How to Travel Alone For the First Time
Solo traveling has increased by 74% from 2023 to 2024, and some of the reasons may surprise you. Many solo travelers are choosing to head out alone because they want to see the world and are growing tired of waiting around for others.
Some view solo traveling as a way to achieve personal growth, while others just want to meet new people. Traveling alone may seem intimidating because safety becomes a priority, but it’s important to stock up on door alarms and have location sharing on so that friends and family are aware of where you are at all times. As you prepare to travel alone for the first time, there are a few things to remember:
PLANNING AHEAD –
The further out you book your tickets and stay, the better. Unfortunately, most airlines are not concerned about whether you’ll still be alive when the time comes to travel; they are focused on their bottom line and ensuring that the plane is full for takeoff. The incentive is that the earlier you book, the better your chances of snagging affordable tickets.
When deciding between an Airbnb or a hotel, consider this: while most Airbnb’s can cost the same as a hotel, hotels often place a hold on your card during your stay. This hold can be inconvenient, as it’s rarely disclosed in advance how much it will be—sometimes it’s $50, but it can be as much as $250, depending on the hotel. This is something to plan for, especially if you’re budgeting for a small trip and have limited funds.
Also, with everything happening now, most airlines and airports are making the traveling experience more expensive than it should be. Airport parking, food, baggage fees, and even checked luggage can rack up costs, not to mention the cost of Uber or Lyft if you need to use them. While websites like Expedia or Booking.com can offer relatively low prices for your trip, extra fees at the airport add up.
Getting to your destination might cost as much, if not more, than the actual vacation itself. When it comes to traveling, you have to view it as an investment, which is why it’s beneficial to either own a business where you can write off expenses or have a credit card that allows you to earn points as you travel. Relying solely on a debit card or a regular credit card without rewards seems almost pointless today. This may not be what you want to hear, but the economy appears to be shifting so that only middle-class or affluent people can afford to fly.
PACK SMART –
One of the best ways to save money and time is to pack light. I prefer a personal bag for almost all of my flights because I can fit about three light outfits, skincare, makeup, and underwear in there. The shoes I wear to travel are usually the same pair I wear on the trip, or I’ll purchase a cheap pair of slippers once I'm there that I can easily dispose of before returning home. The lighter you pack, the better.
Worst case scenario, if you need two bags, by the time you arrive at the gate to board, the clerks may charge you extra fees for carrying more than one bag. Some clerks are lenient and may let it slide, but unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Also, make sure that your essentials, such as your laptop and wallet, are packed in your personal bag. You don’t want to leave those items in a checked bag, as they may end up destroyed or stolen.
BLEND IN –
Most of the time when you’re solo traveling, locals can spot tourists from a mile away. It could be by the way you speak, dress, or even if you’re dining alone. The key is to always appear engaged, even if you’re just speaking to your parents on the phone. Always have someone with whom you are actively in communication—especially in taxi cabs—but structure the conversation as if you’re meeting up with that person and you’re close by or nearing their location.
I know this sounds strange, but it’s a sure way to guarantee that you won’t be taken somewhere unsafe. Always remain vigilant of your surroundings and adapt to their way of doing things. You don’t want to look like a tourist the entire time you’re away. Also, be mindful of your alcohol intake. If you want to drink, do so in your room or go out during the daytime so that by evening the alcohol will have worn off.
PREPARE FOR SOLO TIME –
This is the whole point of the trip, right? You want to make sure that you’re enjoying your own company and taking time to reflect, explore at your own pace, develop self-reliance, and embrace dining solo. The quiet moments that come with solo traveling are hands down one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I always look forward to the food and trying new cuisines that I wouldn’t normally have at home.
That’s the point of traveling—to experience what the rest of the world has to offer, and that shouldn’t be taken for granted. Of course, many won’t admit this, but I will as a Black woman who enjoys solo traveling. It’s a different kind of experience for Black women; we have to be ten times more alert and be able to blend in with the crowd.
If you’re a Black woman traveling overseas to places like Europe or the Middle East, I highly suggest doing so via a cruise if it’s your first experience. I say this because it’ll put your mind at ease, knowing that when you leave the ship and reboard, there is someone somewhere who will recognize you. Heaven forbid something goes wrong—there will be a paper trail of sorts.
RESPECT THE LOCAL CULTURE AND LAWS –
I cannot tell you how many times women or men have made the news for breaking the law in other countries, leading to jail time or even worse consequences. I know this is a sensitive topic, but again, do your research and learn basic phrases so that you’re not entirely "alone" without a paper trail.
Make sure there is someone, somewhere, who can associate you with a particular place and recall your whereabouts in that town or neighborhood. There are many joys to experience when traveling solo, but there are also downsides to consider. We don’t always want to focus on the negative aspects, but the reality is that life is not a bed of roses, and there are indeed some very evil people in the world.
Safe travels.
by Harley Miller
