30 of the Best Solo Travel Tips from Readers (February 2024)

22. Completing my 850-piece winter jigsaw puzzle project has given me a chance to plot new places to travel. It’s made by Remarks Puzzles. It’s been a great educational tool, along with a good way to spend the winter. – Nancy T.

23. Tourism brochures brought my attention to Ninh Binh a few years ago and it was on my current Vietnam itinerary. It’s about 2.5 hours from Hanoi. The brochures show little boats being rowed on a river winding through rice paddies with scenic mountains. One forgets you need a place to board the boats…so a touristy, built-up place clogged with scooters and tourist buses, and people hawking trinkets. Once you get past that, it doesn’t disappoint. Kilometers of hills and greenery, some rice paddies, temples and grave sites, and 3 caves to boat through. Be prepared though, as it is a metal skiff with no seat padding nor a seat back. After a 1.5-hour return trip, and then the 2.5-hour bus ride each way, pack Advil, or book a massage. A curiosity is that they row with their feet….it doesn’t look like a natural movement, but it seems easier than normal rowing for long periods. – Maria F

24. I stayed in 2021 at Destiny Scotland on Market Street across the street from the main rail station and down the hill from the castle. Super close to the Royal Mile. Very reasonably priced, nice suite, and super convenient to everything. – Trina D.

25. I always bring a small make-up bag full of plane goodies that I put in the front seat pocket so I can have quick access to things I need during a long-haul flight instead of having to reach down into my handbag or my carry-on in the overhead locker. My make-up bag normally includes Vicks Rub to stop my nose from drying out, lip balm, sleeping mask, ear plugs, headphones, chewing gum (to help ears pop when descending), tissues, and anything else I might need! – Esther F.

26. I finally invested in a high-quality carry-on and I am blown away by the difference it makes compared to the cheap ones! I have the Rose Quartz carry-on from Monos and I love it. It fits so much more than I thought possible, has extremely durable zippers, and glides so smoothly through the airport. – Stephanie C.

27. If you’re trying to decide on which tour company to use for day trips in any destination, it’s important to note that all of them are generally resellers of tours created by local entities. Examples of these resellers are Viator, Get Your Guide, etc. I always recommend that you read the inclusions and exclusions very carefully as well as the itinerary. Generally these resellers can’t really answer your questions about specifics because they are not creating the tours themselves. Read the tour reviews on multiple sites to be sure it’s what you want. – Stacey R.

28. Suddenly, I am in Krakow! Interrailing (Eurail for non-European ladies) can take you places at a whim – with train schedules that fit your mood (or fit around German transit strikes) It gives a sense of freedom to plan one train journey at a time. Yeah, the first few times are a bit nerve racking but it doesn’t take long to feel like an amateur pro. So here I am, in Krakow, thanks to a pending strike! Right now I am in the main square of Old Town Krakow, enjoying a meal at Piano Rouge, in a heated tent. Yes, I am the only solo woman, but I don’t care and my enjoyment of my meal is pretty apparent. I used to be terrified of eating alone. Now I love it. I look for the ambiance, a menu that intrigues me and, of course, Google reviews … and then, with a huge smile, ask if there is a nice table for one. Rarely am I refused and never am I shoved into a corner. Remember, when you recognize how special you are, others will too. — Niina N.

29. I have almost completely replaced my cotton t-shirts with merino (long and short sleeve) as they are wonderful for travel and also to wear under cashmere sweaters during the winter months. Most of my pieces are Icebreaker. Unbound Merino (a Canadian company) is a new purchase and I am looking to compare it with the Icebreaker tops. — Penny S.

30. In the spirit of St. Patrick’s, if you are traveling in the US or abroad and get in a jam, find the nearest Irish pub. Always folks who speak English and are more than willing to help out. This saved me in Frankfurt, and here in the States!