Last Updated on February 29, 2024 by Eric Cantu
Are you sitting at your computer asking yourself, “Should I travel the world alone?” with dreams of amazing destinations to conquer but you’re letting your fear tell you no? I’m going to share my tips for solo traveling with you, and if followed correctly you may end up a solo travel ADDICT like me and end up preferring it!
Should I Travel the World Alone? Is it Safe to Travel Alone?
The answer is YES! It’s all about keeping your awareness level up and knowing how to not make yourself a target. Follow these 9 dos and don’ts and get the most out of your solo travels!
Let’s take a look at 9 tips to make your solo travels more memorable than ever. Follow these tips from a seasoned solo traveler and you’ll understand why I’m addicted.
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Why Is Everyone So Afraid of Solo Travel?
It’s usually the same types of questions you hear.
“Is it weird to travel alone?”
“Is it sad to travel alone?”
“Does solo travel change you?”
“How was it to travel alone for the first time?”
Let me start by saying that I’m absolutely addicted to solo travel!
According to hostelworld.com, people who travel alone:
- become more creative
- are better problem solvers
- are more employable
- have improved mental health
- and much, much more!
So the bottom line is this:
Don’t sit and wait for people who can’t clear their schedules to go with you! Just GO!
The whole reason I dove head first into affiliate marketing was so I could fund this travel addiction I have.
I started solo traveling in late 2016 and as of late 2021 I’ve been to 24 countries in 5 years (and that’s with a full year off thanks to Covid hitting). And trust me, as long as you avoid a few KEY mistakes while traveling alone, you can truly ABSOLUTELY have the time of your life and be completely safe while doing it!
Related Article from WorkFromYourLaptop.com!
Check out “Will I Regret Leaving My Job to Travel?” and see if extended travel is for you!
Now it goes without saying, traveling as a 6’4″ guy can be a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT experience than traveling as a 5’2″ girl, right? So keep in mind that some of these tips may need to be applied a bit heavier if you consider yourself more of a “target”.
Let’s start with some basic, common sense tips.
1. You’re Gonna Get Lost, Just Don’t Look OBVIOUSLY Lost
When you’re in a new country you’ve never been to before, understand this: more than likely YOU WILL GET LOST at some point.
It’s just about inevitable.
The great thing about getting lost when you’re traveling the world alone, it’s that it’s actually less stressful than when you’re with someone else.
You don’t have that “Oh my god” factor of someone else freaking out beside you when you’re lost in a solo travel. You can literally just take a breath, find a pub, and figure everything out over a beer.
Heck I’ve had times where the pub I walked into ended up being way better than the original destination. Here’s the thing, just try not to look so OBVIOUSLY lost that you become a target to anyone with nefarious intentions.
According to Worldpackers.com in their article on traveling alone, you should “avoid your phone when possible”.
I completely disagree. In my experience during my solo travels, my phone has ENHANCED my adventures. It’s never taken me out of the moment.
Your phone is your friend! Before leaving your hotel to go check out the local pubs, map out the general areas you want to venture out to. Keep in mind where the major landmarks are to make it easier to navigate.
In the event you have to walk several blocks to your next stop, keep your maps app open and have your phone in your hand to help you navigate.
Where am I now? Where are the spots I want to check out from here? Where is my hotel?
Knowing where you’re at allows you to feel that much more comfortable as you check out all the new sights!
2. Don’t Overpack Your Itinerary!
I think one of the most common “rookie” mistakes solo travelers make is overpacking their itinerary with so many excursions and activities that they give themselves no days to rest. Listen, I get it. It’s the “I didn’t come all this way to hang out in a hotel room” mentality.
But you know what? Having at least a couple of open days with no plans on the itinerary allows you to not only sleep in (like you’re supposed to when you’re on a vacation), but to also be SPONTANEOUS.
I saw the AMAZING northern lights in Reykjavik with 2 girlfriends who I made impromptu plans with after meeting only hours before. I hiked up and down a mountain visiting Burgenstock on my last day in Switzerland after making impromptu plans with two girls I met at the hotel bar the night before.
Ok so my examples always involve me and two girls but that’s neither here nor there.
Even if you don’t go off finding adventure on your open days, just chilling and finding a great pub to sit down amongst the locals is an experience you should savor during your solo travels.
3. Don’t Kid Yourself Into Thinking You’ll Be Lonely
Let’s get something straight: solo traveling is NOT lonely.
In fact, if there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s this: when you travel with people you know, you mostly talk to those people you know. When you travel solo, you talk WAY MORE to locals and other tourists alike.
It’s the truth! So let your personality shine! Talk to your servers, your tour guides, your bartenders, the people around you. When you’re traveling alone, you’ll actually spark conversation with just your presence. Trust me.
“Who are you here with? Oh wow you’re traveling by yourself? I’ve ALWAYS wanted to solo travel!”
I feel like I’m opened with that conversation on every trip I take. The only way you’d feel lonely is if you’re completely antisocial while traveling. And if you ARE a bit on the antisocial side, why not take this opportunity to be a slightly more outgoing version of yourself, right?
Bask in your anonymity. You could be a whole different person while you’re away. Or, maybe you truly enjoy your time alone! Either way it’s a win!
4. Don’t Place Yourself into Shady Situations
This one may be the most common sense tip, but it needs to be said.
Be aware of your surroundings. If you’ve stayed out late and are needing to walk to the subway or to your hotel, maybe don’t go down that dimly lit alleyway as a shortcut, right? Are plenty of other people out walking too? Perfect! Are the streets completely empty with no one in sight? Maybe an Uber or a taxi isn’t such a bad idea.
Has it gotten too late to walk back to the subway? Ask the server if they can call a taxi for you. Like I mentioned before, there are differences between solo traveling as a male compared to a female.
I’ve literally stumbled home through alleyways in Rome from 2:30 am till 5 am after I closed out the bar and realized the subway was closed. But I’m also a 6’4″ firefighter. If I was a petite blonde it may not have gone so well, know what I mean?
5. Absolutely Listen to the Locals!
Let’s switch our mindset just slightly shall we? From all the “don’ts” let’s jump into the “dos”.
For our first “do”: Listen to the locals! You CANNOT get better advice about a new city you’ve never been to before than from THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE THERE!
Something I enjoy doing, especially when I’m grabbing a bite to eat, is to ask the waiter what his or her favorite dish on the menu is.
Nine times out of ten, you’ll end up getting extra attention because now the waiter feels almost responsible for you enjoying your meal since they suggested it. They also tend to open up with other great suggestions if you take the time to ask.
“Where do you guys go when you want to grab a drink?” “Where’s a solid spot for live music?” “I know tourists come through here a lot, but is there a spot with more of a local flavor?”
And when you get to these local hangouts, even if they’re dives, tell the staff that you’re there because so and so over at the place you were eating at said it’s one of their faves.
Guess what happens to your service? They want to live up to the recommendation right? So they treat you like you’re a regular and you end up making even more friends!
Making contacts across the globe has been one of the most rewarding aspects of traveling alone. Do it and you’ll have a reason to go back, you’ll know someone who can direct you to all the best spots, and you’ve suddenly upped your travel game.
Having drinks with the singer from the Robot Restaurant in Tokyo
Lunch with my server on her day off in Reykjavik
6. Use This Great App to Make Sure You Don’t Miss a Thing!
Like I said earlier, your phone and technology is your FRIEND. There’s a solid app I’ve used on countless trips that helps me make sure I don’t miss out on something the city I’m visiting is known for.
It’s called “Visit a City” and it’s free.
This is a great and easy app to use for planning out your visits to a city you’ve never been to. All you have to do is enter the city you’re visiting (just about every big city is in the app) and then put in the number of days you’ll be spending there.
Is your visit going to be a quick 2 day stop? Maybe a bit longer at 5 days? No problem. Visit a City will then give you options on your itinerary styles. Choose from a packed itinerary, an easy going itinerary, one for kids and family, etc.
And the best part, it sets up your list of places to see keeping in mind their proximity to each other.
It’ll show you how much time you should spend at each stop to get the most out of them. It’s really a great app.
I’ll punch in my city and how long I’ll be there and then I can immediately take note of the places I can’t miss along with the spots I’ll be ok skipping. I can’t remember how I found it, but I never make a trip without checking out its suggestions. You’ll love it!
7. Learn the Public Transit ASAP
The first day you arrive in a new city, you’re not going to know how to get around at all. If you’re a seasoned solo traveler like I am you already know not to have booked any excursions on that first day.
Why? First of all, if you’ve just been traveling for 10-24 hours then YOU NEED TO REST.
Use that first day after a long travel day to get yourself situated and familiar with how to get around the city!
Solotravelerworld.com lists their top 3 things to do when you visit a new city:
- Get oriented
- Walk!
- Get familiar with the public transit
I agree!
Walk around aimlessly. See what’s around you. Make your way to the subway and learn it! Once you take a look at how the system works you’ll find it’s very cheap and makes getting around the city a BREEZE!
Once I leaned the Tokyo subway on my very first solo travel, it’s like it unlocked the entire metroplex for me! I could go ANYWHERE!
Or maybe you’re somewhere where buses can get you around. Or maybe Uber is available.
Check out your transit options as soon as possible! After a couple of days you’ll be blending in with the locals like it’s nobody’s business.
For me personally, I LOVE a walking city. If the weather is great and the spot you want to get to is a 30 minute walk away, DON’T BE LAZY! Walk it! Taking in the sights while you’re walking the streets of a new city is the best way to find completely unexpected gems.
8. Take Photos and Videos Like Crazy!
For all the people who say that your phone takes you out of the moment and it’s better to just leave it in your pocket, WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?
The incredible memories you can capture with that unbelievable technology that fits in your pocket will keep you smiling for DECADES! Did you just spot the absolute perfect picture you wanna take but people are everywhere? Wait them out!
When an amazing shot is just screaming for you to take it, take your time and get the shot. It doesn’t matter if it takes you 30 tries, just get it. You may never get another chance in your LIFETIME!
I literally spend a full hour crossing back and forth at Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo just so I could get a perfect video. I had a BLAST!
And if you’re by yourself and you’re thinking “Well who’s gonna take my picture?”… just do like EVERYONE ELSE is doing and take a SELFIE! No one’s judging you. They don’t even know you!
Feel weird about talking to your camera for a cool instagram story? DO IT! OWN IT! Who cares? Anyone who follows my instagram knows I do it all the time. Guess what? When you’re long gone and you got that amazing pic or video you wanted you’ll be so happy you took the shot!
9. If You Get Anxious, Just SMILE & Enjoy It!
I think the main thing to remember when you’re traveling alone is to enjoy every bit of this amazing experience.
Find yourself completely lost? Stop into a pub. Tell them you’re kinda lost. Sit and have 8 beers while the bartender tells you her life story.
You catching my vibe?
GO WITH IT!
Don’t stick to some ultra packed itinerary that has you rushing around a city that you should be savoring every second of. Don’t sit in a corner staring into your coffee when you could sit at the bar starting conversations with the locals about where their favorite hidden gem is.
Take out your phone! Record a cool instagram story. Include the people around you. Ask them to take a picture of you. When they inevitably ask you where you’re from and find out you’re solo traveling you. will. be. a. hit!
Trust me.
And when the two Australian girls sitting across the table from you tell you that you should take some pics together to make your buddies back home jealous, take out your camera, thank your lucky stars, and be so glad that you weren’t afraid to travel the world alone.
It’s the best way to travel!
Related article at WorkFromYourLaptop.com!
Want to travel and work from your laptop like I do? Check out my newly updated review of the training platform I owe all my success to! It’s literally unlocked the world for me and I’ve had nothing but a positive experience from it!
Final Thoughts
Solo traveling doesn’t have to be scary! Have a game plan each day, keep yourself from being a target, and keep up your awareness of your surroundings and you’ll have a BLAST while traveling solo!
What are the best travel adventures you’ve taken? Still have some questions you need to ask me before you take the plunge?
I wanna hear them! Leave any questions or comments you have in the comments section below! I always respond to them and I look forward to hearing your story!
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Alex Chivers says
Hi Eric, I first went abroad (not counting my one trip to Ireland in 2006) to Crete in 2017 with a stopover in Prague. Since then I count 11 different countries I’ve been to so far. Hope to get a couple more in this year but not sure if there will be any new ones – might go to Malta in May I think which I’ve been to before but yes definitely would love to get some time abroad this year. Reading, writing and exploring. When you say you are addicted to travelling I think I am too.
Anyhow, so you are pretty experienced with travelling right? Well, I would like to ask you for some advice. So on my last trip to Prague I was constantly getting lost. I figured out the public transport OK but still was having real trouble navigating my way around. Was trying to use Google Maps but could not work out which direction to go in most the time. I don’t think I’ve ever walked for so long in my whole life. One night I was walking till like 6AM till I by chance found the place where I was staying – it was a total nightmare and this happened like again and again every day I was there.
I was trying to work out on my phone with the WIFI on which way to go but literally I could not make sense of my directions it was ridiculous really. Maybe I need to get some roaming credit or something next time but what do you do is there an APP you use or something or just Google Maps. I’d actually love to go back to Prague and actually so many other cities but definitely I need to figure this out I think. How to actually use this technology properly. I know you say about getting taxis and stuff but I know a lot of them as soon as they know your foreign they will try to rip you off – it is almost funny once you realise.
Anyway, Your advice would be appreciated. Many thanks in advance.
Eric Cantu says
For me I’ve always just use the maps app. I have an iPhone so it’s the native maps app which is Apple Maps, but it’s basically the same as Google maps and I’ve never had any issue navigating either one. When you’re walking around the city you probably won’t be connected to wifi, you’ll have LTE connection or some variation. And sometimes if there’s issues with connectivity it can sometimes have trouble placing the little dot representing where you are on the map, or it takes a bit to load the map itself. But once it does load up, even if it doesn’t place you on the map with the dot, it’s just a matter of reading the map like you would a paper map, right? “Ok, so I have to walk down this street for a few blocks and then turn left on the third street and walk down it for a couple blocks till it ends then I take a right…” and so on.
And if it’s not a walking city and they have a subway, that’s your way to go. It unlocks the whole city for you. And if no subway and Uber is available, that’s your next best bet. They can’t rip you off with Uber cuz you’ve already paid. When I was in Amsterdam I walked a ton, but at the end of the night when I found myself ultra far from my hotel I’d just Uber home. They even had Uber in Cairo.
Alex Chivers says
Thanks Eric, Maybe will have to get an iPhone. Currently, I am using a Samsung Galaxy J3 I think it is. Also maybe will have to try actually getting some kind of roaming credit instead of relying on WIFI. Maybe could do some testing if I go back to Malta. I think I know my way round there pretty much but will be a good idea I think and perhaps for my next trip after that, I can go somewhere new.
Eric Cantu says
Yeah I can’t imagine having to only rely on WiFi.
Farzad says
Hey Eric,
Nicely written! You mentioned a lot of little things I have experienced some of them too like waiting for the friends to make a free time to their calendar and you will lose your time to enjoy. I personally want to see this world too. How are you traveling so often?
Thanks for your nice article.
Sincerely,
Farzad
Eric Cantu says
I owe all my success to the affiliate marketing training platform I found in January 2017. It unlocked the world for me. Thanks for the comment!
safia says
Hello Eric,
You know what they say, “The world is a book and those who don’t travel read only one page.” I just finished reading the biography of a woman who traveled the world as a nomad for 10 years. She’s been to over 50 countries and still has another 100 on her list. lol
There are a lot of people out there who have done it and have been successful. Great tips! Happy to read about your adventures Eric.
Eric Cantu says
I fully agree! Thanks so much and thanks for the comment!
Leahrae says
Great tips! I really enjoyed reading this 🙂 I am not currently in a relationship and I have traveled alone and put myself in a bad situation. But I learned my lesson, and now I quite like traveling alone and not having to decide on plans with anybody but myself. I can eat where I want, get up when I want and do what I want. It couldn’t be better in my opinion!
Eric Cantu says
Isn’t it the best? Thanks so much for the comment!
Theresa says
So where was your very first trip on your own? I am attracted to the idea of solo travel, but I’m not sure I will ever actually do it. I don’t think I make friends as easy as you seem to, so I might have some lonely trips. Of course, my goal would be to get some writing done and inspire new ideas for my fiction with travel to various locations. Maybe I don’t even want to make friends! Hmmmm you’re giving me a lot to think about. Will I ever be so brave as to do it? We’ll see.
Eric Cantu says
It’s nothing to be afraid of. It’s actually a ton of fun. Tokyo was my very first solo travel and I LOVED it! Thanks for the comment!
Lily says
Reading your post bought back so many happy memories of when I took off for England and Europe a few years ago for 3 months. No one could believe that I was going alone and I didn’t care. You are right Eric, I needed to be a little more vigilant as a 5’6” blonde Aussie traveling alone but I certainly met lots of lovely friendly people of all ages and just enjoyed myself.
Some excellent advice here and I love that app, must try it on my next solo trip (If I can escape my husband lol.)
Eric Cantu says
haha thanks for sharing your experience! Sounds like an amazing time 🙂 Thanks for the comment!
Cynthia says
I have been a widow for 17 years and I embraced being unattached and doing things solo, yes even traveling. Now there are those who think it’s sad that I do things by myself but here is what I say: I do what I want, go where I want. I have no one that I have to compromise with. (except when my adult children try to tell me what to do. Haha)
You have done a thorugh job of covering the subject of traveling solo but I have just one thing I would like to add. For the first-time solo traveler, I would suggest a tour or cruise. This would help them “get their feet wet” while still having a certain amount of structure and help, if needed. And I have found that these types of trips help me to discover places I’d like to investigate more closely on my next trip.
I hope this blog encourages more people to get out there and explore. Thank you for posting!
Eric Cantu says
That’s a great suggestion. I’ve never been on a cruise myself but I hear they’re a lot of fun and affordable! Thanks for the comment!
Barbara L Richnow says
Hi Eric! Love the site and posts!
I’ve been a solo traveler around the States for years, unless you count my dog!
While studying in Europe I did have another student with me, who has now been a dear friend for over 50 years!
We picked up a couple of other gals, while on the ferry from Dover to Calais, and decided then and there, NO More! LOL
Looks like WA has been a wonderful adventure, as well!
Keep up the great job, Eric!
Barb ( from WA ):)
Eric Cantu says
Isn’t traveling this one world we have the best experience you can have in this life?? haha thanks so much!
I’m seriously considering bringing my travel adventures to this site in a “my travels” section. Working from your laptop is all about being able to travel this world, right? Thanks for all the support, Barb!
Ann says
I love traveling, but every time I just wanna go alone I talk myself out of it last second. I would like to start traveling the world this year again and I don’t want to depend on others for my trips. I certainly encourage others to come with me. But will not stop if they can’t come! Your post has encouraged me to pursue this dream! Thank you very much!
Eric Cantu says
That’s the right mentality! Go for it! You got this! Thanks for the comment!
Ingrid Robins says
Thank you for Sharing
I think I’m like everyone else out there who sometimes dreams of traveling but the idea of traveling alone is just a scary one. What would I do? Who would I talk to? I have to admit you’ve opened my eyes. These are great tips and I think you’ve made a believer out of me. I wish I had found this years ago. Thank you so much, Elke
Eric Cantu says
It’s never too late to see this world! Thanks so much for the comment!
Johnny says
While I’ve fantasized about solo travel for complete freedom and even adopting that nomadic lifestyle for long periods of time, it’s hard to do with a wife and daughter these days.
I still try to find solitude and being in the moment where I can, especially when I’m out hiking and the ladies don’t want to do a long one (so we “divide and conquer” on those). But there’s definitely compromises to be made with time, money, and being in the moment when traveling with companions.
Anyways, a couple of thoughts regarding a couple of other points you’ve made…
1. Safety – I used to have a coworker who was briefly traveling alone in Guatemala until her fiancé (now husband) was still on his way as they had separate flights due to different work schedules.
She told me that during her time in Guatemala, she was inappropriately approached by a local and had to run for it before this became a bad situation. I’m not clear on the details, but she was definitely shaken by that experience enough to tell me about it (since we both love travel and talked about travel frequently at work).
Back then (I think this was before 2010), the smart phones weren’t as capable nor as ubiquitous as they are now. So some of the advice you’ve provided would have certainly helped had she been equipped with it.
That said, there’s no substitute for being situationally aware at all times.
2. Loneliness – I think this comes down to personality. Rick Steves said that extroverts have more fun in travel because it can be the interactions with people that really stick with you when you remember back on a trip.
However, for introverts (I admit I am one), you really have to make the effort to step out of your comfort zone, be in the moment, and share the experience even with strangers that happen to have a common interest in travel as you do.
My wife also follows Nomadic Matt (a well-known solo traveler) and she had read in his writings that even he has had moments of loneliness in his travels. So even the most savvy and seasoned travelers can have such moments.
As far as making my own situation less lonely (it can be that way during those times when there’s the inevitable drama that happens when traveling with companions (I’ve personally seen and felt how travel can be a relationship strengthener or breaker), here’s a couple of tidbits from my experiences…
A. Fellow Travelers – I know talking about travel and trading travel experiences has been one pretty reliable go to when it comes to interacting with unfamiliar fellow travelers who are all looking for the same thing as me.
B. Locals – I actually try to learn the local language as part of my trip preparation. I’d often listen to language lessons that come with audio conversations to train my ears to the language speed while having books to read on public transport (when I commute to work) to help with vocabulary and grammar.
I’ve found that more often than not, making the effort to build a bridge through speaking their language (however awkward it might be) makes me more approachable and vice versa (they’re more willing to talk to me if I try to get their attention).
Anyways, thanks again for sharing your solo travel hacks. I’m actually quite jealous that you’re able to do this.
Eric Cantu says
I think it goes without saying that solo traveling probably isn’t something you should attempt WHEN YOU HAVE A WIFE AND KIDS, lol
Don’t leave your family behind.
And as I mentioned, if you do enjoy your alone time, (heck maybe you’re whole reason for solo travel is to be alone), then go for it! Nothing wrong with that!
But if you’re someone who is shy about solo travel because you’re afraid you’re going to end up feeling lonely, trust me, you have nothing to worry about. Thanks for the comment!
thabo says
I absolutely love your article. I have been solo travelling for 3 years now and I would not trade it for anything. It is great to see someone similar to me. I will follow you on Instagram. I love all the tips especially the tip that says you must not overpack. That point is still hard for me to adjust to.
I also love the fact you said that talk to local and they do help you know even the small things that could save you loads of cash. Im currently in Asia (Vietnam) right now.
Eric Cantu says
Very cool. I’ve heard Vietnam is beautiful. I’ll have to make my way there someday. Thanks for the comment!
Shalisha Alston says
Wow. I love this post. I am someone who is likely to travel solo. I have good street smarts, but these are very handy. I like listen to the locals advice. My favorite is you’re going to get lost, but don’t make it look obvious. LOL. It’s natural to be afraid when you get lost in a foreign place, but predators will sense fear and prey on you if you show it! Taking photos and videos like crazy is a great tip. I hate to bring this up, but it sure helped in the Gabby Petito case! Thanks for you tips.
Eric Cantu says
Thanks so much for the comment! Glad you enjoyed this.
Randi says
Thank you so much for this article! I think you’re absolutely right! I always over-pack our itinerary and end up regretting it! I also love the app! There are so many things I’ve been hesitant to do because of the typical fear of the unknown. Now I’m not so worried because I have so many great tips and examples of how to do it right! Thank you so much! It looks like you had a lot of GREAT adventures!
Eric Cantu says
I have and I look forward to more! Thanks for the comment!
Gary says
I’ve never enjoyed solo travel. For me travel is about the shared experience with friends and making memories we can all revisit in the future. That said, I don’t like traveling in big groups either. Having 1-3 travel companions is my limit.
I have a bad habit of not trusting people until they prove themselves so I’m always wary of the locals at first. I’ve had bad experiences traveling before – having a machete held to my throat and being threatened with guns twice so maybe I’m understandably leery of local folks. I ended up in a minefield once as well following advice from a local. He wasn’t malicious, just badly informed.
I think my traveling days are pretty much over. While I enjoyed experiencing other cultures and countries, I loath the actual travel to and from the destination bit. It’s long, boring and arduous. These days I prefer to put my feet up and watch travelogues on TV instead. 🙂
Eric Cantu says
Gary, I honestly couldn’t disagree with you more, lol. When our time on this world is done, we’re not going to wish we had sat on that couch more. Open your mind, get out, and explore. Thanks for the comment!
Haley says
You are so much braver than I am! I could never travel alone due to my anxiety but I have traveled with my partner, just the two of us. It’s true about getting lost, it’s bound to happen, especially when you’re walking everywhere. But that’s where talking with locals comes in handy! You get to meet someone, strike up a conversation and suddenly you’re not so lost anymore!
I’m really interested in the visit a city app! I’m going to have to download that for my next adventure 🙂
Eric Cantu says
You’ll love that app for sure! Thanks for the comment!
Aubin Tshiyole says
Hi Eric,
So how do you know who to trust when you’re traveling alone?
Listening to the locals can be tricky if they do have a bad intention after noticing that you are a stranger. What do you think about that? I wouldn’t know who to trust and who to keep at a distance.
Thank you.
Nice post
Eric Cantu says
Well if you’re seriously thinking that the nice server at that restaurant you ate at has been just biding their time waiting for a stranger like yourself to show up so they can kidnap and mug you, then maybe solo travel isn’t for you. 🙂
Remember, when I say listen to the locals I’m not talking about following them into a dark alley. It’s all about finding those public place that you probably wouldn’t have found yourself, that’s all. Thanks for the comment!
Markus says
Hi Eric!
Really inspiring writing! Makes me want to pack right now and head for airport! 😀
I will definitely try to make a trip of my own, alone, in next five years. I’m a father of three (and one dog) but you got me thinking…
Leave me a message if you ever travel to Finland and I can give you some tips!
Markus
Eric Cantu says
I’ve heard Finland is beautiful! I may take you up on that! Thanks for the comment!
Christine says
Everywhere you go you meet these beautiful girls, and always two of them, haha.
I have traveled alone as well and I love the freedom it gives me. I don’t like traveling with large groups of people, because it is restrictive. It can be fun, but I feel that traveling alone feels freer.
Many years ago I went to Colombia with my ex-boyfriend and we were walking on the streets with some Colombian people we had met and suddenly they got their instruments out and threw a spontaneous party on the street, playing the gaita (indigenous flute) and the drums, and we danced there on the street. It was amazing!
As you said, it is important to use your common sense, always. I always listen to what the locals recommend. If they refuse to swim at certain beaches, there’s a reason. Following their recommendations is always a good idea.
Great post and very good tips!
Eric Cantu says
I need to get to Colombia! Thanks for sharing and thanks for the comment!