Traveling solo is a life changing experience I believe everyone should have at least once in their lifetime. In addition to how much you learn about yourself, it also teaches you so many skills you’ll need and can use in the future. These solo traveler skills can also be added to your resume if you’re looking for a job. Interested in a travel job? Check this out!
When you’re in your comfort zone it’s easy to get into a routine and conform to what’s around you. So when you’re on your own in a place that speaks a different language you need to adapt to new things quickly.
The skills solo travel teaches you will go with you wherever you go. Now let’s get into it!
Research skills
You are the organizer and planner of the trip so you will be doing all the research of your upcoming destination. Because it’s just you, you get to choose how much and how little you choose to do.
If it’s your first solo trip, I recommend doing more than expected because you’ll want to feel as comfortable as possible. Look up neighborhoods to stay in and visit for safety, activities, the vibe. Travel blogs tend to share this type of info so doing a Google search for that will help.
Since it’s you and only you, you’ll be responsible for doing all the research prior to a trip you’re the one looking everything up and choosing or discarding the places you’ll end up visiting. It’s up to you to find those gems!
Time management
Now that you’ve done research and know what you want to see and do, it’s time to make an itinerary that makes sense. You don’t need to have it all figured out, but at least knowing what times places are open or if they close certain days or times will be helpful to know. Grab my Trip Planner to help you stay organized!
It’ll be useful to factor in how long it’ll take you to get to and from places so having a lay of the land is helpful. A free walking tour on the first day helps get your bearings.
Organization skills
Keeping track of everything will be fully your responsibility, so keep an eye on the important things like your passport and credit cards. You don’t want to lose anything important or not have quick, easy access when you need it.
Years ago I never thought I’d be the person who used a fanny pack (affiliate link) and today I swear by it. It’s super convenient on travel and airport days. I keep my passport, AirPods, charger, and a few other things that are easy to reach this way.
Budget planning
I’ll admit, I always tend to go over budget when I travel and that is in part because I don’t tend to give myself one. I give myself a limit of what I want to spend on something though. I’m someone who stays at hostels because I rarely stay there during the day, unless I want to meet people. This cuts my costs on accommodation.
On the other hand I don’t spare any expense when it comes to having an experience I want to have. I never know when I’ll visit the place again and I want to make sure I do everything I want to do.
This is all personal though and some people will want to choose more on some things than others. If you know you love 5 star accommodation, then that is something to keep in mind when budgeting. It’s good to have an idea of what you’re willing to spend before you go out and spend it. The last thing you want is to put yourself in debt over a trip.
Communication skills
This is a skill you need for any job and just in life overall. If you’re traveling solo, you’ll need to communicate with people at all levels of your trip. This may mean going out of your comfort zone and advocating for yourself in certain situations.
Depending on your destination, you may also use your language skills. If you’re looking to improve your skill level in a particular language then traveling solo will actually force you to practice it. You won’t have a friend to talk with and eventually you’ll want to talk with people.
Logistics
You’ll be in charge of mapping out your trip and how it’ll go. You have to do it in a way that makes sense so that you’re not going from one neighborhood to another for every activity. Plan by neighborhood or section of the city so that it’s cohesive and flows. Think of it as project management where you’re effectively managing your trip.
Adapting to any situation
Traveling solo will have you adapting to any and all situations, if you let it. You’ll have moments where you may have to make difficult decisions and you may end up in ones that you don’t particularly like or feel comfortable in. It’ll be up to you to choose what feels right and what you’re willing to do and not do.
Confidence
Traveling by yourself is the best way to grow your self confidence. You’ll have to do everything by yourself and if this isn’t something you’re used to, you’ll be able to by the end of your trip. When taking photos by yourself (solo travelers photo link), you’ll have to push through any doubts or worrying about what people will think.
I used to be pretty shy, but solo travel got me out of my shell. I wouldn’t call myself an extrovert now, but traveling as an introverted Latina isn’t so bad(introvert Latina post). Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, you will notice your confidence increase with every solo trip.
Independence
A combination of all the already mentioned skills above give you this last one, independence. You now know you can do anything by yourself. This doesn’t mean you won’t ever travel with others, but if there’s no one who can join you, you’ll know you can still go and everything will be fine.
You’ll have the confidence and all the skills to travel on your own, with no worrying if someone will accompany you or not. It’s empowering knowing you can do anything on your own, especially traveling this big, beautiful world that we live in.
Did you ever think of the skills you learn when traveling solo?
Do you have any of these skills already or which are you looking to improve or gain?
When I started traveling solo, I never thought about the skills I would or could acquire. I knew it was something I wasn’t used to and that it might take time to be fully comfortable, but that in the end it would be worth it.
Every trip is still a learning process where I’m improving these skills and probably others that I haven’t even thought of as of yet.
If you’re on the fence about traveling solo, book a call with me. We can go over any limiting beliefs you may have and talk about destinations that would be ideal for your first solo trip. You can ask me anything about my past experiences from the good to the bad. I’m happy to share all my experiences with you!
Not ready to take your first solo trip? No problem! Join my Solo Traveler’s email list and get tips, stories, advice, inspo, and more sent straight to your inbox. Here you’ll learn about my past experiences as well as my upcoming ones. I love to share as much as possible because I know it can be nerve wrecking to make that first step. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Read more about my past solo travels here and get inspired.
Viaja more y live más,
Exactly for the reasons you outline here is why I think everyone should experience solo travel at some point; it has a lot of benefits from both a travel and personal perspective. I thoroughly enjoyed it when I did it!
I totally agree! Everyone would benefit from a solo trip, even if it is just one!