I鈥檝e traveled the world, usually without a partner. And I鈥檝e found that this style of travel, more than any other, fosters an appreciation for place and community. Here are a few tips I鈥檝e learned over the years to make the most of going it alone.聽聽
Stay Social
Locals and fellow travelers can be invaluable founts of knowledge. One of the best ways to connect with them is through single-friendly, social accommodation. Check out homestays for a true residential experience (and try to pick up聽some of the local language so that you can engage with your host). Hostels and guesthouses, where you鈥檒l mingle with other like-minded travelers, are also great options and can be easier to coordinate.
If you鈥檙e out in a caf茅, or maybe waiting for a bus, avoid fixing your gaze on your phone or book, as you may miss out on important interactions that could make your trip a whole lot more interesting.
Be Prepared
When you travel solo, you need to become self-reliant, so get yourself organized well in advance with money, visas, and vaccinations, as well as travel insurance for any unfortunate eventualities. And book at least one or two nights鈥 accommodation for when you arrive at your destination, so you can land firmly on your solo-traveling feet.
Stay Safe
Get clued up about your destination with advice from other solo female travelers on聽 or other forums, as well as female-specific safety tips on聽. Dressing appropriately to respect聽local customs is important in some countries to avoid offending anyone or drawing attention to yourself, so check your guidebook for details.
Leave a copy of your itinerary and travel documents with a friend or family member, and register your trip with the聽 if you鈥檙e in the U.S.,聽 in Australia, or the equivalent in your own country. Arrange to check in with a family member or friend on a regular basis, so that one person back home is always aware of your location.
Pack Light
This has never come naturally to me, but I do admit it makes sense, so I鈥檝e refined my techniques over the years. To lighten your load, don鈥檛 pack heavy items, wear layers and convertible clothes, and leave one-time聽outfits at home. You鈥檒l enjoy聽the benefits when your luggage doesn鈥檛 weigh as much and聽you鈥檙e jumping on and off airport buses or climbing stairs in accommodation where there鈥檚 no elevator (in Europe especially, where elevators are hard to come by). I also pack a comfy change of clothes for long-haul flights and wear my heaviest shoes on the plane to save baggage weight.
Don鈥檛 Overschedule
Conducting a bit of advance research on stuff you鈥檇 like to do and see at your destination will mean you won鈥檛 miss out on the important bits. However, don鈥檛 book out every minute of every day. You want to allow room for spontaneous outings, plus you won鈥檛 exhaust yourself by trying to do everything.