As someone who has solo-travelled in many countries, I feel compelled to share not only my experience, but my top tips for ensuring you have a safe, action-packed and most importantly FUN trip.
People often think it takes a huge level of confidence or bravery to solo travel, many a time I’ve heard “oh I could never do that, you’re so brave” – but the thing is, I don’t see it as bravery. For me, it’s always been about making the most of life without waiting for the ‘right’ time to go, or the ‘perfect person’ to travel with. Maybe you’re single, maybe you have different travel aspirations to your friends or family. Well, don’t just write off your dream trip because of this! You get one life to live, and tomorrow is not a guarantee. Okay, that sounded a bit dark, but all I’m trying to say is, it is important to live your life now. Life is happening RIGHT NOW.
My thing has always been, I want to look back on my life with a full heart, knowing I took all the opportunities I possibly could. I never want to live a life of regret. How many times have you heard people say they wish they had travelled more when they were younger? Now, how many times have you heard people say they wished they’d spent longer in the office? I think I rest my case.
So, if you’ve been waiting for a sign to make the leap and book that solo adventure – this is it! And to make the experience a little less stressful, I’m offering some of my top tips. These are the rules I live by, to make sure I always have an incredible, carefree, and of course safe solo travel adventure. They have really never seen me wrong!
Plan, but not meticulously
Of course, it’s always good to have some kind of plan when travelling. At the very least, you’ll need to plan flights and dates. You may also want to book some accommodation for the first few nights at least. Now, this does, of course, depend on how long you are travelling for. Perhaps if it’s just a weekend break, then I would book the accommodation for all of this.
If you’re doing a longer trip, or an open-ended trip, then I recommend going with the flow a little more. The great thing about exploring a new place is just how much you learn and discover along the way. If you have a tightly packed schedule, where could you possibly fit in that amazing restaurant a local just recommended to you? Or having to turn down plans with new friends because you already have a no-nonsense itinerary timed down to the last minute. Let’s leave some room for whimsy and spontaneity.
You really never know who you’re going to meet, what treasures you might stumble across, or how you might feel come the time of your strict plans. I like to be a little bit more flexible on my travels, so that I feel I have the freedom to do exactly as I want, and most importantly, when I want. Because when it comes down to it, that really is the beauty of solo-travel.
What I will normally do when planning a trip is start by doing some light research on Google. You know the type, ‘top things to do in x’ and ‘best attractions in y’, those kinds of searches. I love using websites like Get Your Guide and Viator to check out guided tours in the area. As someone who is big into adventure, snorkelling tours, organised hiking trips, and wine tasting days are right up my street, and this is a great place to find them. Also, be sure to check out local notice boards and groups where other activities and guided tours may be available. These kinds of ventures can also be a great way to meet other travellers.
Choose your accommodation wisely
Hostels really are a great way to meet other people – especially other solo travellers! In my experience, I always find it easiest to bond with those in my room (if you opt for a shared dorm). When you check in and head up to your room for the first time, make an effort to introduce yourself and ask others in the room their name and where they’re from. It’s easy to get a conversation going from here without the added pressure of being in a busy or crowded environment. Of course, this advice only applies if you check in during daytime hours. Your roommates might not take well to you if you barge in, quizzing them in the middle of the night!
Lots of hostels will offer female-only dorms, which, as a solo female traveller, sometimes makes me feel a little safer. You will also find that most offer private rooms. If you would just like to dip your toe into hostel life without taking the whole leap, this can be a great option. You have your own private space with the option to socialise in the communal areas.
You will also usually get access to a shared kitchen, which means you can save money on eating out as an added bonus. Common areas such as the kitchen and dining area are also great places to strike up conversations with others. Why not push yourself out of your comfort zone and ask someone if they want to eat together? The great thing about hostels is that you’re likely to meet people from all different backgrounds and cultures. It’s a great place to expand your circle and learn something new.
If you do plan on using hostels, then I highly recommend HostelWorld to search for and book your stay. They have both a website and an app, but the app is my preferred as you can access the chat function on here. When you book a stay in a hostel, you will be automatically added to the group chat for the hostel with all the other people staying there at the same time as you (providing they booked through Hostelworld too). On top of this, you’ll be added to the city group chat for where your hostel is based, so you’ll be able to talk to all travellers in that city, regardless of which hostel they are staying in.
But if you really can’t get on board with hostels, then my next recommendation would be to check out Airbnb. I have always preferred Airbnb over hotels for a bunch of reasons. The main one for me being – access to a kitchen. As you probably know, travelling as a vegan can often be challenging, depending on which country you’re in and what the local food / culture is like. Having a kitchen where I can prepare my meals takes some of the stress out of my days so that I can focus on enjoying my experience without getting hangry! Hearty breakfasts and packed lunches are your best friends. Of course, a bonus of this is that you also get to save some money that you otherwise would have been spending on eating out. Win!
None of this is to say that hotels are bad choices when it comes to finding a place to stay. I’ve stayed in many amazing hotels. Like anything, it’s always worth checking out things like reviews, location, and price comparison sites before booking. Most hotel comparison sites offer a loyalty scheme when you book with them, which can be really great for saving money if you’re a frequent traveller. I recommend trying these out.
Be present
When walking around the streets, don’t have your headphones on – at least not all the time. Listen, I love stomping down the street listening to Chapel Roan as much as the next girl, but it’s important at least sometimes to be present in the moment. You’re in a new place, probably with different architecture, landscapes and nature than you’re used to at home. Why not use all your senses to really take in the experience? Really immerse yourself in it for the full and authentic experience.
Similarly, when dining out on a table for one, try not to spend all your time scrolling on your phone – tempting as it might be. If you feel uncomfortable sitting alone without any kind of stimuli, try reading a book or journaling (this one is my favourite). It means you have something to keep yourself preoccupied without appearing to be completely closed off from the outside world. You never know, someone might see you as a safe space and wish to join you or strike up a conversation. But first you have to be open to it.
Put yourself out there
I know it can seem scary, but you have to push yourself out of your comfort zone – that’s where you’ll have the real fun! You see a group of people laughing and having a great time at the bar – go introduce yourself! You stroll past a karaoke bar – head in and pick a song to belt out!
There’s a load of great apps for this too. Try Bumble BFF, Meetup or the Hostelworld chat function. My favourite stories from my solo-travels, almost always involve the people I’ve met along the way. As humans, we crave connection, and just because you’re travelling alone, it doesn’t mean you have to be lonely. Make friends, even if it is for one night only. Who knows, it might end up being the best night of your life (so far). Now, is that tantalising, right?!
Something I find really fun, and will really push you out of your comfort zone, is to have a yes day. You know, like Carl Allen in Yes Man. Spend the day saying YES to every opportunity that comes your way. Just one day. Try it and see a world of opportunity open up in front of you. (Disclaimer, please be smart and safe here; don’t say yes to anything that you believe will put you in danger).
Look out for vegan communities
Being vegan in a non-vegan world can be a little lonely. But it doesn’t have to be! Whether you’re in a country with a big or small vegan scene, you can be guaranteed that there are other vegans around. Why not try to reach out and connect? Vegan communities, in my experience, are compassionate and welcoming groups.
Try searching local Facebook groups – there may be a small group of local vegans that can help you navigate the local vegan scene. If there are vegan businesses around, go in and make friends with the other customers. Chances are the other customers are vegan too and probably happy to meet some new plant-based friends! Speak to the staff about any local events or communities they know of; if anyone is in the know, it’s likely them!
Check Happy Cow. This is not only great for finding places to eat & shop, but you can sometimes find events and groups on here in the area you’re in – I say it’s worth a shot! There is also a Community feature on the app where you’ll be able to see other vegans & vegetarians around you. The chat feature here makes it really easy to reach out and start a conversation. And you never know, maybe you’ll find a like-minded soul to enjoy dinner with.
Be sensible
Of course, you should make smart and sensible choices where you can. Like I mentioned previously, I always opt for a female-only dorm if it’s available in a new hostel. This is something that can certainly ease some worries.
When you’re out and about, try to let someone know where you are / where you’re going. Maybe this is someone back home or a friend you’ve made along your travels. You can use tracking apps like Find My Friends to keep your location known to family & friends if you are venturing off somewhere new. Even just dropping regular messages to friends / family so they know that you’re okay. The great thing about being born into a digital era, is just how easy it is to stay in touch with those around you (even from the other side of the globe).
You need to be a little street smart when solo travelling. You know, just be aware of your surroundings, make smart choices, be independent but know when to ask for help when you need it. Of course, generic safety tips apply too. Be cautious of walking at night alone, keep your head up when walking and do your best to act like a local. DON’T walk around with your phone out in big cities. I learnt this lesson the hard way in Milan back in 2018 by a very efficient pickpocket. They have a great skillset and can easily fool you with their manipulations. So learn from my mistakes!
Don’t worry so much
Now this one really is easier said than done, I know. But I like to tell myself that everyone I see on my trips, I’ll never see again (probably) so who cares if I make a little bit of a fool of myself! Have you ever heard the term ‘fake it till you make it’? It means to act confident, even if you don’t feel it – because the reality is, no one really knows if you are or not. They only know what they perceive. So if you put on a show of putting yourself out there, going with the flow and carpe diem-ing the moment, how would they possibly know you’re a bag of nerves inside (even if you are)?
I want you to apply that here. It’s okay to feel anxious or embarrassed. Embarrassment is a man-made emotion – remember that. Once you understand that you can simply choose not to be embarrassed, a whole world of possibilities opens up. Just repeat to yourself, ‘it’s not embarrassing if I’m not embarrassed’ and move on with your day.
And like I said before, you’re going to look back on your life with so much love and gratitude for the leaps that you took. If you do it for anyone, do it for future you. I promise they will thank you one day.
Well, I think that’s all for now. I hope at least some of this has been beneficial to you for your next adventure. Life really is what you make it (as Hannah Montana once said). Be brave, be bold, be compassionate.
And don’t forget to leave your thoughts and feelings down below in the comments. I’d love to know your go-to tips for solo travel (as a vegan).