Solo Travel Tips: What you need to know when travelling alone

Travelling by yourself is a great way to see the world on your own terms – you get to go where you want, when you want. But along with that flexibility comes the need to be completely self-reliant, no matter what situation you might find yourself in.

We’ve put together some tips to make sure your trip is exhilarating, for all the right reasons.

Tips for avoiding the pitfalls of travelling alone

If you’re choosing to travel alone, you’re likely a confident and independent person, but everyone needs a little guidance from time to time. Here’s some helpful tips to ensure your trip is both fulfilling, and safe:

• Budget, budget, budget: When you don’t have anyone else’s wallet to dip into or anyone to share the costs with, it’s important to keep track of your spending and be intentional about where your dollars (or euros/pounds/pesos etc) are going
• Research your accommodation: When you arrive in a new city late at night, the last thing a solo traveller needs is to find that their hotel isn’t what they thought it was going to be. Avoid disappointment by checking traveller reviews before booking.
• Pack light: Wrangling multiple bags when you’re by yourself is no-one’s idea of a good time. Keep your packing to the essentials and make sure you’re able to carry your bag without assistance.
• Safety first: When out and about, especially at night, it’s important to remain safety conscious. It’s a good idea to stay sober, plan your transport in advance, and let hotel staff know your plans.
• Mix up your meals: Eating with a book is the solo traveller’s go-to, but there’s lots of other ways to dine solo. Try venues where you can eat at the bar or sit at a communal table, or take the chance to engage in some people watching.

Need some solo-travel inspiration?

There’s lots of reasons to be travelling by yourself, whether it’s adding a vacation onto a business trip, doing an activity your partner or family aren’t interested in, or just simply having some time to yourself. Whatever your reason for travelling alone is, there’s no end to the places you might want to explore by yourself.

For those of you looking for inspiration, here’s some excellent destinations for the solo traveller. With a mix of laid-back beauty and buzzing urban metropolises, there’s something for all types of travellers.

• Barcelona: With its amazing museums and architecture, Barcelona is a stunning city. And for solo travellers, its tapas bar culture is the perfect solution to eating by yourself. Enjoy a small plate and a drink before moving on to your next destination.
• New Zealand: Stunning scenery, incredible adventure sports and some of the friendliest people in the world – it’s hard to go wrong in New Zealand. Whether you pick the North or South Island, or both, you’ll run out of time before you run out of things to do.
• Japan: Whether you are looking for a buzzing mega-city experience or breathtaking natural scenery, Japan has something for everyone. It’s insanely easy to get around with its accurate-to-the-minute train network, the people are very friendly (if a bit reserved) and crime is almost non-existent.
• New York City: In a city of millions, no-one is going to raise an eyebrow at a solo traveller eating by themselves. With more culture and sights than you can poke a stick at, you’re also guaranteed to not be at a loss for things to do.
• Jordan: One of the Middle East’s most friendly and hospitable countries, Jordan can be a wonderful destination for solo travellers, especially if you are wanting to make connections with the locals. Be prepared to accept offers of tea or to eat a meal in someone’s home.

Do solo travellers need travel insurance?

When you travel by yourself, it can mean there’s no-one to look out for you. That doesn’t mean travelling solo is unsafe, but it’s always a good idea to take the basic precautions.

Travel insurance usually provides cover for financial losses caused by a range of events which could affect your trip, including medical expenses, loss of luggage or your personal items, theft, and any disruptions to your travel plans.

Find a policy that’s suitable for you and your trip

Great value travel insurance policies are available for single travellers, with different levels of cover. Before you purchase a policy, it’s really important to make sure you read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement to find out what is and isn’t covered to ensure you get what you need when it comes time to claim.

Policies are available for single-trip, multi-trip and extended policies for longer trips. Make sure you choose a policy that covers you for all the activities you’re likely to partake in, for example, adding on cover for watersports or skiing.

Compare travel insurance policies the easy way

With iSelect, you can compare travel insurance policies online, and select the policy that works for you. Enjoy greater peace of mind on your trip, and start comparing today!

Prior to making a decision on a travel insurance product, ensure you review the Product Disclosure Statement which explains features and limitations of the cover.