Traveling Alone For The First Time: 21 Pro Tips For Solo Travel Newbies
When you think of solo travel, what comes to mind? For many people, it’s “how the heck am I supposed to enjoy my first solo trip?” Being alone has a negative connotation, and this may carry over to the concept of traveling alone for the first time.
I want to help change those perceptions and encourage people of all ages, budgets, and abilities to try traveling alone, because solo travel has been one of my greatest teachers and I personally think it’s an invaluable tool when it comes to empowering yourself and developing as a person.
There are always plenty of things to remember to do before, during, and after your travels. When you’re traveling solo, all of those responsibilities usually fall to you – but before you start hyperventilating into a paper bag about being a lone traveler, take a few minutes and read through the following tips from seasoned solo travel experts (be sure to pin it for reference later if you’re still in the trip planning stages).
My hope is that having some advice and encouragement from pro travelers will give you the confidence you need to step out on your own and explore the world, whether or not you have a travel companion by your side!
Please be advised that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase using one of them, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend companies or products that I trust.
Prioritize Your Safety And Health By Planning Ahead
As a solo traveler embarking on your first trip alone, safety is of the utmost importance. Once you’ve set your rough itinerary, focus on the pre-trip steps you should take to ensure you stay healthy and safe during your travels. Nothing puts a damper on – or sometimes, an end to – time abroad faster than a medical or personal security issue.
There are important safeguards to put in place for every trip:
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At least six months (if possible) before your departure, consult your physician or a travel clinic about vaccinations and medications recommended for your destination
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Ensure you have travel medical insurance in place for the entire duration of your trip, including travel days
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Purchase a compact first aid kit and add your prescription medications (in their original bottles), a copy of your prescriptions, and any over-the-counter medications you think you may need (re-hydration salts, a fever reducer and Imodium, at a minimum)
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Select a money belt or hidden pocket in which to keep cash you’re not using that day
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debit/credit cards
- passport and photo ID
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a contact card listing your name and the name, phone number and email address of your emergency contact at home
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your travel insurance policy number and emergency telephone number
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Then, research the risks associated with how and where you’re traveling, and take the precautions you feel are reasonable. The CDC country-specific information site is a great, searchable-by-country resource for both health and personal security risks.
Some of the more common precautions include:
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Bringing a luggage lock and, if you’re staying in a hostel, a lock for your locker.
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Traveling to a destination where a lot of petty theft is reported? You may wish to carry an anti-theft day bag and/or an anti theft camera bag.
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Won’t be able to drink the tap water? Consider bringing a filtering bottle to ensure you’re never without drinkable water.
Pre-trip safety measures won’t just protect you during your trip; they’ll also help reduce your anxiety about your trip, freeing you to focus on the unforgettable, wonderful experience of your first solo journey!
Zoe | Wandering Family
How To Enjoy Dining Alone As A Solo Traveler
Perhaps one of the most awkward things about traveling solo is meal time. Eating is such a communal activity, and when not traveling solo it is often a time to recount the day’s adventures and plan for tomorrow’s with a travel companion.
What happens when it’s time to eat and you’re solo, though? While you may relish the opportunity to sit with your own thoughts and truly savor the flavors of your meal, it’s also normal to feel out of place.
The fix? Prepare.
Bring something to do, like a book to read or a journal to write in. You can also look for places to eat that offer views and request to be seated near a window if possible. This way, you can look out and admire the city you’ve come to visit while you eat.
On that note, time your meals to avoid peak mealtime rushes. Your request for specific seating is more likely to be honored when the restaurant isn’t buzzing with large groups.
Another tip? If you drink, consider ordering a glass of beer or wine, or a cocktail to help you relax and enjoy your meal. Be careful not to overdo it as you are alone, after all, and safety matters! But a glass of wine may be just what you need to stop focusing on the fact that you are dining solo and start enjoying people-watching those around you instead.
Always Trust Your Instincts
When you travel solo, the biggest challenge you may face throughout your trip is making decisions. There is nobody to guide you. There is nobody with whom you get a chance to discuss the way forward with and arrive at a decision. The lack of security offered by a co-traveler might bother you if you let it.
How then should you stay safe and move onward with your trip without feeling lost or overwhelmed? The answer to that is to trust your instinct, no matter what. Even if it means missing out on all the fun, being a “bore” and occasionally not making the most of your freedom by going home early or skipping out on an activity that makes you feel uncomfortable.
Your instinct, your gut, your inner voice – whatever you call it – it should be that constant, reliable friend on your solo trip.
As a solo traveler, you will be approached by a number of strangers. You will also be faced with a number of questions like which road to take, which train to you board, which restaurant to eat at, whom to share a seat with on a bus, what hour to head back to your hotel, etc.
But it’s your instinct that will answer these questions for you and navigate you in the right direction. You just have to trust it. Don’t worry, you won’t miss out on all the fun this way.
You will still make some incredible friends and create some memorable experiences for yourself but trusting your instincts will definitely protect you from running into trouble.
Vrushali | Couple of Journeys
Know Your Route Before You Land
The first time you travel solo, it stands to reason that you’re going to be a bit nervous about it, especially if you’re going somewhere completely unfamiliar to you. Also, solo travelers tend to be higher targets for theft, scams, and other unsavory experiences that we’d all rather keep out of our travel repertoire.
So, the best favor you can do yourself the first time you take a solo travel trip is to pre-book your first night of accommodation (preferably at least a few nights), and research how to get from the airport to your accommodation.
This way, when you arrive to the airport, jet lagged and wide-eyed at the change of scenery, you won’t look too lost! You can walk with purpose towards the taxi stand/bus stop/train station, and avoid the prying eyes of people searching for lost travelers to prey on.
You will also circumvent any costly disasters of bad timing or lack of options. I once arrived in Madrid thinking I would find a train to the city from the airport, only to realize that the last train had already left!
This was an expensive mistake, and had I known that there were no more trains, I could have booked a shuttle in advance and saved a ton of cash over the last-minute taxi I hopped into. While this isn’t a catastrophic mistake per se, it’s not a nice way to start off your first solo trip. Go easy on yourself! Be prepared.
Nora Dunn | The Professional Hobo
Book A Private Room On Airbnb
Finding appropriate accommodation as a solo traveler can seem like a confusing or daunting task when you’re trying to balance between your budget and your comfort.
Although hostels are budget-friendly and are a great way to meet other travelers, not everyone wants to share a room with other people. On the other hand, booking a private room at a hotel is a lot more comfortable, but usually, you need to be more flexible with your budget.
Luckily, Airbnb offers you the perfect solution. When filtering your search results on Airbnb, you can choose to book a private room at a local’s home.
In many cases, the prices will be similar to hostel dorm rooms, but you’ll have the full comfort of a private room. If you’re really lucky, you might even find hosts that offer a room with an en suite bathroom.
In case you’re booking your room for a week or more, you can save even more money because many hosts offer a weekly or monthly discount. That’s how I was able to stay for an entire month in Madrid’s city center for about $400.
Of course, just like with any other accommodation booking, be sure to read all the details: amenities offered, house rules, host reviews, cancellation policy, etc. As a solo traveler, it’s especially important that you’ll feel comfortable with where you’re staying.
Or Amir | My Path in the World
Make Extra Hidden Copies Of Important Documents
A copy of your passport:
- Always have an electronic copy of your passport stored on your emails. I send myself a draft email with the image hidden in the email body as well as having a few color copies for when it’s needed. Some hotels/hostels will ask for a copy when you check in.
Have extra passport photos:
- Bring along multiple copies of your passport photo so you have plenty of spares in your travel documents. You may need these for extra visa applications at border crossings or entry permits to large tourist attractions such as Angkor Wat.
Hide spare money for emergencies:
- I always like to travel with a spare $200 USD broken down into two $50 bills and $100 in smaller bills. If there’s ever an emergency, most places will take US dollars to help you out. By having a variety of denomination sizes, you can space out your spending. It’s also helpful to have some spare cash in case your wallet is stolen/lost.
Buy A Local SIM Card
Your mobile phone will become your best friend when traveling solo. By purchasing a local SIM card, you can use it whenever you need without worrying about roaming fees.
At most airports you can purchase a SIM card, in Europe, they often have them in vending machines while in Asia there’s usually stores on the way out. You often need cash to purchase them so make sure you visit the ATM first.
One of the most useful apps while traveling is Google Maps. I use it not only to find places but to follow my journeys when using taxis and public transport.
It is common in countries such as India that the local tuk-tuk driver will take you to one of his friend’s shops or hotel rather than the one you’ve requested. By having Google Maps on you can follow the route and ensure your heading in the right destination.
Your mobile phone can also help locate you should it ever be necessary, but it has to be connected to the internet. On an Apple device, make sure you have ‘Find My Phone’ on. To find it go to settings, Apple ID, iCloud then scroll down to ‘Find My Phone.’
The equivalent for Android users is ‘Find My Device.’ Don’t forget to leave the login details with someone you trust back home, so if there were ever a need to track you, they would have access. Another useful app is Family Locator which does a similar thing.
Fiona Berry | Passport and Piano
Sign Up For A Cooking Class To Meet Fellow Travelers
We all know traveling can be a daunting task for solo travelers. When I said I was going to China, the main comment I heard was “are you really going by yourself.” The ironic thing is that I don’t think I was alone for one day during my travels.
A good way to meet new people is to take a cooking class. I found that it was a great way to bond with other travelers and they were able to give me the inside scoop about the best restaurants and places to visit. Taking a cooking course is also a great way to learn about the culture of a country since food plays such an integral part in most cultures.
If you are visiting a country where the main language is not your native tongue, a cooking class is a great way to make connections with locals.
An added plus is if you find a cooking course that also lets you purchase ingredients as part of the course. If you don’t speak the language it is hard to navigate the local markets.
Additionally, from a cultural point of view it was nice to have someone explain what the different types of foods in the markets are used for and how to prepare them.
Charmaine | Jamaica Travel Saver
Tips For Hiking Solo Safely
Preparation is key when you want to go out hiking solo. Whether it’s just a short trip or a full day trek, keep these basic things in mind to keep yourself safe:
- Learn about and research the trail. Gather as much basic information about the trail itself. Focus on the duration of the trip, as well as the easiness to follow the trail and if it’s remote or not.
- Especially for remote trails, always question if the area is safe enough to hike alone. Depending on where you are, it might be necessary to either team up with somebody, or to choose a more common trek instead.
- Mark the trail in your phone and calculate your travel time. If the trek takes around 5 hours, add at least another 1.5 hours to allow for any unexpected events that might come up.
- Make sure you start early enough to return long before daylight ends.
- Tell someone you trust that you’re out on a trek. Imagine a situation where you did get lost on some remote trail, and absolutely nobody knows where you are. Or even worse, no one even knows you might be missing. Always inform your hostel or a relative about your plans and ask them to keep an eye out for your return.
Above all, always trust your gut instinct. While most short (day) treks will be a wonderful, carefree experience, you might still feel confused at times or feel at risk of getting lost. It’s better to just return to your home base if something feels off. Solo hiking and trekking are awesome! But always do so responsibly.
Priscilla Versteeg| Discover World Places
Consider Using Apps Like Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing is a great app for a first-time solo traveler. First, it relieves the anxiety of not having any friends while traveling solo. With Couchsurfing, you immediately have a new friend who can show you around.
Second, Couchsurfing is free! If you are on a budget and want to lower costs, this app is a great option, but remember that Couchsurfing is not a free hotel; the expectation is that you will interact with your host and make a cultural exchange.
A third reason why Couchsurfing is excellent for a first-time solo traveler is that you get insider tips on what to do from a local. You don’t necessarily need to have a plan when arriving in a city, because you can ask your host for suggestions on what to see and do.
If you are nervous about staying with a stranger, many cities also have Couchsurfing events, so you can still use the website to meet new people.
I have been using Couchsurfing since 2012 and have not had any bad experiences, but I have heard of people being in uncomfortable situations and how certain hosts treat it like a dating site. Couchsurfing has reviews of each host on the site, so make sure to read the reviews thoroughly before requesting to stay with someone.
Kesi Irvin | Kesi To and Fro
Make Friends With Fellow Solo Travelers On Facebook Groups
I think the biggest deterrent to solo travel is fear, and understandably so. If you’ve never traveled solo a million different things run through your head: “Will I be safe? Will I be lonely? Will I meet people I can talk to?”
Those are definitely the things I thought and they made me feel anxious. So my biggest tip for solo travelers to is do something that will calm that fear and anxiety: join Facebook groups for solo travelers!
Before my solo trip to Thailand, one of the best things I did was join several Facebook groups for solo travelers. In these groups, there are many people traveling solo and looking to meet up with other solo travelers.
In groups like The Solo Travel Network and Female Solo Travels, I was able to post my travel dates and chat with other people who were going to be in the same place during my same travel dates. To my surprise several people were actually going to be in Thailand at the same time I was and we quickly made plans to meet up.
Knowing that I would know at least ONE person who I could meet for lunch or plan an activity with did wonders to calm my nerves. I met up with one of the girls from the Facebook group on my first day in Bangkok and we did a food tour through the city. It was so fun!
I firmly believe that one of the best things about solo travel is the people you meet along your journey.
Johanna | This Wanderlust Heart
Know When And Where To Exchange Your Money
Before heading out on a trip, many travelers wait until they are at the airport to exchange their money without realizing how much money they are losing by doing it this way. There are a few things you can do to ensure a better exchange rate (and more money in your pocket!), no matter where you go in the world.
1. Go To Your Own Bank
It’s always a good idea to head to your local bank and exchange some money to have on-hand for necessary things upon arrival at your destination – like food, immediate transportation or any emergencies. Banks have access to the best/most current exchange rates and usually charge fewer fees than exchange bureaus. Some bigger banks will even sell foreign currency at a local branch.
2. Local Currency ATM
Depending on your bank’s terms for international ATM fees, this may be your best option. You will get the current exchange rate without paying that extra fee exchange bureau’s charge. Note: some banks will charge a set fee per transaction while others charge a percentage. Find out what yours does before heading out on your trip!
3. Travel Reward Credit Cards
There are many credit cards that offer incredible travel rewards and benefits. Some of these benefits include: no foreign transaction fees, earning miles for each dollar spent and international airport lounge access. Be sure to read the terms before going this route and always pay off that balance to avoid interest rates from sneaking up on you!
Maria Hedian | Em Around the World
Taking A Walking Tour On Your First Day
Traveling alone for the first time can be nerve-wracking. I remember on my first solo trip, as my plane touched down thinking, what the heck am I doing?
My first day in Berlin by myself, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I had rented an Airbnb, meaning I wasn’t in a hostel with a bunch of travelers.
I went on a walking tour. Many major cities in Europe will have a free walking tour (you usually tip your guide). They take you around the heart of where the action is, give you a bit of history, but most importantly show you things you should visit.
On this tour I met two girls that both were solo travelers. They had met on a previous tour and decided to do this one together.
After the tour, one of the girls and I decided to go up the famous Berlin TV tower. We talked, giving each other suggestions on things to see and do. I suggested to go for dinner at a restaurant I liked, and we invited her friend from the tour.
Within 5 minutes of being there, a gentleman next to us asked if he could join us. He was traveling alone, and just wanted some English conversation.
So all because of a tour, in the heart of Berlin, a Canadian, Argentinian, Italian and American were enjoying an evening out, swapping travel stories.
That tour changed what I thought solo traveling was. Solo travel doesn’t have to mean alone.
Oliver Froese | Aciu – Travel Tips for Europe
Always Arrive At Your Destination During The Day
As a solo traveler, I always make sure I do certain things to make life easier. One of those things is always trying to arrive at my new destination during the day.
During my first solo trip, I arrived in Florence, Italy in a late summer evening. It was pretty dark already which made it somewhat difficult to navigate my way around the train station and into the city. Luckily, I booked my hotel near the train station. But I still had a tough time looking for it in the dark.
For an hour or so after I arrived at my dream destination, I felt intimidated and nervous the entire time because I didn’t feel secure and uneasy. The combination of being in an unknown place and not being able to see properly didn’t sit well with me.
But as the sun rose the next day, I felt completely different and was instantaneous happy and eager to explore the city. I felt more confident in my ability to explore Florence and was hopeful for all the adventures during my first solo trip.
So after that incident, I always make sure that whenever I travel, I arrive at a new destination during the day. It feels less intimidating and daunting if you can actually see where you are going and see your surroundings. I’ve been doing this for the last 16 years and would highly recommend any solo travelers to do the same.
Queenie Mak | ms travel solo
Take A Group Tour
Some destinations are more challenging than others to travel solo. I’ve been living in South Africa for quite a while now and in the past I’ve visited Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, Swaziland, Lesotho, Mozambique and Madagascar as a solo traveler.
Since these are all destinations where public transport is not that well organized and accommodation is often not that well advertised on web sites, the perfect way to travel these countries was to join a group tour.
Many first time solo travelers join group tours to African destinations since it is often a way to see a lot in a short amount of time and get to places that you usually wouldn’t reach by yourself.
My first solo trip was a 30-day overland tour starting in Harare, Zimbabwe which then we went via Victoria Falls to Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania, topping it all off with 2 days on Zanzibar.
We had a guide, a cook and a driver and we traveled for 30 days on a truck through Africa. Nowadays, those kind of trucks are even much more luxurious and some even have WiFi on them. There are also accommodated tours in case you don’t want to camp.
My first group travel experience as a solo traveler was magnificent. There were some wonderful people in the group and I loved the camping, the cooking on the fire and sitting around the camp fires at night.
We experienced amazing safaris, had High Tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel, I flew in a micro-light above the Victoria Falls, I enjoyed the Malawian City of Lilongwe and the general camaraderie of the group.
I can highly recommend group tours to everyone who is a bit anxious for their first solo trip.
Jessy Lipperts | PlanetPilgrims
Book At Least Your First Night Of Accommodation
I’ve heard stories of travelers showing up in a new, exotic destination without knowing where they’d stay and happening upon a great place.
I tried it once on a small island, and let me tell you, it was not fun popping in and out of hostels asking about rates in the heat with all of my luggage.
Even though it was broad daylight, as a solo female traveler, I felt like this made me an easy target. From that point on, I always book at least one night of accommodation in my new destination.
Having accommodation booked in advance allows you to confidently disembark from the plane or train and walk with purpose in the direction of your hostel or hotel.
Additionally, if you arrive late at night you can prearrange transportation so you’re not wandering a new city after dark with all of your luggage.
Booking in advance also lets you read reviews from prior guests. I always check for issues with security and bed bugs – things a hostel owner won’t tell you when you’re looking for a place to sleep.
Why not book accommodations for the entire duration of your trip? Well, I’ve shown up to hostels and been supremely disappointed by the condition or location. Yet since I’d paid for a few nights of my stay already, I didn’t want to lose the money.
By booking only one night, you at least secure yourself a bed. If it’s not up to par, you can drop your bags while you head out in search of a more suitable place to sleep. And if it’s great, you can book additional nights at check in (as long as there is space available)!
Katie Minahan | Just Chasing Sunsets
Join A Pub Crawl To Get Out On The Town
I went on plenty of solo travel trips during my backpacking days, and loved the freedom of being able to see different cities the way I wanted to see them. I always met plenty of new people along the way.
I found that the best way to meet people was to join a pub crawl at one of the hostels in the city. You don’t have to be staying there to join (though it does help when coming back at the end of the night), and you will find plenty of other solo travelers.
If you’re like me, then a bit of liquid courage is the best way to meet new people. Of course, in a foreign city it is so important to stay safe. Get to know your host for the night, just so they know who you are and importantly, you recognize them if you need help, as they will know the city well.
It can also help to buddy up with someone on the tour. Either find another solo traveler or join a group and make yourself known, as these people will typically look out for you as the night goes on. Most of all, have some fun with it! You may just find someone to explore the city with you the next day.
Felicity Frankish | The Baby Vine
Print Out Or Bring A Physical Map
My top solo travel tip for first timers is something I still do for every destination I travel to even though I’m a seasoned traveler.
I’ll be the first to admit that I am directionally challenged, like if you spin me around in a room, I could get lost. So, I always print a Google map of the area around my hotel/hostel or Airbnb apartment where I will be staying during my trip.
Then I highlight any places I want to visit and make any notes about opening hours or special events at the various venues. This way I have a handy list of places to grab a bite to eat, interesting shops, etc without having to check my phone all the time.
Also, it’s very confusing to find your way around a new city and this way you have the info even if your phone dies. When I arrive at my destination the first thing I like to do is take a walk around to get familiar with my new neighborhood and check out some of the places on my map.
One thing to watch out for though, Google Maps is sometimes incorrect. While you are out exploring, pay attention to the street signs and landmarks so you get to know your way around and you’ll feel more comfortable and confident as a solo traveler.
Susan Moore | Solo Trips and Tips
Always Do Your Research Before Your Trip
Finding out last minute that the transport you needed to get to another city did not run on that day, or that attractions were closed when you show up at the door, can throw your plans into chaos and magnify the stress of traveling first time solo.
Different countries and cultures have different takes on weekends and holidays and I’d recommend checking on whether there are special operating hours on certain days of the week or the year before your trip.
I learned it the hard way in Jordan, where public transport was close to non-existent on Fridays. I had planned to get to the next city on a Friday, and despite reaching early, found the bus had left as it got full before the scheduled departure.
On any other days this wouldn’t be an issue with the next bus not too long away, but on a Friday that was the only trip for the entire day. After deliberating over my options, I ended up spending way more than planned by completing the trip with a hired driver.
Money aside, it was pretty stressful figuring out what to do next on the spot, and poor decisions tend to be made in such situations. Similarly, many tourist attractions and museums close on a certain day each week, and these differ even within a city.
Finally, local holidays and festivities may affect operating hours of services. Taking these into account when planning your itinerary can help you to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Have Additional Tools And Resources Ready If Needed
Before I head to a new place to explore by myself, there’s one thing I always do first, and that’s research, research, research.
- How am I getting from the airport to my accommodations?
- What’s the public transit system like?
- Are credit cards widely accepted or will I need cash?
- If cash is needed, will my debit card work there? (I had to find this last one out the hard way while visiting a cash only bed and breakfast in Iceland!)
Being in unfamiliar territory, while exciting and wonderful, can also be a bit jarring, and it’s grounding to be able to feel like you have a handle on your surroundings.
In the case that (heaven forbid) something goes wrong, you will have the tools and knowledge (from things like downloaded offline Google maps to a translation app and the appropriate type of foreign currency), at your disposal to handle the situation calmly and efficiently.
I would also recommend using your traveling experiences to inform your future research. Recently, my husband and I visited Cuba, and while there, he fell into a pothole and split his kneecap in two.
After sitting through a nerve-wracking emergency surgery and two days in a hospital with questionable efficacy and seemingly no healthcare providers with whom I could communicate, I now do a quick search for the best health care facilities in the areas I’m traveling to, just in case an injury occurs during my adventures.
While I may not ever need this information (fingers crossed!), there’s no harm in being over-prepared. I feel like a smarter traveler when I arrive to my destination with the right tools and knowledge so I can have the smoothest experience possible.
Jessica Schmit | Uprooted Traveler
Join A Food Tour To Find Fellow Foodies
I love traveling alone, but often get lonely in the evenings – especially at dinner time. Eating is best enjoyed in good company, and eating alone still feels strange, especially in a popular restaurant.
A great alternative to dining alone is to join a food tour. A food tour gives you the chance to meet local people (your guide) and fellow travelers as well as try lots of tasty local food. I love to try local food wherever I go, but sometimes it is a risky business ordering one dish in a restaurant if you’re not sure whether you will like it!
Trying a variety of different foods on a food tour takes this worry away, as it really doesn’t matter if you don’t like one thing – you might love the next! The tour guide also does the hard work for you, taking you to the best local spots so you don’t need to spend time researching the best restaurants in town, and often giving recommendations for subsequent evenings too.
I’ve also made some friends on food tours as well, everyone is relaxed and happy – especially after a glass of wine or two on the tour – so you can suggest another drink elsewhere, or maybe meeting up for dinner tomorrow!
Claire Sturzaker | This Travel Lover
Hopefully these tips left you feeling excited and confident about your upcoming trip!
Solo travel is certainly not as scary as it sounds, especially when you take the time to adequately plan ahead and anticipate bumps in the road. Traveling alone for the first time is exhilarating, boosts your self-esteem, teaches you to trust your intuition, and helps you explore the world in new and different ways.
Instead of being afraid of being alone on the road, revel in all the freedom and choices you’ll be able to make! You will learn more about yourself from one trip alone than you might expect. Embrace the journey and get ready for the experience of a lifetime.
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Love these tips! You can never ever do enough research and I really appreciated the tips about locating a good health provider in new city. Food tours and walking tours are always the best because you meet new people!
Great tips! Also ask to sit at a bar when possible. It can make the wait time lower and gives you a chance to possibly meet other solo travelers along your journey!
Such great tips in this post! Totally agree that trusting your gut is SO important. And buying a local SIM has saved me so many times too (I tend to get lost, hah) 😉
My goal is to travel solo more internationally this year and I found these tips so helpful! Thanks for compiling such a useful guide.