Solo travel is an incredible experience that everyone should try at least once. This type of travel offers freedom, self-discovery, and adventure, allowing you to encounter experiences often unavailable in a group setting. When you travel alone, you can explore at your own pace, create a personal itinerary, and connect with new people on a deeper level.
However, solo travel also requires a different level of responsibility and preparation compared to travelling with a group. Mistakes can feel more daunting and may be costlier without the support of companions. Fortunately, many common pitfalls of solo travel can be avoided with the right tips and careful planning.
1. Overpacking and poor luggage choices
One of the biggest mistakes solo travellers make is overpacking. While bringing more “just in case” is tempting, solo travel is much easier with a light load.
What to avoid:
Overpacking can be exhausting, especially when you are the only one carrying your bags through airports, train stations, or busy city streets. Bulky suitcases or overstuffed backpacks make keeping track of your belongings more challenging, increasing the risk of losing items and leading to physical strain.
Tips to avoid this mistake:
• Pack light: Aim for a carry-on size backpack or suitcase, and prioritise versatile, multi-purpose clothing items.
• Use packing cubes: These can help organise and compress clothes, allowing you to bring the essentials without overcrowding your bag.
• Test your load: Before leaving, pack your bag and carry it around your home for 10–15 minutes. If it feels too heavy, it’s a sign to downsize.
2. Neglecting safety precautions
Safety is a primary concern when travelling alone. Solo travellers are more vulnerable because they don’t have someone to watch their back, so taking extra safety steps is crucial.
What to avoid:
Many solo travellers make the mistake of sharing their location or plans too openly or forgetting to research safety concerns specific to their destination. While spontaneity is a perk of solo travel, failing to prepare in advance or appearing overly “touristy” can make you a target for theft or scams.
Tips to avoid this mistake:
• Keep your plans private: Avoid posting your real-time location on social media, and be cautious about disclosing your itinerary to strangers.
• Stay aware: Research the safest areas in the cities you’ll visit and be cautious in unfamiliar neighbourhoods, especially at night.
• Have emergency contacts ready: Keep a list of local emergency contacts, the nearest embassy, and a trusted friend or family member who can check in on you regularly.
3. Skipping travel insurance
Travel insurance is often considered unnecessary, but it’s a valuable safety net, especially when travelling alone. Unforeseen events like medical emergencies lost luggage, or trip cancellations can turn into major hassles without it.
What to avoid:
A lot of solo travellers skip out on travel insurance, thinking they’ll be just fine without it. But when you find yourself in a new place all alone, even minor issues can feel huge. Travel insurance can really come in handy when you need help the most.
Tips to avoid this mistake:
• Choose the right coverage: Select a policy that covers medical expenses, theft, cancellations, and emergency evacuations.
• Research country-specific needs: For example, if you’re hiking in New Zealand or surfing in Bali, ensure your policy covers outdoor or adventure activities.
• Save important information: Keep a digital copy of your insurance policy and contact details, easily accessible via email or phone.
4. Not budgeting properly
Solo travel can be surprisingly expensive if you don’t budget well. Costs like single-occupancy accommodations or solo activity fees can add up quickly, and financial mismanagement can lead to stressful situations abroad.
What to avoid:
It’s easy to underestimate how much you’ll spend each day or forget to keep an eye on your budget while you’re travelling. This can result in you running out of money before your trip is done or missing out on some cool experiences because you’re low on cash.
Tips to avoid this mistake:
• Plan your budget: Outline an estimated daily budget for food, lodging, and activities, and add a little extra for unexpected expenses.
• Use budgeting apps: Tools like YNAB or TravelSpend can help you keep track of expenses in real-time.
• Consider staying in hostels or homestays: These options often cost less and provide more opportunities to meet other travellers, giving you both social and financial benefits.
5. Isolating too much
A common myth about solo travel is that it has to be a lonely experience. While having some alone time is important, not meeting people can make you feel isolated, especially on longer trips.
What to avoid:
It’s easy to fall into a pattern of isolation when you’re navigating a foreign environment solo. Many travellers stick to themselves out of shyness or fear of the unknown, but this can cause you to miss out on friendships, cultural insights, and enriching social experiences.
Tips to avoid this mistake:
• Stay in social accommodations: Hostels, guesthouses, or homestays often encourage social interaction and make it easier to meet fellow travellers.
• Join group tours or classes: Many places offer day trips, cooking classes, or walking tours. These are great ways to meet people while still enjoying your independence.
• Use apps for meeting travellers: Platforms like Couchsurfing or Bumble BFF are designed to help travellers connect. Just exercise caution when meeting people you’ve met online.
