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How To: Travel Alone

There's Still Time For An End Of Summer Solo Trip

August 19, 2012

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It's late summer. That Sunday feeling is in full effect. Only so many more weekends at the beach, trips to your rich friend's lake house and summer Friday office hours. But what if you haven't made any plans and you're hankering for an actual vacation — a trip outside of your normal leisure routine? It can be tough lining up the schedules of more than two people these days, and you don't have much time left. Here's the solution: Take a trip by yourself.

Traveling solo allows for a time of introspection, relaxation and self-discovery. It's like meditation, but with food, drinks and the opportunity to meet new people. The independence gained by vacationing alone allows you to experience your destination exactly the way you want. No compromises.

Of course, there are some potential troubles you could encounter if you are not cautious. So, in order to make your solo trip one to remember, here's how you can properly prepare for it and take off with confidence.

Exploration or relaxation?

The first decision you need to make is whether you want to explore or relax. Relaxation vacations mean you don't spend a bunch of time wandering around with a map and a phrasebook. We recommend an all-inclusive resort on a long sandy beach if you're just in need of some time on the beach with a book and a cold drink. This type of solo travel is pretty much foolproof since, let's be honest, it's often more relaxing to be by yourself when trying to chill out.

But if you're in the mood to be intrepid, you'll need to plan more carefully. Stay at a hotel that has a bar and maybe even a restaurant. Boutique hotels and design hotels in major cities are great for the solo traveler because there's often a whole after-hours scene at the bar downstairs.

The intrepid traveler should also allow himself total freedom in terms of scheduling. Do a ton of research on your destination before you leave so you won't have to waste any time on your hotel room's crappy Wi-Fi once you get there, and have a list of places you're interested in hitting up. But once you're on the ground, choose an initial direction and just keep your eyes open. If on the way to the bullfighting arena you spot a beautiful woman drinking coffee alone below a slowly rotating ceiling fan in a cool, dark cafe, by all means abandon your plans and go in there!

Bottom line: Always have a destination in mind, but be open to deviations in the plan at any moment. That's the beauty of solo travel. You can change your mind any time you want. Be confident in your instincts. It's during solo travel that you really become acquainted with them.

important info prior to takeoff

One of the hardest parts of traveling in general is coming up with a list of what you'll need to bring with you (or leave behind). Thinking of these all-important items you should pack becomes all the more difficult (and necessary) when you have no one else to rely on.

Carry a dictionary

If you're heading to a foreign country, don't leave home without a bilingual dictionary. Sounds boring; is crucial.

Make copies of documents

Make a copy of all essential travel documents such as your passport and health insurance to leave behind with someone you trust, in the event of an emergency.

Read on for more tips on how to travel alone...