Complete Guide to TRAVELING SOLO Your First Time

Great video! You said you try to get to the destination when check in opens but you’ve also said it’s best to take 7am flights.

What if my 7am flight takes me to the country at 10am? Thank you!

I've done 8 cruises (four this year 2023) as a solo. Yes, the solo supplement is a huge PAIN but I don't allow it to deter me from cruising. I will book a solo cabin or inside to save on costs as my stateroom is just a place to lay my head and shower. I've made friends on cruises that I'm still in touch with today and tons of activities that I can enjoy as a solo traveler.

I'm more of an extrovert and have nearly 20 years of experience traveling solo. Yes, there are times I can feel lonely but I keep myself busy with activities that I enjoy and like to do group tours to connect with others. Interestingly you mentioned Maui being more of a honeymoon destination. I actually planned tons of activities and tours so I had no time to feel lonely - it was one of the best trips I've taken.

The video should be how to travel with someone else that’s much harder

Thanks Chris.

Thanks Chris for another great show. Was the Sony camera you mentioned the one you use to shoot your walk throughs and all your other videos? I'm thinking of buying something of quality for my proposed trip. Cheers.

Working that luggage/those bags as a solo.....

There's nothing that identifies you as a solo traveler more than being out in public and struggling to keep your luggage and bags contained. This last trip, I found an item that was a godsend...and that's a luggage bungee system. The one I used is on Amazon as "travelon bag bungee", but there are a number of styles to try. Then practice with it at home before the trip... I had a rolling carry-on, a laptop satchel, and a CPAP tote that all fit on my wheelie, full-size suitcase with the bungee. ,I came to be able to put it together instantly, and (other than short-lived difficulty with cobblestones) manuver around wonderfully -- totally looking like I was a pro (and thats the key to solo traveler safety).

Considering solo travel but still worried about that first step? Try a short cruise.
*There is a lot of safety on the ship.
*There will already be plenty of activities to keep you busy, and you can stay with an activity or leave it and join another or just walk at any time.
*If you find someone nice to chat with.. chances are you'll see/find them again.
*Heading off the ship can be as private, as connected (excursions) or in-between (follow the crowds as they walk off into the ports and vere off as you choose) as you like it - in the moment.
*Enjoy the things you might worry about if you were out somewhere on your own (instead of the Vegas Strip as an example:: have a drink or two, gamble, go to a lounge in the evening - knowing that you don't have to walk off into the dark night on your own ... but instead, you are already "riding" on your hotel, and you just hop back into the safety of your room.
*Cruise ships are beginning to Consider solo travelers or people with individual interest more often than they used to. There are meet ups for people who are traveling by themselves or of specific interests (a great way to meet and chat with folks who speak your lingo. examples of meet-ups seen on my last cruise: auto enthusiasts, crafters, veterans, fitness folks, knitters, world travelers, board games, gardeners, photography, pickleball or specific sport fans..meeting at the sports bar, card game lovers, etc). They are also offering solo travelers to go to the fancier dining areas by asking... would you like to dine alone or with others (who have already agreed to welcome others to their table).

Not into cooking... try a salsa making class. Anyone can make a decent salsa... so you are chatting while you are making something that is pretty well fool-proof (and healthy <-bonus) and chatting at the same time

I go on a lot of experience with road trips (and flying and renting a car), but going to Europe making me more anxious. I think it's there are more differences. I do more towns or small cities (some of my favorites in the US-- Durango, Flagstaff, Moab, Taos, etc). When I'm between places I always stay at a chain, but I do like B&Bs, but airbnb, another story. I have found off grid places here in NM. And if you can't get in for some reason, and cell service is spotty, you done. It's happened to me 3 times, and I had one good but odd stay. Guy was super nice and he made his stone house all by himself. Oddest little place ever. Oh yeah, Best experience--if you want to see a National Park in the US, hire a private (just you and your group) or semi-private (6-12 people unrelated) guide if you can afford it. You get off the main drag and they often super experienced. Best experience--Yellow Guide in Rocky Mountain National Park. He took me on a great hike where we were virtual alone for two hours (were passed 4 people). Pricy but worth it. Also done private tours of Everglades; Moab; Yellowstone; Colorado springs, etc. all were fantastic.

I am a solo traveler. I tried bus tours, but much prefer going solo. You can do what you want when you want without waiting on anyone. If you you want to spend half a day in a museum, or only 5 minutes in a shop, go ahead. I ❤ Solo Traveling.

I don't understand the stigma that still surrounds solo travel. I have friends who are in their 40s and never been away alone and find the concept strange as they've always had someone to go away with and find the idea more daunting than it is. Speaking for myself on the other hand, if I'm not prepared to go away alone then I would never go anywhere. All my friends live in different cities and usually also have their own families, schedules and different reasons to get on a plane.

I get so much more done when travelling alone as well and enjoy the peace that comes with solo trips. They're just much easier. Travel for longer than a weekend can put a lot of stress on even the most longstanding friendships. If I want to go somewhere I just book it there and then. The most difficult part is getting the time off work. The only downsides for me are eating alone/nightlife and sharing accomodation costs but as I get older I don't want to share a room anyway.

I try to take one solo trip a year to someplace amazing. If I traveled with other people I would have to consider what they wanted to do. But, solo I can go where I want when I want and spend as much time as I want photographing places. I like to have a general plan of all the places I want to visit which helps determine the length of my trip which are usually 10-12 days. I want to know where I'm going to sleep each night so I make reservations. And I like to have my own transportation. I also usually have an extra day built into my trip just for the unexpected. And I try to take it at my own pace which is pretty leisurely these days. Traveling solo is a great experience and more and more people are doing it these days.

I travel solo most of the time. Its fine but I do get lonely sometimes. The accommodation I use at my destination have their own shuttle service so I get picked up and taken straight to my accommodation from the airport so I don't need to catch a bus, taxi or train. It also costs me nothing because ive stayed with them so often. They also take me back to the airport. It saves me €80 Euros.

Chris, you give great info for women regarding the fact not all countries care for them as they should. Very commendable of you.

Awesome Chris, I recently decided to venture out on my own. I'm not working now and as a single fellow I'm considering dipping my toe in the water. Your info is going to be a great help.

Come on people, be a people person not a pariah ...

Where can I get a pocket Wi-Fi when I Rome?

Great info Chris! Maybe it's the Mexican in me but i always feel safe everywhere I go 😊

I’m traveling in Thailand right now. I downloaded the Grab app for transportation. I used it just to get an estimate and for those taxis who didn’t want to start the meter, I just told them how much I would pay. Worked great. Used it with the tuk-tuks too. I also wrap my purse strap around the chair leg or table leg. I never put it on the back of the chair or just on the table, even if it feels like a safe area. Great video.

I received my Level8 suitcase today! Thank you! Such a great video and giveaway!

Question for fellow explorers, and Chris of course. Two weeks off in September, solo trip…If you could pick; Japan, Singapore or Thailand? I know there’s a lot of variables involved. Just curious what others think!

Mainly, I'm travelling alone and in my opinion it is the best you can do for yourself

Use the local tourist information websites before you go and email them for suggestions. I’ve just done that with Western Australia tourism and they were super helpful

Here’s the way I see it:
Business trip, solo is best;
Pleasure trip, solo sucks; especially if you have a compatible travel partner that you could share the experience with.

With early arrivals or late departures, you should ask the hotel you've booked in to if you can come and drop your bags off (if it's before your check in time) or if you can leave your bags there (if it's after the time). I've never had a hotel that's had a problem with either option.

I used Shaka Guides audio tours in Hawaii and it was really good! They recently started adding National Parks to their lineup too. I haven't taken one yet, but I've got them all downloaded and ready to go.

I’m thinking of going on a sole trip so I really appreciate your tips and tricks!

I am a introvert person but I have a teen introvert that does love traveling with me on road trips or other places. My extrovert husband isn't always free to travel with us so it's myself and her often. Having that co pilot is helpful for snacks and such. I will be traveling back to San Diego in a few months solo in order to assist my mom in moving. I have been deciding what I will be bringing since I will be driving a moving truck by myself. I've heard that Europe has some nanny luggage type services for holding luggage. Best beer is Yebisu - you should go to their museum and try some when your in Japan next - close to Ebisu station - if I recall. You can bring Spunky Princess, we brought our 6 year old at the time.

LOVE THIS VIDEO! i'm taking my first international flight solo this year. Thanks buddy.

How hard could it be? Whatever you're doing, just buy one ...flight, ticket, dinner, whatever.... and yes I've done it any number of times!

Love traveling alone 😊adventure at any moment, I decide!

As to the question about Cairo or Egypt: google
does Egypt confiscate cameras
as it appears that there is some confusion about whether you truly can, or can't, or can with a fee, and can take to public vs. private places.
I am ignorant, but it SOUNDS like they disallow commercial users, not personal travelers. (If so, what about vloggers?)

Chris, which is more dangerous? SKid Row or Tenderloin in San Francisco?

I was literally just thinking this morning about doing a solo trip to hawaii . I’ve travelled solo to USA before but I have a lot of friends there . Never spect a week anywhere on my own before .

Thanks Chris. I’m doing Bangladesh by myself this September

I’m an introvert and don’t mind traveling alone. The hardest part for me is dining alone.

Knowing where to go is really good in looking confident and less like a tourist but if you are going somewhere when the way is complicated I recommend getting the directions on your phone map and put a headphone in (wireless will hide nicely). It will allow you to hear the directions without being stuck on your phone.

I travel mainly solo. I am an introvert slow pace traveller. I like travelling at my own speed and spending afternoons in the accommodation to relax after sightseeing for few hours in contrast to most people I know who want to be out from early morning to late night and see as much as possible in one day. I usually go backwards - I will research destination I want to go to, attractions, budget, dates to be off work and then I ask if anyone in my family or friends circle is interested. If no one is, I don't hesitate to just book everything to go alone.

I traveled alone in Australia for months and learned a lot on the road. I wish I knew so much more before I had gone lol.

I always travel alone and it's better than travelling with friends because you get to meet more people and you have more independence on what you want to do and where you want to go.

Nice city

I used to be a professional tour manager for many years and one of the highlights of each tour were the cooking classes in Italy or France. It was always a fun thing for the group to do and increased group dynamics positively and the hosts often offer wine while you cook!

As a Solo Traveler you have great tips!!! I can tell you're definitely an expert!!! Great live stream 😁

Super video 👍

Hi Chris. Great info for solo travelling. Got some great info for the next time I take a solo trip. Thanks for sharing and take care.

I love traveling alone to see the Dodgers play away from Los Angeles.