Navigating Solo Adventures with Confidence

#1. Use your gut in concert with Google Maps

Trust your instincts and intuition above all else

Intuition is a critical travel tool, especially for anything venturing solo, so learn to listen to your inner voice! No app can replace the power of your gut intuition. While Google Maps and other digital tools can help guide you, it is your inner voice that will tell you when something feels off. By listening to this internal compass, you will learn more about yourself, your boundaries, and (perhaps most importantly) remain aware of your surroundings.

While it is key to use maps to confirm directions, it is important to remain aware of your surroundings and remain attuned to the context in which you are (e.g. what time of day is it, what neighborhood are you exploring, are others around). 

2. Aim for confidence! 

Walk with purpose and hold your head high. 

In a similar vein, confidence is another important  tool when traveling solo. Even if you’re not feeling brave or get a bit turned around, walk like you know exactly where you’re headed. 

That said, confidence doesn’t mean overestimating reality. Confidence in concert with self and environmental awareness will make for a more relaxed time moving through the city. Regardless of if you are venturing up that mountain or going on that day trip, the skill of confidence will come in handy. 

3. Ignore the nay-sayers

Many people project their fears onto others. Before I set off to solo backpack in Europe or move to Asia, I found one thing in common. People, often just out of concern, would note how I may get “bored”, “lonely”, or how I was undercutting the impending danger. If I had listened, I would have missed out on a lot of incredible experiences. In short, trust yourself to make the journey your own, but be cognizant (as noted above).

The truth? You might feel lonely at times—but only in the same way you’d occasionally feel lonely at home. And boredom? That disappears the moment you say yes to something unexpected, whether it’s hiking a new trail or joining a hostel dinner party. You’re in charge of the narrative, so pick up the pen! 

4. You’ll meet someone new on every trip—their name is You.

Solo travel helps you discover new sides of yourself

Without the companionship of a group, family, friends, or a partner, something incredible happens—you begin to really dial into yourself and develop your authentic inner voice. Whether it’s the way you handle a delayed train or how you light up walking through a spice market, solo travel is a mirror for your strengths, quirks, and growth edges.

I recall the first time I landed in Morocco, lost, overwhelmed and in my early 20’s- I basically ran through the souks to find my riad (Moroccan hotel). After a half-hour of psyching myself up following some worries that I had made a big mistake, I set off to explore the back alleys of Marrakesh. I found a stunning palace that was home to orange blossoms in full bloom – a smell I will never forget and a memory I would likely not have had I opted to go in a group or not at all. 

5. The world teaches you, so embrace the lessons

Getting lost is part of finding clarity

The train delay in Bangalore that you didn’t plan? The canceled tour in Helsinki that left you to replan last minute? These, while frustrating, are examples of magic in the making. Travel rarely goes exactly as expected. At first, I found this quite distressing. I allowed my anxiety levels to spike (note: as disorganized as I can be at home, I have things down to a tee often when abroad). Yet, with time or enough time on the “road”, you learn that the missed bus or detour makes some of the most authentic and potentially unforgettable experiences.

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I hope these 5 tips were helpful, for a full guide with additional tips, please visit: stan.store/stampchaser_photography *now available*