For many, the prospect is either a dream—or a nightmare. On the one hand, picture being footloose and fancy-free, globetrotting without constraints. There’s no need to consult anyone else. Just do whatever you feel. But on the other hand, some people envision a sad portrait of loneliness. There’s nobody to share special memories with.
1. Be Diligent About Planning
2. Ease Into Things
If you were going to attempt to climb Mount Everest, you’d start out with shorter hikes, then summit smaller peaks on your way to being physically and psychologically ready. The same goes for solo travel. Before taking a sweeping, multi-country Southeast Asia trip, try a short visit (a day, or two) to a nearby state park. Or, sign up for a walking tour in your hometown. How does it feel to be on your own? Do you like it? What adjustments should you make? Start small before going big.3. Sit at the Bar
I’ve done it many times before, and I can tell you: It’s not much fun to eat a long meal by yourself, especially a tasting menu. I recently enjoyed a seven-course meal at a resort high in the Alps, dining at a restaurant with two Michelin stars. With the assorted amuse bouches and a dessert that came out in three parts, seven plates became 11. I was at the table for a total of four hours. Alone.The food was amazing, but it was a long night. This super-upscale place didn’t have a bar, and knowing it would be a lengthy meal, I made sure to bring a book. Whenever possible, I also chatted with the waiters, who were, thankfully, insightful and gregarious.
In most cases, you can just pull up a stool at the bar. The unspoken code is this: If you’re sitting there, you’re probably open to conversation. Even if you don’t find your fellow patrons particularly chatty, the bartender will usually engage you in a bit of talk. Truth be told, they’re often invaluable sources of local information.
4. Connecting With Others
Solo isn’t always solo. Some websites help people meet up in a safe space. Day trips and activities like cooking classes can help you connect with people. You can even sign on for a whole group trip. While some cater specifically to solo travelers, most groups include at least a couple other solo travelers. It gives you the luxury of being as independent as you like, especially adventuring during the day— along with the assurance that you’ll have a bunch of people to have drinks and dinner with later. I’ve met lifelong friends on itineraries like this, from Uzbekistan to Uganda to Bolivia.5. It Doesn’t Have to Be (So) Expensive
In some ways, solo trips are inherently pricier. After all, if you’re traveling with a friend splitting the cost of a hotel room, well, that’s half the cost for each of you. But there are deals to be had. Cruise ships often waive the infamous single supplement, especially on voyages where cabins aren’t selling well. You can filter for “no single supplement” on cruise-booking sites. Some hotels, especially in Europe, offer smaller single rooms at a discount from their regular accommodations. Stay on the lookout for solos-only deals.
6. Take a Hotel Day
Being solitary for an entire trip can be surprisingly exhausting. After all, there’s nobody by your side to vent your frustrations when that last flight of the day is delayed, or the air conditioning breaks in your hotel room. There’s nobody to share in the victories either—like getting upgraded to a suite.Sometimes, especially on long journeys, I’ll take a day to relax and recharge. I don’t leave the comfortable confines of the hotel. Once, after days in Tokyo, crushing into rush-hour subways, wading through the crowds at scramble crosswalks, and being surrounded by many millions at any given moment, I decided to stay inside. I had a beautiful room at the Shangri-La, so I sat by the pool and read a book. Then, I got a massage in the spa, followed by room service and a bad movie. Pure bliss. It was a day to embrace and enjoy solitude, and never feel compelled to chat with anyone.
7. Be Safe
This is the most important point of all: When you travel solo, nobody has your back. So seek—and trust—local advice. Once, I was writing an article on gin distilleries and boutique bars in Cape Town, South Africa, one of the world’s most captivating cities. My research took me all over town, often after dark.I was staying in a swanky hotel at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Stopping by the front desk, I named the bars that I planned to visit, two places separated by just a few blocks. I asked the desk agents—both tough-looking guys—if it was safe to walk between them. In unison, they shook their heads, and explained why that neighborhood wasn’t a good place to walk even a very short distance after dark. So that night, I took my shortest-ever Uber ride. The fare might have been a dollar. But always: better safe than sorry.
