How to Travel Alone

Traveling alone can open you up to unique personal experiences in new places. Take full advantage of these opportunities while maintaining your safety.

Things You'll Need

• Journal
• Local Guidebooks
• Maps
• Wedding Rings
• Postage Stamps
• Stationery
• Whistles

Tips For You

Practice Personal Safety

1. Consider learning basic self-defense. For instance, by striking the eyes, nose, throat, groin or knees, you can disable an assailant.
2. Research your destination so you'll know what to expect in terms of attitudes toward foreigners and, if you're female, women.
3. Request a room that isn't on the ground floor, which can offer easy access through a window.
4. Avoid opening your door to people who are unknown to you or who do not identify themselves.
5. Become familiar with the people at your hotel's reception desk, and inform them of your comings and goings. Give them emergency numbers of family or friends.
6. Get to know the area where you'll be staying, and trust your intuition; avoid places that look risky.
7. Dress like a local resident, or at least try to look inconspicuous in your dress and behavior.
8. Walk with confidence. If you're feeling nervous, seek out a fellow traveler as a temporary companion or stay close to another pedestrian so that you don't appear to be alone.
9. Stay sober, or at least know your limits when drinking.

Get Comfortable on Your Own

1. Follow some of the routines you have at home: Drink a cup of coffee in the morning, take an afternoon jog, visit the market in the evening.
2. Create a temporary home, if you are staying more than a couple of days, by decorating your room with familiar objects, such as pictures, candles and flowers.
3. Go to a restaurant and bring a book, journal or materials for writing letters. You might also bring a guidebook or map to help plan the next part of your trip.
4. Become a regular: Visit one shop consistently or have breakfast at the same café each morning, and get to know the people who work there. They can give you helpful advice about the area and, when you need it, provide assistance, which can be especially important in an emergency.
5. Meet other travelers through classes or tour groups. They can share travel tips with you and even become temporary travel companions.

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The Cheapest Ways to Travel the World Alone

If you want to travel the world, but do not have a big budget or a like-minded traveling companion to come with you, do not discard your travel dreams. Get creative with your travel plans and find out about innovative ways to travel. This ensures that you are able to travel alone cheaply, and also transforms your travel experiences for the better.

Volunteer

• Volunteering abroad can be a fabulous way to travel cheaply. It allows you to get to know some local people, while giving something back to the country you are visiting. Volunteer projects often provide accommodation and meals for their volunteers for a small, cost-price fee, meaning that you just need to pay for your transport to get there. It also provides a fundraising opportunity for your trip -- ask local businesses if they will make a donation towards your worthwhile trip or do a challenge like a bungee jump and ask family and friends to sponsor you. You could even travel the world by going from one volunteer project to another.

House Sitting

• There are plenty of innovative accommodation options across the world, meaning that you can cut out the need to stay in hotels and guest houses. A number of homeowners across the world will let you live in their home for free while they are out of town or on vacation. You can find adverts that homeowners have posted on websites, such as House Sit World (housesitworld.com), The Caretaker Gazette (caretaker.org) and House Carers (housecarers.com). In return for the free accommodation, you may be asked to take care of pets. CouchSurfing (couchsurfing.com) also allows you to find someone in the town you are visiting who is willing to give you a sofa or bed to sleep in during your stay, and this is a great way to make friends with local people.

Work and Travel

• Another method of affordable travel is to take on some casual work as you go. This could vary from teaching English and being an au pair, to fruit picking and bar work. Many casual working opportunities will be found when you arrive at your destination, where you should check local newspapers, look at any notice boards in the area and at hostels, or simply asking around at local businesses. Some hostels will also give you a free bed in exchange for you cleaning the rooms and communal areas. If you want to try to find something in advance, the Anywork Anywhere website (anyworkanywhere.com) helps you find out what job opportunities there might be in your favored destinations.

Local Transport

• Transport can be one of the highest costs of traveling. While you can't do much about the cost of your international airfare -- aside from shopping around for the best price and staying alert to promotions that airlines are running -- you can choose cheap travel options once you are in a country or continent. If you are traveling around Europe for example, there are budget airlines such as Ryanair (ryanair.com) and EasyJet (easyjet.com) that sell very cheaply priced tickets. When traveling in-country, take public buses and trains to get around instead of luxury tourist coaches and minibuses -- the price difference is often quite large. If there is a trip you want to do that is only accessible via a trip a tour operator runs, try to get a group together yourself so that you can all share the cost. Chatting to people in hostels is a great way to find others who are looking for exciting but affordable experiences.

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Cheapest Places for Women to Travel Alone

The cheapest places for women to travel alone are, generally speaking, the same as for men. In today's tough economic times it takes a little ingenuity to create a cheap travel experience. Women who do plan to travel alone should always take extra caution to ensure their safety in new environments.

Volunteer Vacations

• Looking for a place to escape, but also to give of yourself and your time? Consider a volunteer vacation. There are many different types available that offer new experiences, the chance to meet new people and cost you little or nothing:

  Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation: Free, volunteers bring their own gear, meals are included.
  P.O. Box 190688
  Hungry Horse, MT 59919
  (406) 387-3808
  bmwf.org

  Colorado Trail Foundation: Weekend $25, week $50.
  710 10th Street, Room 210
  Golden, CO 80401
  (303) 384-3729
  coloradotrail.org

  World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms: $20 for an individual, $30 for two.
  WWOOF - USA
  430 Forest Avenue
  Laguna Beach, CA 92651
  (949) 715-9500
  wwoof.org

  Pacific Crest Trail Association: Free.
  1331 Garden Highway
  Sacramento, CA 95833
  (916) 285-1846
  trailprojects.com

  American Hiking Society: $275/year, includes 1 volunteer vacation, subscription to backpacker and hiker magazine and discounts on gear.
  1422 Fenwick Lane
  Silver Spring, MD 20910
  phone: 1-800-972-8608
  americanhiking.org

Day Trips

• Sometimes the best escapes are within a days drive away or right around the corner. Plan a one day road trip, returning home for the evening or escape to a day spa. Put everything on hold and stay offline, make it a real vacation day.

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How to Travel Alone As a Woman

Traveling alone as a woman may be intimidating, but it can also offer adventure and experiences not available on tours or to couples. Here are some tips and suggestions to make your trips safe and memorable.

Tips
The first step - Where do you want to go?

1. Decide if you are going on a tour of Europe for culture and adventure or with girlfriends to a beach for tans and drinks. This will help you progress to step two.
2.  Check out tours and cruises for possible biases or affiliations
3. Going it alone: There are cruises and tours for women traveling alone, but they may be lesbian based, which is somethingthat may influence your decision and should be checked out before sending in a deposit.
4. Know the culture: So that you do not feel as though you are standing out, know the customs of the country such as speaking softly, wearing skirts, no chewing gum, and definitely no warm-up suits.
5. Check out websites: There are several great websites such as www.journeywoman.com which can give you information about tours, hotels, or help you find other women who are interested in travel.
6. Consider exchanging your home, or offering hospitality, to other sojourners, which will give your travels a personalfeel and add new connections for possible future trips.

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How to Stay Safe When Traveling Alone

Independent travel is liberating. You can go where you please and eat what you like, conforming to no one’s schedule but your own. However, being out there by yourself can present some risks, especially for women. Take these steps to stay safe on your next solo trek.

Things You'll Need

• Map
• Water
• Emergency blanket
• Flashlight
• Pocket knife
• Pepper spray
• Cell phone

Tips

1. Make sure your car is in good working order before you leave. Check your oil, transmission fluid, and tire pressure. Fill up the gas tank, and pack a gallon of water, an emergency blanket, and a flashlight.
2. Study your map before you head out. This important bit of planning can help you avoid getting lost and ending up in an unsafe situation. If you do need to check your map again on the way, pull over in a populated, well-lit area or duck into a store—reading your map on the street makes you look like a distracted tourist, and therefore, a target.
3. Create an itinerary and give it to friends and family. Let them know your driving route as well. If you make changes to these plans, let them know. In case you go missing, someone should know where to begin looking.
4. Keep your cell phone charged up, and call home regularly. It’s nice to hear familiar voices, and this helps your loved ones keep up with your travels.
5. Carry a pocket knife and pepper spray. A pocket knife has innumerable uses, and pepper spray gives you a non-lethal way to defend yourself.
6. Let someone at your hotel, hostel, or campground know where you are going, especially if you are going to be out late at night. If you are going out with someone that you don’t know well, leave information about that person in your room.
7. Don’t walk alone at night. If leaving an event, quietly tag along with a bigger group for the walk back to the hotel. Always have cash on hand for a cab.

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How to Travel Alone in San Francisco

San Francisco is a great city for a solo vacation or business trip. It is a very friendly city with lots of outdoor attractions that make it easy to meet people. When traveling solo, a great way to make friends for the trip is to stay at a youth hostel. San Francisco has numerous youth hostels and they are full of travelers from all over the world.

Things You'll Need

• Camera

Tips

1. Stay in a youth hostel. The AYH hostels in San Francisco are wonderful. They are clean, well organized and full of international travelers. You will meet people from all over the world, if you stay in a hostel.
2. Travel safely. Do not give out personal information to new people you meet on your trip. Lock up your valuables and do not wear anything expensive that may attract the wrong kind of attention when you are exploring the city.
3. Visit outdoor attractions like the Fisherman's Wharf and outdoor parks to mingle with tourists and residents of San Francisco. Check out the Farmer's Markets too.
4. Walk through the different neighborhoods of the city. San Francisco's neighborhoods each have a distinct culture. The Haight is a great spot to visit if you like music and book stores. Chinatown is a great place for lunch and shopping. North Beach offers the City Lights bookstore and great Italian food. Explore as many neighborhoods as possible to get a feel for the real San Francisco.
5. Stop rushing around at least for a bit and enjoy the scenery. San Francisco is a beautiful city. Find a bench along the bay or in a park and enjoy the view. You will meet people as they sit near you and start up a conversation.

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How to Travel Alone in South East Asia

Southeast Asia (SEA) is an excellent destination to consider traveling alone. The warm weather, friendly locals, easy transportation and inexpensive prices are just a few reasons. However, many Southeast Asians are unaccustomed to seeing single travelers, particularly single women travelers. Most attention, from the occasional stares or quizzical questions, will generally be out of harmless curiosity. However, it is always best to avoid unwanted attention by taking certain precautions in order to enjoy the journey safely.

Things You'll Need

• Important document copies
• Guide book
• Backpack
• Modest clothing

Instructions

1. Preparing For the Trip

   • 1
     Make copies of important documents: flight itinerary; accommodation contact information; passport; birth certificate; vaccinations; banking information and credit cards. Bring one copy with you and leave the other with a family or friend.
   • 2
     Pack essential items: mosquito net, mosquito repellent, sunscreen and cotton clothing. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that all of SEA is within the malaria zone. SEA has tropical temperatures; wearing sunscreen and loose, moisture-absorbing clothes prevent heatstroke and sunburn.
   • 3
     Buy a guide book that discusses the issues of traveling alone. The Lonely Planet guide books about South East Asia are excellent references that list recommendations for solo travelers.

   Traveling

   • 4
     Stay in accommodations that are near the main road. The dark, winding alley of Pha Ngu Lao in Saigon is popular, but consider one of the numerous budget accommodations along the main street of Bui Vien.
   • 5
     Stay in dorms to meet other solo travelers. Be sure to always lock your backpack and never leave any valuable items out since dorms are always unlocked and there is a large number of people going in and out.
   • 6
     Let your hostel know where you will be going for the day, especially if you are exploring by yourself.
   • 7
     Stay connected with your family and friends back home. Frequently, let them know the next city or country you will be visiting and contact them when you arrive.

   Respect the Customs and Stay Safe

   • 8
     Respect the customs and dress modestly. Southeast Asians equate modest dressing as a sign of respect. In places like Banda Aceh, Aceh, Indonesia, the Muslim Sharia laws exist, which restrict some activities, including drinking alcohol. Even on the beaches of Thailand, sunbathing topless is frowned upon. Modest clothing usually includes below-the-knee skirts or pants and loose and high-neckline, sleeved tops.
   • 9
     Learn the basic language to help communicate with locals. Although many people in places like Singapore and Bali speak English, they will appreciate your effort.
   • 10
     Watch your food and drink and keep them close to you. Occasional drugging by locals and other backpackers occur, particularly in large cities like Bangkok
   • 11
     Only carry essential items while exploring the city. Always wear your backpack in the front of your body when riding the bus or trains to prevent pick-pocketing.
   • 12
     Hide a small amount of emergency money, passport and credit cards in a discreet money belt.

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How to Travel Alone With an Infant

Traveling alone with a baby is not as difficult as you may fear. Yes, there may be additional steps and inconveniences, but you can handle them. Preparation is the key. The following steps will help eliminate problems that may occur. Who knows, you may even learn to relax and enjoy your alone time with your baby!

Things You'll Need

• Small toys and extra pacifiers in arm's reach
• Stroller
• Organized diaper bag
• Cell phone
• Water
• Mirror to see a rear-facing seated child
• Directions

Instructions

1. Preparations

   • 1
     If driving, get directions ahead of time so you do not need to stop and ask. Stopping for directions is not as easy with a baby along, as you must take the baby out of the carseat or take the carseat carrier with you. Never leave a baby in the car unattended to go in and get directions.
   • 2
     Make a list of what you will need to take ahead of time so you don't leave anything at home. Your list will be considerably longer when traveling with a baby than traveling alone.
   • 3
     Pack all of the necessities.
   • 4
     Know where items are located so you can get to them easily. Organization is a must. Remember, no one is available to dig through your diaper bag and get the bottle or baby spoon!
   • 5
     Place items such as pacifiers and small toys within arm's reach.
   • 6
     Install a mirror on the baby's seat if the baby is rear facing.
   • 7
     Plan eating arrangements. If you nurse, decide where you are most comfortable and plan accordingly.

   The Trip

   • 8
     Leave early. Traveling alone with a baby will take longer, so plan for unexpected stops along the way.
   • 9
     Take the baby into the restroom either in a stroller or keep the baby in his infant carrier.
   • 10
     Feed the baby at scheduled times.
   • 11
     Keep the baby on his usual schedule. This will help to make your trip more enjoyable.
   • 12
     Keep hydrated. Although you may need to take several restroom breaks, you will need to stay fresh and alert.
   • 13
     Stop and rest when necessary.
   • 14
     Travel during your baby's nap time if possible.
   • 15
     Take a cell phone.

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How to Travel Alone Internationally

Traveling alone cross borders is one of the most invigorating experiences one can have. But make sure you are the independent, free-spirited type or you'll be calling home the moment your plane lands at Heathrow.

Things You'll Need

• Passport

Tips
Have passport will travel

1. This is the very first step, of course. Your passport will be valid for 10 years. There is a fee and a waiting period. You must begin by taking a passport photo. If you are in a major city such as New York, these photo shops are ubiquitous. Do a Google search and you'll be set. Then there is a waiting period of several weeks, so you should NOT put this off till the last minute. If this is your first passport, or if it's been more than 15 years since you got your last passport, you must visit your passport office in person. There are over a dozen regional passport offices as well as several thousand passport acceptance facilities in post offices, libraries and government facilities.
2. Plan your finances. One of the trickiest parts of traveling alone is you won't have anyone to remind you that you've exhausted your budget -- the principal problem with international travel, especially now that the dollar-to-euro or even worse, dollar-to-pound exchange rate is so horrid. Right now, count on spending two dollars for every pound you spend in the UK; about a third less than that when visiting euro-participating countries such as France or Austria.Also, in addition to bearing in mind the exchange rate, remember that it's easy to lose your debit card or for the card to become blocked, for cash to be stolen or lost or goodness knows what. Have three forms of money with you -- your debit card, a credit card, and cash. Some people advise travelers'' checks.In the first instance, make sure you've called your bank so they can place a code in the computer that says when you'll be abroad and which countries you'll be visiting. The good news about travel to Europe and many other continents is that your ATM card can be used at any of their banks. The problem is that you'll get a stiff fine from your bank. You need to check on all these details in advance if you possibly can -- but don't go crazy. This is a vacation. Just save an extra $1000, throw it in your bank account, try to limit transactions (BofA charges about $5 per withdrawal) and have fun!
3. Chart Your Course. Now that you've figured out how much you have to spend, figure out where that will take you. Some people do it in reverse (plan, then budget -- this is up to you, unless you are very limited with cash flow in which case you should always plan your budget first.)In the UK, you can try Host and Guest for cheap accommodations. Lots of fun to stay at other people's homes and this way, you will find too that you will learn about local cultures.Other countries outside England and Scotland will offer suitable B&B accommodations as well. Book Irish travel through Gulliver's, an online booking agency.Google for B&Bs in any other country and you're likely to find pensions, private homes and so forth in which to stay. These are much cheaper options and often are a balm for the solo traveler who is apt to feel lonely at times.
4. Plan For Contingencies.This can mean whether or not to buy travelers' or health insurance, for example. In the first case, it's more of an issue now that airlines are folding like trousers at a Chinese laundry! That said, many people just wing it and it's not that crucial. Health insurance is an issue if you will be traveling for a long time, hitting myriad stops, and/or have a tendency to contract illnesses easily. Most US health insurance plans will not cover doctors abroad, but please check with your insurers before you go. Obviously, you can be seen by emergency rooms abroad, but you must pay them. Also, particularly if you are traveling to truly exotic locations you might not feel as comfortable going to a doctor -- though you may be pleasantly surprised!
5. Enjoy your trip!While traveling alone, don't forget that this is about having FUN, not stressing out. Meet new people, flex your language muscles, stay out late and eat an extra croissant or two. If you are a lady traveling alone, please remember you could be as much of a target for predators as you are in the US. Avoid sketchy neighborhoods after dark. If you have any concerns, ask the hotel desk clerk where not to go.Bring a book, a sketch pad, your diary, a camera; anything that allows you to connect with your soul. Are you an accountant by day but artist by night? Venice will be a magical place to let your hair down as well as your calculator!

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How to Travel Alone in Europe

Traveling alone in Europe can be intimidating. Women particularly may have concerns about personal safety. Luckily, there are things you can do to make it easier, such as learning some of the local language and making copies of all your important travel documents, which will make traveling alone in Europe no more worrisome than being alone at home. And while you may be alone at first, there is nothing to stop you from meeting people and making friends.

Things You'll Need

• Passport
• Travel documents

Instructions

1. Planning Your Trip

   • 1
     Plan your route. Consider where in Europe you would like to go and for how long. Don't be intimidated by traveling alone for an extended period. You'll always be able to make friends along the way. If you hope to see multiple countries, remember to allow yourself enough time in each country to really absorb the culture. Consider getting a Eurail pass that allows you rail travel in multiple countries and make sure that you understand the visa requirements for those countries. Most EU countries are part of the Schengen Agreement, meaning it's unlikely you will need a visa, however countries like Cyprus are still not part of the agreement.
   • 2
     Sort out your finances. Since you won't have anyone with you to pool your money with, you will need to plan your finances ahead of time. When you go to Europe make sure you have a credit card, just in case, as well as a debit card that you can use for purchases and for getting cash. Luckily, much of Europe uses Euros so you won't have to worry about constantly changing currency.
   • 3
     Learn some of the language. While most countries in Europe speak English, it is always courteous to be able to say a few phrases in the local language, especially if you are lost or need help. Consider taking a short language course or at the very least getting a phrase book.

   Safety

   • 4
     Consider taking a short self defense course before you leave. It's unlikely that you will actually need it, but a self-defense course will help to build up your confidence before you take your trip abroad.
   • 5
     Take care of your personal possessions. Leave the purse at home and bring a backpack instead. Pack lightly. If you're worried about your luggage being stolen, consider purchasing a bag protector alert which works like a car alarm, letting you know if your bag has been moved. Don't forget to make copies of all your important travel documents in case something does get stolen.
   • 6
     Stay alert. Just like at home, always be cautious around crowded areas such as railways stations where somebody can easily pick your pocket. Be cautious of overly friendly locals particularly someone looking to buy you a drink for no reason.

   Dealing With Loneliness

   • 7
     Get a mobile phone. Mobile phones are perfect for staying in touch with family back home and for staying in touch with people you meet on your travels. If your phone plan is on the GSM network you should be able to make international phone calls. However, it might just be cheaper to buy a SIM card for your GSM phone. If you don't have a GSM phone, simply get a pay-as-you-go phone in Europe.
   • 8
     Stay at a hostel. Not only are hostels cheap but they are an excellent place to meet people and make friends from all over the world, many of whom may be traveling alone as well.
   • 9
     Organize trips and nights out with friends from the hostel. Just because you are traveling alone doesn't mean you can't go sightseeing with friends from the hostel. Also, if you plan to go out for drinks, it's always a good idea to have a friend from the hostel with you so you can both look out for each other.

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