How to Have the Perfect Solo Trip

You’ve made the decision to take your next trip sans travel buddy. Now it’s time for the hard part: ensuring you enjoy every single solo moment. Here are five tips to help you with that goal.

Don’t Forsake Good Meals

Eating alone can be uncomfortable, but remember this could be your only chance to experience the local cuisine and face this fear. Many people will be eager to strike up conversation, especially if you ask for recommendations or they realize you’re a visitor. If all else fails, you can always sit at the bar or find a cozy corner table.

Plan, Plan, Plan

Loneliness sets in when you’re bored. To combat this, spend time planning fun activities before arrival. Visiting museums, seeing live performances, going shopping or even just walking around town are all great solo activities.

Make Time to Mingle

Even if you want to be alone most of the time, do take the time to talk to others — especially locals. It should be easy meeting new people in hostels, restaurants, through your hotel concierge or even through sites like couchsurfing.com. As always, be cautious divulging information to strangers.

Take Lots of Pictures

Use those selfie skills and take some snaps of yourself in front of all the monuments and vistas you come across.

Book a Tour

Tours are great for the solo traveler because you get to explore with others but can still do your own thing if you choose. Tours are also a great option for those traveling to places with extreme language barriers.

Enjoy Your Freedom

Your solo trip will be one of the few times you’ll be able to do whatever you want, whenever you want. Enjoy it!