Advice for travelling alone

We’re not gonna lie, going abroad on your own defo has its benefits - in fact a lot of people prefer to travel alone. Less stress tryna wrangle everyone together, right? True…but you’ll also have to constantly be aware of your surroundings. Read our guide for how to travel alone safely to find out more.

Avoid putting yourself in risky situations while travelling alone

If going out of your comfort zone and becoming a solo traveller has been on your bucket list It’s all about finding the balance between a taste for adventure without getting a whole spoonful of danger in the process. If you’re travelling alone, of course you’ll still want to try new things, go to places you’ve never been before, and meet new people. And you can totally still do that! As long as you don’t take any unnecessary risks.

For those seeking a blend of excitement and security, embarking on a Niagara Falls tour encapsulates the essence of solo travel done right. With its awe-inspiring natural beauty and myriad attractions, Niagara Falls promises an unforgettable experience for intrepid explorers. Through reputable tour operators like https://www.tourstoniagarafalls.com/, solo travelers can embark on meticulously curated excursions that offer both exhilarating encounters and peace of mind. Their expertly crafted Niagara Falls itinerary promises an unforgettable day trip, meticulously designed to encapsulate the essence of the falls.

So, while venturing solo may be about embracing the unknown, entrusting your journey to trusted professionals ensures that every moment is filled with wonder and discovery.

Planning your lone trip

When you google ‘How to travel alone’ one of the first things that’ll probably come up, aside from the seemingly endless number of travel bloggers on social media, is to do your research (like a LOT of research) and speak to friends. Find a safe place to stay that’s relatively easy to get to from the airport/train station for the duration of your solo trip. Keep in mind, it’s always best to pay that little bit extra for a hotel in a non-sleazy area or a hostel with a good rep for security. 

One of our helpful travel tips is to book a flight that gets in during the day. That way you’re not roaming around lost in the dark. Another thing that’ll help with being more confident when you land is knowing exactly where you’re going on your first night.

When you get there

Whatever you do, try not to look lost and nervous. We know it might be difficult when you’ve spent the last hour trying to get back to your hotel. But your panicked face’ll just be a welcome sign to potential scam-artists. Instead, heed Lady Gaga’s words; don’t let them read your poker face (of course, you have to put one on first). On top of that, you should always travel light. You’ll be able to get around quicker and have a more mindful travel experience if you’re not weighed down with too much luggage. 

Meeting people to talk to 

Travelling alone can be pretty isolating at times. So don’t be nervous to meet locals and fellow travellers, or get into friendly conversations. As long as you respect local traditions, you’re not likely to accidentally cause offence. At the same time, you shouldn’t let anyone pressure you into doing something you’re not sure about. Make polite excuses and leave if necessary. If you’re still a little anxious, read our tips for making friends on a gap year here.

Going out when you’re travelling alone

How to travel alone safely? Start your first day by asking the hotel owner what parts of town to avoid in the evenings. Then, consider taking a walking tour during the day time to get your bearings. There may be other solo-adventurers staying in the same place as you. If so, make sure to team up with them and go out for meals and drinks if you hit it off. From there you can also book a group tour or even a walking tour!

This goes without saying but never, ever leave drinks unattended and don’t accept drinks from strangers unless they’re poured in front of you at the bar (this applies to male travellers as well as females). Also, try not to get completely hammered miles from your hotel with a bunch of complete strangers, and the same goes for using drugs.

Travelling alone and sexual harassment

Unfortunately, this one’s probably more relevant to women travelling alone. A sad but true fact, men in many countries across the world (including this one!) tend not to treat women with much respect. In fact, it’s pretty common for women travelling alone to be whistled or shouted at. We’re not saying that it’s AT ALL your responsibility to stop this behaviour, but you can do things to help avoid it. For example, it may be worth giving all-male bars and cafes a miss. 

You could also look at how the local women dress and behave so you don’t stick out like a sore thumb. If you feel uncomfortable at any point on your solo female travel, don’t panic. Tag along with other women when walking or on public transportation etc. Basically just trust your instincts. You can still have an amazing time as a woman travelling alone, but be on guard that little bit more. Read our top tips for staying safe as a woman.

My experience with solo-travelling

Eleanor is 22 years old, from London. As a young woman, she shares her experiences travelling alone…

As an autistic person, I have always found it challenging to be around other people in a way that is ‘acceptable’ to neurotypicals. This has led to me experiencing periods of loneliness. I have even lacked hope that my future would be full of fun and excitement. It wasn’t until my grandma, a Polish-born woman, encouraged me to visit Poland, that I even entertained the idea of going anywhere alone. 

So, when I was 20, I lived abroad in Poland for a while as part of my university course, and ever since then I have loved travelling solo. Getting to explore new cultures, foods and environments has been the best thing I could have done for my mental health and confidence. I understand that there may be some concerns when it comes to the idea of travelling alone and I would like to address some of these common concerns to hopefully make you realise that it isn’t all that scary. 

What if I look weird alone?

This was my principal concern when I first started considering solo-travel. However, in my experience, even though you may be solo, you will not be alone! Lots of people go places alone for many reasons, and no one tends to judge when they see someone alone.

Will I be safe?

Obviously, this is not a question that can be easily answered. I recommend you to research the place you want to go to, and familiarise yourself with the environment you will be in. One thing I like to do is go on a Google Maps Street View tour of the area I am staying in, in order to get a feel for the surroundings. I also recommend staying vigilant, wherever you go. 

What precautions should I take to ensure that I’m safe?

Sadly, this is probably more relevant to women travelling solo, however, it can also apply to men. Across the world, there are instances of women being treated with a lack of respect. It can be common for women to be shouted at or whistled at, or even to experience other forms of harassment. 

As an autistic female solo-traveller, I have a few tips on how to help with this, although it should never be your responsibility to avoid or stop this behaviour!

It may be worth avoiding quiet roads at night, or even walking in busy areas during the day. You could also analyse the fashion and behaviours of the local women so you feel as though you blend in more. Finally, you should just remain vigilant at all times. You know yourself and your limits the best, so follow your gut. 

What should I even do when I’m there? 

We’ve all been there. When travelling with friends or family, sometimes it’s easy to just follow the leader! When travelling solo, you are forced to make decisions and plan for yourself, which can be super overwhelming, and that’s okay. I recommend making a list of things you want to do/visit during your stay. Remember you do not have to do everything, a few fun things is enough. 

Is it worth it?

YES. In my opinion it is totally worth it. Through solo-travel I have gained so many friends, experiences, new favourite foods and most importantly, I gained a new life. It may sound cheesy, but facing your fears is always worth it. I do just want to say, however, that if you don’t feel ready yet, that is also perfectly okay. 

I wish you luck on your own solo-travelling journeys!

Check out the rest of our gap year and travelling resources here.