I grew up in a big family where even trips to Walmart felt like an event, yet I enjoy traveling solo. And recently, I realized that I actually prefer to travel solo. Between friends having different interests and finding a time when schedules sync up, going solo eliminated all the hiccups that come with people. Solo travel is glamorized as if you just wake up one day and decide to hop on a plane. While that may be true for some, I am not about that life. I took smaller steps before hopping on a plane by myself. I found company in being alone. I started doing small things by myself. I would go on a (short) hike, go to dinner, go to the beach, go to the gym, and each time, I became more comfortable doing it alone. I didn’t leave any room for the “I’m super busy” excuse and made friends wherever I was. When I took a break from traditional work life, this comfortability of being alone expanded to travel. I had the free time, but I wasn’t sure for how long and I didn’t want to waste any of it waiting. We already spend so much of life waiting for the perfect moment, job, body, partner, blah blah blah. I was tired of waiting, so I figured why not go alone? What do I really have to lose? When in reality, I had so much to gain. I’ve met great people (solo travelers, friends on vacation, and locals). I’ve enjoyed great dinners where no one is judging or interrupting my meal. I’ve been encouraged to take chances, like rappelling in an adventure park and modeling in a local market, by complete strangers. I have made and will make great memories solo traveling that will stay with me for life. 

That brings up so many happy emotions for me, but I’m not gonna lie to you, solo travel is not all about the zen, self-discovery journey. There are some technical pieces that have to happen in conjunction with personal development. Similar to how living alone raises safety concerns, traveling alone domestically and internationally brings up safety concerns. Also, there are 195 countries in the world, how do you pick which one to go to and what do you do when you get there? Do I just sit in the hotel all day? How do I make friends? Do I make friends? Are these “friends” safe? I can sense the anxiousness rising and the overthinking beginning to spiral because that happened to me too. There’s a bunch of questions that come up about solo travel, but I’ll be answering 3 of the big ones.

How to start? → Everyone travels differently. This is so so so important to know and recognize. I say it so much, I think I should put it on a t-shirt. To start, you first have to know yourself a bit. Develop your interests. Think back to childhood, what did you like to do or explore? You spend all day on social media already, what has piqued your interests? Once you have a few ideas, make a list of 10-15 places you’re interested in visiting. Research the places on Google, Instagram, TikTok and if you can, find other travelers who have visited to get recommendations. As you're researching, your list might grow or shrink. If you’re not seeing a lot of information or cannot find many people who have traveled to a place, that’s a red flag for safety, just remove it from your list. Your research needs to include food options, activities, cities/neighborhoods to visit, accommodations, safety, must see/must do’s, personal recommendations, etc. Then, you scout the best seasons to travel to these places and begin to look for alignment with your schedule. Now, you’ve laid the framework. You’ve got some options for where to go, what to do when you get there, and when you can go. You’ve also generated some (nervous) excitement. All that’s left to do is overthink a little more, then book the flight. 

How to travel safely? → This is where the anxiousness and overthinking can work to your benefit. Key word: can. A healthy amount of precaution is necessary. You’re in a new place by yourself. I take safety in 2 parts: before you travel and while traveling. Here’s a few tips you should do well before you travel, ideally in the planning phase:

1. Familiarize yourself with local scams, dangers, and safe areas for tourists, women, Black people, LGBTQ, etc. I’ve read about common scams in Paris with pickpocketing. There are also unlicensed taxi scams all over. I haven’t been scammed while traveling, but it’s always helpful to be aware of what could happen and how to avoid it. Here’s an article about travel scams to watch out for. 

2. Share your flight and accommodation information with someone who is in the U.S. This seems very logical, but I think it’s one that can easily be forgotten because we’re usually not traveling alone. I share the date I’m traveling along with the airline and flight number. I also communicate frequently on travel days because there’s a lot going on between getting to the airport and arriving at the accommodation. I am a member of the anxious overthinker community, so when I share my accommodation info, I share the dates, name, address, and phone number. Fair warning: the people you send this information to are likely not going to refer to it, but in the event any worry crosses their mind, they’ll be very thankful that they do have it. I create mine in a powerpoint slide and snap a photo that I send to multiple people. It’s easier for my family and friends to keep track of and refer back to.

3. Learn the local language. Many countries are hyper aware of foreigners and as Americans, we often make ourselves easy targets. Help yourself out and learn a few phrases in the local language. Work on having decent pronunciation because it’s even worse when you try to speak another language with an American accent, and could be perceived as mockery or disrespect. This makes you a smaller target and helps you understand what other people are saying. I try to learn how to ask for recommendations, how to ask for the menu/bill, how to say different foods/activities, and polite phrases like hello, good day, thank you, welcome, etc. I also try to make sure I know how to understand when I’m being asked what I’m looking for, what I like, what direction, how am I, etc. Download Google Translate, then download the language you’ll need, so you can use the app even if you do not have data/wifi. BONUS: While I have Google and apps on my mind, download/save the offline version of Google map of the country you’re traveling to.

4. Money, safety purchases, and insurance. Always always always have money to cover extra expenses. If you do not have money to cover extra expenses, you shouldn’t be traveling. You will have expenses that you didn’t plan for. I recommend purchasing a hotel lock/door jam, as well. I’ve also seen the marker on the mirror thing and the blue light in Airbnbs and hotels. I don’t get carried away with all of that, but one or two of those safety tools are good to have. I also highly recommend booking those activities you researched ahead of time. This will help you avoid getting scammed for higher prices or untruthful “tour guides”. Lastly, get travel insurance. Even with all the precautions, anything can happen and it’s much better to have the insurance to cover it. I will say, I be ridin’ dirty sometimes, but do as I say, not as I do. I will make this a priority in the future though because I would be distraught if my laptop was stolen or I was stuck with very high bills to accommodate airport delays. Travel insurance usually covers theft, damage, delays, sickness, etc but read the terms of the insurance to know exactly what is and is not covered. I’ve seen other travelers recommend World Nomads and Allianz.

Ahhhhh, so much safety! This is a lot, but it’s so important to feel comfortable when traveling. Now the safety tips for when you arrive at your destination:

1. Read. This seems minor, but it’s not. Read the signs at the airport. Read the signs on the street. Read everything. It will familiarize you with the area and help you to not look lost. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them. Otherwise, you’ll be squinting and you’ll look lost. You don’t want to look lost. When using Google maps, don’t make it obvious. I make it look like I’m just checking my phone. I usually read the street names or names of places along the way and use those as markers to know if I’m heading the right way. 

2. Familiarize yourself with the area. This is my favorite thing to do. I usually walk to get food and scope out around the area. I make small talk with people to familiarize myself with local businesses and local people. I ask for good local recommendations, etc etc. I remember people’s faces/names and make mental notes of landmarks and their distance from where I’m staying. 

3. Don’ts. Now for all the things you absolutely should not do because it will make you a bigger target. Don’t carry any amount of cash on you that you’re not comfortable losing. My number is $50-$100 depending on if I’m using cash or card on the trip. Don’t get intoxicated. Know yourself and your limits. I would recommend only drinking and avoiding all other inhibitors. I enjoy drinking, and give myself time in between drinks. My limit is two cocktails or two beers in one sitting. Don’t be too flashy. Leave all the designer stuff at home. Don’t be too friendly. You are still a tourist. Don’t tell people you’re traveling alone. I always tell people I’m with my friends or my boyfriend (hahahaha). 

Safety is a huge concern for many people interested in solo travel. It’s a very valid concern and this is not an exhaustive list of safety tips. I covered tips that I personally use and that I think other people don’t always think of. It’s possible to safely solo travel, I’ve been doing it for almost a year and I feel safer in other countries than I do in the U.S. For me, the key to safety is awareness. I’m always aware of where I am, who is around, and what is happening around me. 

What to do when solo? → Have fun. Do the activities that got you excited in the first place. Make friends. Eat local food. Have a drink. Take a lazy day. Go rock climbing. Do a sunset cruise! Be whoever you want to be, do whatever you want to do. You’re in a new place, where no one knows you and you’re probably never going to see/talk to these people again. Let loose. Be impulsive. Laugh. Take photos. If you’re a little anxious like I was at first, here’s what you might be thinking and what I would say to you. Do I sit in the hotel all day? If you want to. Do I go out and meet people? Do I go to dinner alone? Do I go on this tour I booked for 1 person? Yes. Yes. Yes. Do I introduce myself to that person I think is attractive? Absolutely! Will people think I’m weird? Honestly, they’re not thinking about you. This is your time, spend it in a way that makes you happy. the kind of happy that makes you smile just at the thought of it.

Solo travel has brought me so much joy and helped me to know peace. The kind of peace that I can’t describe, but I catch glimpses of it in photos and videos. There’s an African Proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Here’s my take on it: if you have no one to go with, go anyway. There’s so much more to the world than what and who you know and see. Through solo traveling, I’ve connected with a solo traveler community that has been so helpful, positive, and encouraging each time I start planning my next trip. You can be your company and you will find your people on the way.

Travel Tip #28: Go alone, not because you’re selfish, but for yourself. 

Solo traveling is one of those decisions I make with future me in mind. I was comfortable being alone, but there was still some fear. I’m so glad I didn’t let fear stop me from beginning to see the world. Solo travel is one of the greatest gifts I’ve given myself. 

Now that you have the technical pieces, we can get back to the zen, self-discovery side of solo travel: What places would you be interested in traveling solo? If traveling solo is too big of a step for you, what will you do to get comfortable being alone this week? 

Also, here’s a few journal prompts for the week:

• What are your thoughts and feelings about being alone and/or traveling alone?

• What do you enjoy about being your own company?

• What interests did you have as a child? What new interests have you developed in adulthood? How would you like to explore your interests?

• Fast forward 5-10 years, what do you want to be able to say about your life?

Happily solo traveling through Central America,

Mai