Whether you are embarking on a Gap Year or you plan to study abroad, this is the beginning of a great adventure! Add a spot of solo travelling in with it and you’ve got the recipe for an incredibly rewarding experience. Here are some top travel tips for exploring new places, meeting new people, and learning more about yourself when you travel solo as a student!
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Why travel solo as a student?
Travelling solo allows you to have complete control over your itinerary, budget, and experiences. You can go wherever you want, whenever you want, without having to compromise with anyone else. It also gives you the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself, leading to personal growth and self-discovery.
These are all great ways to build confidence and self-esteem ahead of meeting new people when you start your next level of studies.
Travel tips for adventurous solo explorers
If you’re an adventurous soul looking to embark on a solo journey, here are some tips to make the most out of your trip:
- Research your destination: Before you go, research your destination to get an idea of what to expect. Look for popular attractions, local customs, and safety precautions. This will help you plan your trip and avoid any unpleasant surprises.
- Pack light: Even if you’ve shipped all your belongings over ready to start at your new place of study, when you explore your new destination you’ll be responsible for carrying all the luggage you need. Pack light to make your journey more comfortable!
- Stay in hostels or shared accommodation: Not only are hostels and shared accommodations more budget-friendly, but they also provide an opportunity to meet other travellers, other gap year students, and make new friends.
- Be open to new experiences: Solo travel is all about stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things. Be open to new experiences, whether it’s trying new foods, participating in local activities, or making new friends.
- Go on a walking tour: Walking tours are a great way to explore a new place, learn more about its history, and meet other people with the same interests in the area.
- Book experiences: Hikes, talks, workshops and shows are another great way to meet like-minded travellers near you!
- Try new foods: Food is an essential part of any culture, and trying new foods can be a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Solo travel tips for introverts
Solo travel can be a great way to recharge and explore at your own pace. Here are some tips to make the most out of a solo trip if you’d rather keep to yourself:
- Plan your itinerary: As an introvert, you may prefer to have a plan in place. Research and plan your itinerary beforehand, so you have a rough idea of what to expect and can avoid any overwhelming situations.
- Stay in private accommodation: Hostels and shared accommodation may not be your cup of tea! Consider staying in a private room or apartment to have some alone time and recharge.
- Find alone time if you are in shared accommodation: It’s okay to take breaks and have some alone time during your trip. Use this time to relax, recharge, and reflect on your experiences.
- Connect with locals: As an introvert, you may prefer one-to-one interactions over group activities. Connect with locals recommended by your hosts to have more meaningful interactions and learn more about the local culture.
- Bring a book or journal: Having a book or journal with you can be a great way to unwind and have some alone time during your trip.
Safety as a solo traveller
Safety should always be a top priority when travelling alone. Here are some tips to stay safe during your solo trip:
- Trust your instincts: As a solo explorer, you may find yourself in unfamiliar situations. Trust your instincts and use common sense to stay safe.
- Share your itinerary: Let someone back home know your travel plans, including where you’re staying and when you plan to return to your accommodation. Check in with them regularly to let them know you’re safe.
- Stay aware of your surroundings: When exploring a new place, it’s essential to stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone at night and trust your instincts if you feel unsafe.
- Keep important documents safe: Make copies of your passport, travel insurance, and other important documents and keep them in a safe place. You can also store digital copies on your phone or email them to yourself.
- Get student travel insurance: There are specialist travel insurance policies for gap year students as well as travel insurance for studying abroad. Having specialist insurance ensures that you are covered for the unique challenges and circumstances these situations might bring above and beyond losing a passport or needing medical help.
Budgeting when travelling by yourself
Travelling solo can be more expensive than travelling with a group. Here are some budgeting tips to help you save money during your solo trip:
- Stay in budget-friendly accommodation: Shared accommodation such as hostels are great budget-friendly options. You can also consider staying in an Airbnb or Couchsurfing to save even more money.
- Cook your meals: Eating out can quickly add up, especially if you’re travelling for an extended period. Consider staying in a place with a kitchen.
- Use public transportation: Taxis and ride-sharing services can be expensive, especially in touristy areas. Use public transportation to save money on transportation costs.
Get a travel insurance quote for your solo trip of a lifetime!
We have specialist travel insurance policies for gap year students as well as travel insurance for studying abroad. All of our policies come with 24/7 multilingual helpline access and each policy can be tailored to suit your unique needs, no matter where in the world you are!
Get in touch with us for a quote or call us on 01892 833338
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