Posted on March 10, 2010 - by Janice
How to Travel Alone: tips for the shy solo traveler.
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It might be easy to conclude that solo travel is for gregarious, outgoing people. But, truth is, shy people enjoy traveling alone as well.
Solo travel is for the confident and to build confidence.
Just because one is shy doesn’t mean that one is not confident. I am a case in point. I am, by nature a shy person. But I am also a confident person. I like quiet but I’m also a social being. Respecting the fact that we all want everything, I give you 5 tips to allow you to solo travel in silence and 5 more to get you engaged socially when you travel alone.
5 Tips to solo travel in silence
- Go places where solitude is respected – parks, galleries, museums.
- Look lost in your own thoughts and don’t make eye contact with people.
- Dress or act a bit weird. If you’re odd people are unlikely to approach you.
- Turn your back to the room in coffee shops and restaurants.
- On a tour, position yourself just outside the crowd.
5 Tips to solo travel socially.
- In a safe place, pull out a map and ask directions or ask someone to take your picture.
- In a restaurant take a picture of your food. People will definitely look. Comment that it is how you record your journeys. Many people will engage in conversation.
- Go on a tour where you will be with the same people for a few hours. You may find your travel mate for a few days.
- Use the lobby, common room or lounge of your lodgings to meet people. Don’t read. Watch people and enjoy the scene. Eventually something will happen that everyone can enjoy and comment on.
- If you are staying in one place for a while, go to the same coffee shop, green grocers or restaurant consistently. You’ll be noticed as a new regular and people will eventually chat with you.
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August 30, 2010
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Jean said:
I too am a traveler and tend to be on the reserved side of outgoing. If that makes sense!! I am confident but somewhat vulnerable I do like chatting and company, but I like to retire to my own thoughts when I feel like it. These tips are just what I needed as when I am traveling I tend to choose the tours or activities that are full of outrageous noise and I really do like the balance. I will take my camera to the foody nights. lol.
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March 19, 2010
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Mike Behnken said:
I enjoyed the 2 separate options as I usually travel antisocially but when I want to be social I have done all 5 of your tips.
Great list!
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March 14, 2010
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Nancie (Ladyexpat) said:
Interesting article. I have probably tried all of these either consciously or unconsciously during my years of solo travel.
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March 12, 2010
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Trisha said:
Excellent advice! I am also quite introverted and revel in the occasional trips I get to take by myself, simply to enjoy some rare solitude and serenity, but I do enjoy meeting people and find that just asking someone a question is a great ice-breaker if/when I want one. Thanks for this article Janice!
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March 12, 2010
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Andi said:
Great tips! I actually find solo travel to be the time where I meet the most people. Some of my best friends in life have come from my solo trips.
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March 11, 2010
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Shellie Anne said:
I believe B&B’s are perfect for solo travelers. Safe, comfortable and many innkeepers can recommend top places to hike, visit museums, etc. You will get more personal attention at a B&B.
We have solo travelers here often – and one benefit is they often will leave a little note mentioning they will be going to such and such on a hike. This is just a great double check in place should they not return. Couples tend not to say where they are going, so if a couple went missing – none would be the wiser for the most part.
If they prefer to dine alone – we have other options like eating out on our porch or having a different breakfast time or dining in their room. Innkeeper at The Claiborne House B&B in Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia
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March 10, 2010
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admin said:
Glad you find them interesting JoAnna. Maybe you’ll share a story from your travels with us. I’m sure we’d all enjoy.
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March 10, 2010
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JoAnna said:
I really appreciate your tips on how to travel solo but socially. I tend to be quite introverted but will be setting out on some solo travel this year, and these are all tips I’ll definitely keep in mind.
Thank you!