Episode 9: 8 Tips For Preparing For a Seamless Solo Trip
Hi travel besties and welcome to another episode of The Just Book It podcast. It has been sometime since I recorded a podcast and I want to apologize but at the same time, I think it’s healthy and normal to take a step back sometimes. I left off with wanting to go on a trip to Finland and Sweden and unfortunately given everything going on in the world, that seemed pretty impossible to do. I had mentioned in my podcast prior to this that this was of course first world problems but overall, it took a toll on my mental health in a way because I was just really wanted to travel somewhere and just felt like nothing was working out. As we know, life goes on right and I’m so excited to announce that I have just got back from my solo trip in Ireland and have the perfect podcast for you guys!! Yes you heard that right, I embarked on a solo trip to Ireland and I had the best time.
If you have been keeping up with my Instagram stories, you guys are real ones & if you are new- check out my Instagram stories. I have a highlight up about all the things I did in Ireland so you won’t miss a beat! On the last day of my trip I got super emotional because this trip meant so much to me. I used to be pretty codependent and to be able to do a solo trip just really proved to myself that I can do anything I set our mind to. I know that sounds super cliché but it is so true. The only thing that’s stopping us is us and when I tell you the sky is the limit the sky is the limit. I hope that this story and my journey helps you guys in a way and maybe motivates you guys to go on a solo trip.
Now I highly recommend that everyone does it at least once in their life because I know for a fact that one time or another you’ve missed out on an experience on a trip, destination, event, or whatever that you really wanted to go but didn’t because you couldn’t find people that you wanted to go with.
We all hate that feeling when we wanna do something and the people that you’re with your friends your family might not want to do the same things and it’s a sucky feeling because you’re so enthusiastic about it and you’re not getting that same energy back. Whenever this happens to you just go by yourself. This podcast is going to be my 8 tips for preparing for a seamless solo trip so without further ado, let’s get started
8 Tips For Preparing For a Seamless Solo Trip
1.Practice Going On Solo Dates
So we have to start out with this one because you don’t need to spend a fortune on a trip to prove that you could do things by yourself. Start by going on solo dates. Whether that is going to the library by yourself, a city excursion or whatever you are feeling and just go for it! The best part is that if you feel uncomfortable you can always go back home! After said trip, reflect and see how you feel. Now keep in mind this isn’t for everybody so you might feel a little shy at first and say that is totally OK. After a few times you if you really don’t feel like this is for you, there’s no pressure because you saved yourself the stress and all that money!
I went on a solo date March 2021 and it was amazing. I was so nervous at first and that day just really proved that I can be alone and happy with my own company. Quick story so I went to The Edge in New York City it is beautiful sky deck that overlooks the New York City skyline and it’s absolutely breathtaking. When I went there I was so nervous because I had to ask strangers to take photos of me but once I got the hang of it and once I felt comfortable it was so much fun. I then went to El Mercado Spain in the Hudson Yards and had tapas, Jamón Íberico and sangria. 10/10 recommend doing that!! Check out the guide right here:
Let me know if you have ever gone on a solo adventure before in the comments of my blogpost.
2.Pick Your Destination
Okay so once you realize that you are content with your own company then you know that it is time to embark on a solo trip. Now comes the easy or tough part, picking the destination. Now you have to keep in mind who you are as a traveler. For the solo female traveler like myself I really had to keep in mind how women are treated in specific countries and if I would personally feel comfortable roaming that country alone. For the extreme hiker, you want to choose a destination that allows you to live your best life and explore more. For the city dweller, you wanna choose destinations that can maybe feel a little bit close to homes like you don’t get home sick for the your first solar trip.
Personally, I have traveled to Europe before many times and I felt that that was a comfortable homebase to start off with. I have also don’t research on the safest countries to visit and Ireland was on the top of the list.
Some other countries that are on the top of the list are (courtesy of The Blonde Abroad)
- Iceland
- Switzerland
- New Zealand
- Australia
- Ireland
- Japan
- United Arab Emirates
Based on this list, I would personally recommend Ireland and Iceland! They’re both pretty small countries that are easy to navigate via public transportation and the help of day guides such as Get Your Guide!
3. Tell People That You’re Going On a Solo Trip, Share Your Location & Itinerary With Them
This is probably the biggest tip I have for solo travelers because it makes you feel a sense of security knowing that people have your location and know where you’re going. I would also share with them your itinerary (a plan of the places you are going to, which days you are going to be in which cities, and what you roughly plan on doing each day!) God forbid something happens, which I would hate to put out there in the universe- but you really never know and in that situation, your loved ones has some thing that they can refer back to you so they know where you are!
4. When You Arrive To Said Destination, Don’t Tell People There You Are Traveling Solo
So this one is a big one because if you’re a solo traveler, you don’t want to feel vulnerable or put yourself in danger. I grew up watching Law & Order SVU (shoutout Olivia Benson) and I mean the stories that come out of that show sometimes feel too real. If anything just say you’re visiting family or a friend. It’s okay to make up a story because at the end of the day you want to make sure that you’re safe.
5.Don’t Post In Real Time
So this can really apply to anywhere despite you being a solo travel or not but don’t post in real time because you don’t want people to be able to find your location especially if you have a big following and people know where you are your whereabouts don’t post in real time if anything post I would post that night thank you for wouldn’t know where I was during the day but I mean you can have a little put some lagging that times that people don’t know exactly your next move your whereabouts and everything.
6. Say At Hostels
I was so excited to embark on a solo trip for this reason, to stay in a hostel. Hostels are notorious for being super fun. Traveling with like-minded people adds value to your trip. Personally as a solo traveler, I wouldn’t wanna go out drinking by myself with people that I never met before that’s just a personal preference but you can still meet people and have a great time. Most hostels do have pub and bar crawls and that’s a great way to get to know more people!
For a bonus tip, I would recommend booking your hostel in advance. I’m sure there are so many websites to book a hostel, but I really like HostelWorld.com because they have a lot of options for you, trustworthy reviews, and most importantly- a great cancellation policy. It might depend on when you are booking and which hostel but for me, I was able to cancel two days before my trip which during COVID times and just in general is great security to make sure you don’t lose out on money! Lastly, they don’t collect the full amount until the a day or two before you travel there which definitely helps the bank account.
Another tip if you aren’t able to book in advance or say you are booking a spontaneous trip, I would recommend spending less time in major cities and more time in the surrounding cities. For example staying in a hostel in Dublin was €90 and night but staying in a hostel in Galway was €60 a night. Even though it might seem like just €30, it really makes a difference. I would also keep in mind that hostile prices on the weekends are more expensive so to save more money I would recommend going to the major cities during the weekdays and then the surrounding cities on the weekends!
7. Be Open To Making New Friends
I know it can be nerve-racking at first but being open and having an open mindset in general towards meeting others can go so far. I am personally an extrovert so I really don’t have a hard time with this but for the introverted individual there are some things that I have for you.
- Don’t feel the pressure to force a friendship or to force a conversation, do what feels right for you
- All solo travelers are pretty much in the same boat. We are just people trying to have a great time, experience more, and make good memories. They’re super free spirited, kind and caring- I mean I can’t speak for everybody, but the typical solo traveler is super nonchalant so don’t overthink that they don’t want to talk to you because most likely they will!!
- That’s it goes for everybody, but I would recommend booking day tours! I highly recommend the website GetYourGuide.com because not only are there so many tours but they all range in prices and the process to find them are very simple! I met a lot of solo travelers this way and had a great time!
8.Live In The Moment
Since you’re traveling solo it could feel pretty lonesome sometimes but remember that you’re here on this trip to live in the moment. Yes you could still talk to your friends and family and stay updated but remember that this is your time to do you and self reflect and enjoy yourself ! Put the phone down every now and then and just soak in the view! The most important part of your trip is that you’re having fun and enjoying yourself and at the end of the day that is all that matters.
So There You Have It
When I tell you my solo trip was life-changing, it truly felt like a moment of epiphany where I can literally do anything. I feel pretty invincible, unstoppable, and I want you guys to feel that too. I don’t know about you guys but I always felt super intimidated with traveling alone and I am here to debunk that because first hand experience I did it and it was amazing and I would do this thousand times over!
Again, if you’re debating on going make sure that you JUST BOOK IT!! I promise you, you will not regret it at all.
If you enjoyed listening to this podcast first off I am so honored and so happy that you took the time to listen to this fully because homegirl to talk a lot. I know this is a lot of information thrown out you guys so take what you learned and if anything it listen to it again another time and maybe I’ll pick up on some more tips and remember more things! I will never stop chasing the thrill of experiencing new cultures and I think this is the best way to do it through travel and if you’re in the same boat as me then you are at the right place my friend.
Congratulations if your new you are officially initiated into the travel best community and with that said we need to hear about you follow me on Instagram follow me on TikTok check out my website poke around a little bit see what you like and comment your comment a little bit about yourself and I would love to get to know you more!
If you’re a little hesitant on the place that you’d like to go, no stress!! DM me on Instagram and we can talk about places to travel to that are safe for solo travelers. I’m so excited for you guys to hopefully start booking a solo trip soon or to start thinking about it and I wish you guys a great rest of your day !
what do you think?