I've been a solo traveler for years. Here are my 8 best tips for traveling alone.

17.10.2023 - 19:15 / insider.com

I'm currently in my fifth year of solo travel, but began my nomadic lifestyle with an eager attitude. However, that initial naivety certainly got me into some tricky situations.

Had I been more experienced, there are certain steps I could have taken to make my experience less stressful and, at times, less isolating.

To ensure you avoid making the same mistakes I did, I've gathered some simple and practical tips every solo traveler needs to know.

Although you can create a digital Medical ID on most smartphones, accessing this information can be challenging, especially when the device is locked.

That's why it's best to write all your essential medical information and emergency contact details in the notes app, take a screenshot, and save it as your lock screen.

This will ensure easy access to important details in case of an emergency while traveling.

Accessing healthcare in a foreign country can be stressful, especially with a language barrier.

Speaking from personal experience, you don't want to spend three days on an IV drip trying to understand your diagnosis when you and your doctor don't speak the same language.

Before I travel, I seek out English-speaking doctors, which are available in many cities but can be tricky to find.

It's worth doing some preemptive research for doctors who speak your language before you travel in case you find yourself ill.

Getting online as quickly as possible is a must for any solo traveler navigating a new location. It's unlikely you'll be able to purchase a local SIM card prior to traveling, so it's a good idea to use an eSIM instead.

An eSIM functions the same way as a physical SIM card but is completely digital.

I use Airalo to purchase eSIMs and buy data through the app before I travel. It automatically starts working when I arrive in another country.

Although eSIMs tend to be a little more expensive than local service providers, they're worth it for the peace of mind they provide.

A large part of the beauty of traveling is getting outside and experiencing the world. But before you turn your back on social media completely, there are some advantages to having it on hand.

Facebook groups are gold mines for useful information about almost any place in the world. They're also a great way to meet new people and involve yourself in social events.

Digital nomad groups are great for short and extended trips alike.

Unfortunately, both at home and abroad, I've found that some vendors take advantage of inexperienced travelers when it comes to the cost of local services.

On more than one occasion, I've paid double the normal asking price in restaurants and bars.

Whenever you arrive somewhere new, speak with the locals to gain an understanding of what prices typically look