How to prepare for your solo traveling adventure

Key takeaways

• Scheduling your flight or train to arrive before sunset makes navigating transit and finding your lodging significantly safer and less stressful.
• Share your location with a friend or family member. Hide a backup credit card and passport copy in your luggage so a lost wallet doesn’t end your trip.
• Eating at the bar instead of alone at a table is the solo traveler’s best move. It’s socially acceptable, encourages conversation and often comes with faster service.
• Don’t be afraid to spend extra on a rideshare or a hotel in the city center if it means avoiding a long walk alone in the dark.

The world on your terms

Going solo lets you travel exactly how you’d like, opening a world of possibilities. No compromising on dinner spots. No going to an art museum when you’d rather see the city — or vice versa. It’s all up to you.

There’s a specific, empowering feeling when you go out on your own and conquer an adventure, whether that’s backpacking through the sweeping vistas of the Swiss Alps or discovering a ramen bar in a twisting alleyway in Tokyo. But a successful solo trip requires good planning and preparation, along with being open to spontaneity.

Start with an honest assessment

Are you prepared to tackle unfamiliar systems, culture shock and physically strenuous travel all on your own? If any of those things make you nervous, or if it’s your first time traveling solo, consider starting small. Things to think about:

• Language barriers: If you only speak English, some of the easiest international destinations are places like London or Sydney. But many countries throughout the world have English as a main language, even if it’s not the primary one. Take a look at how many people speak English in the countries you’re thinking about visiting to get a feel for how difficult the language barrier might be.
• Driving: When you think of driving on the left side of the road, your mind probably goes to the United Kingdom. But there are around 75 countries and territories that drive on the left, and in many, manual transmission rental cars are the norm. Even in places that don’t require the mental gymnastics of changing gears with your left hand and navigating roundabouts clockwise, the rules of the road and driving etiquette can vary dramatically from U.S. norms. So tackling the signal- and stop-sign-free intersections of Phnom Penh might be ambitious for your first international solo driving adventure. 
• Food: Unless you’re someone who’s open to trying anything and everything, you can reduce potential stress for yourself by choosing a destination where you’re at least somewhat familiar with the local cuisine and already know you like it.
• Digital connectivity: You’re probably used to having good cell service almost everywhere you go, but that’s not the reality in all countries. Some are much more connected to the digital world than others. Think about how comfortable you are with a physical map or asking strangers for directions.

Plan your solo trip

Solo traveling means all the trip planning falls on you. From flights to hotels, you’ll have to book each part of your adventure and do enough research so you can feel confident in your itinerary. Here are some tips to help you start booking.

• Choose a destination: You’ll want to evaluate the safety, infrastructure, prices and cultural norms of the locations you’re interested in. Is it a relatively safe area with good public transportation? Will you face challenges because of any conservative social norms? How much is it going to cost compared with other destinations? You could solo travel anywhere, but there are some countries that are better for it than others.
• Consider your social needs: Some hotels offer organized social events, like evening happy hours or traditional regional arts and crafts classes. If you thrive on human contact or love to talk to others about your day, see what’s available before booking.
• Plan your arrival: Arriving in a new country can be a stressful experience, especially when you don’t speak the language. But planning your flight or train to arrive earlier in the day can give you plenty of daylight to get to your accommodations. Arriving at night can add an extra challenge to your journey, and depending on where you’re traveling, it might not be as safe.
• Manage costs: Sometimes hotels will charge you more when it’s just one person in a room that can fit two. If your budget is tight, consider a pod or micro-room hotel that’s specifically meant (and priced) for solo travelers.

Prepare for your solo trip

Travel can be unpredictable, but staying prepared can help you avoid any potential trip-ruining moments. Here’s what you can do leading up to your big solo adventure to stay ready for the unexpected.

• Send your itinerary: Let loved ones know your itinerary, and establish a protocol for when and how you’ll check in with them. Then if they don’t hear back from you by a certain date, they can call your current hotel or the embassy to check on you. (Pro tip: Many hotels will only let you ask about their guests if the caller also has the room number, so share that too once you have it.)
• Share your location: Both iOS and Android phones have built-in location apps that let you share your location with a trusted friend or family member. This provides another way for loved ones to check in from time to time if they haven’t heard from you. 
• Copy key documents: There’s little worse than realizing you lost a passport, credit card, travel visa or other important document when you’re traveling. Hide color copies in your luggage, and leave copies with someone you trust. For maximum preparedness, upload digital copies to the cloud.
• Write down emergency contacts: Let’s face it, no one remembers phone numbers anymore. If you lose your phone and need to call someone, you don’t want to be out of luck. Create a physical list of contacts before you leave, so you can access it even when you don’t have access to the digital world. 
• Hide some money: Don’t keep all your money in one place. Tucking some of your cash, along with an extra credit card, into your suitcase lining, a roll of socks or your toiletries means you have backup options in case your wallet is lost or stolen.
• Download the right apps: Some navigational apps work better for certain cities. And when traveling to a country that speaks another language, some local restaurants only show up if you search in that language. So do some research to see which apps people recommend for your specific destination.
• Ask locals to check your itinerary: Forums like Reddit have large communities for almost every country where you can post your itinerary and get feedback from people who know the area better than anyone. They can also help you figure out how to travel like a local if that’s your style. The forums might also have pinned tourist tips that you can read.
• Create a realistic budget: When you don’t have someone to split the cost of hotels, taxis, rental cars or even appetizers, the full weight of the bill falls on your shoulders. Take that into account when budgeting so you don’t walk away from your trip spending more than you wanted to.
• Book short group tours: If you’re worried about getting lonely during your trip, you can book tours focused on walking around a city or enjoying some of the local cuisine. You might even make a new friend or two.

What to keep in mind while on your solo trip

You’ve created your itinerary, booked your travel plans and made all the right preparations. Now you get to enjoy the moment. Be open to the self-discovery that comes with having time to reflect and think about all these new experiences — like the culture, food or architecture. But don’t try to force discovery. Let it come through the quiet contemplation of being on your own. Here are a few more things to remember while you’re on your adventure.  

• Ditch the table for one: Sitting at the bar when dining out can avoid judgment from others, as it’s a more socially acceptable spot to be alone — and you might even strike up a conversation with the people around you. If you’d rather be left to your own devices, you can bring a book instead.
• Plan ahead if you’ll be out after dark: Public transportation doesn’t always last all night. If you’re going to be out late, consider taking a taxi or rideshare back to your hotel.
• Set a limit: If you’re planning to have a few drinks, decide on your limit beforehand. Since you’ll be navigating solo, you’ll want to stay sharp enough to get yourself back to your hotel comfortably and safely.
• Stay flexible: Some countries are known for spontaneous hospitality from the locals. That might sound like a red flag, but depending on where you’re traveling, it can be a nice custom. Saying yes to an unplanned moment can lead to an authentic experience the traditional tourist may miss. Being smart about your safety doesn’t mean you have to be closed off — just be sure to do your research and trust your gut.
• Consider journaling: Photos capture what your trip looks like, but a journal captures what it feels like. Years from now, you won’t want to just see the views. You’ll want to remember how good that first meal tasted, the thrill of finding your way around a place you’ve never seen before and that bittersweet sadness that comes when it’s over.

Book your solo adventure with Citi Travel

Just because you’re going solo doesn’t mean you can’t go with a nice, comfortable stay.

When you book with Citi Travel, you’ll earn points on your bookings that you can redeem on future travel. Become a Citi^® cardmember today or log in to your account to find your next adventure. 

Disclosure: This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.

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