What we'll cover
Tips for solo travel
Unique perks of traveling alone
Solo travel safety precautions
Feel the urge to roam but don't have anyone to accompany you? Solo travel is growing in popularity, and it's totally possible to take a trip on your own while remaining safe and having a great time. If you're thinking of embarking on your own solo adventure, make the most of independent travel with these tips:
1. Share your travel itinerary
When you go it alone, it's important to let a trusted friend or family member know your whereabouts. Share crucial details, including dates, accommodation information and your flight number. You might even share your location via your phone's GPS. That way, your loved ones can reach you if there's an emergency back home. And if something goes wrong on your trip, it helps for someone back home to have accurate information about your plans.
2. Make an emergency plan
Despite your best intentions, sometimes the unexpected happens. Be prepared for snags — whether it's lost luggage, illness or someone back home needing help. You want to be sure you have contingencies in place when inevitable mishaps arise.
When you go it alone, it's important to let a trusted friend or family member know about your whereabouts.
3. Consider travel insurance
To put your mind at ease, travel insurance could offer another layer of protection. Comprehensive travel insurance covers a broad range of situations from cancellations and interruptions to bad weather, lost luggage, medical care and more. You can also consider the following types of coverage:
Rental car insurance
Flight insurance
Medical coverage
Carefully analyze your choice to decide what works best for you.
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4. Be flexible
Did your flight get canceled? Raining on your beach day? One of the joys of solo travel is answering only to yourself, so have a backup in mind in case plans fall through. For example, if the walking tour you were eyeing is sold out, indulge in your desire to wander the city on your own, with no one else to weigh in on where you go or how long it takes.
5. Secure your valuables
You don't want to lose sight of important items like your wallet, passport and cash or valuables such as jewelry and electronics. Keep them in a secure location like the safe at your hotel.
Keep as little cash on you as possible, and always have a backup credit card or other method of payment in case your primary card gets lost or stolen.
6. Do your research
Checking out your destination online before you arrive applies whether you're traveling alone or not. But when you're in an unfamiliar location by yourself, it's even more important to be armed with information:
Check out reviews and forums to get a sense of how safe it is to walk alone at night, for instance.
Research transit methods so you know where you're going, and assess whether public transportation is convenient and safe for your plans.
Take extra precautions when taking a taxi or rideshare. Note the license plate, enable GPS tracking if possible and confirm the price before agreeing to the ride.
Solid pre-travel research will also help you make the most of your vacation. Arrive with a list of must-see attractions, restaurants and activities. The only person's preferences that matter are yours. If you want to dance all night and sleep the next day away, no one is stopping you. On the other hand, if you're of the mind that the early bird catches the worm (and the best sunrise views over the nearby mountaintop), you're free to do that too.
7. Create a travel budget
Traveling alone means you won't have someone else to share in the expense. But on the other hand, you can create a custom budget that accounts for your vacation goals. Create a bucket in your Ally Bank Savings Account so you can save up for all your trip expenditures. Don't forget to build in an extra cushion for those unexpected costs that may pop up.
Travel alone with confidence
There's a lot to like about taking a trip by yourself. Enjoy the peace and solitude of being on your own, or make it an adventure with the goal of meeting new friends along the way. All you need is a little preparation and your wanderlust, and you're ready to take on solo travel.
