ve traveled solo again, and I can confidently say it only gets easier. Even when things don’t go as planned, remember: it’s all part of the adventure!
Do Your Research
Before you go, spend time researching your destination. Know the best neighborhoods, cultural norms, and some must-visit spots. There’s a wealth of information available in books and blog posts! Here’s how to ensure you’re well-prepared:
- Travel Documents: Check what documents you need, such as your passport and any necessary visas.
- Airport Transportation: Research how to get to and from the airport. Knowing your options can save you time and stress.
- Accommodations: Investigate the best areas to stay and those you might want to avoid. I like using Google Maps’ street view feature to visualize neighborhoods before choosing my accommodations. This gives me a better sense of the area’s vibe.
- Route Planning: Run through a few hypothetical walking routes to key destinations. This helps you identify any sketchy areas or complicated navigation ahead of time.
- Activities: Look into things you want to do upon arrival. Consider booking a tour or making reservations for popular attractions, so you have a clear plan and don’t feel lost once you get there.
Also, don’t forget to pack smart for your trip! Check out my Carry-On Essentials Guide to make sure you’re prepared for the journey ahead.
Use a Language App
When traveling to a destination where another language is spoken, language apps can be lifesavers. Duolingo is excellent for learning basic vocabulary and phrases you’ll use often. For example, I made sure I could ask, “Do you have oat milk, please?” Basic phrases like “please,” “thank you,” “good morning,” and “good evening” can make a big difference.
Also, consider using translation apps like Google Translate. They can translate text, photos, and speech, making it easier to communicate and navigate.
Don’t stress too much about it and just aim to learn some key phrases. Learning a new language is fun, and locals often appreciate your effort to connect! This is one of the best solo travel tips for building confidence when exploring on your own.
Embrace Dining Alone
One of the best things about traveling is trying all the new food! As intimidating as eating alone can sound, it really isn’t that bad. I was nervous about it too, but it turned out to be a highlight of my trip!
Many of the places I wanted to try were fully booked on weekends, and I didn’t have reservations. Luckily, as a solo diner, I wasn’t turned away; I was able to sit at a small table or at the bar. The fun part about sitting at the bar is that you often find other solo travelers dining alone, making it easy to strike up a conversation if you’re in the mood. If you prefer your own company, I noticed plenty of people reading a book or scrolling on their phones while waiting for their meals.
Leave Room for Spontaneity
Take advantage of traveling solo to do whatever the heck you want! You have the freedom to try things you might not have explored if you were with others who didn’t share the same interests or had their own plans.
For me, that meant waking up extremely early on some days, before the sun came up, to capture stunning sunrise photos and enjoy quieter streets. It also allowed me to return to my hotel whenever I wanted to rest, without feeling rushed to keep up with someone else’s pace.
While it’s important to have a well-planned itinerary to help you prepare for your solo trip, leave room for spontaneous adventures. You might get fantastic recommendations from locals for must-see spots, stumble upon a hidden gem with amazing views, or feel inspired to sit down and enjoy a drink at a charming café. Embrace the freedom of solo travel because it can lead to some of the best experiences. This is one of my top solo travel tips- let go of the rigid schedule!
If you need top recommendations on what do to in Lisbon, check out my guide on Top Things to do in Lisbon.
Choose Accommodations Wisely
Ask yourself what kind of trip you want. Are you looking to rest and recharge, or are you interested in mingling and exploring the nightlife? Are you a light sleeper who can’t rest if there’s too much noise outside, or are you one of the lucky ones who can fall asleep anywhere?
There’s no wrong answer here, but it’s important to be mindful of what you want to get out of your trip to ensure you have a fulfilling experience. If you’re keen on meeting new people, staying at a hostel could be a great option. Many hostels even offer private rooms, allowing you to socialize while still enjoying your own personal space.
If you need help finding the best hostels, visit HostelWorld.
Communication is key
Let your family and friends know where you’ll be staying and share your flight information with them. It’s always good to have someone know where you are and can step in if something unexpected happens.
Also, check if your phone provider offers free international plans and activate it if needed before your trip. If not, consider getting a local SIM card or an eSIM. Having a reliable connection is essential for calling, texting, and using Google Maps while you’re abroad. Staying connected will help you navigate your new surroundings with ease.
Another useful tip is to take advantage of Google Maps’ offline feature. Before you leave home, download your map with your saved locations and planned sights. This way, you won’t use any data while exploring! Staying connected is one of the most important solo travel tips for first-time travelers.
Prioritize Safety
Traveling alone can make you feel a bit more exposed compared to being with someone else, as there’s no one to help keep an eye on your belongings or even on you! To minimize risks, leave valuable items at home that you wouldn’t want to lose, and store important documents in a safe box at your hotel.
For added safety, consider sharing your location with trusted friends or family through your phone.
Be cautious about mentioning that you’re traveling solo. While most people you meet will have good intentions, solo travelers, especially women, can sometimes attract unwanted attention. Trust your instincts about when it feels safe to share that information. There’s no need to mention to every person you meet, whether it’s your Uber diver, hotel receptionist, or restaurant staff, that you’re alone. Often, drawing less attention to yourself is better.
If possible, try to arrive during the day. Arriving in a new city or country can be daunting, especially when you’re trying to arrange transportation. A great solo travel tip is to plan for daylight arrivals if you’re unfamiliar with your destination.
Stay aware, and enjoy your trip!
Final Thoughts
While it’s natural to feel nervous about dining alone or navigating a new place, embracing these challenges can lead to unforgettable adventures and valuable insights about yourself. Remember that every solo traveler has faced similar fears. By preparing thoroughly, staying open to new experiences, and trusting your instincts, you can conquer those nervous jitters.
So take a deep breath, pack your bags, and get ready to embark on your solo journey. It’s an opportunity to discover not only the world but also yourself!
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