Suggestions for those Flying Solo
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Flying solo – no matter if you are an actual solo traveler or if you travel for business, there is a big chance that you will need to fly solo at least once at some point. Even if you are traveling with a group of friends and they are all flying out of different airports than you; it is up to yourself to figure everything out.
To help you prepare for your next solo journey, I am more than happy to share with you some great tips and suggestions I have gathered through my own independent adventures around the world to help ease your travel anxiety!
**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like.
As someone who has traveled on my own numerous times, these are my top suggestions for those who are flying solo for the first time:
Pack Mindfully While Flying Solo:
When you are traveling alone, it is important to consider what you need versus what you want. Remember, what you could find easily at a drug store in the United States can be a scavenger hunt in a store abroad. (The top things on my packing list are contacts for my eyes, medication (especially prescription and birth control) and other important items that you will have a difficult time getting overseas. It is important to not over pack when you are flying solo. There is nothing worse than scurrying through an airport that is unknown to you, with heavy bags, to catch a quick layover. I had to do this in a few places and it was no fun.
Stay on Top of Your Booking Arrangements:
Always manage to check your flight booking AT LEAST two weeks in advance to your departure to ensure all of your documentation is correct in your prospective airline’s system. It is also important to check what travel documents you need when you enter the country you are visiting. The last thing you want to have to deal with is an issue with documentation at the airport. (When you are booking your flights, always make sure you are getting the best for your buck. I love using Skyscanner!)
Ensure all of Your Bags and Belongings are in Sight:
Backpacks make it easy for “pickpockets” to snatch something from you. Call me crazy, but I use locks on all of my bags, including my backpack, when I am walking around a busy airport or even wandering through a city. Even though some luggage already comes with TSA locks built in, you could easily purchase portable ones on Amazon. It is always better to be safe than sorry. (I also recommend the Travel Money Belt. This amazing travel fanny pack has a fashionable appeal that also includes a slim design, which allows you to easily wear it with a cute outfit or even underneath your clothing.)
Always Keep Your Passport, Wallet and Phone in a Safe and Secure Spot:
You may think you’re checked in and through TSA, but before you know it, another person of authority or a flight attendant needs to see your passport right away. I always bring an over-the-shoulder bag or satchel to easily store my passport, phone, wallet, boarding pass and portable phone charger. These bags make it super easy to take your important stuff out whenever you need to.
Where Comfortable Shoes:
Whenever I fly, I always like to wear shoes that are already broken into and easy to take off and put on when going through airport security. (Here in the United States, you need to take off your shoes when you go through TSA or airport security.) You also want to be able to run or speed walk in order to catch a time-pressing layover.
Don’t be Afraid to Ask Questions:
Landing in a major airport that is unfamiliar to you could be nerve wracking and a bit overwhelming. There may be signs in different languages, arrows pointing everywhere and everyone running in a hurry, but what is great to know is that almost everyone that works in an international airport speaks English and is always willing to help you out if you need it.
Learn How to Say No When Needed:
It is easy for people to pinpoint lost travelers based on their facial expressions or mannerisms, so there may be individuals that approach you by offering to help carry your baggage or drive you somewhere. Not everyone offering to help you is considered a threat, but to maintain your own safety, it is always best to say, “No, thank you”. People like to take advantage of tourists by personally adding unnecessary tips, additional costs and raised prices and rates. Make sure you do not fall into a tourist trap.
Don’t Ever Wander Off by Yourself in Isolated Areas:
Dark alleyways and abandoned hallways are notorious locations to get abducted; it is always best to stay where people are to keep safe. If someone is picking you up from the airport, whether it is a car service or a friend, always confirm the pick up location prior to your trip.
Always Make Sure You Get the Currency of the Country(s) You Are Visiting Beforehand:
Even though it costs more to get currency here in the United States versus getting it when you arrive at your destination, you will feel more secure having cash right on you the moment you step off the plane. Although every airport has currency exchange counters and ATMs, you always want to make sure no one sees you take out a lot of cash. It is easier to become a target for robbery, especially when you are flying solo. Plus, you never know if you’re going to have an issue with your debit/credit card when you are abroad. When I was in Peru, the local bank ATMs did not take my card and it was a scary feeling not having cash on me, especially when most cabs, restaurants and local places don’t take card. (Sometimes it is also best to take out more cash ahead of time when scenarios like this happen.)
Inform Your Credit Card Company(s) of Your Upcoming Travel Plans:
If you use a credit card abroad without notifying your bank, they could easily shut your card down for fraud. Thankfully, I used the Capital One Venture card that is perfect for travel and racking up miles and points. When you get approved for this card, you DO NOT have to call them ahead of time if you are jet setting overseas. However, other bank cards, such as my Wells Fargo cards DO NEED to be informed beforehand when I am traveling.
Get a Phone Plan or Pick Up a SIM Card:
Most cell phone companies offer international plans at affordable rates. You could even pick up a SIM card when you land at your destination’s airport if you are really looking to save money. You always want to make sure you are in constant communication with loved ones back home as well as the people you are meeting up with at your destination (if you are planning to travel with others).
Always Arrange a Car or Taxi to Pick You Up from the Airport to Take You to Your Accomodation:
Whether you are staying in a hotel, hostel
, Airbnb or a family/friend’s house, it is important to research how far away the accommodation is from the airport you are arriving at. A lot of the times, the heart of the city you are traveling to is an hour or more away from the airport. Luckily, most major airport hubs and cities have Uber, but just in case they are scarce, it is important to have a backup plan. Also, always make sure you negotiate the price of a cab before you hop in.
Never Leave Your Belongings Unattended When You’re Flying Solo, Even if You Ask a Stranger to Watch Over it for You:
No matter how much stuff you have, when you are traveling by yourself, you have to bring it all with you to the restroom, bookstore or café/restaurant. Not only is it considered a threat to leave baggage unattended in an airport; it is also an easy way to get everything stolen in a blink of an eye. You also never know if someone is slipping something into your baggage that could get you in big trouble.
Eat a Full Meal Before You Go on a Long Flight:
I have to admit (and I’m sure most of you could agree with me) that airplane food is definitely not the best. (They are getting better though!) Not eating is bad for you and a sure way to get a headache or feel lightheaded, which is definitely NOT how you want to feel when you are traveling (especially when you’re alone). That is why I always fill my stomach up before I fly.
Check What to Bring on a Plane:
It is definitely helpful to check TSA’s website to understand what is and isn’t allowed on airplanes. It is also extremely important to check what you can and cannot bring into the country you are visiting. Certain medications (especially prescription drugs) may be legal in your home country, but could be banned and considered an illegal drug in other countries. Always bring your prescription papers with you, wherever you go, to cover your back in case this happens.
Flying Solo: It is most Important to…
Always ensure you are aware of your surroundings, stay friendly, open your heart and mind and most of all – HAVE FUN!
Flying Solo BONUS:
If you are a United States citizen, I recommend getting Global Entry, which also comes with TSA Pre Check. I just got mine in early 2019 and it has saved me so much time and energy when I am traveling. I no longer have to wait on long lines at TSA and when I go through Immigration and Border Patrol when I am coming back into the United States. Click here to apply for Global Entry and TSA Pre Check. When you get approved for the next step (which usually takes a few months) you will need to meet with TSA officers at an international airport in the United States who will interview you to see if you are eligible. It is best to do your interview when you arrive home from an international trip. (Of course, TSA will give you complete and thorough instructions.)
Solo trips are a great way to get out of your comfort zone, tune into yourself, connect with different people and cultures and find your way. If you have any questions about flying solo, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.
Looking for the best agency to book your next bespoke travel experience? Contact Crawford Concierge!
*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more. Click here to get insured for your next trip.
Related posts
Barcelona and French Riviera Road Trip Itinerary
15 Best Places to Visit in April in the World
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Suggestions for those Flying Solo
Pin the Below Image to Keep Handy
Flying solo – no matter if you are an actual solo traveler or if you travel for business, there is a big chance that you will need to fly solo at least once at some point. Even if you are traveling with a group of friends and they are all flying out of different airports than you; it is up to yourself to figure everything out.
To help you prepare for your next solo journey, I am more than happy to share with you some great tips and suggestions I have gathered through my own independent adventures around the world to help ease your travel anxiety!
**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like.
As someone who has traveled on my own numerous times, these are my top suggestions for those who are flying solo for the first time:
Pack Mindfully While Flying Solo:
When you are traveling alone, it is important to consider what you need versus what you want. Remember, what you could find easily at a drug store in the United States can be a scavenger hunt in a store abroad. (The top things on my packing list are contacts for my eyes, medication (especially prescription and birth control) and other important items that you will have a difficult time getting overseas. It is important to not over pack when you are flying solo. There is nothing worse than scurrying through an airport that is unknown to you, with heavy bags, to catch a quick layover. I had to do this in a few places and it was no fun.
Stay on Top of Your Booking Arrangements:
Always manage to check your flight booking AT LEAST two weeks in advance to your departure to ensure all of your documentation is correct in your prospective airline’s system. It is also important to check what travel documents you need when you enter the country you are visiting. The last thing you want to have to deal with is an issue with documentation at the airport. (When you are booking your flights, always make sure you are getting the best for your buck. I love using Skyscanner!)
Ensure all of Your Bags and Belongings are in Sight:
Backpacks make it easy for “pickpockets” to snatch something from you. Call me crazy, but I use locks on all of my bags, including my backpack, when I am walking around a busy airport or even wandering through a city. Even though some luggage already comes with TSA locks built in, you could easily purchase portable ones on Amazon. It is always better to be safe than sorry. (I also recommend the Travel Money Belt. This amazing travel fanny pack has a fashionable appeal that also includes a slim design, which allows you to easily wear it with a cute outfit or even underneath your clothing.)
Always Keep Your Passport, Wallet and Phone in a Safe and Secure Spot:
You may think you’re checked in and through TSA, but before you know it, another person of authority or a flight attendant needs to see your passport right away. I always bring an over-the-shoulder bag or satchel to easily store my passport, phone, wallet, boarding pass and portable phone charger. These bags make it super easy to take your important stuff out whenever you need to.
Where Comfortable Shoes:
Whenever I fly, I always like to wear shoes that are already broken into and easy to take off and put on when going through airport security. (Here in the United States, you need to take off your shoes when you go through TSA or airport security.) You also want to be able to run or speed walk in order to catch a time-pressing layover.
Don’t be Afraid to Ask Questions:
Landing in a major airport that is unfamiliar to you could be nerve wracking and a bit overwhelming. There may be signs in different languages, arrows pointing everywhere and everyone running in a hurry, but what is great to know is that almost everyone that works in an international airport speaks English and is always willing to help you out if you need it.
Learn How to Say No When Needed:
It is easy for people to pinpoint lost travelers based on their facial expressions or mannerisms, so there may be individuals that approach you by offering to help carry your baggage or drive you somewhere. Not everyone offering to help you is considered a threat, but to maintain your own safety, it is always best to say, “No, thank you”. People like to take advantage of tourists by personally adding unnecessary tips, additional costs and raised prices and rates. Make sure you do not fall into a tourist trap.
Don’t Ever Wander Off by Yourself in Isolated Areas:
Dark alleyways and abandoned hallways are notorious locations to get abducted; it is always best to stay where people are to keep safe. If someone is picking you up from the airport, whether it is a car service or a friend, always confirm the pick up location prior to your trip.
Always Make Sure You Get the Currency of the Country(s) You Are Visiting Beforehand:
Even though it costs more to get currency here in the United States versus getting it when you arrive at your destination, you will feel more secure having cash right on you the moment you step off the plane. Although every airport has currency exchange counters and ATMs, you always want to make sure no one sees you take out a lot of cash. It is easier to become a target for robbery, especially when you are flying solo. Plus, you never know if you’re going to have an issue with your debit/credit card when you are abroad. When I was in Peru, the local bank ATMs did not take my card and it was a scary feeling not having cash on me, especially when most cabs, restaurants and local places don’t take card. (Sometimes it is also best to take out more cash ahead of time when scenarios like this happen.)
Inform Your Credit Card Company(s) of Your Upcoming Travel Plans:
If you use a credit card abroad without notifying your bank, they could easily shut your card down for fraud. Thankfully, I used the Capital One Venture card that is perfect for travel and racking up miles and points. When you get approved for this card, you DO NOT have to call them ahead of time if you are jet setting overseas. However, other bank cards, such as my Wells Fargo cards DO NEED to be informed beforehand when I am traveling.
Get a Phone Plan or Pick Up a SIM Card:
Most cell phone companies offer international plans at affordable rates. You could even pick up a SIM card when you land at your destination’s airport if you are really looking to save money. You always want to make sure you are in constant communication with loved ones back home as well as the people you are meeting up with at your destination (if you are planning to travel with others).
Always Arrange a Car or Taxi to Pick You Up from the Airport to Take You to Your Accomodation:
Whether you are staying in a hotel, hostel
, Airbnb or a family/friend’s house, it is important to research how far away the accommodation is from the airport you are arriving at. A lot of the times, the heart of the city you are traveling to is an hour or more away from the airport. Luckily, most major airport hubs and cities have Uber, but just in case they are scarce, it is important to have a backup plan. Also, always make sure you negotiate the price of a cab before you hop in.
Never Leave Your Belongings Unattended When You’re Flying Solo, Even if You Ask a Stranger to Watch Over it for You:
No matter how much stuff you have, when you are traveling by yourself, you have to bring it all with you to the restroom, bookstore or café/restaurant. Not only is it considered a threat to leave baggage unattended in an airport; it is also an easy way to get everything stolen in a blink of an eye. You also never know if someone is slipping something into your baggage that could get you in big trouble.
Eat a Full Meal Before You Go on a Long Flight:
I have to admit (and I’m sure most of you could agree with me) that airplane food is definitely not the best. (They are getting better though!) Not eating is bad for you and a sure way to get a headache or feel lightheaded, which is definitely NOT how you want to feel when you are traveling (especially when you’re alone). That is why I always fill my stomach up before I fly.
Check What to Bring on a Plane:
It is definitely helpful to check TSA’s website to understand what is and isn’t allowed on airplanes. It is also extremely important to check what you can and cannot bring into the country you are visiting. Certain medications (especially prescription drugs) may be legal in your home country, but could be banned and considered an illegal drug in other countries. Always bring your prescription papers with you, wherever you go, to cover your back in case this happens.
Flying Solo: It is most Important to…
Always ensure you are aware of your surroundings, stay friendly, open your heart and mind and most of all – HAVE FUN!
Flying Solo BONUS:
If you are a United States citizen, I recommend getting Global Entry, which also comes with TSA Pre Check. I just got mine in early 2019 and it has saved me so much time and energy when I am traveling. I no longer have to wait on long lines at TSA and when I go through Immigration and Border Patrol when I am coming back into the United States. Click here to apply for Global Entry and TSA Pre Check. When you get approved for the next step (which usually takes a few months) you will need to meet with TSA officers at an international airport in the United States who will interview you to see if you are eligible. It is best to do your interview when you arrive home from an international trip. (Of course, TSA will give you complete and thorough instructions.)
Solo trips are a great way to get out of your comfort zone, tune into yourself, connect with different people and cultures and find your way. If you have any questions about flying solo, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.
Looking for the best agency to book your next bespoke travel experience? Contact Crawford Concierge!
*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more. Click here to get insured for your next trip.
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Related posts
Barcelona and French Riviera Road Trip Itinerary
15 Best Places to Visit in April in the World