How I Plan My Solo Trips | Choosing Destinations, Creating Itineraries, Travel Hacks

[@allisonanderson]

What is your process for planning a trip? How do you choose your destinations?

[@LNelson882]

Choose a destination due to a fun special event that is unique to see usually other than the usual here the common tourist attractions

[@jazzminejackson9181]

I have several places that I want to visit in Europe. So, I don't know if I should just visit a few countries at a time. Maybe rent an apartment for a few months and then travel to different places from there. I'm still trying to figure out how to do it all.

[@lowlifeangler]

Book a couple different hotels in different locations instead a 6 nights / hotel. So I can cram alot stuff in one week, I just completed a road trip to Arkansas from Ohio. 6 nights / 3 hotel locations. Saw at least 75% of the state. Instead of 6 nights on some overpopulated beach. Seeing the same shit. 6 nights in decent hotels under $600 in Arkansas is not bad

[@peggybaggenstoss3817]

I’ve traveled alone many times. I’m also a former cross country trucker. I’ve traveled to Europe with friends We landed in Amsterdam with only a car reservation. We didn’t want to be tied down to being somewhere at a set time.

[@callanezequiel563]

you all prolly dont give a shit but does someone know a way to log back into an instagram account? I stupidly forgot the account password. I appreciate any tips you can give me!

[@maciekrudzik4999]

1. create a list of possible destinations 2. research best times to visit those destinations 3. check visa requirements & book flights 4. purchase travel insurance 5. create your itinerary 6. book your hotel 7. research & plan transportation 8. create a packing list 9. figure out how you will have wifi 10. send you itinerary to 2 people so they will know where you are

[@megamoreb0829]

Another good tip is to register the trip with the US embassy if you're American because they will send you emails with any potential threats to your destination and that way they will know you're there if anything happens. Just a good thing for extra safety!

[@Alyssa-ui7bf]

So smart!!!

[@samantharowley125]

Great advice! I would also add notifying your bank of your travel dates for purposes of using debit and credit cards, and also letting the State Department know of your travel through their STEP program, which is Smart Travelers Enrollment Program. This way they know the dates of your trip and where you're staying. You could mention government websites as well for safety precautions as well as vaccinations some countries may require.

[@JayLuhx]

I just booked my third solo trip for April! Colorado here I come! Eight days of pure bliss with nature!

[@YasmineAbdullah]

Enjoy! I was in Colorado (semi-solo, there to meet friends) and I had the best time!

[@allisonanderson]

Amazing! I've never been and it's on my list.

[@rachelbaylis1871]

Colorado is amazing! Hanging lake is the most beautiful place I've ever been!

[@jillianbarrieau4339]

I just booked my first solo trip to Denver for May 😊😊 Have fun

[@willsanchez8937]

How’d it go ? Planning my first solo now!

[@angievold7533]

Thank you so much Allison X! I am 43 years old and newly single and have wanted to go on a solo trip. I went on my first solo camping trip this past summer and loved it. You are very inspiring to me.🙏🏽

[@evaj3461]

I think it's the coolest thing ever that your husband is supportive of you doing solo travel. 😭❤😭 Great tips! Thank you so much. Mexico here I come!

[@Dana-rt3zw]

OH MY GOSH HI! I used to watch your makeup tutorials years ago in high school and now your video came up searching information on solo travel. I'm jazzed, it is great to see you!

[@bebop504]

This video is right on time! I hit "like" within the first 5 seconds literally. Currently putting together a solo trip to Colombia! Spending a few days in Bogota, Medellin, and Cartagena.

[@darthvader7010]

I'm planning a solo trip to Iceland, Greenland, and Ireland. hope you have a dope solo trip!

[@allisonanderson]

So exciting!! I've been looking at Cartagena recently and it looks so beautiful! Have a great time!

[@allisonanderson]

@@darthvader7010 Wow you are in for some stunning scenery! Awesome!

[@nishadbalachandran1183]

Am planning a trip to Abkhazia... Anyone interested ? To join me.. contact me [phone].. just whtsp me .. time passer's plz leave

[@shrimp611]

I’ve done a lot of solo travelling (almost all my big trips have been solo in fact) and I love the freedom it offers me to do whatever I want and have complete control over my vacation without compromising for anyone else. I tend to go places that are a bit cheaper when you get there so I never have that spending guilt when I get there but these also tend to be places that are a bit less westernized so I feel a bit out of my comfort zone early on. My trick is to book in a group tour (Intrepid and their sister companies, G Adventures and Dragoman are my go-tos) so that I have some instant friends and people to do things with and a local guide to tell me all about the country. At the end I usually add on a few extra days at the end destination or somewhere nearby (Borneo went to Singapore afterwards and after a tour through Bolivia and Argentina I stayed in Buenos Aires afterwards). It’s a fantastic way to see a place and they’re great for solo travellers!

[@Intothesunset89]

I’d say I’m a pretty seasoned traveller but always love hearing about how people plan for travel

[@mck_belle]

I'm taking my first solo trip in 2 weeks! I'm going to Seattle and I'm so excited 🥰 I'm doing a group hiking day at Olympic National Park and I'm super excited to meet new people!

[@Szepedaxo]

McKenzie Leslie I’m planning a solo trip to Seattle! I’m really nervous because I don’t know where to stay or how I’ll get around!

[@mck_belle]

@@Szepedaxo I'm staying at an Airbnb! The lady I'm staying with gave me a bus schedule, and I'll also probably take an Uber every once in a while!

[@richardginesjr]

Seattle, WA is on my Bucket List! Enjoy Sam & McKenzie.

[@allisonanderson]

A group hike is a great idea! I should sign up for one of those, that sounds really fun.

[@andreas_adventures]

I love Olympic NP! It’s so pretty!

[@richardginesjr]

I'm glad I came across this video! As a Solo Male Traveler, this really sharpened my tactics!! In 31 Days, I will be in Savannah, GA as a Solo Traveler!

[@vikkueh]

Could you make a video about eating out when traveling alone? I really feel awkward about going to a "real fancy" restaurant when I'm by myself. Any tips on getting over that or what the best places to eat out are when traveling alone! Love your videos! Greetings from Germany!

[@thuururuu2]

I think the biggest tips I learned about doing things alone is that you should never care about what other people think! Don't miss out on doing amazing things just because you don't have anybody to go with, you might really regret it! I learned the hard way by missing a concert of my favorite band because my friends didn't want to go with me and I regretted it so much. Months later another band had a concert close to me so I decided to not depend on others and go alone, and i had a great time! In relation to traveling, i guarantee there will always be someone alone too and you might even make new friends, so don't miss out on those opportunities because you're afraid people might stare and judge if you're eating alone at a restaurant, you'll never see them again anyway, so just enjoy yourself!

[@tsaiathome]

I have been travelled solo for 4 years now, once you get a hang of it (or get hungry enough), you really don't care about eating alone. But, to get started, little cafe is always a good choice, there are a lot of other solo diners, so you won't stand out. Or try to eat at odd hours, like having lunch at 2 pm or having dinner at 5 pm, there are less crowds, and you won't feel so awkward. 😉

[@WinnieK97]

Everything is all in your head! Similar to gymtimidation, no one is looking at you or making fun of you. You perceive these things because of the spotlight effect but in reality you’re just a human being exploring the world and improving on yourself and that is more than enough.

[@SoKelly]

Girl! Tell yourself you’re a boss lady, get cute, & make your reservation. 💯

[@mariedrapalova7365]

Go to a place thats self serve as opposed to having to he seated and attended by a waiter. Thats usually more casual. If you want fancy order room service. Or if you really want to go to fancy place in person then use online dating a get a date;) even if you are not looking.

[@backpackingtony1779]

Great video! Sorry if I'm not suppose to be here I wanted to add my method. I don't ask myself what I want to do or see. I ask myself what I want to experience. Do I want to experience culture, beaches, cuisine, history, etc. I plan my budget and destinations by searching "my destination country" and find a backpacker blog about it. They travel the same way and style as I do. I look for free walking tours of a city. There's no tickets or reservations needed the guides work for tips. This way the tours are really good and you get to meet other backpackers and travellers. I never have a concrete plan. I keep my plans fluid. Normally, I have an idea of places I want to go to and see. I tend to meet other travellers and they'll share ideas for me I never knew existed.

[@floatinghearts59]

I'm currently saving up to plan for my very first solo trip (hopefully by early next year) and these tips are spot on!! All my questions on female solo travelling have been answered.. Thanks Allison! Have always wanted to go on my very own solo trips and you just inspired me more to do so 💞

[@ThisBlondeLife]

Where do you plan to go for your solo trip!?

[@wiktoriakozlowska4762]

I went for a solo trip to Spain last year and I stayed in a hostel but I didn’t like it at all, I like to stay in a nice hotel and have a room for myself

[@amel9625]

Hi!! I’m planning to go to Spain next year, is it safe there and which city did you visit if you don’t mind me asking?

[@jessicabellingham8142]

Love it. I solo traveled a lot when I studied abroad and have been wanting to get back to it ever since. Looking to plan something for early next year and this is giving me all the inspiration!

[@tanyaa5655]

I’m 21 and I booked my first solo trip I leave tomorrow!!! I’m super excited but also nervous 😭

[@Hope.endless]

How was it?

[@casseamoore4876]

Any tips ? Of any other documents I’d need to travel to Mexico other than Fmm form and passport I’ll be 21 next month as well and I’m so lost

[@minfires7572]

SAME! I just booked my first solo trip and I just turned 21

[@nurseintheuk]

I love the very last tip - send your itinerary to a friend or family member! ❤️ very helpful. Doing my FIRST solo trip in 3 weeks whew!

[@Cclaudia228]

This is such a well thought out video - thank you! I am curious to know what your husband thinks of your solo travel and whether you two are planning on going to some of the places on your travel list!

[@Pinkbubblez77]

You have definitely inspired me to go on a solo trip and not be afraid! Love your adventurous spirit!

[@Louisa15]

Wow, this was immensely helpful! Not only for solo travelling but just in general. So many so obvious things I've never thought of before.

[@wiktoriakozlowska4762]

In 5 weeks I’m going alone to South Korea and I’m starting to get very nervous. Your video will definitely help me ❤️

[@joiab11]

Hi! I want to go there too! How inspiring that you're going alone. You go girl! Are you going to Jeju island?

[@wiktoriakozlowska4762]

joia b I’ll be mainly staying in Seoul but I’ll also visit Gwangju and Gangneung. I don’t think I’ll have enough time to go to Jeju this time but next time I’ll go for sure

[@ThisBlondeLife]

Have a great time on your trip!

[@dls300]

Your information is the best of anyone's that I have seen!

[@BronwynAlexandriaa]

only thing holding me back: money. ):

[@azulblu8463]

Gurl you can do it, this sounds cheesy but don’t let money hold you back, save up as much as you can! Give up the little things in order to have bigger things👏🏽 deciding whether or not to eat out for 20$ prioritize what’s more worth it going out every weekend or going on a trip 🤷🏽‍♀️ I’m broke too lol but traveling is my priority tbh

[@Scentcozyco]

Ok,thats is the same mindset i had before i started travelling,toptip i have,is use Booking.com on a private broswer,so you get the cheapest hotel prices possible,and use skyscanner.com on a private browser,to get the cheapest flights possible,you can usually get flights from £10-£25 return

[@margiesvanmori]

This is great! I am building out a 1988 chevy van home to travel and work in film and tv and I have been worried bc I am a solo female traveler so I really want to make sure I take extra safety precautions. Thank you for making a video for fellow women. It can be a battle to be a woman in this world but we are so much safer if we have each other's backs

[@helenascribe210]

I've always dreamed about traveling on my own. I plan to watch all your videos so I can plan for my first solo trip.

[@sunny_dhende6289]

I'm with you on the t moblie, easy peasy! From one solo girl to another, safe travels n enjoy your journey!✌🌏🌷

[@nyaradzobere6711]

This video was probably the most helpful travel video I’ve watched thank you!

[@Jthegreat84]

Cheap flight + cheap and clean hostel = amazing vacation! 🥰

[@reddy2travel492]

I have traveled throughout most of SE Asia and the way I travel Solo is 1. Station myself in a good Hub city, 2. Get outside of the major City just far enough to get back fast if I need to travel to surrounding nations or be close to a small city with an International Airport in case of emergencies, 3. Do lots of excursions and off the beaten path trips by bus and or taxi, 4. Wing it when necessary. 5. Rent a Condo at your destination of choice and just unwind, or if you are only sticking around for a week or so look for a Hotel of your choice on Google, Air B&B is good if you like to be safe. I have traveled throughout most of Asia and do research on the internet or carry guide books. If you plan too much and are stuck on the itinerary and something goes a miss your plans all fall apart you have to be very flexible and change and go with the flow that is what I call extreme traveling, and its stress-free. Great video Allison. 👍🏼🇺🇸

[@ll.8590]

This video couldn't have come at a better time! I'm currently trying to plan a solo trip to Niagara falls!

[@ajkhalil123]

You’re the travel guru! This was such an informational video on travel. Please keep doing more videos about planning and packing for trips! Xo

[@theamethyst93]

I want to go to Sydney for my 27th birthday in February and I feel like that’s perfect because where I live it’s freezing cold in February, but in Sydney it’s summer!

[@jimmyacuapa899]

I just got back from Australia like a week ago if you have any questions or if you’re looking for suggestions.

[@Omni0404]

I'm so ready! I did a solo trip to Denver a few years ago to cut my teeth and now once Japan opens again I plan to visit.

[@Omni0404]

Hey there me-from-the-past! You did it, you sly dog

[@jesspaige4540]

Love this! Super well presented and great tips, when solo travelling its definitely a great idea to book at least 1 tour! I found I got super lonely on my first trip in Thailand as when I got there I realised there was mostly European tourists(non English speaking) and I'm fro Australia so I basically kept to myself for a whole week! I obviously went places on my own like out to eat, look at things, and to the beach but I then finally booked a tour boat trip out to Phi Phi Islands, still wasn't many English speaking folk but a few and obviously the guides spoke English, and it was just nice to interact with people and was one of my fav days! The part about staying in busy areas is great too! I definitely would have loved to stay somewhere remote but you can always go there during daylight for an adventure, its definitely important to be comfortable with your "hub" I stayed right in Patong beach in Phuket Thailand and I felt very safe walking around at night, well lit streets and people always around.

[@Theworldisdoom3d]

A hostel private room is pretty much gonna run you the same price as a low start hotel. At that point I'd suggest the hotel bc you'd have your own shower etc.

[@travellingironhat]

thx for the interessting tips. I am from germany and will be in the usa next year in february for round about 8 weeks alone.

[@Xocheer]

I never thought about making my itinerary before booking my hotel but it makes so much sense!

[@user-todaywe]

Thanks. I will share this video with my brother who wants to Solo Trips.😊 💕 I think it's good for someone who's hesitating to trip.

[@mzudsiri]

Wow this was just helpful for trip planning in general. 😭 I always get so overwhelmed and these clear steps were so helpful! Thank you!

[@allisonanderson]

So glad it could help! Thanks for watching.

[@ozany18]

I want to travel too but it will be my first time travel alone but I always fell nervous and scared too but watch this video it help me so much to have confidence to travel now . my friend say the same thing to me like I don't know language I get lost they think something go have to me. i always stop not doing it . I stop my dream going to south Korea

[@iiAngelic]

This is an awesome video! I do need to mention though that I have T-Mobile and no the international plan is not free. You are paying extra for it as part of your upgraded plan. The basic plan does not include international data.

[@Musicisheard117]

these are some awesome tips i'm planning a solo trip soon too! i'm nervous but more excited than anything.

[@MsHelgaess]

Great advices! Hostels are so much better than hotels, specially when traveling solo and they are usually much cheaper 🤗

[@allisonanderson]

Yes! A great way to meet people!

[@tenzindakpa7500]

Thank you for all your tips for beginners!

[@TxGirl_ty]

Awesome tips! Thanks for sharing. I’m planning my first solo trip now and I’m excited but very nervous.

[@bnzimusa]

Just visited antigua semi solo, Niagara falls and planning Iceland later this year both solo

[@jimmyacuapa899]

Great advice!! I would definitely recommend the arbnb experiences or viator for some great group tours and activities.

[@AsianGargamel]

Great advice, thanks for sharing 👍🏻

[@julie7937]

Thanks you very much for this video ! I just booked my next vacation week in Savannah and Charleston! that will be my first solo vacation and your videos ( especially this one ) are such a great inspiration for me ! 🤍

[@SkyKitten1]

This was very informational, thanks for sharing! I am currently planning my 2nd solo trip. Headed to LA to visit family/the national parks nearby (Death Valley, Channel Islands, etc).

[@shahzadaalihassan_vlogs]

I spent 2 months waiting for friends to jump but seems like now I have to go solo haha. Thank You for the tips.

[@gardenofe12]

You should give us an example of one of the solo trips that you traveled that would help us a lot !!

[@tnl830]

Such a helpful video!!! I’m loving all the solo travel videos on your channel, so empowering 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@delphinelesterlost3285]

I love solo travel, I can't wait to get out there again!

[@millieempowers]

This has been helpful! Thank you! I went on my 1st solo trip to Hawaii & it was spontaneous, but I had an amazing time there! However, Id like to plan out my trips, so that I can save $$ & be prepared!

[@xdrive300011]

This is a very good video. I like it very much. Thank you! You have so many exotic trips, why your husband doesn’t go with you? I need to plan some solo trip, because. I want to retire early, but my husband doesn’t want to retire early.

[@freda6214]

wait, what? You got married. How did I miss that? Congratulations! Love that you travel alone. I think I would do that, unfortunately, right now I don't have enough vacation time. Some day, some day...

[@courtneypine1330]

I wish I watched this rior. Booked a solo trip to Costa Rica. My first solo trip. Come to find out October is the worst time to travel due to weather.

[@adikulkarni7210]

Hey Allison, great video! Your channel is great and helping me a lot lately for solo traveling. 👍😊

[@nicolewilliams7508]

Love these tips! Thank you.

[@zulfiqarabbasi3995]

Tanks for knowledge

[@Looloowa74]

Thank you this one of the best lists ever

[@mandahall646]

Thank you! Great tips!!

[@mdajar82]

Can U make walk through video?like for example U pick Your destination and do exactly what You do in this video? Lets say You are going to Colombia and U pick what U will do there

[@marcogabrieldelpopolo7790]

Nice video!!Very well explained.Greetings from Argentina

[@megaprimegamer1184]

How do people get around when they travel solo? The biggest expense during travel is car rental and gas. Even a 2-3 day trip seems to cost 250+

[@moonmilkgalaxy]

Yass thank you! I asked about how you make your Itinerary so thank you girl love this~~

[@astrik111]

Love this! Great information. Thank you for sharing 🙏🏼

[@allisonanderson]

Thanks for watching!

[@AnaPaula-ro6yo]

I don't like looking for hotels, there are too many choices it is a very time consuming process, that is one of the important reasons I go for hostels if I am travelling alone. Hostels are also very nice, in many ways. This is a very good plan 👍👍👏👏

[@allisonanderson]

Agreed, hostels are great!

[@rubylimey7614]

@@allisonanderson thanks for the informative video....are hostels good for older female travelers?

[@thakorkishor4380]

Love this! great information thank you for sharing 👏

[@guillermomoreno9122]

thank you , excellent advices

[@jetscoin]

Thanks a lot, I like your channel.

[@makeupyourmind2019]

I hate T-Mobile with a passion. I had a really horrible experience with them and even worse when I tried to switch to a different provider. That said, free international data is a pretty amazing thing to offer.

[@fleetgoddess21]

Do you have a way that you set up an alert for flights to a specific destination, but not specified dates? Like if I’m looking for a good deal, but I don’t care when I go there? All the google flight alerts seem to revolve around specific dates and tracking the prices of those flights.

[@cupcake101]

Very helpful advice, Allison! THANK YOU!!!!

[@TravellingTorunn]

This is a bunch of great advice 😊👍

[@Nrarfhbar15]

Love ALL your videos xxx

[@budgetrebelgoals]

Love this. Great tips!!

[@liudmylahoncharova]

Thanks a lot for these really useful advices! Have good travels😊

[@luishunke5556]

Wow! So cool! Thanks for the information. By the way, when you took the cooking class in Japan, how did you book it? Thanks!

[@littleraskle]

Such an informative video! I want to do a solo trip but I worry about how lonely I'll get lol. Luckily, I've always found someone to come with but I think I want to do it for myself to see if I can :)

[@lynnetteparkz8092]

Love this video very helpful

[@nelfi11]

Where can I find tour guides, or apps to find tours?Thanks so much

[@Kazandra]

This was incredibly helpful! Thank you.

[@melevonne]

It's still so intimidating especially traveling overseas 😅

[@kathymalo6638]

Yaaas! Been looking for a video like this!!

[@languagetraveller]

Thanks for the video! I'm currently planning my solo trip to SE Asia and I'm super excited to go at the end of October 😊😊 as for private rooms in hostels - I feel like a lot of the time private rooms in hostels are even more expensive than and airbnb or basic hotel room, at least in my experience

[@TM-123]

What travel insurance do you normally use?

[@MeteoricMarlin]

I have a solo trip to Iceland planned and did most of the things you mentioned to do it. Can’t wait!!!

[@allisonanderson]

I'm so excited for you!! Iceland is absolutely magical. Have fun!

[@MeteoricMarlin]

Allison Anderson Thank you! Is there a specific way you explained to those around you why you wanted to solo travel? My family thinks it’s wrong to solo travel when you have a husband. 🙄 as if that means we’re supposed to be attaches at the hip 24/7.

[@mariahjames2131]

yayy!! you listened to my comment that I left on one of your recent videos!! thank you so much🥰❤️

[@ianharris3502]

I thought tmobile only included data and texting in the US and europe?? Good to know! It was a huge help having tmobile as my carrier while I was in europe

[@elainebraindrain3174]

I have a Honda pilot starting with a platform , I'm senior citizen.

[@carlyking8895]

Thank you for the information, Allison! I'm wondering if you could do a video on advice for the travel days (e.g. plane, trains, buses, automobiles). This is one of the parts of solo travel that scares me the most -- especially since I don't often speak the language needed to get to and around other countries. Also, updated apartment tour? Lol

[@Lovegus2]

Just starting to plan a trip with my best friend so this was very helpful even though I won’t be going solo. We are planning to go to another country though !! Thank you for doing this video . By the way I love your travel videos so so much!!!😊💖

[@Hoddy228]

Ok Allison, I'd love a template for planning a trip lol is that possible?

[@kellygreen3708]

Hi Allison! I love your content! I am a Sony user and wanted to ask why you switched from fuji? I have the x100f and have been thinking about adding the x-t4 to my kit. I love the manual aspect of the controls on fuji along with the film simulations. Also thinking about adding the Osmo pocket to my kit, how much footage do you use in your videos? Thanks in advance. Best.

[@theloneintrovert]

New subscriber here. Thank you for the tips! 😊😊😊