20 tips and reasons to start traveling alone

The idea of traveling alone, for those who have never had the experience, can seem a little intimidating at first. Many women, even if they have the will, stop traveling for fear of what might happen due to being alone.

However, this reality of fear tends to turn into empowerment and independence, as more and more women are putting their fears aside and leaving for the adventures and delights that a trip in the company of themselves can provide.

Female independence has been gaining strength over the years and the trend is for more and more women to do more things without depending on someone who would supposedly be there to convey more security: “we gain a lot of freedom in all areas of our lives and, with this, the desire to explore new environments without necessarily needing someone to accompany us, is proof of this reality of independence”, comments Ana Maria Santana, operational director of Schultz Operadora de Turismo.

In order for the trip to go as planned, care is the same for any type of trip, such as obtaining information about the destination, having the necessary documents, in addition to booking the place of stay in advance.

Hiring a tour company is also an additional security option, but it is not a rule. “The fact of being a woman should not be an impediment for anyone to be afraid or feel discouraged from facing an adventure, whether for business, leisure or sport”, reinforces Ana Maria.

10 tips for enjoying a solo trip

If you want to start traveling alone, but don’t know how to start, here are some tips that can be useful when planning and executing your trip. In addition, the travel website Viajali has made a list of 10 reasons for every woman to travel alone at least once in her life, worth reading.

1. Get the destination right

You certainly have a goal in mind when you decide to travel and for that the right choice is based on the options that each destination can offer. If the traveler is a teenager and the intention is leisure and language study, some destinations are more recommended: “destinations that have leisure options for young people like the United States, with amusement parks or even high schools for language study. Canada also has good options for schools and for an even more affordable price”, comments Ana Maria.

If the aim is a very busy cultural life, some European countries are the most recommended. “London, Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam,… despite being big cities, getting around is very simple and everyone speaks English. Even Paris, which, although more resistant to English, communication is possible”, recommends Ana Maria. For the choice of destination, therefore, it is essential that the woman outline her goals and choose the destination that offers the most advantages.

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2. Plan some details in advance

Once the destination is decided, some details can be planned. As with any trip, if the intention is to save money, the sooner the airline tickets are purchased, the greater the chance of getting low fares. The same goes for hotel reservations, should you decide to stay in one. “The ideal would be to search, on average, two months in advance”, recommends Ana Maria.

Another tip is to find out if the desired time for the trip is high season for that destination. If so, planning may need to start even earlier.

3. Don’t forget your documents

Check in advance which documents are required for the chosen destination, such as passport and visa. It is also important to always carry your documents with you to avoid possible confusion due to being without them, especially in international destinations. Also keep at least one certified copy in case of loss or theft.

4. Make your stay in a safe place

A great way to know if the hotel or hostel you are going to stay at is reliable is by reading reports from people who have stayed in these places. Pay particular attention to the reports of women, as this will give you an idea of what your experience will be like there. Sites like Trip Advisor and Hostel World, in addition to offering several options for hotels and hostels, also show reviews and guest reports.

5. Make a local friend

Even the most popular destinations can hold tourism options that only local people know about. To enjoy your trip in a different way, some sites such as Rent A Local Friend offer the possibility to communicate with local people in the selected destination and arrange tours. It’s like having a tour guide who understands everything about that place and also a companion for the moments when you feel alone during the trip.

Other sites such as Couch Surfing offer the possibility of staying with natives. Usually these and other similar sites have rating options so you can read reports from those who have used these services and make sure you’re safe.

6. Learn the local language

If your destination is outside the country, mastering at least the basics of the local language is of paramount importance, as you will be alone and will likely need to ask locals for directions. If your destination is France, for example, it’s good to know that the country is a little resistant to English, especially in smaller cities and away from Paris. Knowing a little bit of the language and having a dictionary with useful words inside the bag will make your stay easier.

7. To not feel alone, stay in a hostel

Traveling alone is not necessarily synonymous with spending the entire trip alone. Hostel experiences often allow you to meet people from different locations and cultures. You can often find people who are also traveling alone, which is a great opportunity to make friends and get companions for tours.

8. Have handy phones

Having some useful telephone numbers such as the one of the Brazilian embassy in that place or the tourist police, in cases of international travel, can help you. Do not hesitate to contact them in case of difficulties. It is also helpful to have written down the phone number where you are staying.

9. Know how to manage your money

Remember that you are traveling alone, so plan well for how much you will need and keep some paper money with you at all times. Not all places accept cards and finding a 24/7 bank can be an arduous task. In cases of international travel, you may need to unlock your cards at the bank to use them on the trip. Check the local currency of the destination in question and make the exchange. There is also the option to purchase prepaid cards for eventualities.

10. Try to take as few things as possible

The task of packing can be difficult and having to leave some things aside can seem desperate, but it is important to be objective and only take what is useful. Remember that the more stuff you bring, the more difficult it will be to transport your suitcase. Especially in cases of backpacking trips, the lighter the suitcase, the more practical the transport. The smaller the suitcase, the easier it is also to store it in hostels, as the lockers offered probably range from small to medium in size.

10 reasons why you should travel alone

There are numerous advantages to traveling alone. Here are some reasons why traveling alone is a great choice:

1. No need to schedule your calendar with someone else’s

Your free days to travel may not be compatible with those of your friends, family or boyfriend. Don’t let that stop you from enjoying your free days traveling and having fun in the destination of your choice. When traveling alone, you don’t have to wait for anyone else’s availability but your own.

2. It’s not dangerous to travel alone

Often, insecurity is a big obstacle for a woman to travel alone. Keep in mind that the risks do exist, but that these risks are the same whether you are accompanied or not. Keep calm and follow the safety tips that are given to any traveler, such as always carrying your documents, having useful phone numbers written down and staying in trusted places.

“We all have to be careful, regardless of gender. Some countries with Arab culture, for example, demand local behaviors that must be obeyed when you are there”, guides Ana Maria. “We have to respect the culture of each locality, obeying the traditions of environments that are even more reclusive for women. However, this should not be an impediment to getting to know the beauties of that region”, she adds.

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3. You dictate the pace of the trip

When traveling alone, you are free to plan the tours however you like. Unlike accompanied trips, you dictate the itinerary according to what is best for you and consequently enjoy the trip better.

4. You absorb more of the local culture

When traveling alone, some details that would go unnoticed if you were accompanied become rich, as you pay more attention to everything. The process of immersion in the local culture certainly goes much deeper when you are alone.

5. More likely to make friends

When you travel with a group of friends, family or as a couple, you are usually less likely to meet new people. When traveling alone you are more likely to meet local people or people who are also traveling alone.

6. It’s time dedicated entirely to you

Traveling alone is finding yourself again, it’s a time for individual learning and can serve to replenish your energies spent in the rush of everyday life. Take advantage of this time and dedicate yourself only to your wishes. Time alone and away from everything will give you the strength to return to everyday life exuding energy and creativity.

7. Unusual experiences

If you are traveling with a partner and, for example, consider eating a typical delicacy of the place, there can always be a chance that someone will put you off. The same goes for off-the-beaten-path tours and anything you want to do. However, when you are alone, who dictates what you will eat or do is only yourself.

8. You let go without worries

Anonymity is certainly an advantage when traveling alone. You can have a fun night out without worrying about being remembered for the next few days. A solo trip also gives you more freedom to let go and literally dance like no one is watching.

9. Traveling alone helps change reality

Fortunately, the trend is for more women to start getting into the habit of traveling alone. In addition to the numerous advantages, you help change the reality of fears that many women still live and thus inspire them to do the same. “We only change a reality in practice, so the more women traveling, the more the world will open up for us to enjoy this incomparable pleasure that is getting to know a new culture”, comments Ana Maria.