I'll be the first to admit that traveling alone for the first time can be scary (in fact, I wrote a blog about it).
What happens if you get lost? What if you look like a fool? What if you can't communicate with anyone? Will people think you're a loser if you eat alone? And what do you do if you get lonely?
The reality is this: if you get lost, you will find yourself, and if you look like a fool, there's no one around to make fun of you, so who cares? You can easily learn a few words in the language of the country you are in, and most people are kind and will try to understand what you need. Eating alone isn't that bad, but if it really freaks you out, I have some alternatives below. And trust me, you will learn that when traveling solo you will be anything but lonely.
Here are some tips that have come from my many solo adventures:
Have a safe place to land
I often don’t book my hotel/hostel/guesthouse, etc., for every night of my trip (unless traveling in the high season, of course). I like the flexibility of being able to change my schedule, and be a bit spontaneous as I explore.
But, when you are arriving in a foreign country by yourself, it is important that you book your first night, or first few nights, of accommodation — especially after a long flight — to make sure you don't have to scramble to find somewhere to stay. Especially if you are arriving late — which leads me to my next tip...
Avoid arriving once the sun has gone down
Try to arrive in a new country, town, or city when the sun is still up and local businesses are still open.
It's safer, but will also ensure that you can easily find a place to stay, get something to eat, and get directions if you need them.
Pack light
Remember that when you are alone, YOU are the one who will be carrying everything that you bring with you — there will be no one around to help you out.
If you are a budget traveler or traveling off the beaten path, this may require schlepping your gear for long distances. Trust me, you will be cursing those extra three pairs of shoes you threw in "just in case" after the first 10 minutes.
Note that scam or fake “helpers” may also target you at the airport or other transportation stations, offering to help you with your bag if you are struggling. They will either try and charge you an outrages amount in order to get your bag back from them, or they will take it away entirely. Avoid this by making sure you can handle your stuff, yourself.
Dine out at lunch
Concerned about eating alone?
Don't be. It's awesome.
But, if you are truly worried about it, try eating your big meal at lunch instead of dinner.
It's common for people to dine alone in the noon hour, plus many restaurants offer smaller portions of their dinner dishes at a much more affordable price during the day. That means your travel budget will stretch longer!
Embrace street food
The best part of traveling solo is that you are on your own schedule!
That means you eat when you want to. So, eat like the locals do and grab a meal from a street cart (watch for the busiest carts, those will have the freshest and most delicious options).
This is the perfect way to sample some local flavor and a great excuse to sit on a bench and people-watch while you dine.
Don't make plans
Okay, you can make plans, but what this tip is highlighting is that you have freedom here, and can be as flexible as you want.
Did you meet someone who told you about this awesome festival happening in the next town that you had no idea about? If you have nothing booked then you don't have to worry about cancelling reservations to take advantage of this hot tip.
Make friends
In my experience, traveling solo means meeting more people than when you travel with friends.
When you are alone you appear to be more approachable, and you are probably more willing to reach out to new people.
Stay in hostels, B&Bs, or guesthouses with common rooms if you are looking to meet people easily. There are also free or affordable walking tours that you can take in most cities that will help you meet both fellow travelers and some locals in-the-know. The local watering hole is also a great place to make new friends.
Do things that scare you (aka do something new every day!)
Now, let me clarify. I am not telling you to put yourself in danger or do something that will risk your (or someone else's) health.
I'm talking about things that you would NEVER do at home. Eat alone, hike up an active volcano, go to a full moon party, do non-stop yoga for a week — do something that challenges you and makes you a little uncomfortable.
Don't look like a tourist
Walk like you know where you're going (even if you don't), look at your map (or phone) confidentially, and don't let people approach you on the street (they might be distracting you to pull a scam).
Making sure that you have neutral clothing (leave the patriotic t-shirts at home) that will help you blend in with the locals is also a good idea.
Leave the valuables at home
Don't bring flashy jewelry or expensive technology with you unless you absolutely have to.
It will only make you a target.
Talk to locals to get tips about the city
Ask the guy at the front desk of your hostel, guesthouse, or hotel where the best places to eat are, the areas of town that should be avoided, and about local hot spots.
Other locals to ask for advice would be your waiter, barista, and the people working at the information desks at art galleries or museums.
Learn (some of) the local lingo
Now, there's no need to become fluent, or even be able to hold an in-depth conversation in a foreign language.
But learning a few key words and phrases in the local lingo will endear you to the locals, and will help you greet someone, find the bathroom, and order a beer with ease.
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Meet The Author
Lindsay Shapka is an avid traveler and the creator of The Anthrotorian — a website dedicated to sharing travel tips, stories about adventures, culture quirks, artists you should know, fascinating bits of history, and more!
She is also an artist, marketing specialist, editor, and freelance writer who has work featured on websites, blogs, and in magazines like National Geographic Traveler.
The sky was a mosaic of grey, and my face felt raw from the wind that had been whipping against it for most of the afternoon. The thin, pink silk scarf wrapped around my shoulders was doing very little to keep out the chill.