Solo travel tips for 2024

Despite the headlines, most of the world is safer now than ever, and many people in every culture are friendly and welcoming with only good intentions. Still, there may be times when solo travellers find themselves in situations where they feel less safe than others. When this occurs, there are some simple guidelines: avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas; research public transport, only taking registered taxis or Ubers; download maps to your phone or pick up a printed guide should mobile data or Wi-Fi be unavailable. It’s also a great idea to note your accommodation’s phone number and the local emergency services. Finally, leave your itinerary with someone back home and pre-arrange days to check-in. You don’t need to provide a minute-by-minute schedule; spontaneity is a key benefit of travelling solo, but staying in touch helps keep everyone worry-free.

Travelling solo doesn’t necessarily mean travelling alone. Joining a group tour, or even booking yourself onto daily excursions, allows the comfort of exploring in a group while leaving you in control of how much you interact with those around you. It can also help simplify travel arrangements and assist with any problems caused by language barriers. Many operators offer special rates for solo travellers, including the option of your own room or sharing with another guest. Some companies run tours specifically for single and solo explorers – this is ideal for younger guests. And luxury escorted coach tours and river cruises are fantastic for singles holidays over 50.

Some places in the world are more welcoming to solo travellers than others. Iceland is officially the most peaceful nation on Earth, and despite its long winter nights and large areas of wilderness, the capital of Reykjavik is one of the planet’s safest cities - well-lit by renewable thermal energy. Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, and Canada are renowned for being friendly and safe, and they are particularly recommended for women when planning solo travel. It’s important to respect the local culture and traditions when visiting Middle Eastern destinations, such as Oman, Qatar, and the UAE.

High-quality hostels are a favoured choice for fearless travellers willing to sacrifice a little comfort and privacy to reduce costs and meet like-minded people, but they aren’t suited to everyone. When choosing your accommodation, consider the kind of experience you’re looking for. Large hotels and resorts tend to offer more facilities and activities, and some even provide evening entertainment to accommodate the hours between exploring and bedtime. Staying somewhere large offers privacy and anonymity, whereas you’re likely to bump into the same faces when you choose small, boutique properties. Breakfast conversations occur more naturally in small guesthouse dining rooms than in large buffet restaurants. Many solo travellers find the personal touch of a local and independent hotelier a comfort, while others prefer the professional hospitality of experienced resort staff.

Now you know where to go, where to stay, how to travel, and how to look after yourself, here are some smaller hacks to make your trip easier and more rewarding. Learning the language, or at least mastering as many basics as possible, will help you begin conversations with locals and be seen as a guest rather than a tourist. A good book will entertain you during quiet moments while also being a great tool to handle any awkwardness when eating out alone or keeping unwanted attention at bay. Pack light, as you’ll need to carry everything yourself and may need to juggle making payments or picking up a coffee without letting go of your bags. Take a battery pack for your phone; this way, you’ll never lose communication. Also, don’t forget to take amazing pictures! A selfie stick can help capture the angles you need, or consider a smartwatch linked to your phone for remote control from a farther distance. 

When you book a package holiday with Travelbag, we’re committed to staying with you all the way, from our first ‘hello’ to the moment you return home with a bag full of new memories. You might be travelling the world solo, but you’re never on your own. If things get tough, our team members are always on hand to get you back on track. Whether it’s emergency support for flight disruption or urgent problems, or you need a personal consultant for general concerns and voluntary changes – we’re here to help keep you safe, reassured, and in the best place to enjoy your solo adventure.