the gorgeous view atop Monte San Salvatore in Lugano

Traveling with friends is great, but trying to make everyone happy can be exhausting. When you travel alone, you’re free to do exactly what you want and maximize your time exploring a new place. Plus, if you’re comfortable traveling on your own, you don’t have to worry about finding people to go with you when you discover a new travel opportunity.

At the beginning of this semester, I went on two solo weekend trips: one to Lugano in Switzerland and the other to Chania in Greece. They were both incredible experiences, and I’m so glad I went! Here are my top solo travel tips for staying safe and saving money:

a beautiful Chania sunset

1. Use the website Rome2Rio to find the cheapest or fastest way to get somewhere. This site can help you determine if it’ll be better to take a train, plane, bus, or boat. For flights, I’ve found that Skyscanner usually has the best deals. Just be aware that some airlines charge extra for a carry-on, so the cheapest option in the end may not be what shows up as the least expensive flight in the search results. For trains, check Italo Treno and Trenitalia, both of which offer reduced fares for young adults on many routes.

2. Pay attention to how far accommodations are from the city center. If they’re further than a 30-minute walk, check to see if there’s cheap and reliable public transportation. If not, look for a more centrally-located option.

3. Staying in hostels is a great way to save money. As with any accommodation, make sure to check the reviews before booking. Bring a towel and lock for the luggage locker since these often aren’t provided. You may also want to bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.

4. Download the language of your travel destination to your phone with Google Translate. That way, you’ll always be able to translate signs or ask for directions, even if you don’t have data or cell service. Do the same with the map of your destination in Google Maps.

5. If you’re having a hard time deciding what to do at your destination, ask ChatGPT! I recently learned that ChatGPT can generate detailed travel itineraries, and it’s made planning so much easier. This is especially helpful if you experience decision fatigue or get overwhelmed when planning travel.

the perfect swimming spot I found on my hike in Stavros near Chania

6. Always carry some cash with you. Although you can use credit cards in most places, sometimes you need cash, and you don’t want to get stuck paying a $10 ATM fee. I try to bring around €50 with me on weekend trips.

7. Be aware of where your bags are. When I’m walking with a backpack in a crowded area, I usually carry it with only one strap so it’s on my side and not behind me. Make sure you’re never too focused on your phone to notice if someone tried to pickpocket you.

8. Take advantage of free bathrooms whenever you can. A lot of public bathrooms in Europe charge €1. Similarly, fill up your water bottle before you leave your accommodation every morning, and be careful about ordering water to drink at restaurants. Many charge for water!

9. If you sleep on public transportation, keep your valuables close to you. If I have a backpack on a train, I usually hold it in my lap when I sleep. On flights, I’ll put my personal item under the seat in front of me but will keep my phone and wallet near my body. I also like to sleep with my wallet under my pillow in hostels for some extra peace of mind.

10. Save money on meals by getting food from local grocery stores while you travel. For weekend trips, I usually try to eat at a restaurant for one breakfast, one lunch, and one dinner and purchase food for the rest of my meals at supermarkets. This also lets you see what grocery stores are like in your destination!

Written by: Hannah, Fall 2024 Sorrento student from Oberlin College