So you have decided to embark on your solo trip and it can be pretty nerve wrecking if this is your first time. Even for seasoned solo travelers, there is no guarantee that they will not meet with challenges along the way.

An issue that is prominent but not talked about often is the loneliness one feels when traveling alone. Oh, you will be surprised how lonely people actually feel at times on their solo trip behind all those glamorous Instagram pictures you see on their feed.

Still, this should not stop you from going after your dream to see the world. Whether you are reading this as a form of preparation before you go for your trip or are currently traveling, here are 8 Ways To Have Fun On A Solo Trip.

#1 A SMILE GOES A LONG WAY

Do not underestimate how much a friendly smile can do for you. Even if you are not familiar or completely clueless about the native language there, strangers are more receptive towards you and tend to help if you look friendly.

It is likely that you would need to reach out for help from the locals along the way so give them your best smile!

#2 BE OPEN TO MEETING NEW PEOPLE

Join activity groups organised by the locals which you can find from social media sites. This is a great way to meet more people who are able to show you the city from a local’s point of view.

Furthermore, you get to find out the best places for food and hidden gems around the neighbourhood not known to tourists.

#3 STAY AT HOSTELS OR GUESTHOUSES

By staying in a hostel, you are able to make friends with other travelers and hosts. You are able to broaden your perspectives by making international friends. Some of them may also be experienced travelers and are able to share valuable information that is helpful for you.

If you happen to meet people whom you can get along well with, it can be plenty of fun even during times when you are in the hostel. Suggest to hold a potluck party or sharing sessions!

#4 GO ON DAY TOURS

It may be better to join group tours if you wish to explore certain areas. Sometimes a tour guide is able to share and answer all your queries better than you can do so when you are alone.

Being stuck in a group with other travelers also meant that you are likely to strike up a conversation with a few of them.

#5 VOLUNTEER

Want to meet like-minded people who share a similar compassion for a cause? Volunteering is the best way to do that. Not only will you get to make more friends, you may even be able to save on accommodation if you stay with the locals.

A volunteering experience in a new country will leave a much deeper impression on you and the memories forged with the locals and fellow volunteers will never be forgotten.

#6 GO TO A PUB

Those who love a good party ought to head down to a bar for a chill night. People that you meet at a bar are most likely to be there for a good time. Enjoy the music and end your night with a beer or a glass of champagne.

#7 PLAN ACTIVITIES THAT YOU CAN DO ALONE

Since you are going to be alone for most of the trip, take into consideration activities such as visiting the museum, going for a movie, explore off beaten tracks and cycling as part of your itinerary.

This is the time to do everything you have always wanted to or have an interest in without having to compromise with others.

#8 EMBRACE ALONE TIME

Learn to feel comfortable being alone because it does your soul wonders. Also, traveling alone teaches you to be independent and not to rely on others too much.

Sometimes, being surrounded by a group of people can drain our energy. Take this chance to recharge and find out more about yourself.

I recently travelled to New York City and it was my second time travelling by myself. I’m more of an outgoing person, so I wasn’t that apprehensive about it. But I know that for most people, travelling alone can be a really anxious thing, especially if one had to travel by herself, for example, if she was on a business trip and have some free time alone to wander about the city.

However, the good news is that travelling solo is not a bad thing at all; there are several advantages for it and further below are tips for travelling alone.

If you are planning to go on an adventure soon, you should also read this post on important things to know for solo travellers.

Advantages of travelling alone:

1. Me time

Spending a few days by yourself (and for yourself) in a foreign city where no one knows you is probably one of the best ways to focus on yourself and enjoy what life has in store for you. We got too caught up in our busy daily routines sometimes that we neglect on treating ourselves well. Travelling solo is a good way to have some “me time” to treat yourself with the new environment, atmosphere, food, and vibe.

2. Flexibility

When you are travelling alone, you can afford to be very flexible with your own schedule. You can go to anywhere at anytime you want, or make any last minute changes to your itinerary if there is a need to without being concerned if your friends would mind. Happen to pass by that cute little café down the corner of the street on the way to the museum? Just stop by, walk in, and try it.

3. Courage and independence

One of the greatest takeaways from travelling solo is probably learning on how to get out of our little comfort zones to just be out there in new places. Finding your way around the city by yourself, trying hard to speak a new language, meeting with new people along the way, and the list goes on. I guess it’s also fair to say that you will find courage from all these and take these little steps to learn to be more independent – at least in a foreign land.

Tips for travelling alone:

1. Be “thick skinned”

Definitely the most important tip – I find that we have to “thicken” our skins when we are travelling by ourselves. If you want your photo to be taken in front of that historical landmark, you have to ask other people to help you (be careful though, to make sure that they do not run away with your camera). When you’re eating alone at the bar, do not think that other people are looking at you; just think and look as if you’re a food critic so that’s why you’re eating there by yourself. When you make mistakes while trying to speak the foreign language, do not be afraid! At the end of the day, you’ll just laugh it off and have fun with it.

2. Be wise

By being wise here, I mean that you can choose to go to places that are more suitable for solo travellers. Join a group walking tour of the city to get a lively introduction of your new surroundings and meet with other solo travelers. Or view exhibitions at the museum since you have no one to distract you now while immersing yourself in those art pieces. Choose to dine at restaurants with bar seating where they are tailored for solo diners.

3. Smile

And always be friendly to the locals. People are generally nice at the core, so if you’re nice to them, they’ll be happy to talk to you too and help you if you need directions or recommendations. Remember to smile as and when you can. And you can never go wrong.

While travelling in general gives you new experiences and touches the soul, travelling solo additionally allows you to meet more new people along the way, which has got to be one of the ultimate joys of the journey. And it’s up to you to make the connections on route. You are traveling solo, but definitely not alone.

About the writer
Anlin Melina is a Business Administration and Economics student at the University of California, Berkeley, who likes travelling and writing during her free time. Melina has recently completed writing her first book, titled “Once Upon A Blue Sky”, which is a travel guide book on cities in the United States.

Travel Tips for Solo Travellers

I vividly remember my first experience of travelling to a foreign city alone. A few years ago, I went to Kuala Lumper to visit my food blogger friends. While it was a relatively short trip, it was enough to get me hooked on the idea of travelling alone.

I was intoxicated by the idea of venturing out to see the world by myself. A few months after my Kuala Lumpur trip, I took the plunge and went on an solo adventure to Sydney. Ever since then, I never looked back.

I like travelling alone because I feel that it gives us the opportunity to rediscover and find out more about ourselves.

If you’ve always wanted to travel alone, plan a trip and go for it! I promise you will be rewarded by the experience. But before you go, let me share some tips on travelling alone.

Be comfortable with yourself.

For people who are new to traveling alone, they may find the challenge daunting. There are many people who are uncomfortable being alone. I have no problem with that as I actually like to be alone sometimes. I like catching a movie by myself, I like to eat alone; I appreciate having ‘me time’ as I can get away from people. If you are afraid of being lonely, you can always read a book, or play games on your phone during the journey.

Always keep your valuables out of sight.

This is the basic rule of travelling. Always keep your valuables from sight, don’t attract the wrong attention. For women travelling alone, avoid being too flashy, and learn to blend in with the local crowd.

Talk to other travellers and make friends.

When you travel alone, it is easier to talk to other travellers and make friends. Not that you can’t do that while travelling with companions, but most of the time it is just so much easier to stick in a group. Pick up your courage and talk to people.

Write down a list of things that you want to accomplish on the trip.

Experience dining alone in a restaurant. Check. Chat with people from five different countries. Check. Learn a new skill during the trip. Check. There are so many things that you can do.

The best part about travelling alone is that you have the freedom to do whatever you like; there’s no need to accommodate anyone. So enjoy the ‘me time‘ and do things that you’ve always wanted to do.

Plan your itinerary ahead.

For me, the biggest problem when travelling alone is food. It is difficult because I can’t order more to share. I always try to plan my itinerary ahead by researching on food places to eat. I’d usually have a list of cheap eats, and another list of restaurants to splurge on.

Another challenge of travelling alone is definitely accommodation. There’s no one to share the cost with, so it is important for solo travellers to plan ahead.

Check out hostels or apartments for rental. They are generally cheaper than staying in hotels. For female travellers, safety and cleanliness of accommodation are the most important factors – read reviews and ask your friends if they have any recommendations.

Know the important numbers

It is also important to note down important details like emergency numbers to call: local embassy in the city (they will be helpful if you get into any trouble), banks hotline (to report credit card cancellation if your wallet is lost), family and friends’ contact details (in case your phone is stolen).

I know it is not an easy thing to step out of your comfort zone and travel alone, especially for women because of safety concerns.

But if you take the necessary precautions, everyone can experience the beauty of travelling alone. In fact, I have met many female solo travellers, and a few of my good friends also travel alone frequently.

Travelling is food for the soul. Plan your next trip; go out and see the world!