Solo Travel Tips

Today we’re sharing our first Traveler Takeover post in which WanderWell Travelers friend Amy shares her top four solo travel tips.

Hi! I’m Amy–tech marketer, borderline animal hoarder, and avid traveler! I started solo traveling nearly 20 years ago when I (impulsively) packed up and moved to Prague for 3 years. And while I love traveling with groups, family, and friends, I’ve found there’s nothing quite like the excitement and insights that come from traveling by myself. 

Here are a few pieces of advice, tips, and recommendations I’ve picked up or been gifted from others in my two decades of solo traveling!

Tip 1: WANDER. One of the best parts of solo traveling is that you set your own agenda and can pivot as much as you want. Stay at the great cafe/bar and have a second drink. Follow random people to the delicious looking street food. Turn down that interesting looking street—there are surprises around every corner, so go find them.

Tip 2: NOT ALWAYS ALONE. Solo travel doesn’t always equal companionless travel. Sometimes you might go out in search of true peace, quiet, and solitude. However, sometimes you might want to meet new people and make friendships along the way. Or, maybe you have a perfect, non-human best friend who likes to join you in your adventures. (I love traveling with my chichi bestie and camping buddy, Mona Lisa Sapperstein) 

Tip 3: POPULAR ISN’T BAD. Don’t skip the “popular” destinations/activities. I held a bizarre misconception for far too long that I needed to ONLY go find the hidden destinations, the “not-yet-discovered” spots, and carve out an experience that was somehow mine and mine alone. And while this is absolutely fine, remember that the popular spots are popular for a reason - THEY’RE AMAZING! So carve your own path, blaze your own trail, but don’t forget to make time for the must sees!

Tip 4: DON’T BE SCARED. Don’t be scared, but be prepared. Don’t let a fear of the unknown keep you from experiencing new things or waiting to take that trip you’ve always wanted. It is completely possible to plan a perfectly safe trip, even across the globe, even for folks who have never traveled before. It’s also especially helpful to have a team of trusted professionals in your corner, like WanderWell. They can make planning easier, help you develop itineraries and secure bookings in advance of your trip, and can be an essential resource to you in-country should something unexpected arise.

Thank you Amy for sharing!