Solo Travel Guide

In this guide:

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🌎 Solo Travelling the World!

I'm guessing you're reading this because you wish to travel solo? To be honest, it's really not that scary as you might think! Ofcourse, if you're yet to experience solo travelling, it can seem intimidating but rest assured, as you grasp how straightforward it truly is, it just gets easier and more fun!

Initially, I had my reluctance too, but the things I learnt and my experiences really pushed me towards travelling solo. My biggest motivation was 'time waits for none'. People often characterise me as courageous due to this, but it didn't really start like that. I didn't always knew what I wanted to do, but with different experiences I started discovering the things I didn't want to do, and that helped massively!

Solo travel has played a huge role in my personal growth, as it made me more resilient and self-reliant. And today I can't imagine a life without travelling! If you're still reading this, just go for it. Trust me. :)

💭 My first solo travel trip

My passion for travel actually started during my childhood when we would go on school trips. However, it was in the summer of 2015 when I took my first ever 10-day leisure trip to Europe from Mumbai, that I actually fell in love with travelling. I realised there was so much in the world to see, so many different people, cultures, cuisines to explore - it was the first time I realised how educational a trip could be but also how powerful travelling can be when it comes to shaping your perceptons. I just never looked back after that. :)

💭 Why you should travel solo

OK, so lets get into the ACTUAL reasons. There are numerous reasons for embarking on solo travel. Perhaps you find yourself without a companion, but the absence of a travel companion should not hinder your exploration. You might even seek liberation and empowerment that comes with independent travel—the opportunity to pursue your own desires without compromising the needs and wants of others. So for a moment, Eenvision a journey where you have the freedom to engage in activities according to your preferences. It could be a chance to test your limits, reflect, and undergo personal growth. How does that feel?

I get that you may have concerns about unwanted attention, safety, being too young or too old, lacking a photographer, experiencing loneliness or dissatisfaction, getting lost, the perceived high cost, and the reluctance to dine alone often dissuade individuals from solo travel. I too have them ALL THE TIME! And they all lay a major part when I'm planning a solo trip - because they should NOT be ignored. As for the benefits though, here they are:

Boosts confidence.
You get to make new friends!
Helps you discover more about you, your likes, character and the sole person that you are.
Provides freedom both mental, physical and even financial!
Challenges your growth as a human being.
Enables you to explore the world without waiting for someone else. Teaches you to let go. This one is my absolute favourite.

💭 Top tips for first time solo travellers

Stay tuned for my awesome London hotel hints, London hostel suggestions, and quirky short-term stays in the city to help you zero in on your choices!

💭 Where you should travel if you're just starting to take solo trips

Ideally somewhere you've probably been with someone before, somewhere you feel safe. The main intention is to get you comfortable with yourself during your first ever solo trip. So, having a sense of familiarity with the place will make it a little easier. That's what I did anyway. I went to Paris all by my self even though I had been there with friends and family before. Not everything has to be super difficult. :)

💭 Top safety tips

One of the primary concerns when embarking on solo travel, particularly for women, is ensuring personal safety.

I can attest to having explored numerous destinations independently, and I consistently prioritise safety. I have traversed various European countries alone, including France, Spain, Italy and more. The key lies in adopting a vigilant and intelligent approach, as incidents can occur anywhere, even in familiar surroundings.

Here are some safety tips to consider:

Avoid disclosing that you are travelling alone to strangers. Instead, mention having friends in the city to deter revealing your solo status.
Refrain from venturing out late on your own. I typically engage in daytime sightseeing, have dinner, and return home promptly for security. Nighttime can be daunting for solo travellers, especially those new to the experience.
Conceal valuables and avoid wearing conspicuous items that may attract attention. Pickpocketing is a concern in many cities, so keep your phone visible and refrain from being engrossed in it while navigating unfamiliar surroundings.
Familiarise yourself with emergency phrases in the local language. Communicating that you are in distress or firmly stating "leave me alone" in the native tongue can be immensely helpful.
Always inform a friend about your travel plans. Consider sharing your location for a few days using apps like Find My Friend. Even when going on dates while travelling, I proactively inform a friend beforehand and share my location as an added safety measure.
Invest in travel insurance, regardless of whether you are travelling alone or with companions. I recommend World Nomads, a comprehensive option that covers accidents or hospital visits. While such incidents are unlikely, it is prudent to prioritise safety.

💭 How to meet people while travelling solo

Solo travel doesn't necessarily mean solitude!

I've encountered some incredible individuals during my solo journeys, providing me with more opportunities to connect than when traveling with friends. Group travel often confines social interactions to the companions you're with.

Embarking on solo adventures opens up avenues to engage with others. You become more inclined to strike up conversations, whether it's asking a fellow coffee shop dweller about their preferred local restaurant or chatting with a bartender to discover their favourite city spots.

This approach enables you to establish connections and gain insights from a local perspective. Personally, I prefer experiencing a city through the eyes of a local rather than as a tourist, avoiding the typical tourist traps to uncover the genuine hidden gems.

Participate in online communities like "Girls Love Travel" or "Solo Female Travel," fostering a vast network of women passionate about travel. Subgroups for specific countries increase the chances of meeting fellow travellers or locals eager to make new connections.

Explore platforms connecting like-minded travellers, such as Couchsurfing, Backpackr, and Meetup.com.

Consider taking guided tours to alleviate the sense of loneliness, as you'll be in the company of others. This may even lead to meeting someone for future excursions. Platforms like Viator and Get Your Guide offer a variety of tours. Many cities also offer free walking tours—just search for "xx city free walking tour."

Utilise dating apps like Tinder responsibly, as they can provide opportunities for local tours without any cost. Inform a friend about your plans and the person you're meeting to ensure safety. BumbleBFF is another option for meeting female friends.

Opt for hostels during your stay, as they are designed to facilitate connections among travellers and often organise social events.

💭 Tips for eating alone

I cannot express how frequently I've ventured out to dine at a fine restaurant on my own. Being a passionate lover of food, I am unwilling to miss the chance to savor exceptional cuisine merely due to the discomfort of solo dining. While I typically choose less formal establishments that don't make me feel conspicuous, there have been occasions when I've enjoyed a solitary dining experience at more upscale venues.

When making a reservation, it's perfectly acceptable to inform them that you'll be dining alone and to seat you in a location that doesn't feel overly awkward—perhaps at the bar or a small table not positioned right in the center of the establishment. There's no need to feel self-conscious; people generally won't pay as much attention to you as you might think. And even if they do, who's to say you're not on a business trip or meeting a friend later?

If you still find it challenging to muster the courage, consider participating in a culinary tour. Personally, I find great enjoyment in tasting tours or taking cooking classes where you can later enjoy the fruits of your culinary efforts. I once formed a strong friendship with someone who was solo traveling while I was with a friend, and to this day, we remain close.

💭 How to create content when travelling solo

I frequently get asked about the photographer behind my solo travel pictures, so here's how I manage it:

1. Don't hesitate to approach a stranger.

This photograph was captured by a group of delightful elderly ladies. Initially puzzled when I asked them to stand on the bridge and take the photo while I positioned myself below, they soon embraced the idea with enthusiasm. They ended up taking several shots, thoroughly enjoying the experience!

2. Use a Tripod!

Ever since I started carrying my own lightweight tripod, my life has changed. It's been a game-changer, allowing me to capture the perfect shot without relying on others. It's especially handy in serene, less populated streets. Check out my Guide on Travel Gear, for more details.

3. Consider hiring a photographer!

I opted for this approach when exploring Paris. I looked up 'Paris Photographer' on Instagram and found the person I wanted to work with. We spent an evening just walking around the city and clicking photographs It was great fun!

💭 Some of my experiences while travelling solo

Plan your adventure well ahead and target those less crowded months, such as November or February.
Embrace the Airbnb or hostel experience for a more exciting stay.
Opt for those fantastic free walking tours instead of the traditional double-decker bus tours.
Steer clear of the crowded tube during peak hours when fares skyrocket.
Beware of people who come up to you in groups to get you to sign a piece of paper. They're scammers who try to distract you and then steal your belongings.

💭 Apps I can't live without

Stay tuned for a detailed post on this one. :)

💭 How long are your trips?

I usually enjoy shorter trips and spend around 2-3 days in one town as I like to see as much as possible!

💭 How I choose where to go on a solo trip

When I travel, I enjoy discovering hidden gems rather than the typical tourist spots. Perhaps this inclination stems from having already explored major destinations such as Paris and London. I particularly relish stumbling upon places that evoke a fairytale or resemble medieval villages.

To plan my future destinations, I draw inspiration from Pinterest or Instagram. I save intriguing locations on my Pinterest boards or Instagram collections. Additionally, I utilise both platforms to bookmark places I intend to visit through a fantastic app known as Visit a City. This app assists me in organising my travel plans, and proves to be quite beneficial.

💭 Any tips for solo female travellers to London?

So much to share! If you're up for a solo adventure in London, stay tuned for my handy guide. Inside, you'll find awesome lodging suggestions, nifty safety advice, and a handful of personalised, solo-traveler-approved itineraries to rock your London escapade!

💭 Don’t see your question?

Send me an email (neha@literallyneha.com) and I’ll get back to you!