Travel Solo and Rediscover Yourself: 10 Tips

By Gwenn Voelckers

“Oh, I could never do that!” exclaimed an old friend of mine I bumped into recently. She was reacting to my enthusiastic account of traveling by myself to Paris this past September.

And, she was right of course — she will never experience the fun and fulfillment of traveling solo, as long as she holds onto that attitude.

Traveling alone, just like living alone, requires the right frame of mind for it to be successful and enjoyable.

But why travel solo in the first place, you might ask.

Why go to Paris alone?

Why not grab a friend or two and make it a shared experience?

And to that I answer, because the potential for self-discovery and savoir-faire that comes with solo travel is absolutely priceless.

While I’m not suggesting an exclusive diet of solo travel, I am encouraging those who live alone (and even those who don’t) to consider this occasional mode of travel for two really good reasons: you’ll gain confidence and you’ll gain wisdom from your experiences.

For me, solo travel is a journey of growth and empowerment, much like the adventures depicted in “Eat, Pray, Love.”

Below are 10 tips to make your solo experience safe, enjoyable, and memorable:

1. Adopt the right attitude: It starts here. You can do this, even if a spouse or partner took care of travel plans in the past. Solo travel can evoke powerful insights about yourself and your life.

Many discover that they are more capable, wiser, and self-reliant than they thought.

2. Start small and close to home: Ease into solo travel by taking short overnight or weekend trips to nearby destinations to build your confidence.

3. Follow your heart when choosing a destination: Let love be your guide. Do you love the beach? Cities? Food and wine? Outdoor adventures? Select a destination that aligns with your interests and desires.

And ask yourself: What do I want to get out of my trip? Relaxation, physical activity, cultural immersion, personal growth? Design your trip accordingly.

4. Plan, plan, and plan (and budget!): I started planning for my Paris trip two years prior to take-off. I opened a Paris savings account into which I weekly (and automatically) transferred money from my checking account.

Then, the research began — the fun part! I scoured the internet, purchased travel guides, talked with friends, and delved into everything Parisian. Voila! My itinerary took shape and I booked my flight.

5. Carefully select accommodations: While rentals can offer a more local experience, I recommend hotels for solo travelers. For transportation, consider utilizing limousine services or rideshares for safe and comfortable travel, especially during nighttime outings or in unfamiliar areas.

Take a close look at hotels with onsite cafés or courtyards where you can connect with other travelers. I’ve met wonderful people that way and picked up excellent tips for what to see and do.

Hotels also provide added security, convenience, and helpful services for solo travelers. I always let the front-desk staff know I’m traveling alone and welcome their recommendations for dining, excursions, and transportation. If you’re looking to elevate your experience, staying at a luxury resort spa not only offers enhanced relaxation but also personalized wellness treatments, creating the perfect blend of comfort and indulgence.

6. Keep safety a priority. Just as I do at home, I steer clear of unsafe areas, trust my instincts, and walk with confidence. In Paris, I dress to blend it and avoid looking like a tourist.

I know I’m doing something right, when other travelers mistake me for a local Parisian and ask for directions. There are safety tips galore on the web. Check ‘em out!

7. Stay connected: Sharing your experiences by phone or social media with friends and family can enhance your solo adventure.

It allows you to capture special moments and share your excitement. It also adds a layer of safety and peace of mind when others know of your whereabouts.

8. Pack light and smart: I learned this lesson early on. Waiting at a baggage carousel or hauling a heavy bag through crowded streets was not how I wanted to spend my time in Paris.

I bring a very small carry-on roller bag and a day tote for when I’m out and about. Rick Steves is my trusted travel guru. Find his packing tips on Ricksteves.com

9. Explore and immerse yourself: Embrace the freedom of solo travel by trying new things. Immerse yourself in the local culture, try new foods, and engage with locals. Join guided tours and activities to meet like-minded travelers.

I’ll never forget the midnight “rain or shine” bike tour I booked in Paris. As soon as the group assembled, the skies opened up. Disposable rain ponchos were quickly distributed and off we went in the pouring rain.

It’s one of my fondest and wettest memories!

10. And finally, importantly . . . pace yourself. Trying to see and do too much can be exhausting and unfulfilling. A more relaxed itinerary – focused on what matters most to you – enables you to appreciate your chosen activities and sites more deeply.

It will also leave room for spontaneity and personal reflection on your solo journey. This way, you’ll be able to savor each moment, create meaningful memories, and return home feeling refreshed and inspired.

Are you on board? Ready to take off?

Whether it’s a one-day, a weekend or weeklong adventure, I encourage you to go it alone and embrace the joie de vivre that traveling solo can inspire.


Editor’s Note: We recently featured Gwenn’s travel adventures in the May-June issue of “55Plus” — www.roc55.com. Her article included tips for solo travel, which we also wanted to share with readers of “In Good Health.”


Gwenn Voelckers is the author of “Alone and Content: Inspiring, empowering essays to help divorced and widowed women feel whole and complete on their own.” She welcomes your thoughts on this column as well as topic suggestion for future essays at gvoelckers@rochester.rr.com.