10 Tips for traveling alone

I spent four weeks alone in Thailand in 2024, backpacking.

I had great experiences and would like to encourage everyone to take this step. With a few preparations and tips, your trip will also be a great experience!

1. You are the main person when traveling alone

You can do whatever you want! You don't have to fulfill any expectations or obligations. You can be yourself, be free.

2. Don't plan too much and be bold!

Plan a few things, but make sure that you don't completely plan every moment of your vacation. Allow yourself the time to live a little in the day. After all, you're on vacation. Get involved in new things, try things you may never have done before. Plan your most important sights and to-do's.

3. Book your hotels in advance

Many backpackers simply set off and book their hotels spontaneously on the spot. But you can also book everything in advance. The thought of wandering around and then taking an overpriced hotel, or perhaps the fear of not finding a hotel, really doesn't have to be. Book the hotels if they make you feel better.

4. Go on excursions

Thailand in particular offers countless excursions. Take a look at the offers on site and book one or two excursions. They are really worthwhile, and of course you automatically get to meet and talk to other people.

5. What do I like to do? What do I like to do to pass my time?

Thinking about this and taking things with you on vacation is not a mistake. For example, if you like reading and listening to music, pack books and headphones. That way, you might finally be able to do the things you don't have time for in everyday life.

6. Eating alone is not bad

Sitting alone in a restaurant, café or bar? In Asian countries in particular, it is often possible to sit and eat at a bar. They are really set up for people to eat alone, it is much more natural there than here. If you do feel uncomfortable, take a book with you. It's just as easy to pass the time on your cell phone, or simply watch the people outside on the street. Or simply sit at a table with other people. Try it out and you'll see that it's not bad at all!

7. Stay in touch with friends and family

How easy it is to stay in touch with our loved ones these days, thanks to the Internet. In many countries, the Internet is much better than here. Video calls are possible almost everywhere without any problems. There are also forums on all social media platforms where you can get in touch with other solo travelers.

8. You may be alone, but you're not lonely

That's a big difference. You may be traveling alone, but you are far from lonely. Get involved in new encounters and conversations. And above all, don't be afraid to converse in another language.

9. Be safe

Copy your important documents and pack them in another piece of luggage. I also think it makes a lot of sense to store your documents in a cloud so that you always have access to them if necessary. This gives you a reassuring and secure feeling.

You should also always pay attention to your gut feeling. It's always possible to get into unpredictable situations and get a queasy feeling in your stomach. Pay attention to how you feel and react, trust your instincts.

10. Travel with light lagguage

We all know it! Most of the time we have far too much with us, unnecessary things or packed too generously. Really limit yourself to the bare essentials! If you're traveling alone, you need to be able to carry your rucksack or suitcase on your own. If you really have forgotten something or still need something, you can always buy it if necessary.

Travel light... I don't just mean your clothes. Leave everything else you don't need at home. Your worries and everything else that weighs you down. Take the opportunity to look ahead, dare to do something, go out into the world and experience something new!