6 Tips for travelling alone: flying solo is greater than you think

Posted February 7, 2020

by Lauren – Astor Museum

Pack light

When you’re travelling solo, you’re most likely going to be carrying your own bags, so leave behind the things you’re taking ‘just in case’ as you most likely won’t need them! There’s a reason why most travellers suggest taking half the belongings and double the money! YOU’VE BEEN WARNED.

 

Plan (but not too much)

Before you take off on your trip have an overall idea of what you would like to do and what of the sights you want to see and divide this up day by day. Don’t pack your days too full, leave room for spontaneous pit stops, long lunches and by making friends in the hostel, you might just get some tips you’ve not thought of yourself. Your fellow hostel mates may know some cool activities and places they have been that could be great fun.

Also use the staff working in the hostels, as they will have a great knowledge of the city and more on local spots that may interest you, especially if you’re looking for something different than your ‘standard tourist activities’.

 

 

Meeting people isn’t hard

Solo travel doesn’t mean being alone 24/7. Free walking tours, alternative walking tours and Pub crawls are a great way to make new friends. If you say in a hostel you will certainly meet a big group of like-minded travel junkies from all over the world.

Making friends in big cities can be exciting, use the hostel as a base to explore the city, there are many solo travellers just like you! The staff in your hostel will always be able to tell you which tours and nights out are the best, and SAFE! You can meet fellow travellers and locals easier than ever!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2KNzynFJcc/

 

The internet is your friend

From keeping in touch with friends and family back home to meeting new people and keeping in contact with them whilst travelling, stay on the web. You can get tips for what to do, how to book them all and save money.

The internet is great for solo travellers, from social media for inspiration to bloggers for amazing top tips, so try and stay in hostels like Astor where WIFI is free. If you feel like you don’t quite know what you’re doing, google is a trusted friend!

 

Get involved in daily activities and events in the hostels

Daily activities are a great way for travellers to get together, you can easily make new friends and have amazing & fun experiences in a new city! Don’t be scared or intimidated, most other travellers will be feeling the same as you, so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, we double dare you, say hello to a stranger and see what happens.

 

Pick the right hostel for solo travellers

Choosing the right hostel is key for making friends and meeting other solo travellers and for feeling and staying safe. There are a few things you should look for when picking a hostel that will make it much easier to meet people and for you to be comfortable with your environment.

A pro tip is to stay clear from the big hostels that have hundreds of beds, this can be overwhelming to the best of traveller. Although there are a lot of people it will not be as friendly and intimate as you might hope and the dynamic is much less interactive.

Secondly, invest your time before you book to always read reviews. Pick a hostel that has friendly staff, convenient locations, good amenities and what extras they have to make travellers feel at home, such as daily events or free food. 

Thirdly, make sure you pick a hostel with common areas, such as lounges, kitchens or bars. As you will likely share a room with others it is nice to get off your bed and be able to speak to others from different dorms and a change of scenery.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7ypkxDnLWU/

Communal areas are great social spots where you can hang out in the hostel and get to know your fellow travellers and staff. When hostels don’t have common areas, it can be very isolating and makes it hard to meet anyone that is not staying in your room.

Lastly, try picking a hostel with nightly events or community dinners. The wrong choice of hostel can make or break your trip, even in the best of cities, so why not save yourself the time and hassle and take our word when we say ASTOR IS THE WAY!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0Msz7DA-V0/

 

Featured photo @solmorr

SHARE THIS: