Complete Guide to TRAVELING SOLO Your First Time

[@YellowProductions]

😀 WHEN'S THE NEXT LIVE STREAM? Sign-up for e-mail notifications of future scheduled live streams here: update.yellow-productions.com

[@user-qq7oe2oc2o]

Use a lanyard for your phone!

[@missplummer1066]

I traveled solo for the first time back in 2016 and I’ve been a solo traveler ever since. I’m more introverted than extroverted but I love solo traveling. Thank you so much, these were great tips😀

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Miss Plummer!

[@joanna.mytravels]

I travel mainly solo. I am an introvert slow pace traveller. I like travelling at my own speed and spending afternoons in the accommodation to relax after sightseeing for few hours in contrast to most people I know who want to be out from early morning to late night and see as much as possible in one day. I usually go backwards - I will research destination I want to go to, attractions, budget, dates to be off work and then I ask if anyone in my family or friends circle is interested. If no one is, I don't hesitate to just book everything to go alone.

[@YellowProductions]

Slow and steady wins the race!

[@balancechigong]

Google maps

[@lilpenny1982]

I always travel alone and it's better than travelling with friends because you get to meet more people and you have more independence on what you want to do and where you want to go.

[@habibhussain825]

I agree to an extent but loneliness can creep in if you cant find people to click with .in the end a balance needs to be struck....too much loneliness or socialising isnt good i think

[@lilpenny1982]

@@habibhussain825 If you can find loneliness or loneliness finds you when you're on holidays, then you shouldn't be on holidays. You should spend your money on a psychiatrist.

[@AmiraCelonOracle]

I used to be a professional tour manager for many years and one of the highlights of each tour were the cooking classes in Italy or France. It was always a fun thing for the group to do and increased group dynamics positively and the hosts often offer wine while you cook!

[@YellowProductions]

Neat!

[@christopherm5958]

Chris, you give great info for women regarding the fact not all countries care for them as they should. Very commendable of you.

[@dcau1]

I don't understand the stigma that still surrounds solo travel. I have friends who are in their 40s and never been away alone and find the concept strange as they've always had someone to go away with and find the idea more daunting than it is. Speaking for myself on the other hand, if I'm not prepared to go away alone then I would never go anywhere. All my friends live in different cities and usually also have their own families, schedules and different reasons to get on a plane. I get so much more done when travelling alone as well and enjoy the peace that comes with solo trips. They're just much easier. Travel for longer than a weekend can put a lot of stress on even the most longstanding friendships. If I want to go somewhere I just book it there and then. The most difficult part is getting the time off work. The only downsides for me are eating alone/nightlife and sharing accomodation costs but as I get older I don't want to share a room anyway.

[@kimberlygila]

I just got back from solo traveling from haifa israel for my bahai pilgrimage for 9 days and it was majestic but while in haufa on pilgrimage l was with people in groups with other bahai pilgrim groups but when not in pilgrimage groups l would returnedexploring haifa neighborhoods in my hotel district solo.,so l should explained myself fyi. I was in German colony district and near Arab district has lots of cafes restaurants. Traveling solo is good for me no drama dealing with people .beautiful bahai gardens there as well.

[@christopherm5958]

Awesome Chris, I recently decided to venture out on my own. I'm not working now and as a single fellow I'm considering dipping my toe in the water. Your info is going to be a great help.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Chris! Definitely take the opportunity while you've got it!

[@dommytsunami86]

I appreciate how well spoken and thoughtful you are. Always very informative! Especially how you interact with the chat. You never lose your cool and you never put anyone down. Keep up the excellent work! YP4L!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks so much as always Dommy!

[@madchatteress]

I'm more of an extrovert and have nearly 20 years of experience traveling solo. Yes, there are times I can feel lonely but I keep myself busy with activities that I enjoy and like to do group tours to connect with others. Interestingly you mentioned Maui being more of a honeymoon destination. I actually planned tons of activities and tours so I had no time to feel lonely - it was one of the best trips I've taken.

[@madchatteress]

I've done 8 cruises (four this year 2023) as a solo. Yes, the solo supplement is a huge PAIN but I don't allow it to deter me from cruising. I will book a solo cabin or inside to save on costs as my stateroom is just a place to lay my head and shower. I've made friends on cruises that I'm still in touch with today and tons of activities that I can enjoy as a solo traveler.

[@YellowProductions]

Awesome +

[@katsutsuki]

I am a introvert person but I have a teen introvert that does love traveling with me on road trips or other places. My extrovert husband isn't always free to travel with us so it's myself and her often. Having that co pilot is helpful for snacks and such. I will be traveling back to San Diego in a few months solo in order to assist my mom in moving. I have been deciding what I will be bringing since I will be driving a moving truck by myself. I've heard that Europe has some nanny luggage type services for holding luggage. Best beer is Yebisu - you should go to their museum and try some when your in Japan next - close to Ebisu station - if I recall. You can bring Spunky Princess, we brought our 6 year old at the time.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks for the tip on the Ebisu Museum 😉

[@barbiec4312]

I’m traveling in Thailand right now. I downloaded the Grab app for transportation. I used it just to get an estimate and for those taxis who didn’t want to start the meter, I just told them how much I would pay. Worked great. Used it with the tuk-tuks too. I also wrap my purse strap around the chair leg or table leg. I never put it on the back of the chair or just on the table, even if it feels like a safe area. Great video.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks for the tip on using Grab as leverage for a price

[@TravelingSoloLogs]

As a Solo Traveler you have great tips!!! I can tell you're definitely an expert!!! Great live stream 😁

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Traveling Solo Logs!

[@joanna.mytravels]

Knowing where to go is really good in looking confident and less like a tourist but if you are going somewhere when the way is complicated I recommend getting the directions on your phone map and put a headphone in (wireless will hide nicely). It will allow you to hear the directions without being stuck on your phone.

[@jameshiga8077]

Hi Chris. Great info for solo travelling. Got some great info for the next time I take a solo trip. Thanks for sharing and take care.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks James!

[@mckenna8663]

Working that luggage/those bags as a solo..... There's nothing that identifies you as a solo traveler more than being out in public and struggling to keep your luggage and bags contained. This last trip, I found an item that was a godsend...and that's a luggage bungee system. The one I used is on Amazon as "travelon bag bungee", but there are a number of styles to try. Then practice with it at home before the trip... I had a rolling carry-on, a laptop satchel, and a CPAP tote that all fit on my wheelie, full-size suitcase with the bungee. ,I came to be able to put it together instantly, and (other than short-lived difficulty with cobblestones) manuver around wonderfully -- totally looking like I was a pro (and thats the key to solo traveler safety).

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks for the tip on the bungees

[@paulstein916]

I’m an introvert and don’t mind traveling alone. The hardest part for me is dining alone.

[@mckenna8663]

I Agree with the quick serve choices vs fancy restaurants. Also consider stating somewhere with a kitchenette. Hit a grocery store and fill your fridge so that you aren't having to stop and eat dinners out... but know you can fill up as soon as you get back to the room.

[@peterhastings703]

With early arrivals or late departures, you should ask the hotel you've booked in to if you can come and drop your bags off (if it's before your check in time) or if you can leave your bags there (if it's after the time). I've never had a hotel that's had a problem with either option.

[@garyrobinson8665]

I travel solo most of the time. Its fine but I do get lonely sometimes. The accommodation I use at my destination have their own shuttle service so I get picked up and taken straight to my accommodation from the airport so I don't need to catch a bus, taxi or train. It also costs me nothing because ive stayed with them so often. They also take me back to the airport. It saves me €80 Euros.

[@MelbourneShorts11]

LOVE THIS VIDEO! i'm taking my first international flight solo this year. Thanks buddy.

[@YellowProductions]

Glad I could help!

[@cassandraturner1343]

I was literally just thinking this morning about doing a solo trip to hawaii . I’ve travelled solo to USA before but I have a lot of friends there . Never spect a week anywhere on my own before .

[@PhotoTrekr]

I try to take one solo trip a year to someplace amazing. If I traveled with other people I would have to consider what they wanted to do. But, solo I can go where I want when I want and spend as much time as I want photographing places. I like to have a general plan of all the places I want to visit which helps determine the length of my trip which are usually 10-12 days. I want to know where I'm going to sleep each night so I make reservations. And I like to have my own transportation. I also usually have an extra day built into my trip just for the unexpected. And I try to take it at my own pace which is pretty leisurely these days. Traveling solo is a great experience and more and more people are doing it these days.

[@NostalgiaMan]

I traveled alone in Australia for months and learned a lot on the road. I wish I knew so much more before I had gone lol.

[@YellowProductions]

On the road sometimes is the best way to learn!

[@cottagefulloflove4090]

I received my Level8 suitcase today! Thank you! Such a great video and giveaway!

[@YellowProductions]

Awesome CottageFullOfLove! I hope you enjoy it!

[@Desireealfano]

Love traveling alone 😊adventure at any moment, I decide!

[@sleimaneljamal]

Thank you Chris for all this great Content!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks sley!

[@landmass17]

I am a solo traveler. I tried bus tours, but much prefer going solo. You can do what you want when you want without waiting on anyone. If you you want to spend half a day in a museum, or only 5 minutes in a shop, go ahead. I ❤ Solo Traveling.

[@opwave79]

I’m definitely an introvert solo traveler! I also make use of the valet at the hotel when I arrive early. Also those “take me to” cards are golden. I used those a lot when I was in Hong Kong.

[@paintkiller93]

Frequent solo traveler. Shame I missed this livestream. I also like the new mystery travel photos.

[@AmiraCelonOracle]

Hi Chris I have a good question or topic for your audience. What Cities, States in US or countries in Europe are best places to meet single available men? And the safest places to visit as a female?

[@jayscomedytraveladventure434]

Canada has, I hope to say, some great single guys. I know some people that are fantastic, just maybe haven’t had the right person come along

[@YellowProductions]

Hi Amira. I'm not sure I'm thar qualified to answer the best places to meet men. But I'd say some pretty safe spots as a Solo female traveler would be Scandinavian countries in Europe. Norway, Sweden, Denmark

[@grandmauti]

thanks for sharing this content and i really need this tips badly.

[@boomertuber8878]

Got some great ideas! Thanks Chris!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks BoomerTuber!

[@timschormann2389]

Mainly, I'm travelling alone and in my opinion it is the best you can do for yourself

[@gamacaluso]

I’m thinking of going on a sole trip so I really appreciate your tips and tricks!

[@YellowProductions]

My pleasure Gail!

[@KristinD27]

I used Shaka Guides audio tours in Hawaii and it was really good! They recently started adding National Parks to their lineup too. I haven't taken one yet, but I've got them all downloaded and ready to go.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks for the report on Shaka guides!

[@515aleon]

I go on a lot of experience with road trips (and flying and renting a car), but going to Europe making me more anxious. I think it's there are more differences. I do more towns or small cities (some of my favorites in the US-- Durango, Flagstaff, Moab, Taos, etc). When I'm between places I always stay at a chain, but I do like B&Bs, but airbnb, another story. I have found off grid places here in NM. And if you can't get in for some reason, and cell service is spotty, you done. It's happened to me 3 times, and I had one good but odd stay. Guy was super nice and he made his stone house all by himself. Oddest little place ever. Oh yeah, Best experience--if you want to see a National Park in the US, hire a private (just you and your group) or semi-private (6-12 people unrelated) guide if you can afford it. You get off the main drag and they often super experienced. Best experience--Yellow Guide in Rocky Mountain National Park. He took me on a great hike where we were virtual alone for two hours (were passed 4 people). Pricy but worth it. Also done private tours of Everglades; Moab; Yellowstone; Colorado springs, etc. all were fantastic.

[@Alvaro-qz6qk]

Thanks Chris. I’m doing Bangladesh by myself this September

[@markallen8226]

Thanks Chris for another great show. Was the Sony camera you mentioned the one you use to shoot your walk throughs and all your other videos? I'm thinking of buying something of quality for my proposed trip. Cheers.

[@YellowProductions]

Hi Mark -- I use the Sony Camera for my main a-roll in my vlogs. For my walking tours I use either a DJI Osmo Pocket 2 or my Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra on a gimbal

[@Phlegethon]

The video should be how to travel with someone else that’s much harder

[@George-ps5]

Great video! You said you try to get to the destination when check in opens but you’ve also said it’s best to take 7am flights. What if my 7am flight takes me to the country at 10am? Thank you!

[@joanevans3872]

we were in Barcleona, and wanted a good restaurant, she directedus to a little known tourist resort, we had the best meal of our trip

[@Bill_Woo]

9:50 I resemble that reference ;) Thanks for being so user conscious! It happens a LOT here. What a guy, that Yellow Production-ist Chris! On the "world cities intro" to some Yellow Productions uploads, there are a couple of seconds after the aerial footage begins that you can guess if you're fast (or cover the bottom of the screen, haha). I also have fun doing it for photos that appear inside videos. So when or if he updates the intro for a major Japanese city (which we know he loves), you may get a new element for the "game" :)

[@Bill_Woo]

And it doesn't escape me that it's more work for you. So if it's a short term experiment that's fine. I'm floored at how readily you multitask with narrative, scanning chat, selecting selected chats and highlighting them - so also serving as Technical Director - and all without pausing coherent speech - well it's bigger than my or many others' capabilities. Awesome!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Bill. Glad you enjoyed it 😉

[@gumerzambrano]

Great info Chris! Maybe it's the Mexican in me but i always feel safe everywhere I go 😊

[@YellowProductions]

And the Crocodile Dundee size knife that you carry? ;)

[@lizzierutter9932]

Use the local tourist information websites before you go and email them for suggestions. I’ve just done that with Western Australia tourism and they were super helpful

[@YellowProductions]

That's a great idea!

[@RosarioBillingsley]

Just curious. How have you traveled so much? How long have you been on you tube? How do you rent the private cars? Can you give a bit of history, please.

[@YellowProductions]

Hi Rosario -- I go in to a ton of background about me in this video: kzbin.infoCboRCG-rP20

[@NothingMaster]

Here’s the way I see it: Business trip, solo is best; Pleasure trip, solo sucks; especially if you have a compatible travel partner that you could share the experience with.

[@markallen8226]

Thanks Chris.

[@norviccheng8189]

Chris, which is more dangerous? SKid Row or Tenderloin in San Francisco?

[@Jumboo364]

Sad I missed the live but I was getting busy 😂

[@ohmai3706]

The Traveling Princess is cuter than ever!

[@YellowProductions]

Awwww

[@shawniaandtheDogs]

Im planning my first solo trip & first trip to Europe but im the type of person that gets really nervous about big new things so im looking at a 18 day guided trip (25 max person group) that has a preplanned itinerary thru england, wales, Scotland and ireland. What do you think about groups like that?

[@YellowProductions]

They're not my kind of thing. But I get why people like them.. they are easy and somebody else does all the hard of work of where to go and what to do. You just don't get to really choose anything. So if you're OK with that then go for it

[@bobgarrison2807]

I love traveling alone to see the Dodgers play away from Los Angeles.

[@DelhiBelly1620]

Question for fellow explorers, and Chris of course. Two weeks off in September, solo trip…If you could pick; Japan, Singapore or Thailand? I know there’s a lot of variables involved. Just curious what others think!

[@YellowProductions]

Me I'd pick Japan. 2 weeks is too long for Singapore. But actually on our upcoming trip we are doing Singapore AND Japan! :)

[@DelhiBelly1620]

@@YellowProductions thanks Chris! Looking forward to those videos in the future!

[@joanevans3872]

i love your princess. she is adorable , , LIKE MY FOUR GRAND-Daughters

[@YellowProductions]

Awww

[@darrylk808]

I thought skid row was an attraction in LA? 😂 Good advice on introvert/extrovert. KZbin has a lot of vids on scams in specific locations. The best advice is don't engage people that approach you with a to good to be true deal. Learn to say "no". Scammers engage you and rely on your reluctance to be rude. Saying "no thank you" is not rude. You're not wasting their time.😁 In Thailand don't catch a taxi at the hotel, walk a block or two away and get the cab on a local street. And don't believe anyone engaging you. "Temple is closed for lunch"...they don't close for lunch. And don't buy anything from a place a tour guide or taxi takes you. They all get a commission and you're paying it.🤑 I carry a cheap locking chain/cable that can be used to secure your bag to your chair or luggage rack on a train. Mine is a bike lock cable that cost $5, but I figured out how to open it by pulling on the cable and turning the combo while under stress...😒 I guess it's more just a visible deterrent, any determined thief can open it...

[@YellowProductions]

Good tip on the bike lock!

[@Bill_Woo]

As to the question about Cairo or Egypt: google does Egypt confiscate cameras as it appears that there is some confusion about whether you truly can, or can't, or can with a fee, and can take to public vs. private places. I am ignorant, but it SOUNDS like they disallow commercial users, not personal travelers. (If so, what about vloggers?)

[@YellowProductions]

Yeah. I think the issue is they are really inconsistent about who they allow or disallow. The KZbinr I mentioned even went through their press ministry to get an official government approval to film.. and the airport customs folks didn't recognize it and still took his gear

[@heyimgeorgeuk]

Hey chris 💙 have u ever been to Seville 🇪🇸 if u have any advice plz tysm

[@YellowProductions]

Not yet

[@mckenna8663]

Not into cooking... try a salsa making class. Anyone can make a decent salsa... so you are chatting while you are making something that is pretty well fool-proof (and healthy

[@richardmercer2337]

How hard could it be? Whatever you're doing, just buy one ...flight, ticket, dinner, whatever.... and yes I've done it any number of times!

[@susansprague8781]

Where can I get a pocket Wi-Fi when I Rome?

[@laligurashvlog]

Nice city

[@Tips4_Trips]

Super video 👍

[@YellowProductions]

Thank you 👍

[@lilpenny1982]

Bro, I want gurls to hit on me so wearing a fake wedding ring is definitely a no-go. #lmao #kidding

[@mariohess-winburn4829]

In N out near LAX

[@kennywong544]

Yellow Productions > Lost LeBlanc

[@YellowProductions]

Awwwww

[@KawaiiNancy]

💜💜💜😍

[@kpsher367]

Come on people, be a people person not a pariah ...

[@mckenna8663]

Could you explain this?

[@kpsher367]

@@mckenna8663 Well I dont like travelling alone.