Updated June 17, 2020.
Solo travel is one of the most rewarding ways to travel. But I’ll be completely honest with you: it can be kind of hard! But with a few tricks and hacks, you, too can travel solo like a pro!
1. Day at the Beach? Get a Dry Bag!
I see this question come across a lot! “How can I keep my stuff safe when I go swimming at the beach?” “What do you do with your stuff onshore when you go in the water?” “What can I do with my stuff when I go kayaking?”
The answer is always the same: a dry bag! It keeps your essentials dry and safe even when you’re splashing around in the ocean, at the lake, in a kayak, or trekking through the rainforest. I’ve used mine in all those places! When there’s no one else around to watch your stuff, keep it safe by keeping it with you in the water. It even floats!
Want to take pictures with your phone? I also recommend a waterproof smartphone case!
Read on: Gear Up for Summer Packing List
2. Need Both Hands? Pack in Backpacks!
This is my blog, and I’m here to give you my opinion: rolling luggage is the worst! Unless you have a back problem, you should really look into backpack luggage. It always fits into the overhead bin (roller bags don’t always), it’s completely quiet, and it allows you to keep your hands free for scanning plane tickets, your phone, coffee, passport, etc., etc., etc.!
When you’re traveling alone, there’s no one else around to “just hold that one second.” There’s no one else to watch your carry-on while you go to the bathroom. Having your hands free is essential for traveling smoothly, at least in my opinion. And these are the best backpacks for travel:
Read on: Packing Strategy: Luggage Minimization
3. Prone to Losing Things? Think Zippered Pockets!
It happens to all of us. There’s a lot to keep track of! The best solution I’ve found for keeping up with those things you need quick access to (phone, passport, tickets, etc.) is a jacket with pockets that zip. Your essentials will be within reach and they won’t fall out—just don’t forget to zip!
Light Option
Cold Weather Option
Read on: Gear Up for Winter Travel
4. Notoriously Unorganized? There’s an App for That!
Need some help staying organized on your travels? Download the TripIt App! Just forward your reservations, ticket confirmations, and accommodation confirmations to plans@tripit.com, and TripIt will keep all that organized for you, even without wi-fi or data!
Read on: Best Apps for Travel
5. Feeling Lonely? Hop on Wi-Fi.
It happens to the most confident of solo travelers… we all get a little lonely at some point. I often make friends when I travel solo, but sometimes you just want to talk to a familiar person. With wi-fi practically everywhere, it’s almost always possible! Between FaceTime, Skype, Facebook, Instagram, iMessage, texting, and good old-fashioned e-mail, if you have a connection, you can connect with anyone.
Read on: Confessions of a Solo Female Traveler
6. Remember: You are Your Own Back-up Plan.
That’s right! It’s down to you. There is no one else to keep up with your plans, make sure you get to the airport or train station on time, loan you some cash, etc., etc., etc. But don’t worry—it’s exciting! Here’s a quick run-down of back-up plans to make sure your trip goes smoothly:
- Bring a copy of your passport.
- Put your credit card company’s phone numbers in your phone in case your cards are stolen and you need to cancel them.
- Take a back-up credit card.
- Bring an external battery for your phone. No one likes to run out of power just when you’ve lined up the perfect picture!
Want more solo travel tips, destinations, and hacks? Check out my Solo Travel Page!
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