Going on vacation alone? Here's what you need to know

Going on a vacation alone can be an exciting and liberating experience.

Envision yourself in charge of your own agenda, free to investigate without any restraints. As all solo travelers can tell you: traveling alone doesn't mean being alone, as you will have more opportunities to meet people than if you were with a group of friends or your couple.

Along the article we will dive into tips for having a great experience when on a vacation alone, including safety suggestions, how to meet people and great destinations for your next trip.

This solo adventure is not just about sightseeing... It's a journey towards self-discovery too.

Recommended reading: Top 5 benefits of traveling alone and How to travel alone and love it.

Reasons to go on vacation alone

Taking a solo journey can be an impactful experience, particularly for younger people who are managing their job prospects or seeking out fresh experiences. Consider why it could be beneficial to take the plunge and go on a trip alone. These are some of the main benefits:

The freedom of independence

Solo travel gifts you with an unparalleled sense of independence and freedom. As a solo traveler, you have complete control over your itinerary and schedule, from where to go to when and what to eat - you only have to agree with yourself. 

The joy is in making decisions that cater solely to your interests.

An introspective journey towards personal growth

Your journey on a vacation alone extends beyond just physical exploration; it becomes an introspective journey towards personal growth too, as you will have plenty of time for yourself without the influence of external voices.

Each challenge faced helps build resilience and confidence in yourself.

A gateway to meet new people and make friends

The fear of loneliness is the main reason that stop people of having a vacation alone, but all to the contrary, you'd be surprised how easy becomes meeting like-minded people and making friends while traveling alone.

Later on the article we will have an insight about this topic.

An impressive addition to your resume

It's worth noting, traveling alone doesn't merely serve recreational purposes; it adds significant value to your resume as well.

Employability skills like adaptability and problem-solving, honed through independent travel experiences, are appreciated by employers.

Moreover, volunteering during your travels offer tangible work experience and close contact with different cultures, an invaluable addition to your CV. This could potentially boost employability prospects upon return home. You can read about how to effectively highlight your volunteer experience on resume.

How to plan your solo vacation

1. Kick-start your solo travel experience with small trips

Start out cautiously if you're new to the thrilling world of solo traveling by taking short journeys before going on a lengthy excursion. Weekend solo trips or day excursions can serve as perfect introductions without overwhelming you.

You could try exploring a nearby city via public transport or take up hiking trails alone - these seemingly elementary steps are pivotal in shaping your future as an independent traveler.

Read these essential tips for traveling alone for the first time.

2. Choose the right destination for you

Your next move? Picking where on this beautiful planet you want to go. This decision should align not only with what interests you but also consider factors like local culture, language barriers, and safety issues when traveling alone.

Keep reading to discover 10 amazing destinations for a vacation alone.

3. Prepare an effective budget plan

Budget planning becomes crucial when traveling alone. Make sure to account for all potential costs including flights, accommodation, food expenses, along with emergency funds in case something unexpected happens during the journey. 

With the beginner's guide on how to plan your travel budget we have you covered!

4. Pack light and smart

Packing light isn't merely convenient, it's essential, since carrying heavy luggage may limit mobility and cause unnecessary stress during transit times. Include clothing suitable for the weather conditions at your destination, travel-size toiletries, and keep you most important documents like your passport in a safe place.

These articles will help you with that:

• The perfect minimalist packing list
• 7 Essential things people always forget to pack for a trip.
• The ultimate international travel checklist
  

How to meet people on solo trips

Solo journeys can be a life-changing occurrence, but that doesn't mean you have to spend your entire excursion alone. In fact, meeting new people and making friends while traveling solo often leads to the most memorable experiences.

Embrace an open-minded attitude

The first step in expanding your social circle during solo trips is maintaining an open-minded attitude. This means being receptive towards different cultures and perspectives that might push you out of your comfort zone.

A friendly smile, greeting and learning at least a few word of the local language goes a long way when breaking barriers with locals or fellow travelers alike. Remember, every person has their own unique story - show genuine interest by asking questions about others' experiences for deeper connections.

Consider staying at hostels

Staying in hostels is a great way to cross paths with fellow solo travelers from all over the world. These budget-friendly accommodations offer communal spaces and often activities that encourage social interaction among guests.

Don’t hesitate to strike up conversations with strangers, as most travelers in hostels will be more than happy to swap travel stories and tips.

Volunteer around the globe

A more immersive experience can be found through volunteering with Worldpackers, where you'll have the chance to meet locals and international travelers alike. 

Worldpackers is a platform designed specifically for those seeking meaningful travel experiences through volunteering abroad, provides another great avenue towards building connections during your trip.

The unique aspect about this platform is its emphasis on cultural exchange - volunteers get the opportunity not only to work but also to live alongside locals, giving them an immersive experience into local life unlike any other form of tourism.

Moreover, many hosts on Worldpacker are part of larger communities offering numerous chances to interact with various members, thus expanding your network even further.

Whether teaching English in schools in Thailand or helping maintain an eco-farm in France, every interaction becomes a chance to learn something new about yourself and others, as well as learning new skills, making each day truly rewarding both personally and socially.

On top of that, you'll save money while traveling, as all hosts provide free accommodation in exchange for your help, and usually meals too. 

How to postulate to be part of these projects? You just need to subscribe to the Worldpackers Community for free and start saving your favorite volunteer positions until you are ready to get verified. 

Read these articles to know more about the platform: Traveling with Worldpackers: your top questions answered and What is a work exchange and how does it work?

Safety tips for your vacation alone

Embarking on a solo trip is an exciting venture, but safety should always be top of mind. Here are some key strategies to ensure you have the best possible experience while exploring new destinations.

Dive deep into destination research

Gaining a good grasp of your destination can make all the variation in how effortlessly your journey goes. From local customs and laws to areas that might not be safe after dark, gaining insights about your destination will keep surprises at bay. 

Overplanning and overworrying are not the best allies of a solo traveler, but knowing important safety information beforehand is essential. Read travel blogs, ask on forums to other travelers that have been to your chosen destination, and look for local advice either online and on-site.

Maintain regular contact with your home base

Keeping loved ones updated about your whereabouts adds another layer of protection during avacation alone. Sharing details such as flight numbers, accommodation addresses, contact info at each location, and daily plans helps them track progress throughout this personal self-help journey. 

Careful management of personal belongings

Your belongings play a crucial role in ensuring smooth travels, hence managing these assets is of paramount importance. Keep important items like passports, credit cards, and electronics secure by utilizing hotel safes and lockers provided by hostels whenever available.

If planning to wander through crowded places, consider using anti-theft bags with hidden zippers and slash-proof material for added protection against pickpockets.

No matter how well-prepared one may seem, unforeseen circumstances can still arise. Thus, having reliable travel insurance becomes invaluable, covering anything from lost luggage to medical emergencies.

10 great places to go on vacation alone

The world is full of fascinating destinations perfect for solo travel. Here are ten countries that offer a unique blend of culture, adventure, safety, friendly locals and opportunities for personal growth.

Spain

Spain's rich history and vibrant lifestyle make it an exciting destination for solo travelers. 

Home to great food, warm weather and wonderful people, Spain is one of Europe's most loved tourist destinations. The country has a great variety of bustling cities like Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla, wonderful mountains and coastlines, but be cautious when visiting the busier cities like Barcelona as pit-pockets are quite common in touristy areas.

Try traditional Spanish tapas and paella, wash it down with some sangria or tinto de verano and take a walk along the beach - bliss!

Make sure to check out Worldpackers' work exchange and volunteer programs in Spain like this beautiful farm in Malaga and this holistic center looking for yoga teachers in Manresa.

Portugal

With beautiful beaches, historical cities and warm weather, Portugal has become a very popular tourist destination.

A good tip is to travel here outside of peak times to enjoy a quieter experience. Be sure to try the delicious Portuguese cuisine, relax on the beach or walk the streets of the cities like Lisbon, Aveiro and Porto.

Portugal is a great place for younger travellers who want an enjoyable, safe trip but without the high price tag compared to other European destinations. 

There are plenty of work-exchange opportunities in Portugal, from a surf-guesthouse to taking care of dogs in a local's home.

Plan your journey with the Portugal travel itinerary and the Top 15 best places to visit in Portugal.

Iceland

Iceland is really worthy of its name, as 15% of the country's surface is covered with ice. However, despite its name, the country also has a lot of fire: This destination features no less than 20 active volcanoes and amazing geisers.

Between the ice and the fire, Iceland offers its visitors some truly magnificent sights. Its capital, Reykjavik, is very charming, with many attractions and a busy nightlife.

Regarding safety, Iceland has the some of the lowest crime rates on the planet and is ranked number one in the Global Peace Index.

Experience local life in Iceland by helping around with general duties in a guesthouse in Reykjavik.

Japan

Japan is a fascinating country for a vacation alone. It is one of the most modern, yet has one of the longest and richest histories.

Spend your time exploring the metropolises of Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and more. Then head out to the countryside to experience the hospitality, history, nature, and wildlife of Japan off the beaten path.

Worried about the travel costs? Despite its reputation as pne of the most expensive countries in the world, is totally possible to travel around Japan on a budget.

From English teaching in Hiroshima to a farm experience in the countryside, there are many possibilities to volunteer in Japan.

Thailand

Thailand, a backpacker haven, offers a diverse landscape ranging from tranquil beaches to bustling city markets. 

Is a great place for a vacation alone due to its affordability, friendly locals, beautiful beaches, great street food, temples, and the opportunity to meet other travelers, as the country is full of them. 

Spend your visit snorkeling in Ko Tao, exploring markets in Bangkok, motorbiking through Pai's countryside, touring glittering temples in Chiang Mai and relaxing on idyllic beaches like Ko Lipe.

Get off the "Banana pancake trail" by volunteering in Thailand, opportunities include helping a Thai-Turkish family living sustainably in Chiang Mai's countryside and teaching English in a rural non-profit school.

Plan your trip: 10 best places to visit in Thailand and Where to stay in Thailand.

Bali (Indonesia)

Often dubbed as 'Island of Gods', Bali is one place that needs no introduction, being the undisputed number one tourist destination in Indonesia and one of the most visited places in the world.

Known for its vibrant arts scene and stunning landscapes, including terraced rice fields in Ubud, sacred volcanoes like Mount Batur, hindu temples such as Uluwatu, and top surfing spots - it never fails to leave visitors spellbound with its unique charm.

Have a local experience by volunteering in Bali, opportunities range from activities promoter in a popular hostel to English teaching in Bali's interior. 

New Zealand

New Zealand is an ideal place if you're looking to escape the busy cities and explore some natural beauty.

Perfect for outdoor lovers who like long hikes, not to mention, New Zealand is famous for its bungee jumping, so if you're not afraid of heights (or want to conquer your fear of them) then you'll want to make sure this country is on your bucket list!

The people are very down to earth and friendly, making it ideal for first time travellers. It's also a great place to start solo and make friends along the way, and then backpack across the country together making some long lasting memories.

Why not to spend a couple of weeks in this magical country? Check all the opportunities for volunteering in New Zealand, such as helping out at this super cool eco village in Paihia. 

Mexico

Whether you are there for its rich history, delicious gastronomy, or its jaw-dropping natural beauty you will not be disappointed.

Mexico's diverse geography offers something for every type of traveler. The country is home to stunning beaches perfect for sunbathing or surfing along both its Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Unique cenotes (underground sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water) are also a must-visit.

Inland regions boast lush jungles teeming with wildlife and towering mountains offering challenging hikes with rewarding views at their peaks. UNESCO World Heritage Sites sprinkle across the country reflecting thousands of years worth of civilization from ancient Mayan cities like Chichen Itza and Teotihuacan to colonial towns distinguished as "Pueblos Mágicos" (Magical Towns).

The local culture adds another layer of richness to this travel experience.

Lastly, affordability makes Mexico an attractive destination especially for backpackers working within tight budgets. 

Opportunities to volunteer around Mexico abound: Help with social media and content creation to spread the importance of local cacao from Oaxaca, and join a community created by women to help local women that are suffering from domestic violence, are just two examples.

Don't miss out the travel guides about backpacking Mexico and solo trip to Mexico.

Costa Rica

Full of natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and lots of backpackers, Costa Rica is very touristy for good reason.

Visit the beaches of the Caribbean Coast, hike volcanoes and swim in waterfalls in the interior, and go surfing on the Pacific Coast. There are plenty of work-exchanges in Costa Rica for those wanting a more unique cultural experience here.

Learn How to visit Costa Rica on a budget and How to master solo travel in Costa Rica.

Argentina

The locals in Argentina are known for their warmth and hospitality towards foreigners. They love to meet people from different cultures, making it easy to make friends during your stay.

Buenos Aires itself is one of Latin America's most exciting cities - its bustling nightlife scene guarantees an unforgettable experience for all solo travelers. From tango shows to nightclubs pulsating with electronic music, this city never sleeps!

However, Argentina isn't just about urban excitement; it also boasts some outstanding natural beauty that will take any traveler's breath away. The awe-inspiring landscapes range from the glacial expanses of Patagonia to Mendoza's sun-kissed wine region and the thunderous Iguazu Falls – each offering unique opportunities for introspective journeys as well as thrilling adventures. 

Its multiculturality is reflected from food to their physical appearance - the country has received big waves of immigration, especially from Italy and Spain, but also from Germany, Poland, Russia and as far as Syria and Lebanon.

Participating in a volunteering program in Argentina you will have a closer look at the countrie's fascinating culture.

Venturing out solo on holiday can be a transformative and rewarding experience. It's all about embracing the freedom to explore, learn, and grow on your own terms.

Meeting new people isn't as daunting as it seems. Hostels, local events, or platforms like Worldpackers are great avenues for making connections around the globe!

If you like these tips, follow Worldpackers social media to keep up with the news: we are on Instagram and Tiktok.