Tips for Solo Travel
One isn’t necessarily the loneliest number. Traveling by yourself can give you the solitude you’ve been craving.
It can also connect you with local culture in ways not possible when traveling with a group. If you’ve never traveled alone, a few tips for solo travel can have you off and running like a seasoned nomad.
Master That Selfie Stick
Don’t risk the iffy photography skills of random tourists to capture that picture of you in front of the Grand Canyon or the World’s Largest Ball of Twine. Get a selfie stick a few months before your trip and practice, practice, practice! Learn your most photogenic angles and also how to capture background scenery without the stick or your arm reaching into the photo’s foreground. Your hard work will pay off with keepsake photos you’ll treasure through the years.
Immerse Yourself in Local Culture
Traveling solo doesn’t mean you have to feel alone. While you're on location, meet locals at a volunteer project or another immersive experience with a local organization. Unearth ancient native ruins at the Verde Valley Archaeology Center’s excavation field school in Cortez, Colorado. Volunteer at Give the Kids the World Village in Orlando, Florida, and help children with life-threatening illnesses have fun in a theme park environment. You can even work with animals at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah.
Forget the Table for One
While there’s nothing wrong with eating alone, why not spend some time sharing a meal with another traveler while comparing itineraries? Apps like TripOn.me and Trippal use social media platforms to help you meet up with other travelers near your location. Or, you can dine with a local. BonAppetour connects you to in-home restaurants where you’ll savor regional home cooking in the company of locals. Enjoy raw, organic fare in Asheville, North Carolina, or an authentic cowboy dinner on a ranch in Temecula, California.
Enjoy the Oneness
Traveling alone can definitely have its advantages. Theme parks, such as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and Disneyland roll out single-rider lines that cut wait times dramatically. The parks have a selfish motive—to fill every car to capacity and make lines move faster. But you reap the real reward as you won't even need a fast pass!
Share an Adventure
Locals are often the best source for off-the-beaten-track adventures at your destination. Check out Meetup.com to find hikes, social hours, kayaking trips and a host of other activities for a local perspective and to meet new friends. Still a little nervous about striking out on your own for the first time? Try this tip for solo travel: join a singles tour. You’re sure to meet seasoned lone travelers who will be happy to give you tips for traveling by yourself.
Discover more travel tips and recommendations here.
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