How to Cope with Common Issues when Traveling Solo

Being a solo female traveler is great and all, there are so many great destinations for us solo female travelers. But then enjoying it doesn't make it immune to the emerging problem at times.

After years of traveling solo, I have come to discover that there are certain times where you wish you had a friend (or boyfriend) to offer you secondary advice, or just be there to talk to. Luckily, I’ve learned along the way how to cope with these common issues when traveling solo.

Here’s how.

Table of Content

Issue 1: Getting ill

I have so many things on my to-do list before I hit 30 that I often rush my travels and burn myself out before I can really enjoy each destination. This has often made me more susceptible to illness – and I will tell you this, there is NOTHING worse than getting ill as a solo traveler.

There is nobody there to comfort you, there is nobody there to feed you medicine, and there is nobody there to reassure you that you can’t normally die from the common cold (phew).

To cope with this common issue, I have made it my mission to not rush my travels or push myself too far. With each new destination, I take a look at myself and take a moment to understand my body and what it needs.

If I need a few days on the beach to recuperate, I’ll give myself a few days on the beach! After all, you have all of the time in the world.

Issue 2: Being exploited

There is nothing worse than traveling to a new destination and being ripped off in terms of attraction tickets, transport, or hotels – and more often than not, the people being ripped off are solo travelers (i.e., little ol’ me).

Of course, you don’t want to spend any more money than anyone else, and you don’t want people to think you are a pushover, so how do you combat the fact that you are being exploited?

Well, one of the best ways I have found to cope with this problem is to find a buddy to travel with. While this does reject the whole notion of being a solo traveler, finding a buddy to chill with for the day can not only make you less obvious to scammers, but you can also make friends.

Issue 3: Running out of money

As a solo traveler, I have often found that I have splurged on hotel rooms or more expensive luxuries to ensure that I am in a safe location at night, or that I can have a proper meal. However, this can often take a huge chunk out of your traveling budget, which means that you run out of money quicker.

To combat this common issue, you could get a job! According to The Secret Traveller, working or volunteering while you’re traveling is a great way to keep in touch with reality, and it means you can also make friends and make a difference along the way – while earning your keep!

Issue 4: Holding yourself back

We’ve all heard about peer pressure being bad for you – but sometimes having someone spur you on can stop you from holding yourself back.

On my own travels, I have backed out of various activities and high-octane experiences that would give me long-lasting memories because I psyched myself out.Letting your own fear get the better of you can drastically affect your solo travel journey, which is not something you want to happen!

To stop this from happening, I tell myself that I need to do at least one thrilling experience in each destination. By writing a list, you can make it your mission to tick every box on that piece of paper.

Traveling solo is one of the most daring things I have ever done, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t without its problems.

When you trust yourself to explore the world on your own, you also need to prepare to cope when something happens on your trip. I'd recommend always covering yourself with travel insurance so that when something happens, you can always claim it to minimize the risk. Does anyone else have any epic ideas to cope with traveling solo?

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