I’m someone who loves mother daughter travel and exploring with friends and family. But there are many times when schedules don’t line up, and I can’t find a travel partner. While some people might cancel the trip altogether, I say go for it alone! Traveling solo for the first time can stoke anxiety, but if you keep cool, you’re bound to have the time of your life. Here’s what I’ve learned as a baby boomer travel influencer who often takes on the world all by herself!
Guided Travel Is a Great Jumping Off Point
You may have caught the travel bug, but that doesn’t mean you’ll suddenly know how to plan a streamlined vacation. Guided travel is an excellent option for travelers who don’t quite know where to start when it comes to planning. Research reliable travel companies and explore their vacation packages. They often have detailed itineraries and broken-down costs! I’ve found going the guided route is the perfect way to get bang for my buck, see the most popular sights, and discover hidden gems.
Do Your Research
It seems obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many people travel while clueless about their destination! Before ever buying a plane ticket, research your travel spot extensively. That means more than Googling popular sights and high-end restaurants. Research the safest areas to book a hotel, check for travel warnings, and make sure you’re prepared for potential language barriers. Know the name of the currency and read up on public transportation systems. You don’t want to land in a new place with a big question mark hanging over your head!
Save Suitcase Space
I know it’s hard for fashion-forward folks, but I can’t overstate the importance of packing light! Not only will you save yourself from lugging a heavy suitcase around, but you’ll also save time and money by not checking a bag. If you’re going with a guided tour, they’ll generally handle one suitcase for you! I suggest planning your wardrobe in advance and choosing pieces you can mix and match. Keep toiletries to a minimum and only bring what is absolutely necessary. You may also want to bring a smaller tote to carry during the day. Nothing heavy should go in here, that is, unless you’re working on building your biceps!
Carry Emergency Cash
I know, I know. Most people aren’t carrying wads of cash anymore. Today, the dangers of pickpocketing and the convenience of credit cards sway us away from cash. But if you’re planning a trip abroad, NEVER leave the airport without cash in hand. I like to hide my emergency stash in a light nylon belt I wear under my clothes. I’m not just being a dinosaur either—you might find yourself in a sticky situation where you need cash for a taxi, train ticket, or tasty snack.
Even if you’re traveling somewhere as popular as Greece or Egypt, you should never be without paper money. I’m reminded of my last mother daughter trip to Egypt, which ended just days before the big revolution. If we hadn’t been prepared, we could have been in those crazy long lines at Cairo’s airport. I was stunned watching the nightly news and even more convinced of the importance of cash while traveling.
It’s Not Just a Cliché—Follow Your Intuition
We’ve all heard it before—the decades-old advice that you should always follow your intuition and go with your gut. It’s repeated far and wide for a reason! Staying safe while traveling solo is all about listening to your intuition and avoiding situations that set off alarm bells in your head. In addition to that, always tell someone where you’re planning to go, even if it’s just the hotel concierge.
If you’re especially worried about traveling alone, that’s understandable! I recommend doing some research on safer places to visit. While bad things can happen anywhere, certain areas are famously safe—Singapore, for example. When I visited this tiny Asian nation, I felt extremely safe walking around downtown at 2am. Never a moment of unease!
Create Organization Systems
It happens to the best of us—we forget something at the hotel or realize we didn’t pack an important document. My time came in Guatemala. I left my passport and money in the hotel safe and didn’t realize it until we were 30 minutes out of town. I ended up having to pay my tour manager’s friend to pick up my things and deliver them to me. NEVER AGAIN, I promised myself.
From there on out, I resolved to get organized. I would triple check my hotel room and empty the safe the night before departing. I say my reminders out loud: “Do I have everything? My passport, my purse, my jacket?” I repeat my reminders once I get to the airport, and once more if I stop at the bathroom. When you’re traveling solo, there’s no one to hold your bag, so it’s doubly important to be careful with your most valuable items.
“Get organized” means something different for everyone. While some people need bulleted lists for everything, others can get by without ever writing anything down. What’s important is creating an organization system that works for you and ensures you don’t forget something essential.
Drink Responsibly (Especially at the Airport)
Don’t drink too much at the airport. Plain and simple. When you’re traveling alone, you need to keep a clear, sharp head in case something happens. You may need to rebook a flight, spend the night in a hotel, and locate your suitcase if a flight is canceled. The last thing you want is to be feeling tipsy as you navigate a frustrating situation. Don’t worry—you’ll have plenty of time to sip on a cocktail once you get to your destination!
Don’t Skimp on Travel Insurance
You need travel insurance. It’s easy to assume nothing bad will happen, but you can’t beat the peace of mind that comes with purchasing travel insurance. In my case, I always purchase insurance from a company specializing in medical assistance when traveling outside the US. They offer benefits such as medical evacuation, transport, and other protections that make me feel much relaxed while abroad.
Taking on the World by Yourself
Traveling solo can be daunting. As someone who always used to travel with family, going it alone felt scary at times. But if you keep your wits about you and follow sound advice, you should have no problem discovering your new favorite destinations!