First Time Solo Travelers

There’s something powerful and exhilarating about going somewhere with no one to answer to besides yourself. You don’t have to ask someone where they want to eat, no compromise on what to do or where to go. Whether you want to find yourself, lose yourself, heal or chasing adventure solo travel is the way.

John H. Davis in Thailand. Courtesy of John H. Davis

Here’s why you need to travel solo and how to do it right.

Traveling alone makes you your own compass. No one else is there to choose the restaurant or museum, whether to day-drink or sleep in. That type of freedom is rare, especially in a place where nobody knows you and you don’t know anyone. There’s no safety net and you’re not defined by your past, your job or your environment. That freedom, with no one watching, is the perfect environment for self-discovery.

It’s also healing, with nobody else around you can finally let your mind relax and breathe. A lot of solo travelers feel a deep sense of peace being by themselves in a new place for the first time. There’s no pressure and you can really bask in the quiet moments that are few and far between in American life. Nobody expects anything from you, you don’t owe anyone anything and your time is your own. You can travel to heal, to reflect and to evolve.

First Time Tips

• Start simple. Don’t plan some year long backpacking adventure for your first solo trip. Pick somewhere with good infrastructure, safe and with good tourist options.

• Stay flexible. Let the trip unfold and don’t overplan everything. Be willing to be spontaneous and go with the flow.

• Pack lighter than you think, you don’t need a giant suitcase for three days.

• Stay safe, not paranoid. Trust your gut and walk away if something or a person seems off.

• Take tours, sign up for Airbnb experiences and stay in hostels to meet people.

The first solo trip often leads to a second and a third. You meet people along the way that you remember, you discover yourself and you build confidence. You will realize that you don’t need to wait for anyone to live your life. You’ll meet a new version of yourself on the way.