Travel
Where to stay, what to do, how to meet locals, and more.
At first, though, I was extremely hesitant about traveling by myself.
It seemed too risky, too complicated… and, quite frankly, too lonely.
And of course, Im not the only one whos leaned into this lately.
I love being able to curate an itinerary that revolves around my travel desires, she says.
Below, travel pros share their best tips for fighting loneliness while exploring alone.
Dont Be Afraid To Take The Plunge…
But Its OK To Start Small, Too.
Respect your own comfort level.
Solo travel doesnt have to mean two weeks away in a far-flung destination!
Consider Staying In A Hostel.
Perhaps one of the most heated debates among solo travelers is that of where to stay.
Many offer private rooms that are priced below traditional hotel rates.
Hostels dont necessarily mean bunk beds!
Even if you arent staying in a hostel, scoping them out can lead to potential solo traveler friendships.
Tenzer warns, above all else, Do not forgo hotel safety for budget.
Dont Stay Cooped Up Inside.
No matter where youre staying, head outside.
If youre not proactive about it, you might easily spend an entire day isolated in your hotel room.
Choose Hotels With Amenities.
So, lean into amenities especially if you dont like the idea of venturing out alone.
(They have a Tennessee Honey and whiskey body scrub how on-brand isthat?)
Another benefit of hotels with unique or noteworthy amenities?
The opportunity to connect with like-minded travelers.
Use Social Media To Plan Your Itinerary.
In real life, a great trip often takes a bit more planning.
Mendez recommends using social media to your advantage when figuring out what to do.
it’s possible for you to do the same by searching relevant hashtags.
Embrace Your Alone Time.
For me, solo travel is the ultimate form of self-care, says Tenzer.
Its a special time for me to escape, recharge, and pamper myself.
I get to do whatever I want without compromise!
Asa huge extrovert, I love the planned alone time Iget with solo travel.
And when those feelings of isolation creep in?
Its always good to make a few reservations for dinners and activities in advance, she says.
She recommendsEaterfor restaurant recommendations.
Take A Tour.
Walkable cities make for fantastic solo trips because theres no shortage of ways to entertain yourself.
Planned group activities ensure youre keeping busy and not spending too much time alone with your thoughts!
I loveAirbnb Experiencesbecause theyre locally led small group tours that dont charge a solo traveler surcharge.
Bond With Locals.
One way to do this is to find folks with whom you share a common interest.
For a fashion editor like Becker, that means shop owners, designers, and the like.
Remember, Its OK To Feel Lonely Sometimes.
At some point, the blues might creep in, but thats normal.
When I travel long term, I definitely hit bouts of loneliness, Ismail says.
It also depends where I am.
Tenzer opts to look on the bright side.
[Its] a rare luxury to indulge in whatever you want do, without compromising for anyone else.
Your solo trip is temporary and any negative feelings that come up during it will also be temporary.
Its all incredibly empowering.
Keep Safety Top Of Mind.
A lot of safety precautions can be implemented before your trip begins.
That way, theres someone looking out for you in case of an emergency.
She also recommends carrying a battery pack or phone charger at all times.
The burden of my safety shouldnt fall on my shoulders but it does, Mendez points out.
I dont drink often when Im alone.
I dont trust strangers, [so I dont] go to random houses or get in random cars.
Becker notes that she feels best sticking to well-populated, touristy sites and avoids going out alone at night.
Always listen to your intuition, she says.
Ready to book a flight?
This article was originally published onFeb.
