
I’m equally comfortable traveling solo or with others. What I like best about traveling alone is that I can follow my own path. I’ve done it for a while now, so I’m pretty comfortable almost anywhere. If you’re thinking about taking a trip alone and never tried before, there are some ways to make it an adventure. At the end of this post, I link to my other solo travel posts if you need more tips.
Meet people
Discover secret spots by getting to know people that work at stores, in hotels or security guards, taxi drivers, and bartenders. If I’m staying at a hotel, I always grab a drink at the hotel’s bar. Bartenders have the scoop on things to do, and if you feel nervous dining alone for the first time, you have someone to talk to while you grab a drink or snack.
Learn from those who live in the country you’re visiting. Make it a point to avoid other travelers occasionally and start conversations with people that live there. People across the world speak basic English, so it’s easier to communicate than you might think. Hand gestures and body language also help express messages.
If you feel uncomfortable talking to strangers or think people seem unfriendly, try making eye contact and smiling. If they smile back, say hello in their language and take it from there.
Make new friends. You can couchsurf for a place to stay, or if you’re not comfortable doing that, try citysocializer.com. Through this site, you can find people to meet up with for dinner, drinks or a show.
Choose your adventure

Try to do things that push you outside of your comfort zone. It doesn’t have to be something extreme like bungee jumping or cliff diving. It could be anything you wouldn’t consider doing at home like singing in front of strangers or taking lessons doing something you’ve never tried. You might be surprised to discover what you’re capable of when no one is watching.
Try volunteering or lending a hand
The smallest acts of kindness are always appreciated, no matter where you are in the world. It can be as small as opening a door, helping someone that is elderly to walk across the street or taking a picture. You can even volunteer some of your time while you’re there. It’s not only rewarding, but you’ll learn more about the country and its people. It can also help you make new friends.
Grassrootsvolunteering.org recommends volunteer opportunities around the world.
Don’t skip the dining journey

If you feel awkward eating in a restaurant alone, try to force yourself to go into them. You don’t want to miss out on fantastic food and culture because of it. Some of my favorite parts of travel are my dining experiences. People that work at the restaurant are easy to chat with, and can also recommend some great meals. You may want to start off by eating at the bar and work your way to a table if you’re really uncomfortable.
Resist touristy restaurants when you do go
Taste a bit of everything when you travel. Each country has its specialties. Ask people for recommendations. Try staying away from touristy locations to get more authentic tasting food. Tourist spots sometimes make the food a bit different than you would normally find; it helps appeal to a broader range of taste.
Don’t take yourself too seriously
Don’t be afraid to mess up. You’ll most likely do something foolish at least once when you’re visiting a new place. I learned a long time ago not to get embarrassed. Instead, I laugh at myself. Try it! Laughing at yourself is much better than feeling bad or shame over doing something you might think is silly.
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These are some of the things I have tried traveling alone. What are some of your ideas?
For some other posts on solo travel, I’ve written:

Choose your own adventure. Some of my best places for solo travelers.
Samantha wrote:
Meet new people at home or solo traveling. Advice from a chatty introvert.
Great blog. The diversity of posts and the tips come in handy. Thanks for writing to teach.
Such great tips! We probably like traveling together more but sometimes alone is so refreshing!
Love the tips ☺️ lived alone in a country far from home for one year, it was the most intense and important period for me 🙏
I can relate to so much of this! I used to be terrified of going into a restaurant by myself. Now at 21 I can say I have overcome this fear. Of course it is not my preference, but it is a good thing to be able to do.
That picture from Vegas is gorgeous! Love this post because I’m planning a solo trip this year and am excited but nervous, but like you say don’t take yourself too seriously if you mess up! <3
I appreciate your good advise!
Thank you for this post!
I have been toying with the idea of travelling alone for ages…then I change my mind.I start thinking that I will feel lonely, that there is no happiness without sharing..
At the same time I read so much about people travelling alone and recommending it and I truly don’t know what to do 😀
https://moreplanesthantrains.wordpress.com/
What a great post! Thanks so much for sharing such useful tips
Thanks a lot! Appreciated.
This is an amazing article. Thanks. I also love travelling alone. It something about how you don’t have to worry about whether the other person is having as much fun as you and you can just focus on enjoy the experience. I did like some of your tips and will probably be using them the next time I travel solo!
Thanks a lot! Appreciated. Traveling alone is great for the reasons you say. Thanks for your comment! I hope you find these tips good too
This is the read I need right now! I’m planning a solo trip this year and needed some useful advice. Thanks for sharing x
Thanks a lot. I hope you enjoy your trip! It is a different and great experience
Reblogged this on Vietnam Travel & Trade Portal .
Thanks a lot for sharing my post!
These are great ideas! Thanks for sharing. I especially love the idea of volunteering while traveling!
Thanks a lot! Appreciated. It is great!
Thanks for sharing your great tips and photos Aldo
Thanks a lot!
Reblogged this on Travelers Life and Times and commented:
Great advice for solo travelers
Thanks a lot for sharing the post!
Well done post as usual Aldo! Great tips
Appreciated. Thanks a lot!
Amazing tips and pics. Volunteering is a great idea
Thanks a lot! Appreciated. It is great!
Love this post!
Thanks a lot Michelle!
Reblogged this on James D Consulting and commented:
Travel tips that can also help you improve yourself
Thanks a lot for sharing the post!
Spectacular pictures and excellent tips, a lot of these are good for the soul
Thanks a lot! Appreciated.
Thanks for sharing! Great one
Thanks a lot!
Thanks for sharing these great tips and beautiful photos!
Thanks a lot! Appreciated.
Reblogged this on My City in Picturs and commented:
Great post on solo travel
Wow amazing pics! Great tips too, thanks for sharing links to more info
Thanks for sharing! Amazing tips and pics!
These are great tips! Amazing photography
Thanks a lot! Appreciated.
Really great post! Doing something new and volunteering are great ideas
Thanks a lot! Appreciated. It is great!
Great advice and photos Aldo!
Thanks a lot Carrie!
Great tips! I liked the idea of doing something that you would never do at home 😉
Thanks a lot! Appreciated. I find it great to do something I would never try otherwise!
Thanks for sharing. This is great advice. I especially like the idea of volunteering and not taking yourself too seriously.
Thanks a lot! Appreciated. It is great!
Great advice! Thanks for sharing
Thanks a lot
Always great tips and photos Aldo!
Thanks Sam!