It might come as a surprise to those who haven't done much solo traveling, but I'm actually quite busy when I travel alone. Possibly more busy than when I travel with others. For one, I'm fully self-reliant. The only one doing all the planning before and during the trip. Which means that when I'm having my solo dinner, I'm usually researching things to do the next day (in between my bites and people-watching). Also, I tend to pack my days with a lot of walking activities. Things that others might not consider doing, I keep adding more and more to do. And, I tend to be open to meeting others (even with sunglasses on, air-pods in and mind on my next destination) I must look approachable to others who easily stop me to talk about directions to places or exchanging casual pleasantries.
Here's a quick list of everything that keeps me busy when I'm solo - or not.
I love to see art
Not all places have museums worth visiting, and sometimes I’m not there long enough to venture to spend time inside. But even a small gallery or graffiti art could be a wonderful way to spend time exploring. It’s also a good place to hide from the heat or the rain if you need a little break from walking and taking in other sites. You can also learn about local history through their collection of art (especially local art). And when I don’t have museums to go to, I look for other similar points of interests, like this Franciscan Church from the Middle Ages in Algarve region of Portugal that contains walls made of human skeletons that are 500+ years old or the Museum of Happiness in Copenhagen or the Graffiti Lanes of Melbourne.
These pictures were taken in Melbourne's Alleyways known for their massive displays of graffiti art.
I love to take lots of pictures
I’m not great photographer. I took a photography class once back in high school 😊 and that’s about it. But I love looking at other people’s pictures and I love to take pictures of everything. I’m not ashamed to be a “tourist” when I am somewhere new. And with the high tech cameras we all have in our pockets – we all can be one. I photograph, literally, everything: food, buildings, people, dogs, other people’s art, graffiti, and I take a mean selfie! I love coming home and re looking at my pictures (and by “home” I mean my hotel, Airbnb, or tent) and seeing what I snapped that day. I’m obsessed with everything and everyone. If I come back with fewer than 1,000 photos, it was either a short trip, or I didn't really like the place. And that obsessions drives me to travel more and more.
These photos are taken in Evora, Lisbon trolly, Bali (temple monkeys and sunset), Solvang (The Cork Hotel), and my personal favorite and my hometown LA.
I love to eat local food
Ok, the reoccurring theme for me is food, right?
1. So why not learn how to cook like a local or find unique spots to eat like a local. One of my early favorite experiences was taking a cooking class in Chang Mai, Thailand. The chef-instructor took us around the local market, told us about the different produce that I’ve never heard about, and we brought it back to learn how to make the dishes ourselves.
Peru Ceviche cooking class in Aguas Calientes, Thai cooking in Chang Mai and some sausages in LA.
2. But if you don't have the time to take a cooking class or don't have the knack or desire to cook. I offer another easy tip - ask your driver, guide or concierge at your hotel or the AirBnB manager - what is your favorit
e place in the area to eat? This simple questions has taken me to many amazing road-side vendors, tiny local restaurants, or even been driven to dinners specifically to share the experience.
Asking where the locals eat also means you can find budget friendly food like eating at a Soda in Costa Rica or a busy road café in Indonesia, both meals were under $5 USD and were heaping plates of delicious and fresh local food.
I love to meet locals and make new friends
There are several ways to meet local. Sometimes just walking down the street. Sometimes when you’re sitting at the bar and strike up a conversation with someone next to you. Sometimes you’re at the museum. It could also be your guide. Or sometimes it’s a date. Dating apps, when traveling, are a great way to meet locals or other travelers. Of course, you need to practice safe meet up strategies, but why not have a day coffee meeting with someone who knows where to go and what to do, or find another wanderlust traveler who wants to do the same thing you’re doing – like go surfing, or go snorkeling or check out the local music and bar scene.
Meeting expats in Costa Rica and discussing living in a different country. Meeting other travelers and enjoying whiskey tasting in Dublin. Meeting a Massai chief and talking about ancestry, tradition and the future of culture in Tanzania.
I love quite time
Not everything needs to involve other people. I love going for a walk with my headphones in and walking through the streets and parks to explore the area I’m visiting. Some may argue about safety with headphones and being in new places. And I don’t recommend doing this at night. But I have a few preloaded playlists which don’t require using local cellular connections. I plan my walk in advance, I figure out key locations and I route a course in my map to take me on a tour while meandering through the streets and weaving through park alleys.
One of my favorite little finds was the Museum of Happiness in Copenhagen - a great place to walk around and be introspective without the crowds or long lines.
Comments