Solo Travel

Traveling alone is a wonderful thing that everyone should experience at least once in his or her lives. It allows you to connect with your inner self and the environment around you. Far too often, we become so involved with outside forces that we neglect our intimate self. Traveling solo breaks you from many of the bonds that tie us down and frees your mind to be alone. Connecting with nature and distant cultures opens up one’s self to an interesting perspective on life. I enjoy quiet time as it is so rare nowadays, that is why I wrote this blog.

Solo travel was my key to finding my true self and opening up my mind to new, exciting experiences.

These are my solo travel tips that can help you survive being alone when on our modern world, no one it really alone.

Off Season

Who likes busy, overcrowded resorts and vacation spots? Not me, or anyone traveling solo. The whole idea of traveling solo is to get away and have some peace and quiet, that’s why traveling during off seasons is preferred. This is effective for multiple reasons, first it’s cheaper and second it’s less populated. I love saving money and I love being alone, win-win. I also advise traveling to the opposite season from your own. Meaning, during summer in the Northern Hemisphere, travel south into the Southern Hemisphere, for their winter.   This will help you isolate yourself from the crowds and high prices.

Single room/ticket deals

Many hotels and resorts have vacancies that they need to fill last minute and these are always great deals. Check ahead so you aren’t left homeless, and keep an open mind, some last minute vacancies are less desirable.

Along these same lines, many attractions and shows will have single tickets available for a huge discount. Theatres and concerts often have single tickets and groups tend to not want to be split up, so another deal for the solo traveler. I find this especially true in places like Las Vegas, Branson and Macau, where there are just so many shows.

Exchange rates

Let the world markets decide where you travel, if you want to maximize your money. Exchange rates can swing up and down and depending on where you are traveling to, and where you are coming from the savings can be huge. It benefits you and your wallet to check these exchange rates before you book your travel. Currently the US dollar to Euro favors the American dollar, so it’s cheaper to travel to Europe from the US instead of vice versa. Save yourself the trouble and do a little due diligence before you pack your bags.

Split rides

New city new adventure: grab an Uber or Taxi and split the fair with someone. This is a great way to save money and maybe make a new friend. The less we are shut off from people the more we will internalize everything, so on occasion, a new friend helps.

Free Museums

Museums and Zoos can be expensive attractions to visit, so look out for cities that offer free admissions. Last time I was in New York City, my wife and I went to the Guggenheim, a wonderful museum that cost us $30 per ticket. That may not seem like a small fee but these little expenses really add up. Check out Washington DC or London, both cities offer free museums and zoos and both are world class. Check out the world-renowned Smithsonian Museum collection in Washington, DC or the British Museum in London.

Solo Travel Organizations

Check out solo travel organization like TravBuddy or TravelChum, which link up solo travelers who want an accomplice to adventure with. These services find potential roommates or travel buddies for you to go on excursions with or just save money on accommodations.

Hostels

Don’t overlook hostels and their guests’ general way of life. Backpackers from all over the world have been utilizing hostels for decades as cheap accommodations but more than that, they represent a way of life. Hostels are home to free spirits, vagabonds and nomads from all walks of life. You are guaranteed to make new lifelong friends staying at hostels and you will really open up your mind to the way other people think and live.

Enjoy your solo travel adventures and I hope you find whatever you are looking for, all your answers are out there, and you just have to find them. When travelling alone, try to use the time to self reflect, meditate and focus on your own spiritual growth.