Travel Mistakes To Avoid When Traveling Solo
I honestly think that solo travel is fuel for the soul. It’s the best thing you can do for yourself. But just to let you know you will make mistakes along the way. It’s all part of the process. Over the years I have made many travel mistakes so I have decided to write this blog post to make sure you don’t go down the same path.
8 Travel Mistakes to Avoid when Traveling Solo:
1. Don't overpack:
Do you know those Dummies books? I feel they need to create a book called "Packing for Dummies". It has been trial and error to learn that I don't need all the clothes in the world and I'm still learning. But yeah seriously we don't need to overpack! It is one of the biggest travel mistakes you can make. The more minimal the better. I mean at the end of the day you will be traveling by yourself so you don’t need to dress up for anyone.
2. Making the mistake of not arranging a taxi:
I think arranging a taxi is safer than jumping into any kind of taxi. There are definitely ways and means around taking a taxi and feeling safe. Here are some tips:
Arrange a self service taxi with your accommodation to pick you up from the Airport or from the attraction you are visiting
Ask for women Taxi drivers
Check to see if there are shuttle buses that take you to your accommodation
If at all, book accomodation in the center where there is plenty of public transport. It may be more expensive but it’s worth paying more when it comes to your safety.
3. Don’t eat in a touristy area:
I learned this trick from Nomadic Matt. Avoid tourist spots because they charge extra. Sometimes you have to walk a bit further to get affordable meals which is worth it trust me. (Unless you’re hangry.) A few years ago I visited the Abba Museum in Stockholm. It was a lot of fun but a salad there would cost me €23!! I love Abba but I wasn’t paying €23 for a salad. I mean Mamma Mia! That is too expensive! I don’t even like salad!
After a bit of time searching, I came across a place where I got a meal and a drink for only €12. So you see it is worth walking around. Also, another great tip is to look for early bird menus or places that have meal deals.
4. Don’t disrespect another Countries Culture/Tradition:
The one thing we need to learn about when traveling to different Countries is that every Country has a different belief, culture, and tradition. For example, in a lot of Countries, you need to cover up certain parts of your body to enter a temple. Now you might be thinking, yes, of course, that is just common sense. But I have seen a girl try to enter a temple in Thailand where her shoulders weren't covered.
The guards at the temples were not happy with her and under no way, or under any circumstances were they leaving her in until her shoulders were covered. Also, I don't know if you know this, but it is offensive to touch a Thai person's head. The head is considered sacred and the cleanest part of the body in Thailand.
So as you can see each Country is different and it's important that we not only respect it but also learn about the culture. It would be one of the foolish travel mistakes to make. I think this is one of the great things about traveling though. Learning about a new culture, tradition, and in general how other people live differently to yours.
5. Do not schedule or fit everything in:
When I first started traveling by myself I was doing my best to try and fit in and see everything. It was one of the biggest travel mistakes ever! You are left feeling exhausted and drained, which isn't great if this is the only annual leave you have all year. Don't worry you don't have to tick it all off your bucket list. You can always go back and see it again.
I find a trip is always better when you're not rushing and racing. It's better to relax, take in the sights, take it all in general and enjoy the location you are in. You will come back from your trip feeling happier and fulfilled.
6. Don’t stay in a sketchy Hostel:
Hostels were never really up my street. But I decided to give it a go and it turns out I regret not staying in a Hostel sooner. Hostels are a great place to meet other solo female travelers. I recommend choosing a Hostel quite carefully though and here are my tips that will hopefully help you in deciding on a Hostel.
Search for Female only dorms
Search for Female only Hostels
Look for Hostels that are designed like Hotel accommodation. There are accommodations out there that call themselves a Hostel/Hotel.
Read the reviews from other Solo Female Travelers. Do they say they felt safe in this Hostel? Do they mention that the locks in the door felt safe?
There are a lot of Hostels out there that make it their best interest at heart to make sure a solo female traveler feels safe at all costs. Solo female travel is becoming more popular by the day so it wouldn't surprise me if there are going to be more and more female-only Hostels in the future.
Here are some Female only Hostels to check out:
Enchanted Girls Backpackers, Thailand
7. Don't be too polite or too trusting:
Of course, we always want to be nice to people, but sometimes that doesn't always work out and we can be used or even targeted if we're too nice. Of course, it's important to make friends and you will meet some lovely people abroad who are just doing the same thing that you're doing, which is traveling solo in a new Country. But if something feels off about a person you just met then always make sure to listen to your gut.
8. Don't take a late night flight:
Taking a late-night flight as a woman isn’t a great option. I once made this foolish move and I did not feel safe. Thinking back now I honestly would have slept on the Airport ground rather than take a taxi in the early hours of the morning. It may have been uncomfortable but it would have been tons safer.
So if at all avoid a late-night flight. I know some airlines don't do early flights which is a bummer but search the whole internet first. Surely there has to be an early flight somewhere. If not then look into maybe another Country nearby? Europe is great for this. This will be kind of great because you get to see another Country. Like killing two birds with one stone.
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