How to Fall in Love With Traveling Alone

A step-by-step guide to traveling alone and absolutely loving it!

Maybe there are places you want to go and the people around you either have no interest in those places, don’t have the time, or simply can’t. You find yourself thinking… I could just go alone. 

But then you never do. You might be worried about ending up in a foreign country all alone, getting lost, getting hurt, or just feeling totally out of your element. I get it! I used to feel that way, too. 

Until recently, I wasn’t a fan of traveling alone. However, I can officially say I’m now hooked on solo travel for so many reasons! I have given myself permission to go wherever I want, whenever I want, and I absolutely love it. In fact, I want everyone to experience the magic of solo travel at least once in their life time! Keep reading to discover my top tips for traveling alone and absolutely loving it.

Get Travel Insurance

Yes, I know, it can be expensive. And luckily, the likelihood of you actually needing it is pretty slim, but trust me when I say that travel insurance is a must-have. Travel insurance will reimburse you for any money you might have lost on non-refundable deposits that you had to cancel. This can be anything from airport transportation to hotel stays. 

Especially with the in flux state of the airlines right now, travel insurance is absolute gold. If your flight is cancelled last minute and you need to book a new one or rearrange your trip, having travel insurance means that you get all of your money back — even if the airline or hotel doesn’t offer refunds. 

When you don’t have a travel buddy with you, the stress of last minute changes or cancellations can really weight heavy. With travel insurance, you know you’re always protected, no matter what!

Book Solo-Friendly Stays

Traveling alone can feel intimidating, especially if you accidentally end up at a romantic bed and breakfast or a family-friendly resort. One of the best ways to avoid that awkward feeling, while also meeting other solo travelers along the way, is to book your stay at a solo-friendly hotel or resort. 

Whether or not you meet your new travel bestie at one of these places, you’ll know that the majority of other guests there are also solo. Personally, I always feel more comfortable knowing that there are other solo travelers out there looking out for one another. 

If you want to opt for something a little more personal than a hotel, head over to Airbnb and book a small apartment or condo fit for just one or two people. Make sure you choose the option for “entire home” so that you don’t end up with an accidental roommate or two! 

Get Comfortable With Strangers

Part of the joy of solo travel is meeting all sorts of new people. When I’m traveling with friends or family, I’m most often engaging with them. Sure, I’ll have friendly conversation with the person sitting next to me on the bus, but I’m not normally incentivized to make friends with them. 

However, when traveling solo, I want to grow and meet new people, so I’m much more likely to grab dinner with one of the other single travelers from my museum tour or have coffee with another hotel guest. I’ve made friends with people I would have never know otherwise! 

Get Outside of Your Comfort Zone

This is a big one: Get out of your comfort zone. It’s just you one this trip, which means that what you do or don’t do is completely up to you. 

Solo travel is your opportunity to try new things. In Paris for a week and want to take a French cooking class? Or maybe you want to try skydiving in Canada. Or something else entirely, something you would have never done otherwise. 

Solo travel is your chance to challenge yourself and redefine your idea of comfortable. Personally, I’ve found that this is where the most growth has happened in my life. Leave your comfort zone and try something totally out of the norm. Your future self will thank you! 

Challenge Yourself to a Solo Trip

If you’ve been reading all of these tips with your mouth hanging open and a rush of adrenaline coursing through your veins, I think you and I are cut from the same cloth! 

Solo travel doesn’t have to be scary. In fact, solo travel should be a gift you give yourself. It’s the best way to expand your horizons, experience new cultures, and learn more about yourself than you ever thought possible. 
For the wanderlust itching to go solo, we’ve got the perfect package for you: a mystery trip tailored exactly to your taste! Satisfy your craving for adventure and your inner introvert all at the same time by filling out our form here.