Traveling solo is one of the best ways to go about travel. It’s freeing and exciting, and most solo travelers admit it’s full of unique magic that you just can’t experience when traveling with others. It’s just you, your luggage, and the world is your oyster.
Yet make no mistake about it—solo travel isn’t just soul-searching and beach sunsets. If you’re not careful, there are a few mistakes that can sneak up on you. That’s right—even the most seasoned solo travelers can get it wrong. To help you, here are solo travel mistakes you’ll want to avoid in 2025.
Overpacking
It’s not uncommon to want to pack everything you could ever possibly need for a trip—especially if you’re one of those fashionistas and want to make sure you have an outfit planned for any possible occasion. Yet, lugging a suitcase up a cobblestone street or hauling around a backpack that weighs more than you is one way to develop back pain and wind up needing treatment. You’re traveling solo, so there’s no one to help you carry that luggage.
Not to mention, you may be less mobile and unable to move around to all the destinations you want to see. Instead of packing three pairs of shoes and a hair dryer, call ahead and see if your accommodation provides hair dryers for their guests. Maybe bring two pairs of shoes instead of three, and consider doing laundry during your travels instead of bringing one outfit for every single day.
Not to mention, heavy luggage is expensive, and doing just a little bit of editing and filtering before packing can save you a considerable amount of money on baggage fees.
Overplanning
Planning your trip is great. After all, a little bit of foresight can help you plan all sorts of wonderful adventures. Yet, trying to script every hour of every day can lead to travel burnout. Instead of relaxing—which is the purpose of travel—you’re treating it more like a job. Take your time to really soak in the culture and landscape of wherever you’re visiting. Above all, stay flexible. If you really love the location, stay a little longer to enjoy it even more.
Not Researching
It’s extremely important that you research ahead of time. Get to know any important details like local scams or certain quirks. Some cities are known for pickpockets, while others have certain streets you should probably avoid. Doing a little bit of research ahead of time can help you avoid common issues and prepare you for where you’re about to go. A little research can save you a lot of stress—and probably time and money. Do yourself a favor and do a little research ahead of time, and it will enrich your trip that much more.
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