Common Solo Travel Mistakes
I’ve been traveling solo ever since I was 14. I’ve learned many things by trial and error, and retained that information to improve my solo travels in the future and now share it with everyone else.
There are many things that can go wrong during your travels. Most of it is our of your hands, but other things are not. Here are some common mistakes that solo travelers make, most of these I’ve made (and STILL make!) in the past.
Overpacking: Many solo travelers tend to pack more than they need, making their luggage cumbersome and difficult to manage. Try to pack light and bring only the essentials to make your journey more comfortable. Those 4 pairs of shoes? Don’t need them. The 3 dresses? Also no. And probably only 1 or 2 pairs of jeans, not 4. Keep in mind that you may end up buying things at your destination which will fill your luggage. Plan ahead and leave room for those items.
Lack of Research and Planning: Failing to research your destination thoroughly can lead to missed opportunities, unsafe situations, or not fully enjoying the experience. You do not want to end up on a sketchy side of town just because you found a great deal on a brand new hotel. Great for you, but now you’re stuck in an unwalkable neighborhood in a dangerous area. Plan your itinerary, research local customs, transportation, accommodation options, and important safety information.
Ignoring Safety Precautions: Solo travelers should prioritize personal safety. It's crucial to be aware of your surroundings, avoid risky areas, and take precautions like informing someone of your whereabouts, especially in unfamiliar locations.
Overbooking or Overplanning: While it's important to plan, overbooking every minute of your trip can lead to burnout and exhaustion. If you’re anything like me, you are go go go all the time. You have to see, do an eat everything. I’ll even book multiple hotels in the SAME CITY just to get a feel for different neighborhoods. All the action and moving around can get exhausting, however. Allow for some flexibility in your schedule to explore and embrace spontaneous opportunities.
Not Interacting with Locals: One of the joys of solo travel is meeting new people. If you isolate yourself or only stick to tourist areas, you may miss out on authentic cultural experiences. Engage with locals, join tours or activities, and be open to connecting with fellow travelers. Learn basic phrases of any country you’re going on. I usually look up all my usual phrases on Google Translate and listen to it being repeated back so I can work on my accent. Some basic important phrases to learn are:
Hello/Goodbye
Please/thank you
Excuse me
Yes/no
Can I get a coffee, please?
Can I get a XXX please?
I’m sorry, I don’t speak (insert language)
Hello, do you speak English?
Just these phrases alone will help you get around in any country, from Cambodia to Sweden to Brazil. I know because I tried.
Relying Too Much on Technology: While technology can be helpful, relying solely on it can lead to problems if you encounter connectivity issues or drained batteries. Have offline maps, physical copies of important documents, and a backup plan in case technology fails. I never carry my physical passport when I’m exploring, but I always have a photocopy on hand. This is important for documentation and ID purposes.
Oversharing on Social Media: It's natural to want to share your solo travel experiences with friends and family, but be cautious about oversharing personal information on social media platforms. Broadcasting your solo status and location to the public can attract unwanted attention or pose safety risks. NEVER post your exact location online. Wait a few days to share where you’ve been if you want to tag the areas in your posts, photos or stories.
Being Closed-minded: Solo travel is an opportunity for personal growth and cultural exchange. Avoid being overly judgmental or closed-minded about different customs, beliefs, or ways of life. Embrace new experiences with an open attitude. Have fun with it, approach it with curiosity and respect. Remember that you only get as much respect from others as you give.
Not Taking Care of Health and Well-being: Traveling can be physically and mentally demanding. Neglecting self-care can lead to exhaustion and illness. Prioritize rest, eat well, stay hydrated, and listen to your body's needs to ensure a healthy and enjoyable trip. Do not throw your health regimen out the window. Bring your vitamins, drink electrolytes, have a smoothie, eat salads. It’s important to care for your body during travel. For a list of carry-on items I always bring with me, see this post
Missing Out on Local Cuisine: Food is an essential part of travel, and solo travelers may sometimes feel hesitant to try local cuisine alone. Don't be afraid to dine solo or join food tours to sample the local delicacies and immerse yourself in the culinary culture. If you are unsure of how your stomach will handle it, have a small bite then leave the rest. Always be courteous and polite when rejecting food offered from others.
Don’t get stressed if things don’t go according to plan. Planes will be delayed, luggage can be lost, Airbnbs not work out, hotels are worse than you thought. All of these are SOLVABLE issues. Remember that you can’t always control what happens during travel, but you can definitely control how you react to it. Take a deep breath and look for solutions. Getting stressed and anxious and emotional helps no one. Understand that this is part of travel and a small bump in the road. Do not let unexpected events and canceled plans ruin your trip!
These are some common mistakes that I’ve made while solo traveling, that I hope you can learn from! There is always room for improvement, and the good thing about solo travel is that you discover something new about yourself every time you travel alone!
By being aware of these common mistakes, you can enhance your solo travel experience and make the most of your journey.
Enjoy!