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Advice from Experienced Travelers

Tips & Advice
from Solo (and Social) Travelers

If you are a solo traveler and want to share advice, we would love to hear from you.  You can submit tips like below on our Submit Travel Tips page.  

ADVICE FROM EXPERIENCED TRAVELERS
From Christie I (Hometown: Tampa, Florida)
Best Travel Tip: Research places before you go. What to wear, traditions, cuisines, visa requirements. There’s nothing like walking around a city and everyone staring at you because your “modest” off the shoulder top is completely provocative to the locals. 😳 My most valuable tip is to be open to embrace everything and to respect the cultures of other people while you are there. Travel opens your eyes and heart to all the differences in the world. Not everyone lives like you, and it may be totally uncomfortable to you, but they are just as fulfilled. Get out there and be open minded!
Favorite Place(s) to Visit & Why: Spain, from North to South and everything in between! There’s just something magical about the culture, food, different landscapes, and ease of traveling throughout the country. Spaniards seem to be living to enjoy the simple things in life. Camaraderie, good food and wine, and making time to connect with people and your surroundings (siesta isn’t bad either 😉). Japan is also simply amazing. A country of beautiful contradictions. Modern yet traditional, high energy but also calming. The food fresh and delicious, cities and countryside are impeccably clean, and (a shock for US travelers) everyone follows the rules. The people are so welcoming, and the karaoke bars are lit. Get your Shinkansen pass before leaving the states! It is a must!!!
Favorite Place to Stay: Family run boutique hotels. You can get some great deals on beautiful stays and get a more authentic experience while supporting locals.
Words of Advice for Planning/Packing/Prepping: Take your time to do your research and find the best deals that work within your budget. Be sure to read reviews, and you will get a feeling about the best places for you. Google maps and Google translate are heroes! Shock- I pack carry on only! Less cost, stress, and time wasting with your luggage by your side. I usually bring a 40L pack and daypack. Trust me, if I can make it work for a 10 month trip, you got this! Make a checklist, reassess your NEEDS, and you can always buy things at your destination. Great useable souvenirs, especially skincare!
Link to Social: https://facebook.com/wanderingyanks
Quote: "Book the flight." - from a Dove chocolate 🍫
ADVICE FROM EXPERIENCED TRAVELERS
From Ely S (Hometown: Atlanta GA)
Best Travel Tip: Plan, don’t overplan: Book key sights, leave gaps to explore Offline apps = lifesaver: Maps, translators, and tickets stored offline. Carry cash: Small shops and street food love it. Learn 3 phrases: Hello, thank you, excuse me = instant respect. Purchase eSIM or pocket wifi - for internet access throughout Portable charger: Keep your phone ready—maps, tickets, photos.
Favorite Place(s) to Visit & Why: Japan is one of the most amazing places to visit because it blends deep tradition with cutting-edge modern life. One moment you’re strolling through serene temples and gardens, and the next you’re surrounded by neon-lit streets, quirky shops, and futuristic tech—it’s two worlds perfectly combined. The country’s efficiency is incredible: trains run on time, cities are spotless, and even crowded areas flow smoothly. Riding the Shinkansen bullet train is a must—fast, sleek, and surprisingly comfortable. Add in high-tech gadgets and skyscrapers, and you experience a place that’s modern while keeping its traditions. Above all, the people make Japan special. Polite, kind, and helpful, they leave a lasting impression. With incredible food, culture, scenery, and warmth, Japan is a country you’ll want to visit again and again.
Favorite Place to Stay: We love to stay local places, centrally located to the city or near public transportation. While in Japan, we especially enjoyed ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) is a must. It’s a cultural experience that leaves you feeling both relaxed and connected to Japan’s traditions.
Words of Advice for Planning/Packing/Prepping: Definitely do your research! I started with ChatGPT to build your base outline, join a few Facebook groups. Honestly, 1 group is enough. Read all the reviews and ask advice. Use google maps, google translator but remember no app is perfect. iphone has a mode to convert currency. eSIM or pocket wifi is a must! Specifically for Japan, learn 5 basic Japanese words went a long way. Japanese people really appreciate it. Pack small bags for trash as there are no public trash cans. Buy or bring small hand towels; there are none in public restrooms. They have soap just not paper towels or dryers.
Link to Social: https://www.facebook.com/groups/457573074653783
Quote: “Collect moments, not things.”

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”

– Ibn Battuta

We share tools and advice to help you get inspired and ready for your next trip.  We share ideas not guarantees so please make sure to do your homework before booking and do the trip that’s the best fit for you.

You don’t have to do the planning all yourself. If you want professional travel planning assistance, please check out our Planners page to get connected with the travel planning pros! They are experienced and connected and can help you create amazing experiences, solo or social. 

Explore the world! Just Go Solo!