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Travel Tips for Solo Travelers

There’s nothing like the freedom of traveling on your own — setting out solo and returning home after your journey with a special sense of independence and accomplishment. But just because you’re going solo doesn’t mean you have to be alone. Brushing up on your solo travel tips can help ensure your next adventure goes to plan.

As solo travel trends continue to grow, many who have never traveled solo have their reservations. Will it be lonely? Costly? We’ve put together this special resource page for solo travelers to help you navigate the world of solo travel, answer questions, address concerns, and offer fun, interesting and helpful tips and inspiration to get the most out of your solo travels! Keep reading below to learn more about how to travel alone and recommendations for planning a solo trip.

 

 

Seven Tips for Solo Travelers

17%
of Baby Boomers are planning an international solo trip this year
13%
of Baby Boomers are planning a solo trip in the U.S. this year

Tip #1. Be Sure Someone Knows Where You’re Headed

Our first tip for traveling alone is to prepare an itinerary, however rough, with contact information for your cell phone and the hotels where you’ll be staying. If you’re traveling with Road Scholar, we’ll provide an itinerary for you! Share this itinerary with a friend or family member at home so they know where you are and when you plan to be back, and check in with them throughout your trip. It’s always good to have someone who knows where you are when you’re traveling solo.

Tip #2. Set Up an International Phone Plan

If you’ll be going out of the country, contact your mobile phone provider and find out what kind of international plans they offer. Having a working phone with you on your travels can give you peace of mind in case of emergency and also makes it easier to navigate and look up information like museum hours if you have a smart phone.

Tip #3. Meet the Locals or Other Travelers

Traveling solo doesn’t mean you have to be alone every day. Spark up a conversation with a local at a coffee shop or another traveler in line for the Louvre. Group travel organizations like Road Scholar offer you the chance to travel with others, and websites and apps like mealsharing.com and EatWith can connect you with a local to share a home-cooked meal.

Tip #4. Avoid the Single Supplement

In some cases, traveling solo means extra fees for the luxury of your own room. But when you travel with Road Scholar, you have options to avoid those fees. If you’re comfortable rooming with a fellow Road Scholar, we can match you with a roommate. If having your own room is the only option for you, you can also pay a small fee on most programs for your own room. Some programs even offer single rooms with no extra charge! Check out our programs with no charge for solo travelers.

Tip #5. Do Your Research

Before embarking on any journey, it’s important to do your research. With so many places on this earth to explore, narrowing down your next adventure can be a challenge. By taking time in advance to think about your interests, where you’d like to travel, and the history you’d like to learn, you’ll be able to find a destination that piques your interests.

In addition to researching areas you’d like to visit, look through other important logistics to ensure your solo travel excursion is stress-free. This means researching:

  • Transportation, such as planes, buses, and trains
  • Neighborhoods to stay in or explore
  • Popular scams that target solo travelers
  • Culturally appropriate clothing
  • Required travel documents

Road Scholar is home to a wide range of educational travel adventures for solo travelers to choose from. You can even narrow your search based on the destination, activity level, dates, and price, so you can join a learning program that meets your needs. If you’re planning a solo trip, our team can help take some of the stress off of your shoulders, such as lodging, transportation, and more.

Tip #6. Pack Accordingly

One of the top solo travel tips is to pack accordingly. This means packing light as lugging around a bulky suitcase by yourself can be cumbersome. Additionally, packing light allows you to leave room in your bag for any new items you purchase along the way, whether it be gifts for your family or new clothing you can’t find back home.

In addition to packing light, packing accordingly means packing the appropriate gear. Depending on where you’re traveling, there are certain pieces of clothing to pack, such as waterproof winter gear for snowy hikes or sun hats and sunscreen for tropical destinations. However, there are a few general rules of thumb to consider, such as:

  • Pack layers: Having several layers of clothing is a great way to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the entirety of your trip, as you can layer up if cool winds blow in or layer down if the afternoon sun starts to warm things up.
  • Bring snacks: No matter the solo travel adventure you take, you’re going to need the energy to get you through your journey. Make sure to pack plenty of snacks and water, such as granola bars, trail mix, fruit, and similar snacks.
  • Stay secure: Solo travel can put you at a higher risk of petty crimes like pickpocketing. Keep your belongings safe by staying secure with suitcase and backpacks locks, so you can lock your zippers and pockets to prevent getting any valuables stolen. 
  • Capture the moment: To get the most out of your next solo adventure, make sure to capture your memories with a camera. Whether you bring a disposable camera, DSLR camera, or your phone camera, capturing special moments on your trip allows you to look back on your travels for years to come.

These are just some of the ways you can pack accordingly when traveling by yourself. To ensure you pack all of your belongings, spend time a few days before departure to make a list of all essential items you may need for your trip.

Tip #7. Safety

As a solo traveler, safety should always be top of mind. When it comes to knowing how to travel alone and stay safe, it’s important to always keep an eye on your belongings and ensure they’re protected. Some safety tips for solo travel include:

  • Don’t flaunt any of your valuables in public, such as wallets, phones, tablets, money, and electronic devices.
  • Make it difficult for pickpocketers to get to your belongings by storing them at the bottom of your bags and hooking them to your bag with a carabiner.
  • Keep all of your valuable belongings back in your hotel room or place that you’re lodging. For added protection, keep them safe by ensuring they are hidden and secure in your room.
  • Invest in travel insurance to ensure your adventure is protected shouldn’t any of your plans go off course.

With these tips on how to stay safe when traveling alone, you can have peace of mind knowing you’re protected throughout your trip. When solo traveling with a group like Road Scholar, you can get the safety that comes with traveling with others and the freedom to explore on your own terms.

Road Scholars Who Go Solo

Meet Anne

“This was my first Road Scholar trip, and the experience exceeded my expectations! As a solo traveler, it was wonderful to be a part of the group and learn from others, as well as the experts who spoke to us. On my own I probably wouldn't have visited some of the stops that were on the program, but everything is interesting when your group is treated as educational travelers and given exclusive access.”

“It was wonderful to be a part of the group and learn from others!”

Meet Dennis

“I’d wanted to go to India for a while, so I decided to give Road Scholar a try. It was the first time I ever did any kind of organized travel program. Considering the quality of the food, the places we stayed and the price I paid, I really don’t think I could have done something similar on my own. I learned a lot and had unique experiences—like an Indian cooking lesson and meals with families in their homes.”

“It was the first time I ever did any kind of organized travel program.”

Meet Rose

“This was my first Road Scholar trip, and I was very impressed with the organization of everything. The speakers and leaders were all excellent, and the participants were warm and friendly. Being single was not a problem! I am planning my next trip next month.”

“Being single was not a problem!”

Meet Brenda

“Just returned from the ‘Rim to Shore’ trip to Costa Rica. This was my first time solo traveling, and it couldn't have been more delightful. I felt included from the beginning and enjoyed sharing the educational adventures with a great group of people. The blend of lectures, field trips and active adventures was the perfect recipe for a memorable trip.”

“I felt included from the beginning.”

 

Rooming Options for Single Travelers

25%
of Road Scholars travel solo each year
32%
of female travelers went on a solo trip at least once last year

Planning a solo trip can be daunting, especially when it comes to lodging. As a solo traveler, you have a few options for rooming, such as sharing a room with a friend, grandchild, stranger, or yourself. Explore your options below:

 

Bring a Friend

Just because you’re single doesn’t mean you have to go solo. Get a friend on board to share a room, and you both save! If you’re enrolling online, select the double room option. Then a few clicks later we’ll ask if you have someone you’d like to room with. If you are enrolling with us over the phone, just mention that you’d like to share your room with a friend, and we’ll take it from there!

Bring Your Grandchild

Road Scholar specializes in Grandparent travel, with over 150 programs that offer learning adventures around the world for you and your grandchild. What better way to share an unforgettable travel experience than with your grandchild? Select the double room option when you enroll! And if you need tips for planning a trip with your grandchild, be sure to visit our resource page for grandparents and grandkids!

Room with a New Friend

If you’re traveling on your own and would like a roommate, we can arrange that for you! Select the double room option when you enroll, and we’ll pair you with a roommate of your gender. Just like when you were in college, it’s very common for roommates to become lifelong friends. 

Have Your Own Space

Some solo travelers prefer to have their own room when traveling with Road Scholar, and nearly all of our programs offer that option. Since you won’t be splitting the cost of the room with someone else, you’ll likely have to pay a little more. However, we do have many special offers where single rooms are at no extra cost. Click here to browse programs with no extra cost for singles!

Take a Solo-Only Journey

We've heard from many of our single travelers that they would love to learn with others who are also going solo. Because of that, we created solo-only learning adventures that made up entirely of people who are traveling on their own. These are perfect for the independent traveler who would also love to make new friends and enjoy the camaraderie of group learning.

Popular With Solo Travelers

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5 Reasons to Travel with Road Scholar

26%
of people said they traveled alone on their most recent overseas trip
7%
of global travelers traveled solo for the first time last year

At Road Scholar, we have an expansive collection of solo travel tours to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a solo female travel guide or interested in meeting a diverse cohort, here are some of the top reasons to travel with Road Scholar:

 

1. You Won’t Be Alone

Road Scholar is trusted and well-known for offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere for couples and solo participants alike, particularly solo female travelers. The atmosphere you’ll find is of learning in the company of a small group of individual friends, rather than traveling with a collection of couples. And when you travel solo with Road Scholar, you very likely won’t be the only person without a partner, as nearly 1 in 4 of our participants goes solo.

2. You’ll Make New Friends

Just because you like to travel solo doesn’t mean you want to be alone. At Road Scholar, you certainly won’t be alone. Our educational programs attract adults who love learning and travel, and out of those shared passions arises a bond—a sense of camaraderie that you won’t find anywhere else.

3. You Can Focus on Learning and Adventure

Travel planning can be stressful, but when you enroll in a Road Scholar program, we do the planning for you. We can even help you book flights! With all of this extra time and energy—you can focus on preparing for your educational adventure by studying books from our reading lists or researching the destination’s history and culture so you can get the most out of your experience.

4. You’ll Get a Deeper Understanding of Your Destination

With Road Scholar, you can be sure that our educational itineraries are packed with lots of learning and people-to-people interactions — experiences you wouldn’t be able to find on your own. Plus your Group Leader speaks the language and can help you navigate and interact with locals for even more stress-free travel and a more interactive, engaging solo travel experience.


5. You’ll Be in Good Hands

On your Road Scholar program, you’ll never be far from your Group Leader, who is an expert in your destination and an expert in leading groups—which means if the unexpected should happen, your Group Leader is there for you! You can’t put a price tag on peace of mind.



Women-Only Learning Adventures

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Top Destinations For Solo Travelers

Take a deeper look at some of our most popular travel destinations for singles and solos.

1. Italy

Explore medieval villages, discover Renaissance architecture, visit ancient marble quarries and savor renowned wine and cuisine as you learn the timeless stories of Italy. Explore Italy Programs

2. Hawaii

The Big Island was home to Kamehameha the Great, Maui is iconic for its lush island landscapes and Oahu is a history buff’s mecca. Learn Hawaii’s story on this adventure of a lifetime. Explore Hawaii Programs

3. Chicago

When it comes to world-class cities, Chicago is second to none. Come see why as you explore renowned art institutions, historic parks, the tallest building in North America and more! Explore Chicago Programs

4. Costa Rica

With more than 5% of the world’s biodiversity, 121 volcanic formations, 801 miles of coastline and hundreds of endemic birds, Costa Rica is a true Mecca for nature lovers to explore. Explore Costa Rica Programs

5. New Mexico

Discover the story of Northern New Mexico as you learn about its Pueblo People, historic monuments, unique architecture and Sky City — one of the oldest inhabited settlements in the US. Explore New Mexico Programs

6. Croatia

Alongside experts, learn about Roman monuments, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, National Parks and idyllic villages nestled above the waters of the Dalmatian Coast. Explore Croatia Programs

7. Ecuador

The Galápagos in Ecuador and Machu Picchu in Peru are two of Latin America’s most renowned icons. Come see for yourself as you discover the unique wildlife and preserved ruins of these two sacred places. Explore Ecuador Programs

8. Philadelphia

Revel in the artistry of Philadelphia as you visit some of the nation’s most celebrated museums, speak with a renowned sculptor and immerse yourself in the world of Rodin! Explore Philadelphia Programs

9. Cuba

Stroll the cobbled streets of Havana, discussing baroque architecture, traditional music, complex history and the importance of agriculture in this vibrant island nation. Explore Cuba Programs

FAQs for Traveling Alone

Are solo travel adventures expensive?

When traveling alone, you don’t have a partner that can split costs for transportation, lodging, and other expenses. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean traveling alone breaks the bank. 

As a solo traveler, you can set your own budget without having to abide by the budgets of other travelers. Plus, when traveling solo in an educational learning program with Road Scholar, we help organize your lodging and transportation for you to help keep costs down.

What do you do if you get lonely?

As you learn how to travel alone, you’ll probably wonder whether you’ll get lonely. While solo travel allows you to explore on your own terms at your own pace, going days or weeks without sharing your experiences with another person can be an adjustment. However, one of our top solo travel tips is to get out of your comfort zone. This means introducing yourself to locals, talking with guides, and even joining a tour group where you can discover your destination with a group of people.

“Wild” by Cheryl Strayed
In this riveting memoir, follow Cheryl on her 1,100-mile solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail and find out how the journey saved her.

“Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert
Following her divorce, Elizabeth crosses Italy, India and Indonesia. This memoir chronicles her journey around the world and her journey to self-discovery.

“Travels with Charley” by John Steinbeck
This American travelogue by author John Steinbeck documents his 1960 road trip around the United States with his poodle, Charley.

“In a Sunburned Country” by Bill Bryson
(Or really anything by Bill Bryson.) Join the hilarious Bill Bryson beyond the beaten path on his travels across the continent of Australia.

“Without Reservations: The Travels of an Independent Woman” by Alice Steinbach
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Alice Steinbach takes readers to some of Europe’s most exciting cities as she attempts to reconnect with herself.

“Coasting: A Private Voyage” by Jonathan Raban
In 1982, at the age of 40, Jonathan set out on a solo voyage that took him 4,000 miles around Britain in a restored sailboat. Join him on his adventures.

“Female Nomad and Friends: Tales of Breaking Free and Breaking Bread Around the World” by Rita Golden Gelman
This collection of travel essays and recipes documents the travels of Rita Golden Gelman, a newly divorced woman who sold everything she owned and became a full-time nomad.

“The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World” by Eric Weiner
Following Eric Weiner’s career as a foreign correspondent working in some of the most depressing places on earth, he sets out to find happiness in the world.

“A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush” by Eric Newby
English travel writer and adventurer Eric Newby published this comic masterpiece in 1958 about his adventures in the Nuristan mountains of Afghanistan.

“The Turk Who Loved Apples: And Other Tales of Losing My Way Around the World” by Matt Gross
Travel writer for the New York Times explores a new, immersive kind of travel when he allows himself to get lost and be guided by the destination.

Celebrate Independence & Community on Solo-Only Learning Adventures

Check out our blog to learn more about our solo-only learning adventures, programs that have created specifically for learners who are ready to travel on their own! 

Popular Adventures for Solo Travelers

Popular With Solo Travelers

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