23 Tips Solo Travelers Absolutely Swear By Whenever They Embark On A Trip

Recently, we asked the BuzzFeed Community to share their most useful travel tips for all the solo explorers out there. Here's what they had to say:

1."Before you leave, make a plan for [in case] your luggage is lost or purse gets stolen. Bring a backup wallet with you and keep it in a separate bag; leave it in the safe in your hotel room if you have one. It should have cash, a credit card, and a form of ID (e.g. keep your passport with your backup wallet and your driver's license in your regular wallet). Think about what else is irreplaceable, and bring extras of those items, also stored in two different bags."

2."Embrace the freedom to do what you want, when you want. It's a privilege!"

—Anonymous

3."Decide how much social interaction you want before booking your hotel or activities. Some people traveling solo are excited to make new friends in new places. But others, the introverts among us, like to solo travel to be solo. If you're hoping to avoid socializing, scope out the best coffee shops, take out, or hiking trails online before you go. But always stay in touch with a friend or loved one and leave your location finder on. It can be intimidating, especially for an introvert, but it's also SO FREEING."

4."Especially as a solo female traveler, I am wary about drinking. Of course, I'm going to have wine in Italy and tequila in Mexico, but I always make sure I see it being made, and I never get past tipsy."

—yesbutalsonoway

5."Hostels are great to save money, but it's also how you meet friends to travel and go out with! I suggest meeting locals to hang out with using the CouchSurfing app, too."

6."Bring or wear a simple band or ring. I find I'm less harassed when I wear one on my ring finger."

—Anonymous

7."I live in Switzerland and usually travel alone to nearby European cities. I will book a hotel near the train station and at the old town. I travel for three to four days, mainly by foot. Safety is my priority. It is fun to travel alone, and it has always increased my self-confidence. Plus, I can go where I wanted to!"

8."I always have a notebook. I use the Moleskine pocket size. When I stop for a drink or dinner, I have something to occupy me as I journal about my experiences. I love reading back through them when I get home, too. Bonus, I seem to get very good service in restaurants when I'm journalling. I suspect they think I may be a reviewer!"

—rebeccajpurdy

9."Always tell a friend or family member where you're staying (address included) or what bus/train/etc. you're planning on taking so they know where to contact or find you in case something happens."

10."Think about different styles of travel rather than just the standard tourist trip. Volunteering can be a great way to meet like-minded people and get a bit more in depth into one area. Overlanding, you can travel further, and you will have a guide with you who manages all the organization day to day."

—alext4e3fc38a7

11."Know your way through the airport and get there early. Also, snacks and airport food are expensive AF."

12."This is super obvious, but if you travel often, don't check a bag unless you absolutely have to. I used to bring a carryon and a backpack or computer crossover bag that my purse easily fit into (so I'd technically only have one small bag and one personal item). Not only does it save a lot of time, you won't be trying to carry around more than you can handle."

"Having too much stuff becomes a literal burden. And even though I'm totally guilty of packing 20 pairs of undies for a three-day trip, you might surprise yourself with how little you really need.

Diaper bags and backpacks are also great and keep your stuff organized. They even have insulated pockets to keep snacks cool."

—mkatherinekelly

13."Solo backpacking (in the backcountry) is the only way to go, IMHO. Make sure you bring a satellite text and tracking device, and if something looks unsafe, turn around."

14."Have some extra money, so if anything happens (e.g. you need to change accommodation for any reason), you got yourself covered."

—soukelef

15."When you're in a foreign country, buy a local sim card to be able to use internet on your phone, to communicate, and use the GPS. Don't buy it at the airport. Instead, wait to get to the city you're visiting and get a much cheaper one in any regular shop."

16."I always bring a book with me everywhere I go, book a hotel or Airbnb in the more 'touristy' areas, find hikes that are going to have a fair amount of people in the area versus something secluded, tell friends where I'll be, and most importantly, am assertive. If I'm at a bar and feel uncomfortable, I will say so. If I'm feeling like I'm in a place that has my internal radar going off, I will leave. If someone is talking to me, and it's not welcome, I will remove myself from the situation."

"While I'm never rude, I also make it very clear that I will not compromise my safety for your ego (this is mostly geared toward unwanted male interactions). Plan ahead, trust your gut, but above all, HAVE FUN! Solo travel rocks and is something every female should do. Independence and adventure is empowering, y'all!"

—kohlmankathryn

17."I've been a solo female traveler for the past 10 years. I've traveled to all seven continents, all solo. As a female traveling alone, I have a few things I always do for safety besides sharing my itinerary with my son. 1. Book a room for two and get two keys when I check-in. This way both the person checking me in and anyone nearby isn't aware I'm alone. 2. When meeting people, I mention there is someone waiting for me back at the room or somewhere close by. While there isn't someone, the person I'm speaking to doesn't know this and doesn't think I'm alone."

18."For Americans, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the State Department when traveling abroad alone. It essentially makes access to your embassy/consulate easier for routine stuff like absentee voting, assistance with legal trouble/medical emergencies, and will notify you of warnings issued to US citizens in your area. Pretty sure you can also still register an itinerary so they know if you go missing."

—acappiello1684

19."Pack everything you want to [bring], then take at least a third out. I promise you don't need it, and you'll be grateful for the smaller or lighter luggage. Walk with purpose and confidence. People are less likely to mess with you if you look like you know what you are doing or where you are going."

20."Hostels are also a great way to find a 'buddy' for safety if you're gonna go out drinking or anything like that. That way you're both going home to the same place."

—mkatherinekelly

21."I only ever travel alone. My routine is to plan where I'm going to stay, how I'm going to get there, and I leave the rest up in the air. After all, the best thing about traveling alone is that you have no one to answer to. You can do whatever you want, when you want. So, while I always have some ideas about what kind of experiences I may want, I make my decisions in the moment. The freedom is glorious!"

22."A lot of major cities, especially in Europe, have a free walking tour. Do that on your first day in town. You'll learn what you want to see more of, what you can skip, and you'll probably make some friends. Just don't forget to tip your tour guide!"

—kobem

23."Carve out time to journal like the badass adventurer you are."

What other solo travel tips would you add to this list? Give us your knowledge in the comments!

Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.