From Tokyo to Chicago, there are many massive cities to explore throughout the world. You can learn a lot by traveling to these cities solo, as you’re more likely to immerse yourself in the local culture and make new friends by yourself.
Navigating these concrete jungles can be intimidating, so solo travelers need to know how to stay safe and make the most of their experience.
Create a Budget
You don’t want to be caught in the middle of New York City without any money. Traveling is expensive, and it’s easy to get caught up in fun dining experiences and purchasing interesting souvenirs without paying attention to where your money is going.
You want enough spending money to enjoy yourself, but you also want to get home safely. Create a budget that helps you keep track of your incoming and outgoing money.
Many budgeting apps can make this easy, but a simple spreadsheet where you record and total your expenses can also work. Check your banking app—it might even have built-in budgeting tools for you to try.
Book in Advance
In larger cities, experiences book up quickly—especially for solo travelers who want to make the most of their time. From Broadway musicals in New York City to scuba diving in Sydney, you’ll want to secure your ideal activities in advance.
You will also want to book advance reservations for flights, restaurants, and hotel stays. Even if you’re traveling during the off season, you never know when an event or attraction will fill up.
Plan to ensure you see your top sights and enjoy the vacation you’ve been dreaming of. Settling for an unsafe hotel while eating food you don’t like won’t be the best time for you.
Ask for Help
Solo travelers must learn to ask for help and engage with strangers. Big cities can make it easy for anyone to get lost, and when your phone dies or you feel unsafe, you’ll want to confide in a local for help.
Don’t be afraid to ask a taxi driver for directions or inquire about the next subway stop to your fellow public transit passenger. Most people are happy to help, especially if you ask nicely.
You can always ask for help from nearby employees if you’re worried about bothering a stranger. Making new friends is a treasured part of solo travel, so try to step out of your comfort zone.
Don’t Rent a Car
While renting a car can give you the most control over where you go, solo travelers will likely end up stressed trying to navigate unfamiliar streets filled with traffic.
Large cities experience significant traffic congestion, and navigating local road rules and streets can be overwhelming. Even if you’re an excellent driver, most major cities are walkable, especially outside of the United States.
Consider using a taxi, rideshare service, or the city’s public transit system as an alternative. You’ll get where you need to go with a local navigator, and you don’t have to worry about finding a limited parking space in downtown areas.
In cities like Copenhagen, biking is a preferred method of transportation outside of the extensive public transit systems. Unless you’re planning a road trip, leave the car at home. Walking or riding public transit helps immerse you fully in your destination.
Get a Tour Guide
Big cities can be intimidating, and the buddy system can make them feel more comfortable. When you’re traveling solo, you still have that option; as a bonus, your buddy can be a professional expert in the city you’re visiting.
Opt for a tour guide. Often, you can skip long lines and travel off the beaten path for some exclusive sights. No matter what big city you choose, a professional tour guide can help you navigate through busy streets, tough language barriers, and crowded tourist attractions.
Top-rated Istanbul private tours can help you barter at the city’s massive Grand Bazaar like a pro. Exclusive London walking tours can teach you how to catch a ride on the Tube without delay.
A local Tokyo guide can help you order from the city’s most famous sushi restaurants without a language barrier in sight. You can make the most of your trip with a private, guided tour. You may even make some lifelong friends along the way.
Download Travel Apps
Before heading to the big city, check out the local travel apps available. You can use navigation or public transit apps to help you get where you need to go easily. Downloading maps ahead of time can help you even when your data or Wi-Fi is limited, which may often occur outside your home country. Travel apps can help you book services, save money on your trip, and create a fun itinerary, too.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
It’s easy to look dazed or lost as a solo traveler. While most people are helpful and accommodating, you may find yourself on the wrong side of town or near the wrong kind of person who will easily take advantage of a tourist when the opportunity arises.
Be mindful of pickpockets or individuals with malicious intentions. Keep your belongings on your person, within reach and eyesight at all times. If you’re lost, find a nearby city employee or head to a cafe to take a breath and orient yourself.
Know local emergency numbers and don’t hesitate to call for a taxi if the streets become too dark for your comfort. Bad actors can show up anywhere, so it’s best to play it safe.
Immerse Yourself
You’ll have a much better time as a solo traveler when you immerse yourself in the city. Brush up on the official language if it is different from yours. Ask a local what their favorite dishes are in this area. Eat the regional cuisine.
Visit a local music club to absorb the passion and art of the city. Ride the local transit and stay in a locally owned lodging. Try to make friends by attending cultural festivals, local classes, and city events. Become a part of the city, not just an outsider.
Essential Safety and Budget Tips for Solo Travelers
Solo travel is both exhilarating and intimidating. Knowing how to keep yourself safe while navigating unfamiliar terrain definitely helps.
Download travel apps, hire a tour guide, and budget your trip wisely to make the most of it. Become a part of the local culture to learn the heart and soul of any city you visit.
