Newly divorced and approaching my 40th birthday, I asked myself, “Where is the one place I’ve always wanted to go [and never been]?” The answer came readily: Italy. I’ve been a cheese lover my whole life, and eventually pasta and cream sauce too. I studied four years of Italian with Signor Bruno Morelli in high school. My first solo trip would be to Italy. Keep reading for my top tips for solo travelers.
My first solo trip to Italy
Photos clockwise from the top left:
- boats speeding in a canal in Venice
- Michelangelo’s Pietà in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City
- love locks in Monterosso al Mare, Cinque Terre
- pesto-filled gnocchi at the Mercato Centrale in Florence
With my Rick Steves guidebook and worn Italian-English dictionary, I did my research and bought my tickets (and hoped the train conductors wouldn’t go on strike). It was my first time traveling solo, where I wasn’t meeting fellow dancers for workshops or a tour. I booked my trip to Venezia, Roma, Firenze, Cinque Terre the summer of 2015.
When I arrived in Venice, I tripped in front of a line of visitors waiting to get into St. Mark’s Basilica at the Piazza di San Marco. I flushed pink in embarrassment, but then I realized that I would never see those people again. With that thought, I raised my chin and continued with my Italian holiday, leaving every 2–3 days to catch the train to the next city. It was tiring and exhilarating. I’ve embraced solo travel ever since. Below are my top tips for solo travel.
View from the porthole window of my room at the Hotel Royal Saint Michel in Paris
Top tips for solo travel
Do your research
My detail-oriented (even meticulous) nature likes to plan. Usually, I start searching possible travel spots a year in advance. Preferring comfortable spring-like weather and less crowds, I look up the best time of year to go. I check Google flights in incognito mode (so my computer doesn’t save the cookies—which raises the price when you search again) to get an idea of airfare. I explore if there are any festivals or annual events I’d want to catch while there (if so, I usually plan around it).
Hotel vs Airbnb
I usually look at hotels first. As a female solo traveler, I feel safer being with more people. Hotels may allow early check-in or have luggage storage, so you can drop off your bags before sightseeing. There are some cities that are just expensive, e.g., London and Montréal, so I opt for Airbnb instead. When booking at an Airbnb, I make sure that I will be staying alone during my stay (with no other guests or the owner). I read up on reviews, usually go with those labeled “Guest Favorite” or “Superhost” and try to see if there are any solo traveler reviews. I pack a portable door lock to install, in case there is no deadbolt on the front door.
Download an Offline Map in Google Maps
On my trip to Paris, I didn’t have a cell signal and only remembered my Métro stop. Although I had studied the map and knew my hotel was close to the station, I got lost. It started raining and I even went to the police station to try to get help, but they couldn’t guide me because I was staying at a smaller hotel they didn’t recognize. After wandering around for almost an hour, I finally found it. I’ve since learned to always download an offline map of the area I’ll be visiting before leaving home.
Transportation to/from the airport
I’m very much a city girl who grew up riding public transportation (BART, bus, ferry) in San Francisco and now the (subway, bus, train) in NYC. I prefer to take public transportation to and from the airport of my destination city. Most big cities that attract tourists will have an option (go to the airport’s website). It’s usually much cheaper than a cab or Uber (if available). I also think it’s safer because other people will be riding it, and less chance of being swindled by a local cab driver (especially if there’s a language barrier). It’s a useful introduction into that city’s transportation system, which I try to utilize during my trip.
In a trip to Montréal, I discovered the Transit app. Once downloaded onto your phone, you can pull it up in most cities (I’ve used it in Chicago, Montréal, NYC). With your location on, it automatically pulls up the public transportation nearby and gives you real-time estimates on when they’re anticipated to arrive at the nearest stop.
Pack light
I only travel with my carry-on roller bag and a backpack (even on international trips). My roller bag has the option to expand, if I want to check it in with souvenirs (usually food) going home. My rule of thumb is I need to be able to lift my bag over my head (which is why I exercise with light weights). While there are kind strangers who may offer to help, sometimes it’s just me on a train. Fortunately, there are gadgets now that help us pack more efficiently (I’m a fan of efficiency). When visiting tourist sites, I usually just bring my phone, ID, some cash, and hotel key. I leave my passport and other important things in the safe deposit box in my room or locked in my luggage, good practice for even non-solo travelers.
Post or let someone know you’re traveling
Although I have social media, I don’t post regularly nor do I talk to anyone on a daily basis. Before heading to Italy, my friend, Eric, asked me, “Can you please post so we know you’re alive?” I choose posting as a way to show family and friends what I’m up to and that I’m safe. For my solo travels, I also send a family member my simple itinerary: departing/arriving flights and where I’m staying.
Connect with locals and tourists
I understand how traveling solo can make us feel extra self-conscious. Remember how I tripped in Venice? I never saw those people again. Try to be bold and strike up a conversation, even if it’s just to ask a question. I suggest learning a few words in the local language (e.g., hello, thank you, excuse me, where’s the restroom). Knowing these phrases can be handy, but also makes a local more open to conversing. You can start with the workers where you’re staying or at a museum. They may offer you local tips. I’ve met other travelers on the same tour as me (and even exchanged info to keep in touch). You’re already brave for venturing to travel on your own!
Final note
The best part about traveling solo is learning more about yourself, i.e., how you handle things, what you enjoy doing (I never considered myself a museum person until I was in Italy), what you choose when you have freedom. I study what’s available in the area, but decide when I wake up that day what I want to do. My final tip for solo travel: don’t jam pack your itinerary; set aside time for wandering. You may just discover what brings you delight. I hope you come home empowered and energized for your next trip.
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