Mae on the Map

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Traveling solo can be one of the most empowering and enriching experiences, offering the freedom to explore at your own pace and immerse yourself in new cultures. For me, solo travel often arises from accompanying my husband on his business trips. While he’s busy with work, I find myself with a golden opportunity to explore the surrounding area on my own. These moments of solo exploration have taught me invaluable lessons and given me a newfound appreciation for the art of traveling alone. In this blog post, I’ll share some essential solo travel tips that I’ve gathered from these adventures, helping you make the most of your own solo journeys. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or new to the solo scene, these tips will help you navigate your adventures with confidence and joy.

1. Plan Your Day

A bit of planning can go a long way in ensuring a smooth solo travel experience. Start each day by outlining your itinerary, even if it’s just a rough idea of what you want to see and do. This helps in making the most of your time and prevents you from feeling aimless. This will also reduce your risk of getting lost or “wandering”- as you already know where you are going next!

Be sure to plan your transportation route as best as you can. Research which apps your travel spot uses for their public transportation. This will make your trip a lot smoother if you are getting around as the locals do! This can be something like Uber, or an app that they use for their train system, etc.

2. Carry Everything You Might Need

Being prepared can make a significant difference when traveling alone. Pack essential items just in case. You can never have too much. I highly suggest packing a portable battery pack for your cellphone, as well as a physical charger. You never want to be in a new location with a dead cellphone.

Invest in a durable wallet or passport case. This will prevent your identification documents from getting damaged.

If you can, bring two different credit cards. That way, in case one is lost or stolen, you don’t find yourself in a pickle, unable to pay your way back to your hotel. I also recommend taking out some cash wherever you are at, just in case not all places take your card.

While this can’t technically be “carried,” I suggest downloading Google Translate. This has helped me in numerous scenarios. You can type to translate, or even take photos for the app to translate. I can’t thank this app enough for helping me read menus, or even street signs.

3. Share Your Location with Someone

Safety should always be a priority when traveling alone. Share your travel plans and real-time location with a trusted friend or family member. Even if it is with someone in a separate country, it is better that someone know where you are. Many apps and services allow you to share your location with loved ones, providing an extra layer of security and peace of mind.

4. Never Look Lost, Even If You Are

Confidence can be your best ally when navigating unfamiliar places. Even if you’re unsure of your location, try to appear calm and confident. Looking lost can sometimes attract unwanted attention or make you an easier target for scams.

If you are a bit lost while walking an area and need to regroup, pop in to the nearest coffee shop. You can regroup here- check your maps or whatever else will make you feel confident once you get back onto the street. This will be much more inconspicuous than aimlessly wandering the neighborhood looking confused. If you need to use a navigation app while walking, keep from staring down at your phone constantly. Take a quick glance and remember your next turn, then carry on with your chin up.

Always be aware of your surroundings. Remember landmarks as you are wandering, and keep an eye for anyone that is making you feel uncomfortable. You can truly never be too safe. Confidence in your demeanor will help you maintain control of your situation.

5. Try to Return Near Your Home Base by Dark

As a general safety rule, aim to return to your accommodation or a familiar area before dark. This reduces the risk of navigating unfamiliar streets at night and helps you avoid potential safety concerns. If you plan to stay out late, make sure you know the safest route back and consider arranging reliable transportation in advance. Returning to a familiar area by evening ensures you can enjoy your solo travel adventures with added peace of mind.

6. Embrace Flexibility and Spontaneity

One of the greatest joys of solo travel is the freedom to follow your own rhythm. While having a plan is important, be open to spontaneity and flexibility. As much as you plan your day or routes, it will not always go as planned. You just need to make the most of it.

I recall my trip to Taiwan vividly, especially the day I decided to explore the city’s botanical garden using their highly user-friendly public transport system. I spent the morning meticulously planning my train routes, jotting everything down in my phone before setting off. However, when I arrived at the train station near the garden, I quickly realized that I had miscalculated and wasn’t anywhere close to my intended destination. Undeterred, I popped into a nearby café, pulled out my navigation app, and adjusted my plans to fit the area I was actually in. Sometimes, you just have to adapt and make the most of the situation.

If you stumble upon a charming café or an intriguing local event, allow yourself the freedom to deviate from your plan and explore. Some of the most memorable travel experiences come from those unexpected moments and spontaneous decisions. If you are going to deviate from your plan, be sure you remember as many landmarks as you can on your way. This will help you later when you are trying to regroup.

Solo travel is a journey of self-discovery and adventure, filled with opportunities to explore new places on your own terms. By planning thoughtfully, you can turn any solo trip into a rewarding experience. Remember, even when things don’t go exactly as planned, adapting and making the most of unexpected turns can lead to some of the most memorable moments of your journey. So, step out of your comfort zone, trust in your ability to navigate the world alone, and savor every moment of your adventure. Safe travels, and may your solo journeys be as enriching and exciting as you dream them to be.

-Mae