Are you curious about traveling alone? Whatever the motivation may be, it’s normal to be nervous and skeptical at first. To ease your nerves, I asked solo travellers to answer common questions about solo travel. They answered honestly and have given their best practical advice.
Each question is answered by a different solo traveller. They have also each shared a photo from their favourite solo trip.
I hope this post encourages you to believe that if you want to solo travel YOU CAN. I also hope that this post increases your travel confidence by improving your travel skills.
Ok let’s get into it!
1. How do you convince concerned family members and friends that you will be fine traveling solo?
Abena aka Travelling Tuesdays is a young, female solo travel enthusiast and travel content creator. Yes she was born on a Tuesday.
Abena’s answer:
“I’ve heard that a really good tactic is make a PowerPoint presentation (LOL)! I personally haven’t had to go to such lengths, but as a young traveller, I have had to respond to concerning questions from my family concerning solo travel safety.
I think firstly, it’s really good to show that you’ve done your research on where you’re going to, as that helps instil confidence. Secondly, put some safety precautions in place. This could be you sharing your trip details, ticket numbers and itinerary with your family, keeping them posted on your whereabouts each day of the trip through a daily text/call or booking a more secure accommodation like a hotel, over an Airbnb.”
- @travellingtuesdays
Abena’s favourite solo trip: After graduating in summer 2019, I took a 5-week solo trip to SE Asia crossing 4 different countries. From the beautiful lanterns in Vietnam, to the kind hospitality in Thailand and the relaxation vibes in Bali, I had had an amazing time. I met so many kind travelling souls along the way, and I’m happy I took the courage to go then…2020 would definitely not have been the year to go.
2. How do you keep safe while traveling solo?
Nomcebo (Nomsi) Langa’s answer:
“I’ve been in your shoes, and I hope these tips help ease your mind and better prepare for your very first solo trip!”
- Research & Planning
The safety aspect of your trip starts way before you make it to your destination! The key is in the research and planning you do when it comes to your accommodation, transport and destination specific tips. Ask yourself questions like “What’s the best way to get from A to B” and even “What tourist scams to look out for in *your destination*?”. Extensive research has always helped put my mind at ease when travelling solo.
- Keep your devices fully charged
Always make sure both your phone and powerbank are fully charged before leaving your accommodation. Chances are, your phone will be working overtime with all the extra apps, maps and photos you’ll be taking.
- Stay connected
You’ll need an internet connection to stay in contact with friends and family back home but that might not be possible if you’re out and about. It might be worth looking into getting a local simcard if your destination doesn’t have wifi freely available or if you’re staying for an extended period of time.
Check in regularly
Have that one friend or family member that you send EVERYTHING to. Your flight numbers, accommodation and your rough itinerary, literally everything. Once on your trip, send regular updates.
Nomsi’s favourite solo trip: Jeju Island, South Korea
Although it was part of a larger trip, Jeju Island was my first stop and I spent 4 blissful days in the “Hawaii of South Korea”. I spent countless hours researching and preparing for this trip so to actually live it out was incredibly fulfilling. My days were filled with hikes, waterfalls and of course lazing around on the beach.
3. How did you feel after your first solo trip?
Precious Nkosi’s answer:
“Liberated ! I felt free. I had done it and I was super proud of myself. Going on a solo vacay had been on my vision board for the longest of times. I was afraid , I thought it would be weird to go alone so I kept postponing . I was the last to leave the flight when we touched down OR Tambo. I was still taking it all in. Looking out the window feeling so joyful and content, I knew I had to do it again. Solo traveling is just an affirmation that the world is your oyster. So why don’t you go honeymoon yourself?!”
Precious’ favourite solo trip: Visiting dreamy little places like Seychelles. Sipping on cocktails by the beach or kayaking in crystal clear kayaks. I am such a water baby
4. What type of person do you feel would enjoy solo travel most?
Unathi’s answer:
“Someone who wants the freedom and flexibility to choose their itinerary – particularly if you have a different taste to what would be typical for people in your age group or if you don’t want to pack each day with activities and somedays you just want to sleep in.”
Unathi’s favourite solo trip: My birthday in 2018. I had planned to celebrate it in New York and a few days before the trip started I saw that H.E.R was performing at a festival in Miami. I detoured to Miami for 24 hours and then flew to New York. So I brought in my 27th birthday being serenaded by H.E.R and by that evening I was watching a Broadway play in New York.
5. Did you have fears before your first solo trip? What were they and how did you deal with them?
Leighann’s answer:
“My fear on solo trips is the unknown. What to expect and whether or not I’d be prepared enough.
The key to eradicating fear on solo trips is to have a well-thought-through plan of action. Being unprepared is possibly not very wise. There is a certain degree of spontaneity one can have on these types of trips because you only have yourself to consider, but at the end of the day, you’re alone and if you are caught unprepared, you may be putting yourself at risk.
Be prepared and do your research before you go. Find out more about the area you are going to, planning your route, booking accommodation, packing the right things (checklists always help), making sure you have some emergency money, enough fuel, a general budget to work on, and obviously your adventurous spirit! The list could go on, but essentially, planning is key. If you’re organised, you’ll feel more at ease and your trip will be less stressful. So, no matter where you are travelling to, you need to research and plan”
Leighann’s favourite solo trip: I often frequent the Pilanesberg National Park alone. I always get asked, ‘but are you going by yourself, aren’t you scared?’. The first time I went alone, it was intimidating, but luckily I am one for being organised. Pilanesberg is a mere three hours’ drive from Johannesburg, but nevertheless, a solo trip and most certainly one of my favourites.
6. How do you meet new people while traveling solo?
Selaelo’s answer:
“The first time I made a friend while on a solo vacation was during a wine tour in Groot Constantia Cape Town. I asked her to take pictures of me. It turned out that she was also alone and was a solo traveller from Brazil. We decided to hop on the same bus for the tour around the city after the wine tasting and did lunch together in Hout Bay.
Now I consider myself a certified solo traveler (LOL). I’ve learnt that the best way to meet people is to consider tours around the place I’m at because a lot of other solo travelers always go on the same tours. Also consider looking for hiking groups online and join in to make more friends.
Secondly, one must be friendly and approachable so that people are able to approach you.
There was a time a guy asked me out at a cafe to go out clubbing later which turned out to be the most fun part of the trip. Always make sure it’s in public places if you agree to go party at night and be extremely careful by taking care of yourself.
Thirdly, the accommodation I go for is usually backpacking accommodation. They are always cheaper than your usual hotel and they are preferred by other solo travellers.
Lastly, lately I always consider using travel agencies which organise group trips for solo travelers. I did my last vacation in Bilene, Mozambique with a travel agency and got to meet six amazing ladies and two guys.
That’s how I meet new people – I mingle and make friends. It’s amazing. Looking forward to doing it more as soon as we triumph against COVID-19.”
Selaelo’s favourite solo trip: Find attached this picture is from the first solo trip in Cape Town with the first friend I ever made. I had to approach her and ask her to take this photo of me.
7. Any destination recommendations for a solo trip in South Africa?
Fiks’s answer:
“South Africa is a beautiful Country with so much to do, from chasing the sunset at the beach, waterfalls, mountains, relaxing in the vineyards, and a beautiful wildlife. When travelling solo, my motto always is “there are friends everywhere” and indeed I have made many friends from my wanderlust some who have become family now. I would recommend the following places to visit for solo trip:
Knysna
St Lucia
Drakensberg
Fiks’s favourite solo trip: My favourite solo trip I have done was Thailand. Thailand is such an amazing place. I did both the city (Bangkok) and beach break (Phuket). I spent 3 days in Bangkok and then moved to spend another 3 days in Phuket. Phuket was my favourite as I am such a huge fan of beach breaks. I love the sun the sand and the sea. I felt at home in Phuket everything there just filled my heart with so much joy. From buying local food on the street to doing markets, beach walks and of cos island hoping was the cherry on top, breath taking islands. There’s a 2 day island hoping tour with a speed boat. The tours are totally different yet both have the most amazing experience. With snorkelling added (the very best), Phi Phi island tour, James bond island, and Phang Nga island tour, and dining in the floating restaurant, the most amazing experience on the trip. Bangkok is life of a party, I would recommend Khoasan road for all the vibe it’s brings into the city. Activities in and around Bangkok that I enjoyed was temple tour (very amazing temples), floating market was a great experience lots of shopping there. Elephant bathing was also a great experience there.
8. How do you deal with loneliness on a solo trip?
Ndivhuho’s Answer:
“It depends on which country I am travelling to. Some places are so full of nature that I can never feel lonely. I also post my adventures on Instagram and that allows some engagement with followers and friends – this helps when feeling lonely.
One more thing I do is journal during my trips. I journal about how I feel in that place and what I have experienced. That helps me to be in touch with where I am and as a result makes me feel truly whole and secure.”
- Ndi_xoxo
- Ndivhuho Matambele
9. How do you get your travel photos taken when you solo travel?
Pranesh’s answer:
“I am perhaps a strange traveler because I travel to take photos more than I take photos while I’m travelling, and this is the reason I often travel solo. Photographers are, often, chasing the light, either up before the sun rises or out until late catching sunsets and city lights. That golden hour just after the sunrise or before the sun sets makes for some of the most gorgeous glowing pictures, whether it be of architecture, landscapes, animals or even selfies. My first piece of advice would be to try and get that light.
Travelling solo, I would then suggest to invest in a tripod, even if all you are using for photographs is your cell phone. Firstly, it will help you get into some of the pictures by using the self-timer that most cameras have. In busier places a tripod can also help with more creative shots such as long exposures to blur out the crowds and give a sense of movement or capture the night life after the sun sets.
Do your research ahead of your trip. Check out where the best views are – often the most iconic views of place are from somewhere that’s not that place. An easy way to do this is check the location on Instagram and see the posts that come up. Google Maps also works. It may also help avoid the crowds if you know where everyone is going to want to be taking photos.
Lastly make sure you have the right camera for the job. You will need different equipment to capture a landscape than you would for close ups of animals in a nature reserve. If you are planning on adventure activities and water sports, a GoPro or similar action camera may be needed. But at the end of the day the best camera is the one that you have on you – the more shots you take the better you will get.
Pranesh’s favourite solo trip: My favourite solo trip in my recent memory has to be my December 2018 road trip to the Kalagadi Transfrontier National Park, which sits on the border of South Africa, Namibia and Botswana in the Norther Cape. Driving out from Johannesburg it takes about 13 hours of easy driving to get to the Twee-Rivieren camp. The vast open landscape, the bird life and general game viewing was amazing and will definitely be back as soon as I get a chance!
10. What inspired your first solo trip?
Shannon’s answer:
“I had recently gone through a break up and had reached out to one of my friends (who I met doing a tour around China). She had just completed a 3 month solo trip of South America.
She gave me advice on “what not to do” and “what to do” when travelling solo. She also gave me reassurance that there was nothing to be afraid of and that if she could do it I could do it too.
After many failed attempts of planning trips with friends, where the timing wasn’t right for everyone or people not wanting to do the same thing, I decided to book a Contiki trip on my own. It was a good baby step into solo travelling. Joining an organised tour is great as all the admin is sorted out for you.
I met so many other solo travellers and also went off to explore on my own without compromising on what I wanted to do or stepping on other people’s toes.
This trip provided me with a good foundation for solo travelling and gaining the confidence I needed to step out and explore the world! I have since been able to go on many other solo adventures and can’t wait for the next!”
Shannon’s favourite solo trip: I did a solo trip to Peru in 2017 which has been my favourite trip ever. I joined onto a Contiki in which we travelled the whole of Peru. This included checking out the city life in Lima the capital city, eating delicious Cerviche, hiking to Machu Pichu and Rainbow Mountain, taking selfies with alpacas, exploring man made floating islands, swimming in the highest lake (Lake Titicaca) and canoeing through the Amazon jungle.
11. How do you deal with feeling awkward doing activities and eating out alone?
Nyokabi’s answer:
“On my first solo trip to Amsterdam, my anxiety was awful: I didn’t eat for the entirety of the first day because I was terrified of having to go to a restaurant alone. The following day though, paying attention to that anxiety helped: I picked a small café that had few customers, and carried a book. Focusing my attention on something specific – reading, listening to music, or even people-watching – eases the awkwardness of dining alone.
Joining group tours, as opposed to self-touring the whole time, can also be quite helpful. When the guide isn’t addressing the whole group, start a small conversation with them! Guides are super fun to learn from one-on-one, and are great at filling in the spaces. Other tour members might naturally jump into the conversation, and you’ll find yourself feeling more comfortable as things go along.
Chances are, you’re not the only one eating out or doing an activity alone. See if you can spot others on their own too, and take comfort in this: just as they barely stand out to you, you probably don’t to everyone else, either. I still feel awkward on my own at times, but the experiences are almost always worth it. Practice going out alone in a place that’s familiar to you, such as your hometown, and it’ll be a breeze when you travel!”
Nyokabi’s favourite solo trip: My favourite solo trip was to one of the 7 Wonders of the New World: Mexico’s Chichén Itzá. The 12-hour group tour, in addition to Chichén Itzá, also included stops at an indoor cenote and the charming town of Valladolid.
12. What type of accommodation do you prefer for solo travel and why?
Bonita’s answer:
Bonita’s favourite solo trip: I enjoyed a solo trip to Dubai in 2019. It was a birthday treat and Dubai was one of those places I had wanted to check out of my bucket list for a long time. So the excitement was not even that I got to visit and enjoy the place, but that I finally removed it in my to-do list.
13. What are the benefits of solo travel over traveling in a group?
Phelo Masiza’s answer:
“The beauty about Solo travel is that no one bails out on the trip last minute- disappointment is avoided, majority of us have experienced disappointments when it comes to group trips. When it comes to Solo travel You really are the master of your own ‘destiny’/ trip in this case.
Being a solo traveler allows you to manipulate or ditch your itinerary as you please, you can stay at an attraction or restaurant a little bit longer or leave immediately when you don’t like a place. If a local recommends a certain attraction or activity that was not part of your itinerary, you go freely not having to vote or beg your friends if traveling as a group.
Traveling alone allows room for intimacy-It gives you room to know and understand yourself better because any choices or decisions made are not influenced by your friends or family. You really get to “Do You boo”
Your networking skills get to improve as you are forced to step outside your comfort zone, you get to learn a new language, learn more about the culture of that city/town you even stand a chance of making a friend or two.”
Phelo’s favourite solo trip: My favourite Solo Trip to date has to be in the MotherCity- Cape Town South Africa 🇿🇦 . All I can say is that Cape Town is majestic, if it’s not your travel bucketlist please add it. As the saying goes “Don’t listen to what they say go see”
14. Any advice for women specifically that they will find useful for their first solo trip?
Thendo’s Answer:
“Violence against women is a global monster that has no right to any part of our lives. And it should not stop you from having fun on vacation. To protect myself, I do pretty much the same as I do at home:
- If you’re lost, try not to look it. If you need help, ask a woman. Women tend to look out for women.
- Make sure your phone is fully charged when you leave your room. A power bank is a top 2 and not number 2 travel companion.
- Have a local number saved on your phone. Be it the hotel’s, your embassy or the police
- Trust your gut instinct. If it feels shady, move away.
- Have fun. The good people far outnumber the bad.”
- @hellothendo
Thendo’s favourite solo trip: I’m not a big planner. I booked a flight to Tunisia less than 24 hours before departure, with nothing sorta-kinda-maybe resembling an itinerary. Turned out to be the best of times! I am pictured standing at Cap Engela, the northernmost point in Africa, looking at the deep blue Mediterranean.
15. Have you ever been inspired by a movie or tv show to go on a solo trip?
Akhona’s answer:
“Bangkok- was inspired by the Hangover 2. I wanted to get lost in the bustling concrete jungle of Bangkok. I tried to experience Bangkok the way I had seen in the movie plus I also found out about other fun things I could do while in Bangkok. Bangkok was amazing…the food…a beautiful City that never sleeps. I walked till my feet hurt everyday. I faced my fears and got on a scooter. A scary yet exhilarating experience, riding on the back of a scooter in Bangkok rush hour traffic…going in between the cars…”
- @akhonabaninzi
Akhona’s favoutrite solo trip: Prague was part of my birthday trip to Munich. Took a bus to Prague upon a suggestion of a friend. It is such a beautiful city that never sleeps. I was out clubbing till the early hours of the morning. I enjoyed the food there too. I was planning to go back when the Lockdown started. I miss Prague everyday. I hope I get to visit VERY SOON!
16. What is a Misconception About Solo Travel?
Mangoma Rubushe’s answer:
“The false misconception about solo travel is people thinking that travelling solo is boring, it is not, infact, quite the contrary. It is fun and adventurous. You make friends wherever you go. You find solo travellers as well. You get to know more about yourself. You go sight seeing alone, you get lost, you get out of your comfort zone. You change your itinerary as you wish. I am a good planner.
So what I do for my travels, I reach out to travellers via travel pages on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram while planning my itinerary at home. I do it months before, but for Turkey, I literally did that 2 weeks before the travel. People are actually very friendly out there. Before my travel, I had reached out to 5 people in Istanbul; and got to spend time with 3 and we also met up with other solo travellers from the U.S. In Cappadocia, which was the next city after Istanbul, I was alone which was beautiful and fun as well.”
17. Where are you planning to solo travel to next? How did you choose this destination?
Mangoma Rubushe’s answer:
“Netherlands, Belgium and Germany would have been my next solo international travel in celebration of my birthday which was on the 1st of June. But due to Covid-19, I had to cancel my trip.
I have heard of good reviews about the wonderful historic buildings, museums, and the ambiance of Amsterdam. Have you seen those inspiring photos that travellers take in front of the Rijksmuseum and also by the bridge where canals would be your photo background. It’s beautiful.
So when we are allowed to travel internationally, Amsterdam is next. Nationally, Cape Town or Mpumalanga (again) is the next solo trip.”
18. How Has Traveling Solo Changed your Life?
Alessia Ryan’s Answer:
“So I did about 8 months of solo travel in Spain, Italy and London and honestly it opened my eyes to new worlds. I was standing on the edge of a cliff with some friends in Mallorca I’d met, looking down into the sea and thinking “Alessia you are insane-don’t jump” but I did!
It’s about opening yourself up, doing things you’d never do! Now I don’t take myself too seriously, or life too seriously! Sometimes you need that push to open yourself up to the person you’re meant to be. I’ve stood at the top of the tower of Pisa alone, I’ve eaten gnocchi and drunk Bellini on the grande canal in Venice-alone. And no its not shame, its WOW she can do it alone! At first hard but learning to be by yourself and to love yourself makes you happy and your happiness will filter into every single aspect of your life. If you find yourself a little lost, upset and maybe in need of something. Save that money, book that flight and JUST GO! You won’t regret it.”
Alessia’s favourite solo trip: My favourite solo trip has to be Spain (Mallorca and Barcelona). I’ve attached my favourite image of me cliff diving! Although I ended up bruising some ribs it was probably the best experience of my life.
19. Is there anything you know now that you wish you knew before you started solo traveling?
Mpho’s Answer:
20. Describe The way you spend your time on a solo trip
Charles’ answer:
“The idea was to do what Ecuadorians do in the limited time I had in the country. I wanted to embrace their customs and meet the people.
To make this work I decided to book family owned hostels and travel in local busses between places of interest.
I started off in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. A day trip to an active volcano not far from Quito was fun. This activity was a combination of hiking and cycling in a group from different parts of the world.
After a few days I took a local bus ride to a small tourist town, Banos. I was booked in a family hostel. I went white water rafting the day I arrived. A day trip to the great Amazon forest like you see on National Geographic on television was an awesome experience too.
On my last day I rented a bike and rode along the canyon. I kept seeing Zipline platforms on the way. For the first time in my life I was really comfortable going on a zip line.
An overnight local bus took me to Santa Lopez on the western part of the country. Hostel Viejamah was right on the beach, and there I was met by roars of the Pacific Ocean. It was so relaxing that I wanted to extend my stay.”
Charles’ favourite solo trip: After a trip to Peru in December 2018, I wanted to return to South America so I decided to travel to Ecuador. This was the best solo trio I ever took, and I met a lot of very nice people.
21. Why do you solo travel?
Widaad’s answer:
“Waiting on others to either stick to a decision or be financially be able to travel will only prolong your own travels. Traveling solo allows you the freedom to decide how the trip goes, from planning your activities and sticking to your own budget, meeting new people and learning about different cultures and lifestyles. I love traveling solo because it allows me to make all the decisions and choices. It reminds you that you’re the CEO of your life instead of going along with someone else’s ideas most of the time.”
Widaad Honey Jacobs’ favourite solo trip: New York City USA 🇺🇸
22. What advice would you give someone who is nervous to go on their first solo trip?
Amogelang’s Answer:
“Just try it. You won’t regret it. On my first solo trip, I was a bit nervous and uncomfortable at first. I would take out my phone pretending to be busy. I later realised the I should use the opportunity to interact with the locals, my surroundings and make new friends.
My first solo trip was actually by mischance. In the spring of 2014, I had planned a trip to ballito with my girlfriend at that time (now ex) and she stood me up last minutes. I went alone. Since then I’ve had about 16 trips”
Amogelang’s favourite solo trip: I recently went on a spiritual retreat to Nan Hua Temple, It is the largest Buddhist temple and seminary in Africa, and is situated at Bronkhorstspruit, South Africa.
I hope that these solo travel tips from solo travellers have taught you something new or encouraged you to start planning your solo trip.
If you’re weighing your options between solo travel and group travel learn how to plan a group trip with friends that actually happens.
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Such an insightful and fun read, thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences. Makes me look forward to my solo travel bucket list 🙂