Long before I met my now husband (my forever travel buddy) I would travel on my own across the country to visit friends and family or for work. Traveling on your own is an experience I believe everyone should have at least once. Below are tips and tricks I have learned through the years that will help make your experience a successful one.

• TRAVEL LIGHT – This is a big one. Until you are rushing to make your connecting flight in the other terminal you might not yet be cursing yourself for packing that extra book or two in your carry-on. Take it from me, I have tried to pack so that I don’t need to pay for a checked bag, but take into consideration the weight of the bag you will be carrying. Or only pack within a rolling carry-on suitcase. I have been the bag lady before, with the rolling suitcase, a carry-on bag plus my big purse. Trust me when I say, if you try and take all that into the bathroom with you at the airport, it leaves you little room! That brings me to my next point…
• TAKE YOUR THINGS – This may seem like a little thing, but don’t leave your belongings at the gate for a stranger to watch over them while you run to the restroom or gift shop. It not only is against airport policies for safety reasons but now you have inadvertently glued the stranger to their chair until you return. Or on the other hand, there is nothing stopping them from getting up and leaving should you not return in an adequate amount of time. Just don’t do it.

• SOUL FOOD – If you’re visiting friends or staying at a hotel ask for the local ‘hot spot’ or local restaurants that are not found anywhere else. If you are on your own sit at the bar or get a table for one. Just because you’re by yourself does not mean you can’t enjoy a nice dinner out. Take a book to read or journal to begin jotting down your travel experience. If you’re staying with friend(s) offer to buy them dinner one night in gratitude of them hosting.
• ROAD TRIP – Instead of flying you may drive to your destination. If that is the case make sure to pack an ’emergency road kit.’ I would suggest a compatible phone charger for your car, a blanket, a road flare and a basic tire changing kit. Road side assistance is also a good thing to have in the event you are stuck on a long stretch of highway. Have some water and snacks on hand too because you never know how long you may need to wait for assistance depending on your location.

• LEAVE WORD – My number one rule when traveling alone is to make sure someone at home knows where and when you’re traveling. Giving them the dates of your travel, where you will be staying and when. It may seem like an unnecessary step, but it not only gives your loved ones piece of mind knowing where you will be and how to get a hold of you but it lets you travel freely. Freely in a sense that you don’t need to check in all the time, but you may want to anyway while waiting for your next adventure 🙂

Leave a comment below with any questions you may have on traveling solo!

Happy and Safe Travels! xoxo