Traveling Alone? Solo Guide to Exploring New Cities

Traveling alone can seem intimidating at first, but exploring the world solo can be one of the most rewarding ways to travel. While it may take extra effort to push yourself out of your comfort zone, once you’re ready to hit the town and try new things, you’re bound to have a great time on your trip. Read on for the best ideas for traveling on your own.

1. Take Public Transportation

It’s likely that you’ll make arrangements for your transportation before arriving to a new city, but don’t count out going the public transportation route. While taking a taxi or ride sharing may get your from point A to point B, spending time on public transportation will allow you to see your surroundings in a way that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to.

Traveling like a local will allow you to see the most intimate areas of the city and show you a different side of life than you’d see if you were in a car. Additionally, taking public transport is significantly cheaper than going with an alternative.

2. Ditch the Itinerary

Itineraries are helpful when traveling, but don’t treat them like the holy grail. Take some time to divert away from your carefully planned itinerary to truly live in the moment. The more you familiarize yourself with this new city, the better the opportunity you’ll have to explore. Don’t restrict yourself from seeing everything you can by sticking to your pre-arranged itinerary.

When preparing for your solo travels, leave large blocks of time in your schedule for the unexpected. This will leave room for last-minute changes to the itinerary like staying an extra day or getting lost in all the sights and sounds of a new town. 

3. Let Yourself Get Lost

Just as you want to give yourself free time to explore, don’t be so determined to follow the map either. While it’s important to know how to get back to your hotel and where local police stations are, getting lost in a new city is one of the best ways to learn more about it. This willingness to get lost will allow you to see a new city for what it truly is rather than choosing to stick to the same tourist traps other travelers frequent. 

As you prepare to take your trip, familiarize yourself with the area as much as possible. Even if you are hoping to get lost in a new town, make sure to have maps pre-downloaded on your phone, as well as your GPS apps. In the event that you need to find your way back to your hotel or Airbnb ASAP, you should have a plan to do so. 

4. Get Social with Strangers

While it’s important to be aware of your surroundings while traveling, to truly experience the best parts of a new city, you’ll need to befriend the locals. Strike up conversations with strangers to learn what life is truly like in your new city. 

In addition to sharing their unique perspective of their city with you, locals are able to recommend all the most authentic spots for you to visit on your travels. Similarly, one conversation with a stranger today may turn into a connection with a new friend for the rest of your life. Establishing a budding friendship with a new friend will make it easier for you to come back and visit in the future.

5. Try the Food

Some people that travel choose to stick to food they are already familiar with. Though there’s something comforting about finding your favorite food halfway around the world, it is equally as important to make it a point to try new food while on your travels. While you may not be used to all the new cuisines you are exposed to, the more you learn about a city’s food, the better you’ll understand their history. 

Though you may not develop a taste for everything, you’re bound to find one or two dishes that you fall in love with. What better way to enjoy your time away than to add a few new dishes to your collection of favorite meals?

6. Get Souvenirs

Souvenirs aren’t just for flashy tourists. While you should likely avoid the cheap magnets and opt for a more personal souvenir, choosing to get a memento of the city you are visiting is a great way to commemorate this special trip. Whether you take hundreds of pictures or you purchase a handmade piece of art from local artisans, having something unique to the city you are in is a definite must on any solo trip.

7. Spend Time with Escorts

One of the best ways to enjoy yourself in a new city is to spend time with an escort. Instead of spending another day of traveling alone, consider getting to know an escort. These companions make it easy for you to experience all the fun in the city with a beautiful woman by your side. These charming beauties are up for a night on the town or spending a quiet evening at a bar talking about life. 

8. Take Day Tours

When trying to stay off the beaten path and see more of the city you’re visiting, you’ll still be taking in a new city on your own. That’s where day tours come in. With a guided day tour, you’ll be able to learn much more about the area around you and you may even meet a new friend. 

Before leaving to travel on your own, research the best day tours in the area. In some cities, day tours can book up quite quickly, so be sure to buy your ticket ahead of time. 

Solo travel is just as fun as traveling with friends and family. Keep this guide in mind the next time you have to take a trip by yourself. With these eight tips, you’ll be traveling like a seasoned pro in no time.