How to Solo Travel | tips, safety, planning, enjoying it, living in the moment!

LOVE YOU SO MUCH! Cheers to adventure! I hope these tips on how to safely and enjoyably go on a solo travel adventure are helpful to someone :-)
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FTC: This video is NOT Sponsored. Some links may be affiliate links meaning I make commissions on sales with no extra expense to you. (thanks for supporting me by using my links!) All opinions are my own.

[@user-gc7pg2yk2d]

This video deserves a special award! Great advice for single gals, young and old! You’re a doll, Michel

[@nottheone582]

100% agree on not posting photos in real time! I had a really freaky travel encounter where I posted a restaurant on my insta stories and then ran into a guy I hadn't seen in years in my hotel lobby who had seen my photo and figured out where I was staying. 😬 it was fine and totally innocent but imagine he had bad intentions? also 100% agree on living in the moment - just enjoy your experience in real time, don't worry so much about documenting it. This has made my enjoy my trips 1000X more than constantly uploading, editing, etc.

[@boogster618]

I recommend traveling with a portable door lock and door alarm to use for wherever you’re staying. Hotels can still pose a risk, and mistakes can happen where someone might activate the wrong key and another guest tries to get into your room…true story. Please folks don’t leave things laptops or extra devices in your car. Rentals are targets for break-ins and you don’t wanna take that risk

[@MichelJanse]

Great tips friend!!!

[@user-kj2zi9ui1g]

Traveling solo and being able to change your plans on a dime based on your vibes is AMAZING!!! One of my favorite things!!!!

[@carriecobb8]

Thanks for the dropping a pin on a map and texting it to yourself tip. I often drop the pin but then save it in maps which is a faff, texting is so much easier!! Also, I always take a photo of my rental car, the license plate and paperwork with contact details on, all very useful info to have to hand!

[@loribryant3647]

Wait to post on socials until you get home if your home is empty while you're away, especially if your posts are public. Solo dining...go at lunch if you're really self conscious. More people eat alone at lunchtime than dinner time.

[@mariannerose9290]

Take a picture of the back of your rental car with your cell phone. That way you can check what you were driving if you forget, or let someone know if anything should happen. I have the worst time remembering my own licence plate number so I keep a picture of it in my favourites incase I need for anything (parking apps, businesses paging owner of vehicle, etc)

[@MichelJanse]

Love this idea🫶🏼🤍

[@nickiw6748]

I'm glad I'm not the only one that "scouts" an area virtually before a trip. I've started using snapmaps as well because different popular places might show up and it'll be a bit more candid rather than just what the restaurant or shop wants you to see.

[@karenwyand7884]

I love hearing you talk about Maine (and when you wear your Portland, Maine sweatshirt) ... it makes me appreciate my state so much more seeing it through someone else's eyes.

[@AnnaRuthTaylor]

The first video I ever watched of yours was your solo trip to Maine and I’ve so enjoyed following your channel ever since. I actually live in Portland, ME and your passion and love for our state just warms my heart!! You actually inspired me to start solo traveling as well - I couldn’t agree more with all your tips and how you describe the empowerment that comes with it. Hope you make it back to our coast sometime soon!

[@teachkel]

Take a photo of the car with the license plate in it. I regularly solo travel and that helps at hotel check-in. I agree with the going with the flow. I usually have a list of a few highlights but will adjust to see something that may be a pop-up. Food trucks are a ton of fun solo. I put photos in an album by day and post when I am totally home or the day after I did the activities. Depends on my living situation at the time. As for solo dining, I promise nobody is judging you! I recommend stopping at the state welcome center or rest area you can usually get free paper maps. Also learn how to read a map it is a useful skill, when exploring. I did 2 weeks in DC and by the 3rd day, I could do most of the area where I was staying without my phone and saw so much more. Most libraries have free computers.

[@ChristineS-sf3rc]

thank you for taking time to give good info's when travelling alone! God bless you Michel, have a great week❤

[@CamrynCarter-wx2es]

your vlogs are so comforting and relaxing!! I always look forward to watching them! you are such an amazing person! I’m so glad I found your channel💗💗 I hope you are having a great start to your week!

[@MichelJanse]

Awee this is so sweet thank you Camryn 🫶🏼🫶🏼

[@lydiathornton5323]

FANTASTIC tips, Michel!! Thanks for sharing this video!!! ❤

[@nancyconca9892]

Great video, Michel - love the very helpful travel tips, thanks for posting ❤❤❤

[@ND585]

thank you so much for sharing this, as a woman who also loves solo travel this was so great and made me think of things I haven't before!

[@pattyvoni]

Rental car hint: When traveling I always take a picture of the back of my rental car so I can see the type, color and the license plate. It helps checking into hotels that sometimes want that information. It can also help for finding a car when when traveling as a reminder for the type and color of car. One more thing it can help with, happened to me twice when someone hit the back of my rental car. It’s amazing how often the back of a car bumper gets scratched or hit.

[@Selbeauty04]

Your solo traveling has really been inspiring. I live close by Charleston my whole life & have been harassed & followed nearly everytime I went somewhere alone. To the point I rarely go by myself anymore. The solo vlogs look so peaceful & fun though! I plan on taking my first solo trip near home this year & seeing how that goes. 😊

[@MichelJanse]

Ugh I am so sorry that has happened to you friend!! Praying and sending love and safety for your first trip!! I hope it is amazing🤍🤍

[@danielleholcforeman]

Great tips! I used to be fearful of solo travel, but I find it absolutely wonderful and freeing. I also don't like to have an itinerary (except for must do's) and just going along. I do go on solo hikes (closer to home) and share my location with a friend or family member.

[@isabellalacy9901]

Ahh Michel!! I love this so much and I am so obsessed with your content. Thank you for always being such an inspiration to me and I love your videos so much. I love seeing your day to day life and these travel videos are so fun! Ilysm and I hope you’re having an amazing day 💕

[@MichelJanse]

Awee thank you Isabella🫶🏼🫶🏼

[@paigefoutch2445]

Watching your solo travels encouraged me to start solo traveling when I could (as a wife and mom of two even!) So empowering and enjoyable. I also can’t wait to pass that confidence in solo travel on to my girls!

[@paigefoutch2445]

Also went to Nashville recently and had so much fun stopping at your recommendations..especially as a GF gal myself.

[@monicamcgahan]

I bought my kids pepper spray when they were 11yrs old. When they went on sports. They were not allowed to show anyone. They were hidden in their back packs. They were very good at understanding the reason why they had it and not to show anyone. They also played outside through the woods growing up in AK so moose were the biggest scare for me as their Mom!

[@GrowingonVancouverIsland]

Awesome video! Great advice for solo traveling. I'm definitely thinking of trying it for the first time in my 30 s

[@eminenceautumn]

Thanks Michel 🙂 Great video!

[@growinguporeo8529]

Also hiking alone one more tip I would say..and I do..is if you have earphones on…only put one on and maybe not have it so loud. That way you can hear if someone or maybe even an animal is coming at you. Also (since I hike a lot alone) I will pick up a good sized rock or maybe a sharp stick and hold that in my hand during the hike. Then I just toss it back before I leave :). Just maybe a little extra tip 😊

[@growinguporeo8529]

Even on my runs or walks, bike ride, anything like that I never put 2 headphones on. I’ve actually known several people personally who have gotten hit by cars (one even a bus) while biking or running because they had 2 headphones on. 😕

[@judykhaleck8034]

@shokusa

[@MichelJanse]

Such a great tip! Thank you for sharing friend🤍🤍

[@mansoor3159]

Michel I am watching your vlogs since years ago and I really really appreciate you so so much you are my inspiration and I wish you have a blessed week ahead🥰🥹😭💖💖

[@justinfelt748]

I hate these ads popping up everytime on this video. It gives me....a headache!😮😮😮

[@MichelJanse]

Awwe thank you sweet friend🤍🤍

[@justinfelt748]

@@MichelJanse You're welcome, Michel.😊😀😙💙💙💙💙💙💙🌷💖💖💖💖💖😊🎇🎇🎇🎇🎇🎇👍

[@cvrlori]

I have learned how to setup voice control on my iPhone so that it takes a burst of photos when I say “click”. Love it! Love your videos and you’re so sweet!

[@ChessieChess]

Whoa what???

[@mariamangion21]

"A warm hug", that's a great way to describe your channel! I just love coming here! You're the only KZbinr/content creator who has and always been authentic 🤍 Love how vulnerable you are and never fail to remind us that we are all human 🥹

[@MichelJanse]

Aweee thank you friend!! This is so so sweet🫶🏼🤍🥰

[@spider-mantobeymaguirefanc9469]

@@MichelJanse I hope you are enjoying your road trip ❤

[@jlrudy1984]

You are my favorite friend ! Love your videos and this video spoke to my soul … I just recently completed my first solo trip thanks to your empowerment and prior videos ! It is so much fun and can’t wait to plan my next solo trip ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ ps loved Kennenbunkport !!!

[@SarahC1153]

Great video, but as an elder millennial the idea of suggesting a secondary device($$$$) vs just buying a map ($) is wild...oofdah!!!😂

[@cnbandy]

How interesting! As a young millennial, I loved that suggestion! I have an iPad that I always take with me when traveling, but I never thought to take it with me in a rental car. I think it’s a smart idea to bring that along as a risk management strategy!

[@dianagregory8084]

As a Gen x raised with a paper map I don’t think it would be a problem just using a map instead of spending money on a second device😊 You can get those get ATLAS books. Loads of info in it and great maps.

[@abbyburke-flask269]

Most hotels should store your bags for you before check in or after checkout, usually for free! I've done this a handful of times

[@libbymorehouse4466]

I know it's not the safest, but I only had emergency data when I traveled to Europe (first time going, and I went solo), but it was so nice to have social media turned off unless I actively sought out wifi. Also with any safety measures, make sure they're legal wherever you're traveling!

[@maryannkilduff8659]

Great tips!! I'm going to do it for me some day. 🤞

[@MegaTelenovela]

I love this video! I've seen from another KZbinr a great tip is to get a travel door lock so feel extra safe in rbnb or hotel so no one internally breaks in... ❤

[@El.R.]

Hi Michel! Hope you’re having a great day! Thanks for the video !!! Strangely applicable today lol

[@MichelJanse]

Wow I am so glad friend🤍🤍

[@mickeybooth9892]

I recently did a trip to Washington DC and New York and you gave me the confidence as a Canadian U.S travel is intimidating because of guns etc but I thought If Michel can do it so can I ❤ so the cute young chickie is teaching this old chicken a thing or two ❤

[@CarolJoyable]

Guns? There isn’t any need to fear guns. People that shoot others with guns are the problem. Legal gun owners don’t commit gun crimes.

[@jacksonebendick9592]

Your style is adorable

[@MichelJanse]

Thanks Jackson!🫶🏼

[@cpagoals]

Oh my goodness thank you for putting this together! I bought an SUV last year to start traveling with my dogs, but I keep making excuses for myself to not go yet... I need to just get out there and see the world! Thank you Michel!

[@SarahSchneider2]

I usually will only solo dine in airports but great ideas to either sit at bar or read a book at the table In other restaurants. Take out and eat in a park or other scenic spot is an awesome option also.

[@MichelJanse]

Thank you Sarah🤍

[@crazydoxylady7169]

Kennebunkport Maine....my favorite place!!!! Everyone needs to go at least once!

[@hsoderberg6505]

If you plan to travel with pepper spray or a taser check to see what the laws are in the area you will be traveling in. For example, here in Michigan you have to have a concealed weapon permit to carry a taser.

[@osjosipajurjastrossmayera2010]

After watcinh Law&Criminal channel, I think this are good tips! Cause out there are people who are actualy very dangerous so awerness is first step.

[@kimswrld5321]

Very informative video thanks 😊

[@MichelJanse]

Yay🫶🏼🤍

[@user-uu6zn7vc6r]

Love the travel vlogs. Also, I hope you and Jordy will consider a trip to Alaska some time!

[@MichelJanse]

Ooo that would be pretty fun🫶🏼🤍

[@amberandoak]

Me liking the video before I even watch it bc I know I love everything you put out 😂

[@unapologeticallyromel7096]

Love your channel ❤

[@MichelJanse]

Aweee thank you friend🫶🏼

[@user-yt48876yt]

I used to travel with my husband for business and during the day when he would go and see customers, I would take public transportation or tours to see things on my own whether it was in Hawaii, Seattle, Florida, the Caribbean, Italy, or Canada. It was great. Unfortunately when you fly to you destination you cannot take a stun gun or pepper spray with you :(

[@Sandrachblt]

Going for my first solo trip in 2 weeks and I’m so excited ! Dining alone will definitely be my challenge but I’ll do it 💪 Gonna buy the octobuddy thanks to you ! Hello from France 🇫🇷

[@MichelJanse]

Excited for you Sandra🫶🏼🫶🏼

[@evahynonen4851]

Here within the first 4 minutes. I lov the subject

[@MichelJanse]

Wahoo🫶🏼🤍🎉

[@jodyernst9729]

Ate at Eventide recovering from food positioning. Didn't want seafood...had the best chicken sandwich of my life! Great place 😊

[@ceciliabinck662]

My first solo trip was abroad. Out of all the places I could have pickt, i decided to go to India. I went on a volunteer trip with some free time to explore alone or with othe volunteers. I learned a lot, yes public transport is save but always be aware of your surrounding and how other women, in this case, act. It wasn't perfect but i enjoyed a lot. I still have a friend from that time. Also i stayed mostly in hostels, you share a room with others. They have mixed, women only and private rooms. Almost all of the people staying there have the same idea as you, they want to see more of the place. I found it easier to get in to contact with like minded people and explore when i didn't want to be alone. When traveling outside the country. I really likes spending time with the local people, yes there are still very kind and appreciate people out there. They also know great places to eat and to visit.

[@katepsaltis4122]

I pretty much only travel alone. I plan and book an event or two ahead of time, but leave the rest of my trip up to how I feel that day. I also plan one fancy meal a trip. The rest of my meals are from supermarkets or something easy to pick up.

[@CarolJoyable]

I use to travel alone for business weekly. When I checked-in I would tell the front desk to make a note that I wasn’t expecting anyone. Most better hotels have staff trained to watch out for women traveling alone.

[@natalialawton8330]

When I have a late flight and have a hotel I just leave my bag with the hotel and go explore then pick up my bag later

[@heatherschunke184]

Some hotels will store your luggage for you if you arrive early or have a later flight in the day.

[@MichelJanse]

Oooo good to know! Thank you Heather 🫶🏼🫶🏼

[@katrinaf9952]

‼️If you are flying to your destination, make sure you check what TSA will and won’t allow you to bring in terms of personal safety measures.‼️

[@MichelJanse]

Great tip!!

[@nikkiholthaus9692]

Love solo travel! Especially since I'm an introvert 😅

[@kerrywood407]

Where i live the only thing we’re allowed to carry for protection is a personal alarm, if you carry anything else and use it you can be charged for having it.

[@michellelasher280]

I have never been able to relate to the idea of feeling uncomfortable dining out alone. I love dining alone even though I don't get to very often. Most of the time, I'm so exhausted when I get off work that I end up grabbing it to go. 😕

[@judykhaleck8034]

Solo or couple travel trip to The Ranch Life in Hudson Valley or Malibu! #RnR

[@RachelKay528]

I'm pretty sure you can download maps of certain areas on Google maps so that you can access them offline!

[@MichelJanse]

Oooo good to know! Thanks Rachel!!🤍🤍

[@RachelKay528]

@@MichelJanse happy to help 🥰

[@KetNoiDamMe_93]

, wish the channel always develop

[@liliesofthefield5310]

I don't understand being embarrassed to eat alone, no one is looking at you lol, I've never gone out to eat and focused on a person eating alone in my life 😂

[@nr4603]

In terms of a protective item- I work at a rape crisis center and unfortunately they can more often be used against you. Not to discourage the usage of these items but be sure you know how to use them properly

[@eprohoda]

howdyy?-you shared breathtaking , )

[@MichelJanse]

🫶🏼🤍

[@emilymurphy2926]

Pepperspray isn’t it a no for airport travel?

[@kristibates721]

Such an inspiring and helpful video!!

[@newdayscoming4270]

I’m that girl that traveled across the US with a paper map, note pad and pen, no cell phone. That was me, early 2000, newly divorced, alone, with a give my give a dang busted. 😂. Lived to tell about it. I DO NOT RECOMMEND IT IN THIS DAY AND AGE.

[@shorst7986]

How do you navigate the gluten free dining situation? That is always a challenge for me when I go somewhere unfamiliar to me. Some places will come up with things for you to eat, but I always worry about cross contamination, especially when they don't have a gluten free menu. Even when I google gluten free restaurants in the area, a lot of them have less than stellar reviews because someone got sick. If I get glutened I have to have access to a bathroom for at least the next couple hours. Not always a good situation when you are traveling.

[@MichelJanse]

I always tell them of my allergy and ask if something is cross contaminated. Or I call ahead and ask to see if I can eat there. I hope this helps!! It’s so hard, I’m sorry friend🤍🤍

[@annaMH6994]

I watch KZbin videos about places I'm considering.

[@MichelJanse]

Ooo I love that!!🫶🏼

[@lose999]

Michel, I'm a grandma and live in San Antonio. I'd like to have a staycation and explore some places but don't know where to go...can you recommend points of interest near my city? I know you're not a travel agent but if you have tips, I'd be ever so grateful.

[@julieknight6372]

Unfortunately pepper spray and tasers are illegal in Australia..

[@mooremindfulmoments6599]

Hotels scare me because my friend was almost trafficked 😭

[@deem8008]

Where is your green jacket from? Is it suede? Sooo cute!!!

[@michellesepulveda5758]

Omg i was looking for your upload and i arrived seconds after you posted! I know im going to love the video as always, greetings from México 🫶🏻

[@MichelJanse]

Hehehe🫶🏼🤍

[@myrissawhisenant7382]

I literally could not afford groceries this week after bills so I haven’t eaten in 3 days. I cannot wait to be able to do these things again. Thank you for a distraction today. 🫶🏼

[@judykhaleck8034]

@shokusa