What NOT to do when traveling solo

1. Solo travel is a journey of self-discovery, independence, and, let’s be real—learning some tough lessons the hard way. Take it from me: don’t overpack.

I learned this the hard way on my first solo trip. I had met some new friends, and we planned a trip to a beautiful island that required a boat ride. The boat ride wasn’t the issue—it was the getting to the port part. Our car was stuck in traffic for two hours (because, apparently, traffic is a thing no one warned me about in the guidebooks) and, to top it off, we were running way behind schedule. The big kicker? They recommended arriving an hour early, which we clearly hadn’t done.

So, picture this: we pull up to the port and, in full panic mode, we all scrambled out of the car like the Titanic was sinking. My new travel friends, who were way smarter than I was, sprinted toward the terminal with their trusty, lightweight backpacks. Me? I was stuck dragging my massive pink Guess suitcase—already looking like I had no idea what I was doing—over potholes, dirt roads, and rocks that could barely even be called “roads” in Asia. The whole time, I’m dodging potholes like they’re landmines, while my friends breeze ahead with their convenient, space-saving bags.

To make matters worse, my beautiful pink suitcase—once a symbol of style—was no longer built for rough terrain. By the time I finally made it to the boat, the zippers wouldn’t zip, and the handle snapped off. Twice. That’s right, twice.

Some fellow travellers, who were clearly seasoned pros, casually looked at my situation and threw out sarcastic comments like, “Wow, you brought a suitcase?” I just smiled, knowing exactly what they meant. And I laughed. Because, honestly, what else could I do? “Yes, it’s my first time, and clearly, I’m a genius,” I said, shrugging and owning the embarrassing moment.

The moral of the story? When you’re solo traveling, pack light—and for the love of all things good, don’t bring a suitcase unless you’re planning to conquer a city and not a muddy, rocky jungle.

So here’s the takeaway: Go for a backpack or something practical. Not only will your back thank you, but you’ll be able to run, jump, and dodge potholes like a travel ninja. Save yourself from becoming the target of all the “tourist” jokes. Trust me, your future self will thank you for making it easier to explore without the burden of dragging a mini-mountain behind you.

Lesson learned: Less is more when it comes to packing. Plus, it’s just way more fun to travel light and travel right.

2. Let’s talk about the things I packed on my solo trip that, looking back, I wish I hadn’t. I mean, you’d think I’d be prepared, but no. Lesson number one: don’t pack what you think you should bring, pack what you actually need.

I was heading to a hot country with no idea just how laid-back people are when it comes to traveling. You see, I was used to hanging out with my friends who always looked like models, flawless makeup, and outfits that could break the bank. I thought, “Surely, I’ll have to do that too!” Well, spoiler alert: not everyone in the world feels the need to look like a magazine cover 24/7—and especially not when you’re solo traveling.

One thing I didn’t expect? The no-makeup trend. It’s crazy how quickly you get used to just letting your face be. And let me tell you, there’s a special kind of confidence that comes when you’re at a club, rocking no makeup, in $5 gym shorts and a T-shirt, and some guy still wants to buy you a drink. Therapy can’t do that. Nothing feels better than knowing you can go out and still feel like a million bucks without all the glam.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: fake tan. Yep, I packed it. Did I use it? Of course not. Did I need it? Nope. Was it embarrassing to have lugged it halfway across the world? Absolutely. Don’t make my mistake—unless you’re planning to live in a tanning salon, just leave it behind.

Speaking of beauty routines, I want to challenge you (because I sure had to challenge myself) to go minimal on the makeup. Sure, it saves space, but it also saves you time and stress. I mean, let’s be real: the clubs in Asia are basically sweat pits. Ever been to Mexicola in Canggu? It’s hot, it’s sticky, and the last thing you want is your makeup sliding off your face mid-dance battle. Trust me, you’ll thank me when you’re not spending the night worrying about your eyeliner.

So here’s the deal: if you’re looking to feel more confident, embrace that natural glow, pack light, and leave the heavy beauty routines behind. It’s freeing. It’s empowering. And honestly, after a few weeks of being makeup-free, you’ll start to realise you don’t need any of that stuff to be beautiful. Just travel, let your hair down, and embrace the adventure.

3. Don’t be overly trusting – sounds like common sense, right? Well, let me tell you, it’s one of those lessons you’ll learn the hard way if you’re not careful. Now, I’m someone who tends to think the best of people. I trust easily, sometimes a little too easily, but after a few unfortunate experiences, I’ve learned that not everyone has the same innocent outlook on life.

Take my first week in a hostel, for instance. I made the rookie mistake of leaving my purse on a table with $700 cash in it. Yes, you read that right. $700. Why? Because I was too excited exploring and chatting with my new hostel friends, totally forgetting to lock it up. The next thing I know, I’m standing in front of security, watching my friends’ drunk dance moves on the security footage, while the only people near my purse were the ones I thought I could trust. Lesson learned, right? Well, sadly, the footage was too blurry to point fingers, so I had to chalk it up as a lesson in being careful with my money, and my trust.

Here’s the thing: you can connect and make friends while traveling, but you don’t need to share your life story or sensitive details. If someone’s asking about your mother’s maiden name, or your bank account PIN, you might want to pause and think twice. That stuff is for trusted friends, not strangers you’ve just met at the bar.

Also, wifi in hostels—ah, the sweet temptation of free internet. But did you know that hackers love the shared, open networks too? Yeah, no thanks. So when you’re surfing the web in a hostel, do yourself a favour and avoid logging into your bank accounts or making any financial transactions. Hackers are everywhere, and free wifi is their hunting ground. Keep it safe, keep it smart, and keep your money where it belongs—in your locked safe or your front pocket.

So yes, be careful, trust your instincts, and always keep an eye on your belongings. As much as you want to believe everyone is as kind as they seem, there’s always that one person who will remind you that not everyone’s intentions are pure.

4. Don’t Ignore Local Customs and Laws

Ah, Indonesia—paradise in many ways, but definitely not the same as your backyard BBQ. Let’s talk about why it’s crucial to understand and respect local customs and laws when traveling there, because this isn’t just a tropical vacation—it’s a whole new world.

Now, we’ve all heard about the beauty of Bali, Seminyak, and the like, but there’s another side to it that’s often brushed under the rug. Poverty, for one, can sometimes make people resort to not-so-friendly tactics to make a buck. It’s hard to imagine, but it’s something to be aware of, especially if you’re fresh off the plane and not familiar with how things roll.

Take this one story from a fellow traveler I met—a guy who was looking to get back to his hostel after a night out. Seems simple, right? He meets a local who offers him a ride. Sounds harmless, except it’s in a part of Bali where Grab and Gojek (the local ride apps) don’t dare to enter. Why? Because those areas—like Finn’s, Mrs Sippy, and Seminyak Beach—are ruled by some less-than-friendly locals, who’ve found a way to push travelers into expensive taxi rides.

So, my friend hops into this local’s car, thinking he’s getting a good deal, only to find himself punched to the ground right before his hostel drop-off. All because he refused to pay $100 for a 7-minute ride (which, mind you, would’ve cost about $1.70 on an app). Talk about sticker shock!

Now, I’m not saying every local here has bad intentions, but I’m also not saying they don’t either. Rule number one? Stick to Grab and Gojek for rides. These apps are your safety net—trust me, you’ll thank me later.

Yes, sometimes the folks at these popular places might seem friendly, and they probably do want money (hey, who doesn’t?). But here’s the kicker—there’s a strong connection between these local “businesses” and the police, making it tough to hold people accountable when things go wrong.

But here’s a little insider tip: If you’re at any of these destinations, walk about 5 minutes towards the main road to grab a ride. You can even use the Gojek road to guide you and update your pick-up location further up the street. From there, just message or call your driver on the app to let them know you’re on your way. This way, you won’t be at the mercy of shady taxis, and you can use the apps like Grab or Gojek, which are much safer options.

Luckily, this guy from my story ended up okay. A random Aussie stepped in, paid the goons off, and made sure he got to his hostel in one piece. But that could have ended differently.

So, while the beach clubs, the views, and the nightlife are to die for, don’t die over a ride. Pay attention to local laws, customs, and the way things work. And don’t forget—when in doubt, take the app. It might just save your wallet—and your life.

5. Don’t Avoid Meeting Other Solo Traveler’s or Locals

Let’s be honest, solo travel can be a little nerve-wracking, and sometimes it feels easier to retreat to the comfort of your bunk bed cocoon. But trust me—don’t do it. You never know what amazing connections you might miss out on.

Here’s a little story to prove it: I met my now best friend in my very first hostel. Funny thing? I had no idea she’d been lurking around like a socially anxious ninja, observing me and others from the shadows. She later confessed that she saw me and immediately thought, “I want to be her friend,” but didn’t have the confidence to even step out of her dorm room for too long. Heart = melted.

That’s where self-care and mindfulness come into play. Travel can be a sensory overload—amazing but intense. And yes, it can sometimes feel a bit lonely. To ease those moments, I highly recommend trying Travel-Sized Aromatherapy Roll-Ons (you can find some on my website!). These little wonders can help ground you when anxiety creeps in. I only discovered them at the end of one of my trips and, let me tell you, game-changer.

In fact, I’ll be diving deeper into ways to manage those nerves and fears in the book I’m writing (get excited!). But for now, remember: don’t let fear keep you hidden away. You might miss out on incredible friendships, unforgettable memories, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Here’s the truth: 99.5% of people in hostels are also traveling alone. That same awkwardness you’re feeling? They’ve been there. So be brave. Start the conversation. It might feel awkward for five minutes, but it could lead to years of friendship—or at least someone to split that tuk-tuk fare with.

The best things happen when you step out of your comfort zone. So grab your roll-on, take a deep breath, and get out there. Life’s too short to hide away!

6. Don’t Over plan—But Don’t Wing It Either

Solo travel is all about finding that sweet spot between being prepared and just winging it. Picture it: you’ve got a refundable ticket in one hand and zero regrets in the other. That’s the vibe we’re aiming for.

Here’s the truth: the best-laid plans often unravel faster than your cheap market-bought sarong after its first wash. You might meet a group of people who feel like long-lost soulmates, the kind of friends who turn a random Tuesday night into a memory you’ll never forget. The worst part? You’ve got a non-refundable flight tomorrow morning and an expensive (and very unexciting) hotel booking. Ouch.

That’s why flexibility is everything. Sure, book the activities you’d cry about missing—like that dreamy hike or a festival that’s only once a year. But otherwise? Keep it loose. Flights take all of five minutes to book, and hostels? There’s always a bed. (Okay, maybe not the comfiest or quietest bed, but still, it exists.)

Learn from my mistakes: I once double-booked myself into two hostels on the same night because I was so paranoid about not having a place to stay. Turns out, my anxious overplanning wasn’t just unnecessary—it was expensive. These days, I book a couple of nights in advance max, but I keep my schedule open for serendipity.

The magic of solo travel lies in what you can’t predict—the impromptu adventures, the new friends, and the random turns that take you somewhere unforgettable. So, here’s my advice: let go of the need to plan every moment. Leave space for surprises. The freedom of not knowing what’s next? It’s a thrill you don’t want to miss.

7. Don’t Depend Solely on Bank Cards and don’t forget to back up important documents (Or How to Avoid Living Your Worst Solo Travel Nightmare)

Imagine this: it’s late at night, you’re on a street that looks like it stepped out of a post-apocalyptic movie, and the only shop in sight doesn’t take cards. There’s no ATM, no Wi-Fi, and definitely no friendly “Tap to Pay” option. Suddenly, your sleek bank card feels about as useful as a soggy tissue.

Here’s the thing: cash is king in unexpected moments, and it’s your ticket out of sticky situations. Some places—especially in rural or less tourist-heavy areas—just don’t take cards. And that deserted road I mentioned? It’s real. I’ve walked it. Don’t be me.

Oops Chronicles: When Tech and Luck Both Fail

Let me set the scene for my first international trip. I was bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, and completely unprepared. Within five days:

1. My bank card disappeared into the ether.

2. My phone decided it wanted to audition for The Little Mermaid. Spoiler: phones don’t sing underwater—they die.

If I wasn’t traveling with friends, I would’ve had to rely on interpretive dance to communicate my plight. Luckily, I met a local who took me to get my phone fixed. But was it worth the sketchy repair job that voided my warranty? Debatable.

Moral of the story: always have a backup plan for when Murphy’s Law strikes. Because it will. Oh, it will.

Solo Traveler Survival Kit: The Cash & Backup Edition

Here’s how to avoid my not-so-great adventure:

• Stash Cash in Multiple Spots: Keep some local currency on hand, but split it up – wallet, bag, secret pocket. If one stash is lost, you’ve still got lifelines.

• Backup Your Documents: Print AND digitise copies of your passport, visa, and any travel documents. Save them to a secure cloud (like Google Drive), email them to yourself, and keep a copy on your phone.

• Emergency Numbers: Memorise at least one. Phones are great until they’re not, and when yours dies mid-adventure, having a number stored in your brain feels like finding a lifeboat in a storm.

Beware the Hazards of Being… Well, You

If you’re anything like me—slightly chaotic, often distracted, and occasionally a human magnet for mishaps—solo travel is the perfect time to sharpen your awareness skills. Take note of your surroundings. Don’t leave your bag open. And for the love of everything holy, stop putting your phone near water.

Why? Because there’s nothing glamorous about begging a coconut for directions or staring longingly at an ATM that doesn’t work with your bank. Trust me on this one: stay prepared, stay aware, and you’ll handle anything the road throws your way (even if it’s slightly uneven and you trip).