Solo Male and Female Tips for Traveling Alone
57 Tips for the Solo TravelerTraveling as solo backpacker can expose a number of challenges. Women face more of a debacle than men, but don’t be fooled, men have it hard too. There are so many variables that need to be considered when facing the world alone. What if I get lost? How do I go out to a bar alone? Won’t it be weird to sit alone at restaurant or cafe? Will it be easier to get mugged? How do I stay sane if I’m always traveling alone? All these fear will disappear once you experience being alone in the world for any amount of time. My fears subsided once I got on my trip. The benefits of traveling alone are extraordinary. There’s nothing like it. Here’s how to make the most of your first solo travel adventure.
Use these tips below for your next solo trip. |
Me, overlooking the majestic Annapurna Mountains in Pohkara, Nepal.
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Men and Women Solo Travel Tips
Taxis
Always call for a cab instead of grabbing one off the street. There are plenty of dangers when getting into a unknown cab. Unregistered cabs in developing countries have strategies when it comes to tourists. There is the possibility of a cabby calling his buddies and assaulting you or demanding everything you have on you. There are horror stories out there. Stay on the safe side, either order a cab from a legit taxi service, carry a knife for protection or take public transportation. There’s no need to risk your valuables or even your life during a night out. Always trust your gut in these type of situations. If the cabby seems sketchy, don’t get in…
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Accommodations
Most solo travelers will opt for a dorm style bed. Some like co-ed dorms and some like all male or female dorms. It’s all about preference here. If you aren’t into sharing a room with the opposite sex, be sure to order a bed online with your exact preferences or ask the manager at the hostel. No matter what type of accommodation you decide to stay in on your travels, it helps to hang out at the bar or lounge area so you can meet new people. It’s always nice hanging out with cool people from the same dorm.
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Health
Always practice safe sex when traveling. You never know where someone has been. Always carry quality condoms to prevent STDs and pregnancies. Use a condom even if a girl says she’s on the pill or that in her culture condoms aren’t used. It’s a bad idea guys. Some girls in different cultures are looking for any way to get money out of you. That can be in a form of a baby… For women, make sure the guy is genuine. There are plenty of horror stories of females getting into dangerous situations.The world is crazy!! Stay safe.
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Hostels Aren't Always a MustHostels are known as the best form of lodging due to the price and meeting people. I do agree with this, but there are alternatives. During a festival or a big event in a city, hostel beds will be more expensive than AirBnB or an equivalent site. They can also offer a safe and quiet area when needed, more comfort when you are exhausted from traveling, and a place to stretch out with any disruptions or noise. It will also be a safer place to store your passport, camera and laptop when you go out. Hostels aren’t the only place to meet people. Use sites like Meetup.com or Couchsurfing.com if you want to meet people while staying at a place by yourself.
Sometimes I need a break from hostels. I like having my own space a few times a month. It’s not a bad thing to be alone for a few days. It’ll keep you sane. |
Don’t get too AmbitiousAs I have traveled the past few years, I have come to learn that my ambitions some times get the best of me. There will be times where you need everything to go well for it to work out. You’ll be vulnerable when arriving in a new city and when trying to catch a flight or bus. You will want to make sure everything works out every second of your trip. It’s not possible unless you have some sort of magical potion. There will always be something that goes wrong in every city. Take it easy on yourself that night. Not all is lost if you miss your bus. Make sure to calm down and relax a bit. Things like that happen all the time. It’s best to keep your ambitions to a minimum and just ride the wave of travel.
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Don't Run Out of CashHaving no cash while traveling solo is a risky move. Always have some in case of an emergency. Asking for help from strangers, sleeping at a bus stop or any other last resort tactic can be done with others. But, traveling alone and having these problems will catch up on you. You don’t want to ask for free rides and places to crash all the time as a solo traveler. There won’t be anyone to watch your back. Things can and will get dicey if you don’t have cash on you at all times. Here’s a trick, put a $50 or 50€ bill in a secret jacket pocket or under the pad of your shoe for those emergencies. It’ll save you in a pinch!
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Being Alone is OKThere’s a reason people travel alone. There are many websites that give tips on how to meet people everywhere you go. The point of traveling is to be alone as much as 50% of time. Be prepared for finding yourself, learning more about yourself and loving yourself more due to this. I have traveled by myself many times for extended trips. I always like having my alone time to reflect on life, family and lost relationships. Everyone needs to have this time to themselves. Many travelers who join big groups crave the moment of being alone. As a solo traveler, you don’t have that problem; so enjoy it! It’s an incredible experience to travel without any family or friends.
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You Don’t Always Have to Bring People Along
Everyone has their own interests. You’ll make some great friends as you travel, but there will be times where you'll want to do an activity others don’t want to do like paragliding or strolling an art gallery. These are best to do on your own if no one else is interested. I find myself loving my alone time while wandering the city with my camera. I can take all the photos I want without interference. I’m not a FOBO (fear of missing out) when I travel. I don’t care if I miss out on drinking at a fancy bar. I’d rather sit on a bench taking photos of wildlife. Do your own thing. More likely than not, the majority of people you meet traveling will never contact you again. It happens. Don’t miss out on the things you really want to do.
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Flexibility and Your Impulsive Nature
The best part of traveling in my opinion is being able to change your plans at any point in time. If Vienna, Austria is too expensive, head down south to Belgrade, Serbia the same day. Changing plans should be decided in seconds by yourself, not by others in a group. This is a great benefit to have. Always take advantage of this. Day-to-day life back home is nothing like this. Take your trip by the horns!
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Stop Drinking so MuchIf you want to explore the world on a budget, stop spending so much at the bars. There are risks when going out. The best way to handle your drinking is to not go clubbing every night. If you do, buy one to two drinks and call it a night. Drinking in Western Europe is expensive. I recommend sticking to Eastern Europe if you want to drink cheap alcohol.
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Potential Dangers Are Waiting Around the Corner
There will always be a dangerous situation when traveling alone. Use your best judgement and stick to your gut.
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Take a Breather
Traveling is an incredible experience, but it is exhausting. Spoil yourself some times. You don’t always have to live like a backpacker on your trip.
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Time is Not a FactorAnother benefit of traveling alone; taking your time on all activities. This may be one of the few times you get to choose when to sleep in, what time and where to eat, what your day will consist of and when to nap. Take advantage of these luxuries. It’s your time; make sure to use it how you see fit.
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Talk to People, Start Causal ConversationsIf you want to make new friends, you’ll need to get out of your comfort zone and make an effort to start a conversation. Most people, like myself, can tend to be shy at certain points. There are people who never travel due to this. To get the most out of your trip, you’ll need to get over your fears.
Some of the best ways to start conversations is to ask a simple question such as directions to a location. Keep the conversation going. You might make a new friend. Another way to start a conversation is to simply walk up to a table at a bar and ask to join. Ninety percent of the time, the group will be willing to accept you. This is a ballsy move for introverts, but it has to be done to meet people. One of my favorite ways to meet people is on Couchsurfing.com and Meetup.com. These are the best ways to meet new people in a foreign country. The group will consists of people just like you! |
Always Have a Plan BAlways have a back up plan when traveling alone. There will always be situation where you need a Plan B. For instance, I was in Vienna, Austria looking for a hostel. The cheapest one I could find was $30USD a night… Way too expensive for my taste. I decided to book a bus to Belgrade, Serbia the very next day because the hostels were $4USD a night.
Be sure to tell someone where you are at all times. This is important for those who love you. You may get into trouble with no way of communicating with someone. Having someone know where you are can really help your situation. Leave some breadcrumbs by using social media or email. This will inform those who care about you that you are alive and well. It’ll also make your friends jealous of your travels :). |
Never Over ScheduleOver scheduling can be a pain in the ass. It can definitely be a burden on your trip if things do change. As a solo traveler, you are the lifeline for yourself. You have the daunting task of planning and executing the entire trip. There are plenty of things that need to be organized and planned out ahead of time. But, scheduling everything in advance is a dumb idea. Things will always change no matter how hard you try. The ability to go as you please is part of the reason to travel alone. Having a schedule makes going-with-the-flow impossible.
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Know Your Limits in Developing CountriesIf you’ve never ridden a motorbike before, Nepal is not the place to learn. Cheap countries like Nepal, Vietnam and India have crazy traffic laws that make it almost impossible to travel safely. I recommend learning in a country with practical traffic laws.
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Protect Yourself From Pickpocketers
Always put your wallet/phone in your front pocket. It’s not as effective as a money belt, but it’s a lot better than your back pocket. A money belt isn’t always practical. I haven’t had to use one on any of my travels. The wallet/phone in the front pocket method is a great way to keep all your stuff on you.
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Bring a Roll of Duct TapeThis will be nice to have, trust me. Everything breaks at one point or another. Some times bags, suitcases and other items break. Make sure you have a cheap way to temporarily fix an item.
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Sleep Around
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The Weird One
In most parts of the world, solo travelers are seen as weird or unfortunate. In many cultures, people ages 18-30 years old travel without friends or family are seen lonely or without friends. That is not the case! There are new friends waiting to meet you all over the world. By traveling alone, I have had some generous offers of places to stay for free, party and dinner invites and overall fun! Do not feel lonely or down about traveling alone. Use your freedom to meet people in totally random situations like sitting near a chatty gang at a bar or approaching a cute girl at a cafe. If it doesn’t work out, you’ll never see them again, so who cares!
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It’s Okay to Say No
In different parts of the world you get a lot of attention that’s unwarranted. I have found that being a solo traveler, attention is always on you. Learn how to say “No” in as many languages as you. You’ll get asked for money many times, photos with strangers and drinks at bars. If you need any assistance, always have local police numbers in your phone.
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Bring a Book or TwoIt’s a really good idea to have a book on hand at all times. Those long bus rides will get boring after a while. And, most buses don’t have outlets for your phone or laptop. So, keep a good book or two on you at all times.
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Take A Lot of Photos
Taking photos will help document the amazing trip you are having. For me, I love to take photos of scenery and people. It’s one of my hobbies. Your friends and family will appreciate your photos as a visual story of your travels.
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Eating Alone Doesn't Make You A LoserEating at fast food places will help with avoiding awkward solo dining experiences, but I don’t recommend it. In fact, fancier restaurants are a great place to try local cuisines and beers. Waiters are always welcoming when asked what to try or what they can recommend. Put a smile on and learn to be okay with eating alone.
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Get an Early Start
If the thought of bar hopping alone makes you feel like the biggest loser, just adjust your day. Wake up early and enjoy a coffee and breakfast in a local cafe, head out for a stroll in a park, museums and other day time activities. If you pack your day full enough, you’ll be ready for bed by 9pm. This may sound lame, but it’s always nice to have these experiences once in a while. Partying and clubbing get old and you will see your budget dwindle. These types of days aren’t just for old couples in their 70s. Explore the city and culture on your own.
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Friends-of-Friends
Ask friends from home or people you have met along the way if they have friends in your current location. It’s always nice to meet friends-of-friends. Have them take you out to a bar or restaurant. Everyone loves being a tour guide in their own city.
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Freedom is Bliss
Even if you get lonely, don’t lose sight of all the things you are able to do. You’ll always meet new people along the way; that isn’t a problem. Having the luxury of freedom is one incredible thing. You may think some of the perks that come with traveling alone are miniscule. But, I’m always happy with changing my plans at the last second without offending any one. It’s a good feeling.
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Take Pictures/Hard Copies of All Your Documents
Take photos of your passport, IDs, passwords, etc. and put the in a secure file on your laptop or phone. This will come in handy a few times.
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International SIM CardIt’s a good idea to put a few extra bucks on an International SIM card for emergencies. You never know when you'll need that one phone call.
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Travel Health InsuranceI have written an article about this very thing. Go and take a look for more information. I recommend Travel Health Insurance.
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Register with the U.S. Department of StateThis is a great thing to have. If there is something going on in a certain country you are in, you’ll get an alert. This is available for most travelers in their respective countries. Download their "Smart Traveler" app for quick information.
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Register with the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT)
This organization will let you know where the closest medical facility is where English is spoken. This is super helpful.
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Pack Light
Packing light is a great way to avoid getting mugged. A mugger will target a person with 3 roller bags and a backpack. Stay light and be able to run if needed.
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Keep Cash and Cards in Different Places
If one or two of your cards get stolen, you’ll have an emergency one ready to go. Make sure to keep cash in separate places too. No one wants to lose 300€ all at once.
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Power Bank It
Outlets aren't as plentiful in some countries. Bus stations, buses, trains and local shops usually don’t have outlets. A power bank will fix that.
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Dress Like a Local
Try to dress like a local. It will be hard depending on where you are. Looking like a tourists will get unwanted attention from muggers and pickpocketers.
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Safety Deposit box or Locker Use
Make sure to book hostels with a locker or safety deposit box. Hostelworld.com will have this information for each hostel before booking.
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Buy a Slash-proof BagIf you are carrying expensive electronics like a camera or laptop, definitely buy a backpack that is slash-proof and lockable. It’ll give you peace of mind when a locker isn’t around.
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Carry a Knife
Having a knife can help in times of anguish. It also helps with opening pesky bags, tearing tags off clothes and cutting fruit and cheese.
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If You’re Listening to Music, Don’t wear Both Headphones
This will give you a chance to hear anyone come up behind or next to you. Wearing headphones without music is also good for areas you don’t feel safe. You can even eavesdrop on a conversation.
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If You Get Lost
If you get lost, don’t look at your phone in the middle of the night. Just duck into a café or shop and check there. This will give off attention to muggers in the area.
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Download an Offline Map
Look into downloading an offline map. I would suggest "HERE." You can download any country in the world and it is at your finger tips without any WiFi.
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Take Your Bag With You, Even on Buses and Trains
This will help with not losing valuables. I put all my valuables in a small slash-proof bag when I go on buses and trains. I then store my big bag underneath. This way I can carry my small bag anywhere I go without any hassle.
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Take a Photo of the Cab’s License Plate
This will save you from any ordeal. You can give the license number to the police.
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Tips for Women Only
Take Cabs When You Feel VulnerableThis can be said for guys too. If you don’t feel safe walking alone, take a cab that has decal on it. Make sure it’s a legit cab.
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Don't Sleep on TrainsSleeping on trains can add unwanted attention. From what I have heard from female friends, some female solo travelers don’t like taking night trains because they feel vulnerable. I honestly don’t see the problem with night trains. But, then again I’m a guy. I wouldn’t know what it feels like.
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On a Train, Sit With Other PeopleOn trains, sit close to the front and close to other women just in case. Never sit by yourself.
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Write Down Hostel Address for Cab DriversDoesn’t hurt to do this for anywhere you’ll be taking a taxi if you don’t speak the language.
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Bring Emergency ContraceptionI was told by a fellow female traveler this is a must. Emergency contraceptives is a must due to the sacristy of them in certain countries. Even if you aren’t looking to sleep with anyone, always have it on you.
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Make a Female Local Friend
There are a lot of websites for solo female travelers to meet local females. You can ask about what to do in each city, what bars or restaurants to go to and if they'd like to meet up.
Women Solo Travel
Wandermates
Women Solo Travel
Wandermates
Tips for Men Only
NightlifeMost single men look to party while traveling. Bars and clubs are the main attraction to those looking to hook up or for general meet ups with other people. It may be hard to communicate in each country you go to. Study up on common phrases for the bars or use hand signals. Single males generally have an easy time meeting people in foreign bars, especially Americans. The thought of an American guy abroad is fascinating for some reason. However, never trust a new friend. A lot of the time they are trying to take advantage of you for your money. It’s always nice to buy a girl a drink in the bar, but be ready for scam artists. They often prey on tourists by acting interested. They will act intrigued while the drinks add up. The girl will then say she will go to bathroom and never return. There goes $200USD… I have met a few guys that have experienced this. Every guy at some point has this happen to them while traveling. Don’t be embarrassed. There are a lot of local women in each country that prey on male travelers. It’s part of the culture.
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Sex TrapsSingle men will get the occasionally girl who comes up to them asking for sex. And, some bars and clubs woo guys with free drinks and beautiful women only to get a $500USD bill at the end of the night. The police won’t help you either. It’s best to stick to a normal bar with normal prices.
Bouncers in different countries will even use force or their fists to make you pay up. If you still don’t pay, you’ll end up in the hospital… I’ve never experienced this, but I have heard horror stories. Another tactic to get money out of you is to drug your drink after they buy it. They will rob you of everything you have. Never accept a drink from a stranger. Always buy your own drink at the bar. There will be girls who seem TOO friendly. They may be looking for fun or they could be scouting out your wallet. If it seems too easy, it’s a good indication that she will take advantage of you. |
Men are Vulnerable to Muggings TooMen are just as likely to be mugged as women. Men like to think that as a solo traveler they are safe. Don’t forget that muggers aren’t gender conscious. They want your wallet no matter who you are. Also, I read an article that says men can prolong eye contact in order to ward off attackers. I have no idea if this works or not. I’ve never been mugged (knock on wood).
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She Doesn't Love YouLocal women will come onto you as a foreigner. I’m sorry to break the news, but they don’t love you. They love the idea of a foreign man in their lives as well as money. Take your time to evaluate the girl. You don’t know the culture or the way of life in every country. Risk taking can be a thrill, but don’t push your luck.
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Sit Back and Let It HappenMen (I would know) tend to rush in without thinking. Take the time to sit back and let things develop. There’s no rush in making decisions. Take your time.
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