5 Tips To Help Solo Travelers Make the Most of Their Journeys

Since 2020, the idea of traveling solo has appealed to more people than ever before. In fact, studies show that one in four are choosing to venture out on trips by themselves. The overarching feeling is that they are no longer willing to put their heartfelt dreams on hold. And if spouses, family members, or friends do not share in their desire to visit a particular destination, they are embracing the solo journey on their own, or heading out in a group of other individual travelers.

And yet, some have concerns or trepidations about this type of vacation. Travel advisors are in a perfect position to assist. Here are five tips that advisors can share with their solo travel clients to help them make the most of their adventures while staying safe and sound.

1. Meet the locals.
Vernae White, CTA, who is a travel planner at Voyages By Vernae, and provides travel planning services for independent and group travel for solos, suggests: “I discuss that if they would like to meet others (locals or other tourists), to leave themselves open to these experiences by getting out, going out to restaurants and eating there. Go to a nice lounge/bar to have a drink. This is where you’ll meet people.

“For example, travelers going to the UK should take advantage of the pub culture. Most locals are very welcoming. I also had a client go to Oktoberfest in Berlin, and I encouraged him to stay near the tents so he could easily come and go, and meet up with those he met throughout the fest. He made lifetime friends from all over the world.”

2. Indulge yourself.
The biggest benefit of solo travel is the complete break from any type of compromise. You do what you want, when you want, with no one to answer to. You can go with the flow of being in a new environment, following any sights, sounds, and aromas that attract your attention. If the solitude of nature calls, mosey on down a trail in a park; if the excitement of a bustling crowd is more your speed, find a market, event, or other gathering place where you can people watch or engage with others; if the spa is what you consider a treat, book a full day of pampering. Give yourself permission to be as indulgent with yourself as you wish.

3. Travel solo in a group of other solos.
“Find a solo group that is traveling to the destinations you would like to go, but not alone,” advises Libby Shields, of World Travel For Singles. This way, you will have your own private room and the freedom to join in on activities (or not), but you can feel confident in knowing that you have a group host and other travelers nearby to help navigate in a foreign country and to share experiences with. You may even make some long-lasting friendships and find future traveling companions.

4. Take a class.
Look for and take a class in something that you enjoy at home (maybe yoga or cooking or making art or music). Or, take a class or have an experience with something that presses your boundaries (maybe sailing or climbing or dancing). Either way, joining in with the locals who also share your passions will create an instant bond and help you will feel part of the local scene.

5. Pack your sense of humor and patience.
“Remember to pack your sense of humor and patience, especially in our post-Covid world, when service levels are still trying to catch up to those of 2019,” suggests Lois Farley, CTC, CAA Club Group, business development specialist, Solo Groups/Extraordinary Explorations. “And be sure to join your [solo group] tour’s WhatsApp group for updates from airlines and travel tips from your tour host.”

Shields seconds this advice, specifically around mealtime: “Bring your patience with you. Traveling with a [solo traveler] group can be a little slower than traveling alone. Meals can take longer with a group, especially if the restaurant does not have adequate staff. The positives far outweigh the negatives of traveling with a group.” 

Or if you happen to be traveling entirely on your own, take yourself out to dinner. It can be tempting to grab a quick meal somewhere and scurry off to eat privately. But consider enjoying a delicious sit-down dinner with yourself at a local restaurant. Keep in mind that in a destination where group dining is the tradition, you can always opt to sit at the bar if that is more comfortable.

And then just enjoy …
Traveling solo is a one-of-a-kind experience, and it has so many advantages. You set the destination, the date, the budget, the itinerary, the activities, and the pace. You have the luxury to pursue anything that catches your eye, from dining and shopping to touring and exploring. And you can change it up along the way. One thing is for sure … you will get to know yourself on a deeper level during these meaningful travel journeys.