Full disclosure: my favorite way to travel is solo. Solo travel heightens the senses, pushing you to engage outside of your comfort zone in places that are completely unfamiliar, depending on where you go. While news headlines might make you think America is the safest place and venturing outside of it is akin to a Liam Neeson thriller, every time I travel solo, I have the best experiences and come away learning something completely new about myself.
Tips for an Unforgettable Solo Experience:
Start Somewhere Industrialized
Your first solo trip should be somewhere somewhat industrialized where you speak the language and can easily navigate. My initial solo journey was to Amsterdam, a fantastic decision due to its ease of navigation and cultural immersion without knowing how to speak Dutch. Almost everyone spoke English, and the city’s keen sense of American culture made me feel at home, even when I got lost a couple of times.
Research is Key
For every solo trip I took —Amsterdam, Iceland, Copenhagen, Cozumel—I conducted painstaking research on the area, flagging specific places and restaurants on Google Maps. Google Maps, is usable anywhere in the world without service, and is a game-changer. It’s also advisable to check the State Department’s website before you travel to ensure there are no current threats or anything that could endanger you as an American abroad.
Fully Immerse Yourself
Get your hands on the local currency and venture off the beaten path to restaurants where locals eat. On the last night of each solo trip, I dedicate it to eating the national traditional dish. In Copenhagen, it was pork rinds with boiled potatoes and dill sauce on the side for dipping—not exactly my meal of choice, but an experience I’m glad I had.
The best part of solo travel is the absence of a rigid itinerary unless you want one. Explore, pivot, and change your mind easily as you discover things along your journey. When I got lost, I was never truly lost—I stumbled upon an exhibit, a vintage shop, a winery, or some landmark that kept me engaged until I found my way. Solo travel is free from the pressure of keeping a schedule like group trips. Whether you plan in advance or not, the trip and experiences are yours and yours alone to enjoy—that’s the beauty of it.
If You Still Have Trepidations
Embarking on a solo journey can be a transformative experience, but we understand if you still harbor reservations. At Hommage Design Experiences, we’re here to turn your apprehensions into excitement. Let us take the reins in crafting a personalized itinerary tailored to your preferences.
Imagine having a detailed plan with hotel recommendations, reservations for local tours and experiences, curated restaurant guides, and 24/7 support aligned with your destination’s time zone. With us, you’ll never feel completely alone; there’s always someone dedicated to assist if you find yourself in a bind while abroad. We’ll even keep an eye on flights, ensuring you know the optimal time to purchase to stretch your budget further.
Simply provide us with your ideal timeframe and dream destination, and we’ll handle all the intricacies for your best solo trip. While the journey itself might be a solitary adventure, the planning process doesn’t have to be. For some, overcoming the planning phase is the most challenging part, and we’re here to make it seamless, eliminating any hindrance in getting up and just going.
The world is yours to explore – get out there!
