Episode 14 | All About Solo Travel
It is so good to be back with you after my six-week break. During those six weeks, I traveled to Jamaica and then just needed some extra time to rest and recharge. I hope you enjoyed the past few weeks and some of our favorite throwback episodes. I am excited for more solo and guest interviews coming your way soon.
Today I want to talk about solo travel. This has been a highly requested topic so I wanted to do this episode for everyone that has reservations about solo travel, are thinking about solo travel, or maybe you got back from a solo travel trip and are thinking that you got this all wrong. Solo travel is a hot topic because not everyone is going to be down for the trip and the budget that you may have. In this episode, I am going to give you some tips on why you should do it and how to make the most of it.
Show Notes:
[02:06] Solo travel is a hot topic.
[02:32] My mother is my travel role model.
[04:43] Even as a divorced single mother, my mother always set aside time and money to prioritize travel. She showed me how to do the same.
[05:06] When I was twelve I traveled solo for the first time when my mother sent me on an eight-day tour in Mexico with me on an educational group trip.
[06:17] Traveling solo is very popular now with our generation.
[06:47] First, you want to identify the right destination.
[07:26] Don’t focus on where to go too long – just choose a place.
[07:35] According to Travel and Leisure Magazine, a few of the top destinations that they recommend for solo female travel are Seattle, Barcelona, Spain, Melbourne, Australia, Washington D.C., and London, England.
[10:17] I took a trip earlier this year to Cabo San Lucas and it was a solo trip. I didn’t really need to leave the all-inclusive resort. I also made sure not to go off the beaten path or go out at night to be safe.
[10:43] It is alright to revisit a destination that you have already been to before that you are already familiar with to ease any fears.
[11:05] Once you identify your destination you want to have a plan. Do some research and have an idea of what you want to do before you go. Knowing before you go is key on a solo trip. Make all the reservations for excursions in advance.
[12:00] The best thing about traveling solo is that you are not on anybody’s timetable but your own.
[13:38] Don’t be afraid to casually chat with other people. You never know who you will meet and how that will enrich your travel experience. Be open and friendly.
[15:13] Be safe. It is so important when you are picking these destinations that it is safe and recommended for tourist travel.
[15:42] Take all the precautions necessary to keep yourself safe. When you check in at the hotel ask for two keys and tell them somebody will be joining you later.
[16:45] Always have a way of communicating. Keep your phone charged when you are out and about and have a portable charger.
[17:07] If you are international, it is important to still have access to your phone. Whether that means getting an international SIM card when you get there or if your phone has roaming services.
[17:51] If you are traveling internationally, it is very important to download apps like WhatsApp. You can communicate with the locals on WhatsApp.
[18:56] Don’t be out late at night. If you know it is going to be dark, try to arrange a cab beforehand.
[20:22] Do not heavily rely on Uber in foreign countries. I highly recommend using taxi services particularly ones that partner with your hotel.
[23:227] Solo travel can be very rewarding. Everybody should try solo travel once.
[23:52] Let me know what were some of your favorite solo trips.
Links Mentioned on the Show From Toya:
Travel, Pray, Slay Podcast
Travel, Pray, Slay on Facebook
Travel, Pray, Slay on Instagram
Travel, Pray, Slay on Spotify
Toya on Twitter
Travel, Pray, Slay Merch
Travel, Pray, Slay on YouTube
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