How to Travel Solo

Tickets
- When we travel alone we sometimes have no idea where we want to go. Even if you do know, these ticket finding tricks can help you choose flights at optimal rates. I enjoy using apps and websites like Google Flights, SkippedLagged and Skyscanner. These platforms allow you to search flights from your home airport. You can choose the time of year you’d like to travel, and select “Anywhere” as the destination. You will see a list of domestic and international flights with their prices.
- After you check these platforms, if you feel more comfortable booking directly through the airline it tells you, do that. Otherwise book directly with the 3rd party platform I mentioned above. This helps them run their awesome business!
- Make sure you type in your Name, and Date of Birth exactly how it appears on the Identification Card you’ll be using to travel.
- Sign up for that airline’s free rewards program so you can start or continue to build mile points !
- Purchase the flight with a travel rewards credit card if possible
- Purchase insurance and/or flight upgrades if possible. This will give you peace of mind in the event you need to change your flight, add bags etc.
- Double check your email is written correctly for easy delivery
- Save the email confirmation
- Check-in to your flight at your earliest convenience. You can check-in up to 24 hours before your trip.
Accommodations
- Choose a Hotel, Airbnb, Vacation Home, Hostel or Family Home. This should be in a location not too far from the airport, but most importantly close to all the things you plan to do. So take a look at Google Maps to plan out your excursions.
- Use your airline’s miles program to book your accommodation. This way you are getting miles for your hotel stay as well ! If a rental is necessary for you, this is also an option.
- Ensure you look at the reviews for any hotel, Airbnb, hostel or vacation home you plan to stay in.
- Call them to make sure they have an active phone line.
- Make sure you can find their address on Google maps. Make sure they have a reputable website.
- For Airbnbs or Vrbos make sure they have multiple positive reviews and the host is responsive via the app. Always have a backup plan just in case as these are personal homes.
Packing
- This truly depends on how long you’ll be traveling. So I’ll make it general.
- Make sure you have a small carry-on/personal bag and a larger carry-on and/or checked bag.
- Have at least 2 pairs of underwear for each day you’ll be traveling.
- Put 2 of the fresh underwear in your carry-on bag. You’ll want to be able to change if your trip is long.
- Put your toothbrush, toothpaste, travel size soaps and toiletries (hair care, shower and grooming stuff) in your carry-on bag. You’ll be grateful to freshen up. Keep a little towel in there as well.
- Pack a first aid kit. Some bandages, gauze, disinfectant, ointment, and over the counter pain, nausea and digestive medicine. Also Feminine hygiene products like pads, tampons etc.
- Pack some non perishable snacks ! Crackers, fruit cups, applesauce, protein bars, etc.
- Check the weather and pack clothes that fit that climate!
- Pack 1 to 2 outfits per day. You may start the day with an outdoor excursion and then go to a nice dinner in the evening.
- If it’s their rainy season you may want to bring umbrellas, rain boots and waterproof gear.
- Pack sunscreen, bug spray, a flashlight and a portable charger for your devices. Pack a small security camera for your hotel room.
- Remember you can not bring full size bottles of liquids in your carry-on. They must be travel size. 3.4oz or less.
- Pack the larger bottles in your checked bag. Ex: perfumes, sunscreen, bug spray, hair products.
- Always bring a swimsuit, even if you don’t plan to swim.
- Pack Pajamas and socks 1 per day is good, you may be able to use them for 2 days.
- Bring at least 1 good pair of walking sneakers.
- Bring at least 1 pair of nice going out shoes. Ex: Dress shoes, heels, elevated sandals, loafers, etc.
- Bring beach/ pool shoes. Even if you don’t go swimming you may want these shoes for the shower or a spa.
- Bring a little blanket, comfort item and neck pillow
- Pack a tracker for your wallet like an Apple AirTag. Put it in the wallet before you go !
Airport
- Arrive to the airport at least 2 hours before your flight. If you know it’s a small airport and a low volume day, 1 hour before boarding may suffice.
- Check-in your flight virtually before you arrive at the airport. Purchase any bags you need before you get to the airport.
- Have your wallet with your identification card easily accessible for you, but not for thieves.
- Keep track of all your items as you’re going through security. Know how many security bins you’ve used.
- Gather and Re-organize your belongings before heading off to your gate
- Check to make sure you have ALL of your important things. Ex: Identification Cards, Boarding Pass, Phone, Wallet, Electronics, Keys if you brought them and your Luggage.
- Make sure you double check the airport signage that your departure gate matches the one on your ticket. Sometimes flight gates change so you need to be aware.
- If it says a different gate, double check it’s for the correct time, location, airline and flight number. If all matches up go to the gate the airport sign says.
- Try to find seating near your gate.
- Do not leave your luggage unattended at anytime
- Do not leave your boarding pass unattended
- Charge your devices, eat some food, get some water, use the bathroom and download some entertainment.
Flight
- Be sure that you have the correct amount of bags per your ticket. Many airlines are very particular about this and it can cause delays and additional costs.
- Review your seat assignment as you are boarding your flight. You should be scanning the seats as you approach to find an open cabinet for your carry-on.
- Once you find your seat, collect the things you want for in-flight entertainment and stowaway the rest
- Get comfortable and buckle up
- Pay attention to the in-flight safety demonstration.
- Airlines will offer snacks and beverages. Most airlines provide them complimentary, a few require payment. However, you’re always able to order more for a price.
- Many airlines will also have WiFi for a price. And some will have free tv shows, music and movies available on your in-seat television screen.
- Reminder: Turbulence is normal. Don’t panic, relax and think uplifting thoughts.
Check-in at location
- Landing in your vacation destination is very exciting!
- Before you disembark, remember to check for all your items. (Phone, ID’s, Wallet, Keys, Electronics and Luggage)
- Turn off airplane mode. Turn your location services on. Tell your friends or family back home you’ve landed and share your location with them. Send them your hotel information and tell them your planned method for traveling there.
- If you haven’t already, get a little bit of local currency. Not too much as the airport conversion rates and fees will be higher than the local ones.
- Look for signs that describe transportation. Are you taking public transportation? A Hotel Shuttle? A Taxi or Rideshare Service? Now that you have local currency you can pay the amount everyone else is paying.
- Once you arrive at your accommodation, tell your trusted folk back home.
- Go to the front desk, politely greet them and tell them the reservation name and date.
- Inspect your room, and begin to unwind. Remember that hotels and vacation home hosts have spare keys. You want to use all the locks provided when you sleep. You also want to set up your room camera to catch any theft or intrusion.
- Pray and manifest inside the room. Clear out any toxicity from the previous guest. Welcome in protection and an abundance of happiness.
Excursions
- Get to know your hotel zone the first couple hours or day. Utilize all those fine amenities you are paying for.
- Check your hotel for any specials they have. Many hotels offer shuttles to nearby attractions.
- Choose at least 1 excursion per day. After all we do have 24 hours. You’ll be grateful you truly got to see the local attractions.
- Get a picture of you at each excursion. Even if you aren’t really a photo person. The memories are worth it !
Safety
- Keep your documents safe and secure. Some people prefer to keep their documents on them at all times. Some people like to use the hotel safe or their own safe. It truly depends on your comfort. Just remember where you put it, and check on it everyday !
- Use security cameras for your accommodation.
- Use the locks provided
- Keep a protective device nearby while you sleep.
- Keep your location services on.
- Check out my article How to Build Your Self Security
Return
- Reflect on your trip! Review the pictures. Thank yourself for coming on this journey. Embrace yourself for exploring and having a great time.
- Triple check you have ALL your documents, phone, wallet, keys, electronics, chargers, luggage and souvenirs.
- Check-out the hotel and pay any outstanding balances that may have incurred.
- Arrive to the airport about 2 hours before departure.
- Post your pictures and encourage other people to solo travel as well !