Intro to Solo Travel: Tips for Your First Time Traveling Alone

[@PackHacker]

We partnered with the folks over at Backcountry where you can find all of the gear mentioned in this video. Use code BCPACK to get 15% off your first order (exclusions apply) 👉 packha.kr/ib5o

[@WtfYoutube_YouSuck]

BACKCOUNTRY > REI It's so much better and it's not a weird cult that overcharges people who don't join!

[@dominiquetheeasyminimalist]

I love traveling solo, been doing it for over 30 years for business and leisure, locally and internationally. Pack light, get durable gear, stay safe, make plans and be prepared but stay flexible, don’t overbook your travel agenda, enjoy your freedom and privilege to make this choice. If you feel lonely, join a tour for a day trip, a food tour, a bike tour and you’ll meet people of all ages and backgrounds from around the world. I’ve had an Eagle Creek backpack since 1991 and it’s still in perfect condition. I decided to get the Global Companion woman style last year because it’s carry on size and I love it!

[@PackHacker]

Great tips and insights, Dominique! Thanks for sharing 😃 -Eric

[@juliuscaesart]

I second the day trip tour idea !

[@stephclarke6850]

On my first solo trip I flew from Toronto to Vancouver, and then took the bus and train to Seattle and Portland. While in Portland I went to a roller derby game, and I underestimated how long it would take to get back to my guesthouse on public transit. I ended up calling a cab, and after waiting 30 minutes in a now completely empty, pitch black amusement park I became terrified. I called the cab company and they said the driver was in their way. I burst in to tears in the phone and they told me to hang tight. The driver called me a minute later saying she couldn't find the entrance but was on her way. She ended up being the nicest driver. I told her I was collecting state quarters and all I needed was Alaska. We had a great chat for the 25 minute drive, which she only charged me for half of. We shared travel stories (including freak outs and breakdowns). The next day she messaged me saying she found an Alaska quarter! We didn't get to meet up again, but I thought it was so nice. I have been lucky to travel solo again another 5 times. I can't wait to get back out there!

[@PackHacker]

Hey Steph! Great story - thanks for sharing! Did you ever get your hands on an Alaska quarter? - Austin

[@stephclarke6850]

@@PackHacker I found one a few weeks later!

[@hoodyk7342]

Lol pathetic. You realize its a woman when they start crying

[@jojojaisn]

​@@stephclarke6850 are you both still in contact with eachother

[@susanajurado3317]

I'm searching this 1 month before my first ever solo travel in Taiwan. Thank u!!

[@talktothesand88]

Have you been vaccinated

[@clarkharney8805]

I hope you have a great experience there ! My father is from Taipei !

[@papafiendish6263]

I’m going to greece in 2 days… by myself… I don’t speak the language… Also I get lonely easily… I needed this vid

[@HeyEveryoneHi]

I'm literally going next morning

[@rui7700]

@@Gabriela-mz5yb I think you've mistaken Taiwan with North korea 💀

[@daphne8406]

I worked as a full time receptionist for a long time and once met a guest that was solo travelling for the first time. She really enjoyed it so far and we tried to give her all the best tips and places to see and go. The only thing she was a bit worried about was that she really wanted to enjoy a night out on the town but was nervous to do so alone. So when we had our «lønningspils» (paycheck-drink) for all of the receptionists and hotel staff, we invited her along and went bar hopping and clubbing. She had a great time and lost a lot of nervousness for the next leg of her travels alone. So my tip I guess is to talk to the staff! They always want you to have the best experience and they know a lot things about what not to miss but also which areas to avoid.😊

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing 😃 It sounds like you all had a great time! -Eric

[@susie9893]

Doesn't always apply wherever you go but is a good idea to try at least. If you don't get a good feeling about tho...

[@nickbowman7102]

Just had my first solo travel experience and the first time alone in a foreign country this week as I begin study abroad in Scotland. Delays, airport sprints, plenty of caffeine and adrenaline … nothing better. Excited to explore the UK!

[@mckee309]

Enjoy your experience of studying abroad! Scotland is one of the most beautiful places.

[@PackHacker]

That's what it's all about! Scotland is a great choice for your first solo trip. - Austin

[@nopelicanpals7241]

I am going tomorrow so excited🔥🔥 and a bit scared too

[@manny_k2988]

What university are you studying at?

[@karmacolonic]

Great tips and encouragement.... I'd just add the 'pack less rather than more' maxim to maximize mobility and freedom, especially when you're out on your own. Nothing is as satisfying as having a light pack and the ability to go anywhere at any time. 😉👍

[@alex8426]

Thank you, I've always traveling solo and all the tips you've mentioned will definitely makes everyone's travel enjoyable and fun. Safety and being alert at all times on new location is a must.

[@cltinturkey]

Great tips! Best one is to trust your gut. If someone feels wrong or just off, skip it. If you're in a situation and your instinct is to leave, take quick action and get out. Don't be afraid to make a stink or act a little crazy. Get out fast and live to enjoy future adventures.

[@Poetry4Peace]

What's a stink haha😅

[@deanpapadopoulos3314]

Awesome job. Solo travel is a major part of my personal religion. It’s my oxygen. The yang of my yin.

[@PackHacker]

Well said, Dean! Thanks for the support! - Austin

[@jt_norway9129]

Ive traveled to Tokyo, Helsinki,Copenhagen,Lived in London alone and now im in Canary Islands ALL ALONE! :)

[@PackHacker]

Nice! 💪

[@neogeo1975]

6 years ago I traveled solo for the first time to Copenhagen. I had a great time and met wonderful people from around the world.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing! - Austin

[@MP-lv5vk]

I had a couple of days to myself in Japan before a tour. The tour was great but I learned so much more Japanese traveling alone.

[@tribaljavi]

18 years ago I went on my first solo trip to Rome and school in the country side. So many mistakes! I packed a huge rolling suitcase filled to the brim. I paid $60 for a taxi cab to my hotel from the airport! I didnt realize the humidity and almost died a few times of heat exhaustion. Cut to today, I have my Peak Design 45L, all my packing cubes and even leave room for souvenirs and clothes I may buy on my travels. I use everything in my bag now.

[@susie9893]

Yeah I did a 7 week trip thru the middle east many years ago and took a huge pack. And I pretty much wore the same clothes every day 😏 We live, we learn

[@Mercgo]

Been driving trucks and solo international traveling for 3 years now. I love it, meet so many awesome solo’ers along the way

[@deanpapadopoulos3314]

Meeting others like us is a major reward of solo travel.

[@daMillenialTrucker]

Wait your a truck driver? I plan on trying to do something like solo travel, I love trucking and I wanna experience more since I've been to every state

[@zenatime]

Back in the summer of 2009 I went backpacking across Europe with a really large Osprey porter bag. Wish I had known about minimalist travel back then. Anyways, while in Rome I took the public bus to get around and on my second night I didn’t think to check the bus schedule…I rode all the way to Vatican City and turns out it was the last stop at maybe 10 pm. The driver and another worker felt sorry for me and let me ride with them back to the station. It was a long walk back to the place I was staying.

[@patluscombe2088]

I travelled California to New York , stop off in Chicago, on Amtrak by myself many years ago. Booked a a sleeper car. Best travel ever. Had dinner each night on the train with someone new. Chatted for hours with a lovely woman . Was ‘adopted’ by a Texan family who told me heaps about where were were travelling though. My advise is to always look like you know what you are doing and where you are going. I found that as I was by myself , I was left alone in a lot of the touristy places like downtown Hollywood , I think they must have though I was a local. Also , can’t stress this enough, if you don’t feel safe in an area , or you think , if this was home , I would no be here , then trust your instincts, I had that feeling once in a major city , so I went back to the hotel. When I book overseas holidays , first night in the new city , I pre book the best hotel I can afford and pre book transport , cause I know I will not have my wits about me when I get off the plane.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for all of the detailed insights, Pat! We appreciate all the information you shared 😀 -Eric

[@jamesburns679]

My tip is to go to a safe country for your first solo trip.

[@neogeo1975]

Or visit a city in your own country.

[@tomandersonjr.7399]

Portugal

[@susie9893]

@@neogeo1975 better tip.

[@susie9893]

Depends on your definition of a safe country. I'm sure my definition would vary a lot from many others. Maybe your first solo trip should be to somewhere where you speak the language?

[@angtran2435]

Vietnam 😂

[@leesworld1710]

Tomorrow I start my first solo travel

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for the comment, Lee! We can’t wait to hear about your trip. Enjoy every moment! -Eric

[@alex8426]

I loved all the tips on your video. I've always travelled solo and enjoyed every minute of it. I've messed up and got lost and to me it's an experience that I will never forget. Thanks for the video and keep on travelling. Cheers

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for the comment, Alex! It’s all a part of the journey 😃 -Eric

[@susie9893]

Yes I think getting lost can be one of the most enjoyable things about travel, but if being lost is a nightmare for your travel companion then it kinda sours the experience. Never have to worry about that traveling solo

[@ConnorWilkins]

Quite literally getting ready for my eat pray love trip right now. This helped a lot.

[@georg.pl_]

Perfect time for that upload. Gonna travel on my own for the very first time in about a week. Can‘t wait to go to Malta though. 😎

[@frezzingaces]

I'm hoping to hit up Malta in a few months, enjoy it!

[@supersyndrome]

Definitely, some great advice here - especially the Leave a Trace one. I wouldn't have even thought to do that but for travelling solo, it makes so much sense! You have some great shots in this video and I'd love to know where you were when you took them: Snow waterfall place: 5:51 Giant lake place with mountains: 11:22 Cheers!

[@PackHacker]

Glad you found the video useful! For the locations they are Gullfoss Falls in Iceland and Lake Louise in Banff, Canada. - Aidan

[@BenedictGillespie]

Been driving trucks and solo international traveling for 3 years now. I love it, meet so many awesome solo’ers along the way

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for watching! 😃

[@barbarast.dennis7073]

Especially be OK with mistakes and travel snafus because they going to happen for sure! On a very recent trip alone, female 77, Alaska air had a meltdown, flights were cancelled so I missed later flights and all the rest of my reservations were cancelled with no notice. That is standard operation, so if your flights get cancelled, be sure to reconfirm!

[@gr8bkset-524]

Traveling alone is a lot more interesting because the possibility of being hungry and without a home forces me to make friends. My first extended trip was spending my sabbatical with a friend to Peru for his high school reunion. He stayed one week, then I stayed five more and went to Ecuador, the Galapagos and was the sole guest of an indigenous tribe in the Amazon. I mis-planned, so my flight back to LA landed in the middle of the night. I slept on a hard bench at Union Station surrounded by homeless people.

[@lordteabelly]

Great video and useful tips! I'm in the uk and are planning a 3week US trip for 2023 where i want to go to seattle, philly and new york, a week in each. It will most likely be a solo trip which kinda excites me even though at the same time it would be cool to go with a travel partner, however I'm planning already as a solo trip for now. I've already been making lists of attractions and things i want to see in each city, restaurants i want to check out, transportation options, live music venues etc etc

[@jbstravels1741]

Always have some spare TP in your little day pack or sling bag. Sometimes public restrooms run out!

[@susie9893]

OR travel tissues packets are more multipurpose

[@iblackfeathers]

if you’re going solo and doing the kessel run, do it in under 12 parsecs.

[@karmacolonic]

Wookies make great travel buddies, though, so maybe stop and smell the blaster residue.... 😜

[@PackHacker]

Hey karmacolonic! We strongly recommend sitting in an exit row if you're traveling with a Wookie. The extra legroom is a must! - Austin

[@karmacolonic]

@@PackHacker Really great tip, Austin... Few things in the galaxy are as unpleasant as an irritable, cramped Wookie in Economy Class . 😜

[@TrumpetGapper]

I frequently solo travel to Walt Disney World. It's an easy, safe place to be alone and yet meet tons of people who have a love of something that you do as well. Highly recommend.

[@BobbiPhantom]

The Netherlands, best solo travel 👌🏼

[@MrBnaan]

Very easy to get around and almost everyone speaks very good English 💯

[@tashayb4448]

I want to go to AMS for my birthday and ADE in October! I’m doing research now to prepare

[@susie9893]

There's interesting. Hadn't considered

[@JOOceBoxes]

Travel solo = bag space is my own! I EDC a backpack and my buds always ask me if they can put their water bottles in my backpack because their sling can't fit it. I cannot tell you how many times I ended up saying no and being the "dick" cos I won't help em out. I don't wanna carry more weight to my bag just because they didn't plan properly!

[@EliHamalak]

Back in the summer of 2009 I went backpacking across Europe with a really large Osprey porter bag. Wish I had known about minimalist travel back then. Anyways, while in Rome I took the public bus to get around and on my second night I didn’t think to check the bus schedule…I rode all the way to Vatican City and turns out it was the last stop at maybe 10 pm. The driver and another worker felt sorry for me and let me ride with them back to the station. It was a long walk back to the place I was staying.

[@Man_united]

First solo trip, i flew into Xi’an. I found the cheap flight on google flights a few days before and never heard of the city before. I landed early and nothing was open. A guy in a non-taxi tried to take me to my hotel which i declined. He found me a taxi after i convinced him I’m not getting into his car. After he found the taxi, i got in, he walked over to the driver and handed him some money and was talking in Mandarin which I did not understand. I nope’d right out of that taxi and spent the next 30 minutes trying to find my own with google translate. Who knows where that taxi driver would have dropped me off at.

[@PaulHo]

Damn, I want a small warehouse like that to keep better inventory of my gear. Fully love that directive of just exploring, whether that's walking in a straight line or following whatever route comes your way. Without making it too complicated, I like to turn if I hit a red light. If I end up walking around the block once it twice, it's not the end of the world. I like to listen to see if there's an event in the distance too. Live music is intoxicating and crowds know if they're good or not.

[@FloriTravels]

You might wanna try amazon warehouse if you sell online, it's what i did and since then i can live and travel in Thailand

[@PaulHo]

@@FloriTravels unfortunately, I'm just a dumb bitch with an obsession and extensive collection, not a reseller. 🤡

[@FloriTravels]

@@PaulHo haha, i see😅

[@loading1345]

'If I end up walking around the block once or twice, it's not the end of the world' Idk why but this made me burst into tears. Guess my body is telling me i REALLY need to be alone for a while... ♥️ Thank u for sharing

[@PaulHo]

@@loading1345 fully sit in and embrace that solitude!

[@centauria9122]

These are some good tips! I've been wanting to try solo travelling for a while now, and looking to finally go to places to not only feel what it'll be like, but also to experience stuff, discover more about myself, eat some local food (Like I did in Hawaii with my family), do some activities, and to meet other people in hopes of making new friends. :) My expectations are not high when I think of things realistically, and I am currently learning Spanish from various sources, KZbin, and using duolingo. One of the things I really want to do in life is to go on adventures, travel the world, and to get out of my comfort zone. I should also state the fact that I really do not have friends to travel with. :( But I am looking forward to try solo travelling hopefully soon or later! :D

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙 -Eric

[@FloriTravels]

Great video, Pack. I recommend Thailand, it's is one of the best countries for solo travel. I've been around here for the last 10 years!

[@modulaeris7983]

For a moment I thought you guys dicovered time travel (the title). Great video as always. 😎👍

[@meYogii_]

I finally got my hands on the older version of Osprey farpoint 40 and I love it! My first trips alone was in the country I live in. Here I feel comfortable with the language and I can easy get in touch with friends and family, they would know what to do. I REALLY suggest that as the very first step. It's a nice, relaxed way to learn how to pack your bag, make plans, learn how it works on the airport, transfer to the place u're staying at and how to manage the offerings at that place. The reason I went on those trips (a total of 3 - 4 I think) was bc I signed up for a competition in bowling, one of my biggest interests at the time. I also had the opportunity to make friends bc we had the same interest and we all were at the same event/competitions. I've also visited relatives who lives far away. Those times I've been fortunate to stay at their place, for free, and they showed me around in the area before I had the courage to go there on my own. Thanks for these awesome tips. I agree with most of them. My parents used to make plans for our family trips abroad but sometimes it was a lot of stress bc there was a lot of timestamps to follow. I like it when I have a few plans, like a big plan and then I would think of things to do around that. It's more fun to make things u want to at the moment, like an adventure. Also much easier if u feel tired or in pain instead of having to hurry to the next thing on the to-do-list. I'm dreaming of going abroad to visit other contries on my own or with a friend. But I don't want to visit the area where the tourists are gathering. I would like to explore, taste and learn the country by it's own people. I think if i'm at a place where there are a lot of tourists and food I eat at home, I could stay at home instead, free of charge. Otherwise I feel like I spend money to be around other tourists like me= boring.😅

[@mean15israel31]

Thank you for saying a lot of advantages when it comes to travelling alone. Just so broken hearted that my beshy can't come. Helped a lot. 💕

[@PackHacker]

You’re welcome! We hope it helps 😃 -Eric

[@cam8695]

If you are staying in a hostel somethimes you can get a single room. So then you can go to the lounge or kitchen for company or back to your room for a break and unwind. I have been making a spreadsheet and turing some of it into a printed travel diary so I can have a place to take notes on what I have seen.

[@PackHacker]

Great tips - thanks for sharing! - Austin

[@susie9893]

Yes, I don't think this was a thing back when I used to do hostels but am planning to keep my eye out next trip. Also pod hotels

[@dorkvania7212]

Solo travel means no one else is bothered by my food allergies and I can dally at spots as long as I want to get the picture I want! That said, I've has problems with large groups being pushy. When it's just you, it's easy to get pushed out and people try to pressure me to give up my table. The worst was at a cider tasting where I couldn't even get to the bar during my scheduled time. People were just being so pushy to make sure *their* friends had really good spots and weren't crowded. I missed most of the tasting. But I do prefer solo travel as I like long haul trains and cold weather, which is not the most usual of tastes. Sadly, most excursion trains take couples only so someday I need to find a fellow train lover. There is no 'solo supplement', you just can't buy a solo ticket at all and going solo would be super awkward.

[@PackHacker]

Hey DorkVania! We hope you find your travel soul mate soon! - Austin

[@susie9893]

Enjoyed this better on my second watch. My best solo travel advice is don't get sick. You will probably feel like you have to keep going but you will be miserable the whole time and nobody there to get medicines for you - you have to do it all yourself (and if you don't speak the language, finding your way thru a different country's healthcare system is NOT what you want to do when sick). Do everything you can to prevent this

[@elsward6244]

Please add locations on the next videos🙂

[@thew4lker]

My first ever abroad travel was also mi first solo one, to Cuzco Peru. The greatest plan was of course going to Machu Picchu, all the way from Cuzco to Ollataytambo train station, and from there to Aguas Calientes. Calling it one of the seven wonders of the world really makes it justice! The thing is that the trip back to Cuzco wasn't considering getting off on Ollataytambo again, which i did by mistake. So i ended up stranded at the train station, unable to get a train back since they already ended operation for the day. A cab was an option but it would have fared a lot of money since is was a couple hours worth of time. At the end i learned how to go back by bus with many locals and i managed to arrive back at my hotel by midnight. Talk about making mistakes :P

[@whereintheworldisnori]

This is great. When I solo traveled through Europe, I wish I was more accommodating of my introvert personality style. I forced myself to meet new people and most of it exhausted me and was an uncomfortable experience in general. Very important 👏🏾

[@PackHacker]

Setting aside that time to mentally reset is important, even when you have limited time in a destination. Thanks for the support! - Austin

[@Ammarsh1993]

Did you use any apps to meet ppl during travel?

[@talktothesand88]

Yes I'm an introvert too so not sure how I'll cope. I'm currently saving now to solo travel. Would you say its best to just get a flight and look for accommodation when you land or book it all together?

[@whereintheworldisnori]

@@talktothesand88 lol not to be dramatic but ABSOLUTELY BOOK ACCOMMODATION BEFORE TRAVELING. I can't stress that enough. I once made the mistake of not doing so first and really suffered it. Too many things can go wrong if you don't book accommodation first. Lol good luck & safe travels

[@talktothesand88]

@@whereintheworldisnori thank you

[@bird5790]

Going to Guatemala for my first solo trip ever! Definitely a huge step but im excited, thanks for the tipps!

[@estiw.6270]

Great tips. I have been traveling solo to Japan and Europe, definitely will do it again, will use some of your tips to improve my trip efficiency

[@PackHacker]

Glad they were helpful! Thanks for the comment! - Austin

[@Ahmed.S.Ibrahim]

Going to start my solo travel tip around the globe on may 12 (my birthday) i have no idea how im gonna do it but I’ll find a way. Where there is will, there is a way

[@PackHacker]

🙌

[@atipkarapakdee6576]

No.29 Atip karapakdee I've never traveled alone in my life. This clip is awesome. I've learned a lot of tips, especially on Get Great Gear and It Pays to Prepare. This clip will surely motivate me to start my first solo journey very soon.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for watching! -Eric

[@henrynguyen6799]

Thank u for the tips @Pack Hacker! I just booked flight tickets to LA not too long ago earlier this week bc it was on sale, and i'll be going to see a concert there it's going to be my first time travelling alone too!

[@hakukuze7947]

It’s like an Ad with travel tips

[@OllieSuk-q4s]

Next month i will be solo traveling for the first time. I am 19 y/o so it was all planned by my parents the years before, hopefully it goes well.

[@_pax19_]

Thanks for your videos. Watched a few and took already a lot of tips out of them. This one is the most important for me since I go on my first solo trip soon.

[@PackHacker]

That’s awesome, Patrick! We’re certain you’ll have a great trip. -Eric

[@PatricioBenavente]

There are many ways of traveling. Depending on the time: Weekend travel, vacations, year around the world, nomad. I been a nomad for 6+ years. And my best tip is: You are alone only if you wish. There are nice people everywhere.

[@PackHacker]

Well said! Thanks for sharing, Patricio! - Austin

[@deanpapadopoulos3314]

Excellent point!!!

[@thijsbruijn3512]

Next month i will be solo traveling for the first time. I am 19 y/o so it was all planned by my parents the years before, hopefully it goes well.

[@lenthus]

I didn't know you could Time Travel. Amazing what they can do nowadays.

[@mooseman09]

Solo travelled through Europe. Super convenient that pretty much everywhere had apple pay or tap to pay. Did not have to carry around cash or take out my wallet for anything.

[@charlotteice5704]

To anyone seeing this looking to travel to/through places in Europe (I greatly dislike the notion of Europe as one place): Not having to carry cash is very much not the norm. If you only shop at chain stores, yes, you'll be able to go without it, but you'll probably need it for any small business or for markets and so on. Also,keep in mind that this varies from place to place and that what I just said is probably most accurate for a not touristy area in Germany, whereas in Sweden for example they barely use cash or not at all afaik.

[@susie9893]

@@charlotteice5704 thanks for this. I read the above comment and thought either things have changed a lot recently or he just happened to have a very inauthentic experience

[@nicholleakkerman8912]

Soo I’m use to flying alone but this is going to be a road trip travel! I have my large dog but I’m still really nervous. Any advice from anyone is welcome and appreciated🧡

[@susie9893]

You should watch a lot of solo vanlife videos. I'm sure you could find a lot of safety tips. There was a series posted by a channel Enigmatic Nomatics about female safety on the road. That should give you a good starting point

[@thedyingfetus9493]

Just bought tickets to go from Canada to Switzerland! Im also hitting Spain on this solo trip I cant wait but im kinda stressed lol

[@PackHacker]

Enjoy your trip! 😊

[@qwerty6-6]

Going to my first hike in the Himalayas tomorrow. I will be solo but will have a guide. Let us see how it goes!

[@PackHacker]

So cool! Have a great trip! - Austin

[@INTJ82]

R.I.P

[@jadeoliverdabon4273]

No. 0 Jade Oliver Dabon Thank you for these useful tips for solo traveling. I remember when I was in Cambodia. I had spent lots of money on my transportation. I made lots of Cambodian friends such as the driver, the vendors, etc. I really appreciate those tips coz these can help my students to learn more about themselves when they want to travel solo.

[@srahsunshine6708]

Awesomeness I saved this for later

[@antongrad]

Went on a long weekend to central MEXICO , never walked that much … beautiful! But since I’m a bit social talker and chater

[@PackHacker]

Sounds like you had a great trip, antongrad! - Tom

[@driftracerjohn11]

I’m to start my racing career soon. I needed to travel to race events

[@wolfegod]

I love coming across videos with 0 dislikes

[@Droiduxx]

I plan to go on a solo travel to Budapest this summer. I must admit, even if I am excited with it, I am a bit worried that I will not be able to connect with people and end up staying alone...

[@simon5005]

Doing my second Solo cruise Boston to Canada in October, and I had a great time on my first two years ago! What's with all the backpacks behind you??? 😱

[@neohutiri]

Can we talk about that hair cut. Wow!!!

[@WorldTravelGuide24]

Great video!

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for watching! 😃

[@JackMoore-d1u]

I'm a huge fan.

[@PackHacker]

🤙🤙🤙

[@mooseman09]

10:54 oh shit Minneapolis!

[@mrvanhorn07]

I watched a lady on the same topic say never tell ppl you are solo especially women but im a guy. Do you think its safe to disclose that if you are male (obviously if i dont get any bad vibes) I just like to be honest.

[@kotadawndragon]

I was always told that single female travelers should wear a fake wedding ring to make themselves less vulnerable as a target. Is this still a thing? I've always wondered if this was effective advice. Also, I would love to see a women's travel advice video. A lot of stuff is applicable to everyone, but there are some things that men just don't have to worry about nearly as much.

[@senoB]

Obviously just an opinion but: Research: always research as much as you can about your destination, not just tourist attractions but also cultural norms, typical scams, and have your entire trip planned and check-in daily with friends and families. Self-defense: situational awareness where you are not buried in your phone/book in public areas, listen to your instincts (sketchy, willies, creeps). Pay attention to people around you and reduce opportunities for thieves, scams, or other criminals by keeping valuables hidden with just some spending money in an easily accessible pocket/etc. Dress similar to locals, keep your clothes low-key and modest and keep jewelry or gadgets to a minimum or hidden. Never get drunk, high or otherwise incapacitated. Bags (small, carryable) should always be on your person or attached to an object. Avoid wheeled carry-on or other obvious travel gear. Tools: Phone: download all necessary maps and ebooks. consider buying local SIM or buy a international data plan from your cell provider. a solid pen and flashlight work well for multiple situations. If you can buy a small Swiss Army Knife for use during trip and discard or before going into airport. Alternatively you can mail to yourself at first hotel of your stop.

[@kotadawndragon]

@@senoB That's definitely some good advice. Thanks!

[@obragg1]

I do wear a cheap “wedding” band ($5 on Amazon). Especially helpful in Muslim countries, where I received more respect. Once, I mentioned my husband in a particularly sticky situation. I am married, so I wasn’t being untruthful.

[@kristinvanderlinde59]

While traveling for a year in a different culture with different dynamics between men and women (Mexico), what I encountered was that a few local men (hotel workers, taxi driver, tour guides), often in rural areas, mistook my conversational friendliness in practicing speaking Spanish as being relationally interested in them, and then they wouldn't leave me alone or started to act inappropriately. This was definitely the minority of people I encountered, but it did happen, and it taught me a whole lot. While I generally do not recommend being unfriendly, I had to learn how to be more reserved and cautious with my energy in certain situations, how to be aware of someone else's energy and intentions, how to say a firm NO, how to exit a situation promptly yet peacefully, and to be more aware of how I am being perceived by the opposite sex. Also, when I would be asked if I was married or where my husband was, which happened more than a few times by local men, it would be an obvious cue, and I would either answer carefully, in a very reserved or vague way, or just completely change the subject. You can also simply say it is not their business. The other thing I can recommend is really trying to learn the local language of wherever you are going, because you are much less prone to be taken advantage of monetarily speaking, if you are comfortable asking questions, and bartering in the native language. I noticed that at times, I was treated like a walking dollar sign, until I began speaking Spanish and the whole situation changed, and I was treated with respect. Overall, there were very few situations were I did not feel 100% totally safe. I love traveling Solo, as a woman, and I learn SO much! Hope these tips help!

[@susie9893]

@@obragg1 interesting because other travellers recommend NOT bringing your wedding or engagement ring when traveling in Europe. Can make you a bit of a target apparently cos not traditional there and flags you as a tourist. But kudos to you for doing solo female in an Arabic country!

[@Withbackpack]

My first solo trip was to China in the middle of winter. I went to Shanghai, Zhengzhou, Xian, Chongqing, and Wuhan. There were times when I asked myself, "Why did you do this to yourself? Why didn't you pick a warmer country where you're not completely illiterate?" But overall, I had lots of fun. I even went back to China several times, though not in the winter. The best country to solo travel IMO is Vietnam. When I went there, both with my husband and as a solo traveler, I was also meeting people to travel with for a few days. Then I'd meet a new set of people to travel with. I'm still friends with a lot the people I met.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing!

[@ez5970]

I’m about to travel Europe/ Israel for an unknown amount of time thanks for the tips!

[@PackHacker]

Glad we could help! Have a wonderful trip! - Austin

[@mynamebashbarti]

Ya it sucks not really have friends you can count on, but I’m not trying to waste my life away doing nothing but work

[@Mekhinya]

Do you have any videos that are exclusive to solo road trips? Most of the information assumes international travel.

[@PackHacker]

Hey there! We have some road trip content but nothing specific to solo travelers. I'll pass the idea along to the team. Thanks for the comment! - Austin

[@Mekhinya]

@@PackHacker Thanks!

[@สรวิศเฮ้งบริบูรณ์]

No.23sorawit Thank you for the benefits of this clip. Very useful about various places. Reminds me of my trip to Bangkok alone, it felt very lonely. Thank you for the clip and I will follow.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for watching! -Eric

[@andyprozeller4735]

What watch are you wearing?

[@willy-yum5820]

I wanna go to Norway, but I’ve also heard amazing things about Iceland, which would y’all recommend?

[@ExplorewithMsBelle]

❤❤❤

[@kuanyen3062]

Wait a minute. Is that Taiwan?

[@ShadowDaPk]

Why are so many of these tips "don't be alone anymore"? also, Airbnb being cheaper? That really dates the video

[@107ศุภวัฒน์ธนูอาจ]

No.20 Suppawat Tanooard I haven't had a chance to travel alone but this video is very interesting and wonderful, I learned a lot from this clip that will be useful to travel in my future life and lastly ask you to make a clip with I will continue to look forward to this benefit.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for watching! -Eric

[@Ko-zt4qr]

solo travel cons : you can't share things with your travel buddy solo travel pros: you don't need to share your things with your travel buddy When I went to "a mountain area" in central America with my friend, she didn't have anything for rain and cold weather. She said she left them in the hotel because it was super hot and sunny in the city in which our hotel located. It got very cold, windy and it rained heavily while we were waiting for a bus which was delayed more than one hour in the mountain area. She kept complaining and I ended up sharing everything I had with her. I only had things for one person. One pair of gloves, one heat pat, one windbreaker, one small collapsible umbrella etc. I was well prepared but since I had to let her use half of my stuff, I was shaking all the time and almost caught a cold because the equipment I had was not enough for keeping two people warm and dry for more than one hour.

[@susie9893]

The other side of that is if your travel buddy is the opp sex there's not a lot of things you CAN share

[@scorpio23_rising8]

Damn! You are GORGEOUS!! 😛

[@unaminhkavanagh]

Am always amused when people abroad try pronounce Ireland - it’s so different to how we say it here! 😅

[@rushikeshkanade228]

❤from india

[@paul8325]

OU grad! me too!

[@PackHacker]

🤙🤙🤙

[@owenblack5916]

I got totally ripped off in Hong Kong - I bought a lens and other camera equipment - the sales guy charged around double what I should have paid for the whole bundle - but he kinda hid the extra charges and focused on the fact that I was getting a lens at around a 25% discount. I walked out of the shop happy enough but when I did the math that evening I realised I'd been had - my fault for being such an idiot... Going solo in Hong Kong was amazing though!!

[@PackHacker]

Hey Owen! Making mistakes is part of the experience when you solo travel. Encountering adversity and coming out the other side (sometimes with a little less money than you should) is what makes solo travel so rewarding. Thanks for sharing your experience! - Austin

[@prettylittleravenna]

Name of the yellow sling bag shown in the beginning of the video?

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for the comment! That's the Moment Fanny Sling. You can check it our here: packhacker.com/travel-gear/moment/fanny-sling-v2/ - Austin

[@vj_great551]

I am In my late 30s and still solo travels seems daunting to me... and yes I am a guy.... I try to do a solo trip but breaks at last moment and go for group trips.... I think a lot and I am afraid if something bad would happen in a foreign country... I also don't have friends and never traveled with one.. how can I overcome this

[@jayturner7712]

Sounds like some anxiety. We can get all tips and advice like here on KZbin from real experiences, some areas in certain countries in times of now may not be solo travel safe, greed, power, political wise, but you can research from travelers safe starter countries to teaspoon with as you grow through experiences. Friends is one thing, but socialising with those that have similar likings things in common can be just as good. You just gotta ease out the bubble, lots of Wonderful personalities out here to meet, not just bad, but you'll know when come across them, instinct wise.

[@susie9893]

I think also it's a matter of focusing on the positives. What you'll gain vs what might happen. And you know what? Some of the scariest things I've run into turned out to be the most gratifying. You always discover something amazing about yourself AND about the kindness of strangers

[@visito.r]

At 7:29 does anyone recognize the backpack?

[@ObeluStrawberry]

wonder can bring apple airtag in the trip, then plot on the map where u go to?

[@charlotteice5704]

The simpler option would probably be to leave GPS on on your phone and make sure the location history is turned on. You can view it in Google maps and it'll have a line of your movement.

[@ObeluStrawberry]

@@charlotteice5704 thanks i will explore that. i am using iPhone so is apple map not sure have the same feature

[@gageadavis]

How do you recommend navagating the beach with stuff, im fearful that i wont be able to swim because of my stuff and people stealing it while i am swimming

[@PatricioBenavente]

Have been there and being stolen my stuff. Just practice no attachments or ask someone to guard your t-shirt and sandals.

[@susie9893]

Waterproof phone lariat. Boardies with pockets for cards and keys. As a bonus, if someone steals your shirt and towel you'll still be halfway decent AND have your valuables

[@เอกมลช่วยสืบวงษ์สา]

No.40 Ekamon chueysuebwongsa Thanks you for this .This video is useful for people traveling alone. I hope you make another useful video.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for watching! -Eric

[@dumpsta-divrr365]

4:07 JESSE

[@PackHacker]

Heisenberg 😎 -Eric

[@aerohk]

I was harassed by two teenagers or young adult while solo travelling. Very bad experience, not recommended. You could appear to be very weak as a solo tourist, makes you become a target. In addition, I was followed by homeless people in San Diego for a couple of streets.

[@susie9893]

Pays to research in advance. Knowing which places to avoid prevents a lot of those problems AND you'll have more confidence so you'll LOOK confident (therefore far less likely to be harassed)

[@nicholasloibl5621]

Any one up to meet in Greenland or alaska