How to Vacation By Yourself / Alone
• Posted July 9 • 2024.
I'm not going to lie, I prefer family or couple trips; they seem more fun and memorable to me. However, in my 20s, I definitely took some solo trips, and I imagine that’s the ideal age for this type of travel because no one over 35 has the energy for it—although I might be wrong. Either way, I have fond memories of my solo trips, whether for work or vacation. These trips are not only fun but also very formative because when you travel alone, you only have yourself to rely on. So, let's go over the most important points to answer our question: How to Vacation By Yourself?
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Research and Planning
Safe Destination
It’s important to remember that when traveling alone, we are invariably exposed to additional risks compared to traveling in a group or with another person, simply because no one else is accompanying us. For this reason, it’s always better to choose and go to a destination known for being safe and also hospitable to solo vacationers. I mention it again, when traveling alone, safety is one of the main concerns. Therefore, dedicating time to research our destination beforehand is essential to ensure it’s a place where one can arrive, stay, and move around with confidence and peace of mind. Here, I would recommend, rather than the tourist pages of the destination, which will always say everything is wonderful, turning to traveler forums and online reviews, which are undoubtedly excellent resources for obtaining up-to-date, reliable, and firsthand information from tourists like us.
In addition to safety, the hospitality of the destination is another point to consider. As is well known, destinations known for their friendliness towards tourists generally offer a better environment for those traveling alone. These places not only have well-developed infrastructure for tourism, such as safe and comfortable lodging, efficient transportation services, and activities, but also, simply by being accustomed to receiving tourists, they will welcome someone vacationing by themselves in a good manner. This is even more important for women traveling alone. A safe, hospitable destination accustomed to tourists will always be a good choice for them.
It might be a good idea for the first solo trips to go to places we already know, but this time visit them alone, so we will be in a familiar place but on our own. If you have a bit more experience, you can choose very popular destinations for this, like Japan, New Zealand, and several European cities, which are always highly recommended for their safety and ease of exploration. Additionally, these destinations often have many resources available for tourists, such as maps in various languages, transportation apps, and support staff who speak English. If you don’t want to go far, you can start with a destination near the US, like La Paz, Mexico, a beautiful city full of gorgeous beaches, friendly and hospitable people, and a level of safety similar to Canada.
Suitable Accommodation
When traveling alone, at least in our 20s, the budget often doesn't stretch to the best hotel room, sometimes not even for a hotel. So, whether you choose a hostel, a small hotel, or a vacation rental, the important thing is to select places with good reviews and a solid reputation. Hostels are an excellent option for solo travelers, primarily because they are very economical and, due to the shared spaces, offer the opportunity to meet other travelers and share experiences. Additionally, many hostels offer group activities and excursions, making socialization easier if that’s what you're looking for.
On the other hand, small hotels provide more privacy and comfort at a higher price than a hostel but lower than a five-star hotel. These hotels often focus on ensuring you have a cozy and pleasant stay because they know it’s the only way to compete with more expensive hotels that offer more services. Again, use reviews of the place because, while there are hotels in this category that strive to be good options, others are simply dumps.
If you prefer a more private space and have a bit more budget, vacation rentals can be the perfect option. Platforms like Airbnb offer a wide variety of options, from apartments in the city center to houses in quieter areas. This option should also be filtered through social reviews to avoid unpleasant surprises, such as a place having a jacuzzi but charging an extra $50 a day to use it with hot water.
Tip: Always remember to book as early as possible to get the best prices.
Transportation
Take time to research the local transportation options you’ll encounter and plan routes to move around easily and safely during your vacation. In many cities, public transportation is the most economical and efficient way to get around. In others, it’s much more efficient to use Uber. But if you prefer more comfort and flexibility, renting a car is not a bad idea, especially if you visit more rural areas or places with limited public transport. I wouldn't recommend renting a car in cities with heavy traffic like L.A., New York, or Mexico City, especially if you're not familiar with the traffic regulations, as that could be problematic.
Another interesting option for solo travelers on vacation is to use bicycles or electric scooters, which are becoming more common in big cities. These means of transport are not only eco-friendly but also allow you to explore the city at your own pace. Don’t forget to learn the local traffic regulations and always use safety equipment like a helmet and a reflective vest.
Don’t forget to walk. Often, the best experiences are had while exploring on foot, discovering hidden corners, and closely enjoying the local atmosphere. Remember that you’re traveling alone, so always keep personal safety in mind, avoiding less-traveled or dangerous areas, especially at night.
Personal Safety
Communication
One of the simplest ways to ensure our safety when traveling alone is to stay in regular contact with family or friends. Simply sharing your itinerary, where you'll be staying, and any changes in plans is an important safety net. If for some reason you stop communicating, your family and friends will know something is wrong and will start looking for you and contacting your accommodation to check on you. It’s a great safety tool.
Important Documents
Always carry digital and physical copies of your important documents to have them on hand and be able to identify yourself in case of loss or theft of the originals. Before you leave, scan your passport, identification, insurance, and emergency contact numbers. Store these copies in the cloud, accessible from your phone, and also carry printed copies in a separate place from the originals.
Precautions
Taking additional precautions when traveling alone can make a big difference in whether or not you enjoy your vacation. Obvious things like avoiding dangerous areas, especially at night, is a basic rule. You can find out about these areas before you leave for your destination and once you're there by asking at your accommodation. Just like in your own city, locals know the safe areas, the risky ones, and those you shouldn't go to under any circumstances.
On the other hand, try not to disclose too much personal information to strangers, and always keep a low profile regarding your belongings and travel plans. Don't forget to follow local recommendations and respect cultural norms to avoid unnecessary attention or unintentional disrespect. Additionally, always have the local emergency number and the address or phone numbers of the nearest embassy or consulate at hand.
Emergency Funds
Dividing your money and keeping a reserve for any unexpected situation is a prudent practice for any solo traveler. Split your money into different places: some in your wallet, some in a money belt or security pouch, and some in a bank account that you can easily access. Always carry a backup credit or debit card but make sure to have some cash in the local currency, because not everywhere accepts dollars. Believe me, this point about dividing your money is very important.
Getting to Know the Destination
Culture and Customs
Informing yourself about the local customs before arriving at your destination will help you avoid embarrassing moments or unintentionally disrespecting the locals. Following the recommendations of people who have previously visited the destination will reinforce this knowledge and help you have a better experience while always respecting the culture and customs of the locality. Remember, you're traveling alone, so you need to be more careful.
Language
It’s not necessary to learn the language of the destination if you're just going on vacation, but knowing a phrase or two will help you communicate better during your solo trip. I remember that the first phrases I learned when I arrived in Mexico were "gracias," "por favor," and "momentito" (thanks, please, and wait just a moment), and these helped me a lot during my first trips to La Paz.
Activities and Entertainment
Flexible Itinerary
Don't write your plans in stone, a friend used to tell me. This applies to life and our solo vacations. Having a flexible itinerary is really important. Maybe while planning your trip, you overlooked an activity or a lesser-known place that you find out about once you're at your destination and are dying to visit. If your itinerary is flexible, you'll have no problem accommodating this new place.
Let me be clearer: by flexible itinerary, I mean don't prepay everything. I know that to save a few dollars it's always better to buy packages, but this can make your activities or plans set in stone, preventing you from changing them without risking the money you already paid. In this case, I suggest paying for some activities and tours but leaving free days to find and explore the surprises of your destination. Believe me, there are always surprises. Plus, here's one of the biggest advantages of traveling and vacationing alone: you don't have to coordinate with anyone! You are free to come and go as you please without having to agree with anyone but yourself. That said, any changes in plans should be communicated to your family and friends who are keeping an eye on you.
Activities, Tours, and Excursions
Well, we're on vacation, right? We can finally do what we wanted when choosing this particular destination. Whether it's enjoying a beautiful beach, visiting an impressive museum, touring a spectacular city, or walking green trails in some forest, we are finally at our destination and ready to enjoy it.
At this point, we need to remember two things: our personal preferences and that you're traveling alone. If you don't like tours (I don't like them because I feel I don't have enough time to see anything at my own pace), then don't take a tour or excursion. But if you want to visit a place at your own pace, make sure it's not a risky place to visit alone. On the other hand, if you like tours or excursions, you might not even remember you're traveling alone, as the social interaction during these activities is more than enough. However you decide to do it, the important thing is to enjoy your stay and the activities you undertake, but always with the extra precaution that you're traveling solo, while also taking advantage of the great freedom that this fact gives you.
Health and Well-being
Travel Insurance
No one wants insurance until they need it, right? However, it’s better to have it beforehand. Travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and cancellations is an excellent idea whether you're on vacation or traveling alone. This type of insurance can be your lifeline in case of sudden illness, an accident, or any other unforeseen event that may occur during your trip. Sometimes, medical costs abroad can be exorbitant, and having adequate insurance will allow you to receive the necessary care without worrying about the cost. In some places, like Mexico, medical care is really affordable and of very good quality, and there are countries where it is totally free or charges a symbolic amount, like Canada or the UK. Additionally, travel insurance almost always includes coverage for cancellations, which is useful if you need to cancel your trip for any reason. This ensures you won’t lose all the money invested in flights and activity reservations.
Diet
Be cautious about what you eat and where you eat when traveling to new places. From my experience, it’s better to eat at established places rather than street stalls, no matter how delicious the aroma might be. It’s possible to try local delicacies without risking your stomach. Ask at your accommodation for safe places to try local foods outside the main tourist spots, to get closer to and experience the authentic culinary culture of the place. It’s advisable to research the local cuisine before your trip and, again, ask your accommodation for the best places to eat outside the typical tourist circuits. If you think the destination doesn’t have reliable tap water, always drink bottled water to prevent stomach illnesses. By the way, if you want to know how to eat healthy on vacation, check out this article: How to Eat Healthy on Vacation | An Easy Guide
Luggage
Light Luggage
You’re traveling alone, not with a companion, so packing light is not just a good idea; it’s simply necessary to facilitate your movement and the security of your belongings. A light suitcase or backpack will allow you to move more easily, keeping valuable items with you and reducing the risk of losing or damaging your belongings. Again, separate your money and documents and their copies, so if one set is lost, the others remain safe.
Technology
Nowadays, using smartphones, portable chargers, and electrical adapters is simply part of everyday life. It’s no longer magic but a necessity. Remember that your smartphone is not only your main communication tool with family and friends but also your map, tour guide, camera, and magic wand to book activities and experiences. Of course, to function correctly, you need your portable charger to ensure your phone always has battery, especially if you take long excursions or are in places with limited access to electricity. Don’t forget that not all countries use our same type of plug, so an electrical adapter is very necessary if you travel to a country with different plug types. This includes Europe, South America, and Asia. Canada and Mexico have the same plug type as the US. Some people like to bring an iPad to watch movies once they are resting in their room; it’s not a bad idea, especially if your phone doesn’t have a large screen. Remember, you’re traveling alone, so use your phone for all the above, but most importantly, to help ease the minds of your family and friends through constant communication, whether by call or message, not just for you but for them.
In conclusion, cuando viajamos solos para vacacionar, nos encontramos que tenemos la asoluta libertad de decidir actividades, ritmos y no tenemos que ponernos de acuerdo con nadie para hacerlo. Somos nosotrso y ya. Pero justamente por eso, debemos tener mas precauciones y mantnernos comunicados con familaires y amigos de manera constante. Cuando viajamos solos, la aventura es grande y los recuerdod memorables. Es algo que se debe hacer por lo menos alguna vez en la vida.
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Tastes of La Paz.