5 Usual Hassles of Solo Travel and What You Can Do to Get Around Them

Solo travel can be one of the most remarkable and life-changing experiences you will ever have. Travelling alone allows you to learn new things about yourself while exploring various places and meeting all sorts of new people. Your solo adventure can involve so much more than just being in a different location; it can also boost your self-confidence and awareness once you’re able to overcome several obstacles on your own.

Though being alone means that some aspects of travel are easier, others can be harder on a solo traveller. Below are five of the usual hassles that await solo adventurers, plus what you can do to get around them.

Airport Layovers

If you’re travelling to another country, especially one that crosses time zones, you will most likely experience an airport layover or a period that you spend in between airports for connecting flights. These mini pit stops provide great opportunities for you to explore another foreign land that’s different from your intended destination. While most layovers usually last for four hours, they may become longer if you’re travelling to a more remote area. Finding something to do or someplace to rest during layovers may be more of a challenge for a solo traveller than someone travelling with company.

If your layover is more than six hours, it’s best practice to find a hotel near an airport so that you can take a breather while still being close enough to your terminal. For example, if your layover is in Singapore, you can look for a Singapore Changi Airport hotel that you can book for a short stay.

Remember to always check the visa rules for the connecting country you’re in. While most countries allow free transit visas for short periods, others may require a full-entry visa. To avoid headaches about where you’ll be allowed to stay while you’re in transit, make sure to do some research ahead.

Airport Transfers

Travelling alone also means that you must handle all the logistics of your trip, from moving all your luggage from the airport to your hotel, to booking an airport transfer service, to checking all travel and hotel documents, among others.

Logistics can be overwhelming for the first-time solo traveller, but a good rule of thumb is to create a checklist of everything you would need during an airport transfer and for the duration of the entire trip. It’s also a good idea to keep all important documents inside a plastic envelope and hidden in a bag that is always close to your person. Supplement these with online copies of important documents stored on your phone and in cloud storage.

Always research the services that you will use during your airport transfer, from your transport service to your hotel. Take note of reviews from people who’ve patronised these companies and ‌contact your preferred service to clarify any concerns you may have. Being smart about your airport transfer logistics will save you the pain of being lost, losing something, or having to pay extra fees because you misunderstood something or weren’t on top of your documents.

Transportation In Your Host Country

It’s also important that you research the different travel rules of your host country. One common mistake solo travellers often make is believing that they can just take a cab or ride-hailing service wherever they want to go. In some countries, not only are there limited cabs or private cars available; they may also be much more expensive than other forms of transportation.

Be sure to look up the different transportation methods in your host country and decide which are best suited for your needs. If you’re determined to drive with a rental car, make sure that you have the necessary driving permits and that you are skilled enough at driving in the country’s preferred traffic lane. For example, while people in many countries drive on the right, drivers in countries in the United Kingdom or in former British colonies drive on the left. Know the difference to save yourself troubles like traffic violations in another country.

Getting Sick while Travelling

Travelling is an intense physical activity and can do a number on your body if you’re not prepared for it. One of the most overlooked hassles when travelling alone is getting sick while in another country.

Before you leave, make sure that you’re up-to-date with your vaccinations, especially if you’re travelling to certain countries that are strict about health certifications. Some countries, for example, require foreign travellers to receive vaccines like the Yellow Fever vaccine before receiving their visa.

It’s also a good idea to bring your own medical kit that’s stocked with common medicines for pain, nausea, stomach upsets, injuries, and other health conditions you’re susceptible to. Don’t be remiss as well in finding the contact details of the nearest hospital, clinic, or health centre.

Culturally Inappropriate or Improper Behaviour

As a solo traveller, you must read up on the culture of the country you’re visiting and the finer details of how to behave in your host country. Improper behaviour while you’re alone will not only antagonise you in the eyes of locals; it may also net you fines or other penalties.

If you were visiting Singapore, for example, you need to remember that the country places a premium on cleanliness. As much as possible, do not chew gum or smoke anywhere you like. There are designated places for these habits. For a travel experience that’s positive both for you and for the country’s locals, find out about the local laws, customs, and traditions you should respect, and observe them while you’re travelling solo.

Travelling alone may be considered the “harder” option in some ways, but it’s also a beautiful way to learn who you are, how strong and resilient you can be, and how well you can engage with other cultures. By maintaining a positive outlook and a sense of adventure, coupled with respect for your destination’s cultures and customs, you’ll find that you’re fully capable of dealing with whatever life throws your way.

Take the time to prepare adequately for your trip so that you can avoid these common hassles. Doing so will allow you to spend less time being frustrated, angry, or anxious—and more time actually enjoying your solo adventure.