6 solo travel secrets you never knew

Travelling alone – leaving the comfort of your home all by yourself – can seem daunting, for sure. But solo travel is like an investment in yourself. It’s scary, exciting and liberating all at the same time. It’s the ultimate way to learn about yourself. 

Travelling solo will also teach you valuable lessons about yourself like what you value, how you cope with stress, how you communicate, your preferred climates and the type of people and places you really ‘vibe’ with. 

So what’s there to know about solo travel? We’re taking a look at the 6 secrets no one ever told you about travelling solo. 

#1 Eating alone feels uncomfortable at first, but it gets better

Solo travel means eating in restaurants alone at times. 

And if you’re not used to eating alone, it can feel awful at first. Your self-consciousness might kick in and the worry that people are looking at you sets in. There is actually nothing even remotely strange about eating alone. People do it all the time. 

Eventually, you'll get the hang of it. There is bliss to be found in quiet moments by yourself. And if you’re a fan of people-watching, dining alone is the best way to do just that!

Prepare for your first few times out by yourself by following these tips:

• Read a book or bring along a journal.
• Bring your phone and catch up on social media or with friends from home.
• Visit during off-peak hours.

#2 You will not regret investing in a tripod

Capturing wonderful moments and new core memories may be your favourite sentimental souvenir from your travels.

But it can be tough to capture yourself in these photographs when on a solo travel trip. Especially if you aren’t comfortable asking strangers for photos! 

A tripod is your best friend! Asking other people to take photos of you can feel very uncomfortable and even silly, but with a tripod, you don’t need to rely on anyone else to get the perfect photo.

#3 You will discover kindness and generosity

If travelling shows us one thing, it’s that it restores your faith in humanity. People can be really kind – and solo travellers can rely heavily on the kindness of strangers at various times. 

There will be times when you need to reach out for help. And most travellers will be willing to make you feel at ease. 

You will most likely encounter exceptional hospitality and individuals eager to assist you in purchasing tickets, carrying your baggage, giving directions, or even making phone calls in their language.

#4 Small talk is going to happen – often

You will engage in a lot of small talk, whether it's introducing yourself to the group of people seated next to you at the beach so they can watch your belongings while you take a dip or chit-chatting with the servers at the nearby restaurant. 

And it can quickly become exhausting. So if you’re introverted or just ready to change it up, think of some talking points or questions to ask others.

You’ll learn to have better conversations. You’ll learn to find small bits of interest in the people around you. You will also learn to avoid the monotony of small talk. 

#5 You’ll get to know yourself better

The best way to get to know yourself is to spend time with yourself. Solo travel allows you to explore your limits and hone in on your intuition.  

You learn to be patient with situations that are beyond your control (such as delays and inclement weather) and to avoid wasting your patience on things that don't warrant it (such as certain attitudes and intolerance, for example).

You'll gain confidence, a greater sense of independence, and the ability to express your likes and dislikes.  

#6 It’s so addictive

You'd think that travelling would help you get it out of your system. But that is just false!

When you first start travelling or at the conclusion of your journey, you are always thinking about where you want to go next.

Speaking of planning your next trip, read all about 7 of the most unusual and unique things to do in South Africa or discover the best beaches in KZN.

Travelling is the most addicting habit imaginable... That is truly beneficial to you! So book that accommodation. Buy those tickets. 

Our top titbits of advice for every solo traveller:

Don't book accommodation without checking reviews

Read reviews and book with caution. Your accommodation is, after all, going to be your temporary home. Check for security features and get in touch with the renters if need be. 

PSSST! All of our self-catering units come highly recommended by previous guests. Check out our reviews. 

*TRY* not to overpack

Overpacking can be a really easy thing to do – but remember, you have to carry it all on your own!

Bring the essentials, plan your outfits (we suggest researching a capsule wardrobe) and don’t bring your entire shoe closet. 

Be ready with a mini first aid kit

Travel with plasters (band-aids), pain relievers, anti-nausea medication, allergy meds, antibacterial cream, bug spray, anti-itch spray, and more. Each of these things will come in handy and they won't take up much space if you do it right. 

Give someone back home a copy of your important travel details

Make an itinerary with your flight numbers, hostel names, etc.)  to give to a worried mom or friend so someone knows where you’re at in case of emergencies.

Just go

If you're waiting for someone else to join you, you'll be waiting forever. There's also something liberating about being able to travel on your own schedule rather than attempting to please everyone else.

Need more inspiration to travel? Check out our other inspiring blog posts.