1. Don’t know where to go? What should you do?
Whether you want to hit the beach, experience a foreign culture, or explore a new city, you’re not limited—because you’re a solo traveler. The only question is, how do you want to travel? If you prefer flying solo (literally), look for hotels and travel agencies that offer no add-ons. If you’d like some company, try group tours or team up with other solo travelers. For off-the-beaten-path destinations, join guided tours to stay safe.
2. Feeling unwelcome? What should you do?
Group travel doesn’t guarantee harmony with your travel companions, so a little research beforehand is essential. Consider group size—smaller groups make it easier to connect, while larger ones offer more potential new friends. Also, pay attention to the group composition—how many solo travelers are there, what’s the average age, and so on.
3. Too expensive? What should you do?
Travel agency packages come with too many extras, which can be a big expense for solo travelers. But from cruises to all-inclusive long-haul trips, there’s no extra charge for traveling alone. You can also save on hotel costs and put some money toward university dormitories off-campus.
4. Feeling bored alone? What should you do?
Traveling solo means doing whatever you want, without being swayed by others’ opinions—and that’s way better than group travel. But sharing new experiences can definitely boost your mood. Many travel agencies offer specialized solo travel services—you could learn to snorkel in the Red Sea, surrounded by a lively social scene where you’ll never feel bored.
5. Worried about eating alone? What should you do?
Sitting alone while overhearing waitstaff whisper and giggle is enough to ruin your appetite. The solution? Choose large resorts—whether it’s a spa in Koh Samui or an all-inclusive in St. Lucia. These places have fewer formal restaurants and public dining areas, so you won’t face awkward moments.
6. Shy around people? What should you do?
If you’re nervous about joining a group and talking to strangers, technology can help. Plan ahead with travel websites and search for solo travel services—you’ll find solo traveler clubs across the country. Resorts are stepping up too. For example, the Breathless Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic has its own mobile app, offering chat rooms so you can meet like-minded people online and chat at the restaurant or bar.
7. Over-planning? What should you do?
What’s the best part of solo travel? Creating the perfect trip tailored just for you. That usually means organizing everything yourself, but you don’t have to plan everything—just let a travel agency handle the boring details. Contact them, tell them you want a cycling trip across Europe, and they’ll arrange the itinerary, unique hotels, a bike, maps, and luggage transfers for daily meals and lodging. All you have to do is go.
8. Concerned about safety? What should you do?
With a bit of common sense, some research, and the right attitude, you don’t have to let fear dictate your actions. But for certain destinations, traveling in a group is the smartest choice—especially if you’re new to solo travel. For instance, Central America has many popular spots, but if you’re heading to Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica, or Guatemala, avoid venturing into remote areas alone.
9. Hate speed dating? What should you do?
Who wants romance when you just want to see the world? Solo travel is far from cheesy romantic encounters these days, but if you want to avoid any possibilities altogether, female solo travelers can opt for women-only trips. Some travel agencies offer global tours with varying difficulty levels—snap photos along the way, sail along the Turkish coast, or trek across Nepal.
10. Sick of PDA? What should you do?
Travel services with no extras are great, but if you don’t want to sit through endless couple displays, join a singles-only group tour.