3 Ways to Start Solo Traveling

Travel

Aug 7

Are you tired of your wanderlust getting blocked by friends and family bailing on trips at the last second? Maybe it's time to be a solo traveler and start exploring the world on your own accord.

In fact, solo travel is booming. According to Klook, a Hong Kong based travel service, and booking platform, solo travel is the #1 trend that drove the travel industry in 2019. Last October, Klook released their findings on their Solo Travel Survey, where "76%, of the 21,000 people surveyed, indicated that they have either traveled alone already or are considering it - regardless of age, gender, and nationality". Web platforms are seeing the trends as well. in 2019, Pinterest reported a 350% increase of pinned articles for 'solo female travel while and Google saw a 230% in 'Solo female travel' searches. Solo travel is no longer a scary taboo but a thriving part of the travel industry.

So don't let the fear stop you from seeing the Taj Mahal or zip lining in Costa Rica. If you feel like you need a little push, here are 3 ways you can ease into solo travel.

Join a Travel Group

Joining a group travel experience is a fantastic way to break into solo travel. You are able to explore new cultures and partake in activities with the comfort of a guide and other travelers. My first solo travel experience was in 2016. I went on a group trip to Brazil with Travel Noire experience. My solo travel fears were so small because all I had to do was get there and I would be fine. Luckily, my group travel experience was more than I ever imagined. I learned a piece of Brazilian culture and history and my guide and fellow travelers became great friends. Want to try group travel experiences? Here are a few companies to consider:

Dipaways.com: "Dipaways is a travel company that creates excursions for people seeking adventure and connection. Take trips to Bali, the Almafi Coast, and more. Everything is included. You just have to get there.
Upintheairlife.com: The Up In The Air Life experience is for the luxurious traveler. This travel company will have your chill in mega yachts in Croatia and taste wine in France and Italy. Just show up to get a taste of the glamorous travel life.
Loslifetravel.com: LOS Life Travel is all about immersing travelers in culture. They bring small groups together for a safe and authentic experience in an African city. Check them out if you are ready to explore the motherland.

Get an Itinerary or Travel Guide

The other way, I eased myself into solo travel was using itineraries. An itinerary is a document recording a planned route or journey. Itineraries may be a strict as their definition states or allow flexibility to choose. After hopping on a flight deal to Martinique in 2017, I realized that I really wasn't prepared for my trip that was in 30 days. I purchased the Martinique travel guide from One Girl, One World blogger, Francesca. The guide not only recommended great cultural sites and delicious restaurants, but it also covered public transportation, customs, and more. I also purchased an itinerary from Travel Noire when I went to Guadeloupe, a year later. Having an itinerary for my trips was equivalent to having a security blanket. They provided me with great resources and information to help me blend in and not accidentally offend anyone. You can find itineraries everywhere on the internet. My favorite place to search is Pinterest and then go from there.

Travel Domestically

Solo travel isn't just for those who travel abroad. Explore a new city nearby or a few states away. I believe that this is the easiest way to jump into solo travel. How's Miami, LA, and Vegas without your friends? What would you do on a trip to Austin, Boston, or Chicago without your family? Traveling domestically is a way for your to immerse yourself in a new culture while still having the comforts that you are used to.

Don't let another vacation deal pass you by, take a leap and travel solo dolo. Whether you can grab a group trip experience, follow an itinerary to the T, or travel the next town over, you will so much about yourself and the world as a solo traveler. So take that leap, I'm pretty sure you'll be amazed by what you find.