5 essential tips for solo travel

Thinking about taking a solo trip? Then you'll want to read this!

It might sound a bit scary, but traveling alone is actually a lot of fun. And good for your personal development! Still a bit unsure if solo traveling is for you? Don't worry, those healthy nerves are normal! I found it super nerve-wracking the first few times too. The hardest part at first was the food. And by that, I mean eating out. Now, I'm a pro at dining out alone. I always bring my iPad and a magazine. There's nothing quite like flipping through the local Vogue or Elle magazine! Today I'm sharing 5 essential tips with you that have helped me immensely during my solo trips.

1. Prepare yourself well

Good preparation is half the battle, truly. If you're traveling alone, it's wise to prepare a little more thoroughly than if you're traveling with someone else or a group. For your first trip, choose a safe destination and thoroughly research the area. Are there many tourists in that area, and how safe is it for a woman to travel alone? For your first solo trip, I don't recommend traveling all the way to the other side of the world. Try it out first to see if solo travel is for you, for example, by taking a weekend trip. London to do on your own.

2. Plan ahead

Traveling as a couple or with a group makes it easier to fill your time and take spontaneous action. Traveling alone is much harder, and there's much more time to fill. The last thing you want is to get bored or run out of things to do during your solo trip. Research the local activities and outings beforehand so you don't have to plan them on the spot. Because you're traveling alone, you don't have to worry about anyone else. So plan plenty of fun outings!

3. Stay in touch with home

If you're traveling alone, it's important to stay in regular contact with your family and friends in the Netherlands, so they can be sure you're doing well. Plus, it's great fun to tell everyone about all the exciting adventures and fun things you're experiencing.

4. Be open to new experiences and contacts

I think a big advantage of traveling alone is that it's easier to connect with new people. Whether they're other tourists or true locals, it's simply fun to meet new people and keep in touch with them later, once you're back home. Be careful, though. Be open to new experiences and connections, but always think logically. No matter how nice everyone seems, unfortunately, not everyone is equally trustworthy.

5. Enjoy!

The first time might be a little daunting, but you'll find that solo travel has its perks! Traveling alone can be truly wonderful, so try to enjoy it to the fullest! Do what you feel like, take lots of photos, and go to bed as late or early as you like. Enjoy, girls!

Tip: Rome, New York and Copenhagen are great locations if you want to travel alone, especially for your first solo trips. If you want a bit more adventure, Thailand of course a fantastic destination!

What are your solo travel experiences? Share them with me on social media!

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TIP: discover more great addresses and travel tips in my books THE AMSTERDAM CITY GUIDE & WANDERLUST!

WITH LOVE,
ANNE