Solo travel for women and men

Traveling solo offers an excellent opportunity to explore uncharted territories, forge new connections, and venture beyond your familiar boundaries. Nevertheless, embarking on this journey can be both thrilling and slightly intimidating, especially if you’re a first-time solo traveler. In this article, we present the ultimate beginner’s guide to ensure you’re thoroughly prepared for your upcoming adventure.

Whether you aspire to embrace spontaneity or adhere to a meticulously planned itinerary, embarking on a solo vacation empowers you to customize your experience according to your preferences.

Make new friends on your solo trip

One of the most significant advantages of embarking on a solo journey is the opportunity to find new friends. As a solo traveler, you’ll find yourself more inclined to engage with fellow travelers who are also exploring the world independently.

Hostels, local events, and shared travel plans offer a myriad of chances to establish meaningful connections with like-minded individuals. Traveling solo doesn’t equate to solitude; quite the opposite, it serves as a gateway to cultivating new bonds and meaningful encounters with fellow globetrotters hailing from diverse corners of the globe.

Preparing your solo travel

The first step towards an unforgettable solo vacation trip is selecting the right destination. Think about what you want to see and do during your holiday and choose a destination that suits you.

Whether you want to experience the hustle and bustle of a large metropolis, relax on a secluded beach, or venture into nature, there is a destination to suit you. And do you want to alternate this with guiltfree shopping? Do what you want, traveling alone means you can explore the world your way.

Once you’ve chosen your destination, it’s time to book your solo trip. Make sure you book flights, accommodation and any other activities on time. This will help you avoid unnecessary stress and ensure your trip goes smoothly.

While spontaneity can be a charm of solo travel, it’s wise to make an itinerary for the first few days. This gives you a sense of direction and prevents you from getting lost in a new city or area.

Plan the main sights you want to visit and any activities you want to do during your solo holiday.

Many solo travelers opt to start their journey by checking into a comfortable hotel at least for the first night. Subsequently, you can expand your horizons and meet fellow adventurers by staying in guesthouses, hostels, or even campsites.

Is going on a trip by yourself expensive?

This question isn’t easily answered, as it largely depends on your circumstances and preferences. Whether you choose to take a career break at 35 and embark on a solo world adventure or join a group of students at a campsite in Croatia, your spending can vary significantly.

Here are some factors to consider:

1. Accommodation Costs: When traveling alone, you typically bear the full cost of accommodation, while traveling with others allows you to split expenses. It’s common to find that booking a room with breakfast often means paying for a double room and breakfast for two people. Hostels can be a more budget-friendly option.
2. Dining Expenses: Sharing meals with others can be more cost-effective. Some countries, like Japan, cater well to solo diners, offering solo tables in most restaurants. Traveling alone also means you’re free from considering the tastes and allergies of companions. Want to enjoy a super-affordable roadside meal in India? You can! (Pro tip: Always carry diarrhea pills when traveling).
3. Transportation Costs: Transportation expenses vary based on your destination and travel style. Some modes of transport, such as taxis, can be pricier when not shared. Conversely, group discounts might be available for public transport. In Southeast Asia, where scooters are prevalent, traveling solo can be more economical.
4. Freedom and Itinerary: Traveling alone grants you the freedom to set your own itinerary and allocate your expenses as you see fit. In a group, compromises may be necessary regarding activities, potentially impacting overall costs.

Ultimately, the answer depends on your personal preferences, budget, and travel style. Consider these factors to make the best decision for your unique adventure.

Think about your safety during your solo travel

This sounds like a cliché, but your mindset is everything. If you are open to new experiences, you can have great adventures. Other travelers and locals notice if you are open to meeting new people and trying new things.

But there is always a downside. Of course, you cannot say yes to everything with complete naivety.

Your safety is of the utmost importance during your solo trip. Read up on the security situation in the country you are visiting and take the necessary precautions. Going on holiday alone doesn’t mean being reckless; it means taking responsibility for your own well-being.

This goes for females and males. Keep important documents in a safe place, inform friends and family of your travel plans, and always be alert.

While traveling solo brings a lot of freedom and adventure, it’s important to listen to your instincts. If you don’t feel comfortable in a certain situation, go to a safe place. Your intuition is a valuable guide on your journey.

Take your time

Don’t get carried away by the urge to fill every moment of your journey. It is important to take a day off every now and then to relax and enjoy your surroundings. Also, not everything has to be on Instagram.

Sit in a cafe, take a walk in nature or read a book in the park. Relaxation is essential to process new impressions and recharge your batteries for the next adventure during your solo trip.

What if your solo flight is delayed or canceled?

Is your first flight unexpectedly delayed or cancelled at the last minute? You can easily check your flight number whether you are entitled to compensation. This can be up to €600, a nice bonus for a first flight.

Save yourself the hassle of contacting European airlines for your compensation. Let us do the hard work for you. EUclaim was founded in 2007 and has helped nearly 700,000 passengers successfully claim compensation. We are the European airline industry’s experts when it comes to standing up for passengers’ rights.

Click below to check if your cancelled or delayed flight is eligible for financial compensation.