15 Things I Love To Do When Traveling Solo

Traveling solo is wild, but not always though. There are also moments of peace and quiet, and times where you’re just too tired to go on an expedition.

And even though every destination is different, there are always a few activities I like to do, no matter where I am in the world!

Need a little inspiration or just want to know what my favorite activities are when traveling solo? Here’s my personal list!

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1. Walk everywhere, get lost in the alleys

Because for me, there’s no better way to find hidden gems, and really feel the vibe of a place than to slow down and explore neighborhoods, alleys and places on foot, getting lost along the way. That’s why walking is my favorite mode of transportation.

And since I’m always on a budget, walking is the perfect way to save money and see things you might miss if you took the bus or a taxi.

It’s also how you discover cute cafés tucked away in narrow streets, and local restaurants far from the main attractions.

2. People watching

Probably one of the things I do most, sometimes even unconsciously. I truly love observing interactions between people, watching them going on about their lives, seeing their faces light up when they meet their friends, or the way they tease each other or engage in deep conversation, probably full of meaning (but who knows when you don’t understand the language).

In any case, these little moments prove that you don’t need to speak the language to understand a lot of things, because their movements, micro-expressions and eyes say it all. It’s in these moments that the language barrier vanishes.

People watching is also a great way to better understand a culture, by seeing how they interact with each other, but also in particular places, showing you how you should behave so as not to make cultural mistakes and show respect.

3. Eat alone and discover local food

Traveling solo means you’ll meet people, but not always, and that’s fine too, as you’ll be able to wander around the city and eat alone in restaurants while discovering local specialties.

And while it definitely took me a while to get used to it, as I found it embarassing or just plain weird at first, eating alone is awesome. And no one cares except you!

You can eat at your own pace, eat as much as you want, and enjoy your own company over a delicious meal.

4. Talk to strangers

I’d never talk to strangers in my own country, but abroad, it’s a whole different story. There, you’ll meet people, whether in hostels, on tours, buses, trains, or just randomly in a park or on the street, and you’ll start chatting as if it were completely normal.

Of course, I always remain on my guard, but you’ll find that talking to strangers, especially locals, is the best way to get insider tips, as well as discover real hidden gems that only a few people know about.

So keep an open mind and don’t run away if a total stranger comes up to you!

5. Learn a few words and try to speak the language

I can’t repeat this enough, but a few words go a long way and will always be recognized and appreciated, even if you mess up the pronunciation at first.

It’s always better to make at least a small effort than to think that everyone in the world speaks English. Newsflash: they don’t!

Don’t be that annoying tourist who thinks everyone should be at your service when you’re the one visiting their country, and when it’s up to you to adapt to their culture and language.

And with translation apps, you really have no excuse not to try at least a little!

6. Forget your phone

In today’s world, where everyone seems to have their phone glued to their hands and kind of feels lost without it, I think it’s even more important to learn to live without it from time to time.

That’s why, when I’m traveling solo, I like to put my phone somewhere, like deep in my bag, and forget about it so I can fully live the moment.

Plus, not everything needs you to take a picture. You can take a mental picture and keep that special moment in your memory rather than on a memory card.

Not everything has to be shared on social media either. It’s fine to keep a few little secrets!

7. Explore nature and be more adventurous

When I’m back home, I often fall into a routine, and exploring nature can sometimes be difficult as not everything is accessible by bus or bike. If you don’t have a car, it’s pretty impossible.

So when I’m traveling solo, I take the opportunity to step even further out of my comfort zone, booking adventurous activities, like skydiving, canyoneering or something else, but also going on as many hikes as possible.

It can also be waterfall chasing, taking a boat tour, snorkeling, or anything that I don’t really have the occasion to do otherwise.

8. Visit local markets

Local markets are where you’ll find the best deals on fresh fruit, vegetables, and even shopping.

They’re also the ideal place to blend in with the locals and get a feel for the city. Nothing beats the atmosphere of a morning market where locals sell their freshly caught or harvested produce. Oh, and the smells too!

I think smells can sometimes really describe a place or a country, don’t you think? Like durian in Southeast Asia, kimchi in South Korea, stinky tofu in Taiwan..

And let’s not forget that local markets are often the best place to try delicious street food!

9. Try something new or something you usually do at home

It can be anything: yoga, fitness, scuba diving, surfing… The thing is, practicing your favorite hobby in a different country has something special about it: it keeps you grounded, but also makes you realize how lucky you are to be able to do what you love elsewhere.

My second advice is to try something new whenever you get the chance. Not only will it leave you with unforgettable memories, since the setting, the people you’re with, and the culture are different, but it may allow you to discover a new activity that you’ll fall in love with and want to keep practicing at home.

10. Take time to breathe, reflect, and appreciathe the present moment

These days, I feel like we’re all in a hurry. Between our jobs, our hectic lives, traffic jams, and chores, we often forget to just live.

When I’m abroad, I always take the time to pause, take three deep breaths, look around me, and appreciate how lucky I am to experience so many things.

I think that when I travel, I’m much more mindful of the things we take for granted and consider normal in everyday life, when in fact they’re not.

11. Read a book

I don’t know why, but something as simple as reading a book is very relaxing for me, and that’s also true when I’m traveling.

Whether you’re at the beach, in a park, in a café, or in your bed, reading a book is only a great way to escape reality, pass the time, or keep your mind busy. Unfortunately, it’s often a hobby we save for later too.

If you feel like you never have time to read or are too tired to do so at home, then you’ll probably find the time when you’re on vacation, when you don’t have a TV or a laptop on hand.

12. Book a private room

When I’m traveling solo, I often stay in hostels, and don’t get me wrong, I love them, as it’s very easy to meet people there, but above all, they fit my budget.

However, comfort isn’t always guaranteed, especially when you share your room with disrespectful people or that the place doesn’t match the photos.

Not to mention that the introvert in me can also get tired of socializing and need a place to recharge.

That’s when I book a private room, even if it’s just for a night or two, so I can enjoy my own company and get the peace and quiet I so desperately need. After that, I’m ready to mingle again!

13. Keep a journal

I don’t really keep a journal at home, because I don’t really have the inspiration to write about my daily life, but when I’m traveling solo, I feel like I have a lot more experiences to share and creativity comes much more easily to me.

That’s probably the reason why I keep a journal (or a blog, as it also serves as my journal/memories), and keep note of a lot of things, particularly the fun, extraordinary, or sometimes weird experiences I have, the people who make a strong impression on me, or the insolite stuff I notice in a country.

Keeping a journal is ideal when you want to remember all the little details that make a trip special, and it’s a great tool for seeing how you’ve evolved over the years, how your way of traveling has changed, not to mention that it makes for a great legacy.

14. Explore the city by bike

Remember how I like to explore by foot? Well the same can be said for exploring by bike, especially when you can easily rent city bikes and return them to another dedicated place.

Bike-sharing services are one of the best ideas ever, and I love the possibility of being able to escape traffic jams and explore further afield, with the wind in my hair, without being stuck in enclosed space, and going wherever the wind takes me.

Besides, this way of exploring is so cheap that it’s perfect for those on a small budget like me.

15. Have a self-care day

Pampering yourself can be difficult when traveling solo, because you’re often on the move and don’t really have time to settle in.

That’s when a self-care day becomes so important! Whether you choose to go to a spa for the day, or enjoy that private room by taking a long bath, treay yourself to a facial, binge watch a show, or sleep in, a day where you solely focus on yourself is necessary. Even more so when you’re far from your comfort zone!

So, did you get a little inspiration from this list of activities to do next time you’re traveling solo? I hope it helps you slow down and enjoy your trip, even if just a little.

Do you have any fun or regular activities that you always do when you travel? Share them in the comments!

Solo travel is amazing, but not always! Check out what I honestly think about it and the challenges that often come with it here!