I've traveled long distances alone by train, plane, and ship. Here are 11 of the most important things I've learned about solo travel.

Joey HaddenJun 11, 2022, 16:40 IST

Insider's reporter takes solo trips for work and pleasure.Joey Hadden/Insider

Solo travel can be daunting, but after taking several long-haul trips by myself, I've learned a lot.
Traveling long distances by plane, train, and ship have taught me lessons on how to travel alone.

I wasn't always a solo traveler. In fact, there was a time when I wouldn't have even considered it.

A campsite the author set up with her friends back in college.Joey Hadden/Insider

Now at 26 years old, traveling alone is my norm, and I've learned a lot about how to make the most of my solo trips.

The author takes an overnight train.Joey Hadden/Insider

My first tip for would-be solo travelers is to be a tourist in your own city. This mindset helped me prepare for many solo vacations.

The author explores her home city, New York.Joey Hadden/Insider

In solo travel, the weight of planning and executing will all fall to you, so be sure to make plans and backup plans. But I also learned it's okay to cancel on myself if needed.

Written plans from the author's work trips.Joey Hadden/Insider

In solo travel, the weight of planning and executing will all fall to you, so be sure to make plans and backup plans. But I also learned it's okay to cancel on myself if needed.

From flights to trains, long-haul transportation makes me feel extra lonely since I can't go anywhere.

The author sits alone at a gate in an airport.Joey Hadden/Insider

I make sure I have several forms of entertainment downloaded, from movies and games to books and podcasts, to help distract me during these times.

The author entertains herself with video games and articles during her solo travels.Joey Hadden/Insider

When I feel lonely, practicing gratitude helps me enjoy myself more.

The author thinks to herself during a long-haul train ride.Joey Hadden/Insider

One thing I'm grateful for on a solo trip is the opportunity to try new things and find out more about my likes and dislikes.

The author wakes up in the top bunk on a train.Joey Hadden/Insider

Making a long, eclectic playlist for the in-between moments also helps keep my spirits up.

A 15-hour playlist the author uses for her travels.Joey Hadden/Insider

Another thing that makes long-haul travel more bearable for me is comfy clothing.

The author wears her comfiest outfits on a train (L) and a cruise ship (R).Joey Hadden/Insider

Once I get to my destination, I've found that the more I unpack and move in, the more comfortable and at home I feel.

The author's cabin on the cruise ship.Joey Hadden/Insider

It's important for me to have someone who knows where I am and who I can check in with to feel safe on my solo travels.

The author FaceTimes her dog back home during a cruise.Joey Hadden/Insider

Recentering myself after mishaps makes me a more confident traveler.

The author wakes up on an overnight train.Joey Hadden/Insider

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I've traveled long distances alone by train, plane, and ship. Here are 11 of the most important things I've learned about solo travel.

I wasn't always a solo traveler. In fact, there was a time when I wouldn't have even considered it.

Now at 26 years old, traveling alone is my norm, and I've learned a lot about how to make the most of my solo trips.

My first tip for would-be solo travelers is to be a tourist in your own city. This mindset helped me prepare for many solo vacations.

In solo travel, the weight of planning and executing will all fall to you, so be sure to make plans and backup plans. But I also learned it's okay to cancel on myself if needed.

From flights to trains, long-haul transportation makes me feel extra lonely since I can't go anywhere.

I make sure I have several forms of entertainment downloaded, from movies and games to books and podcasts, to help distract me during these times.

When I feel lonely, practicing gratitude helps me enjoy myself more.

One thing I'm grateful for on a solo trip is the opportunity to try new things and find out more about my likes and dislikes.

Making a long, eclectic playlist for the in-between moments also helps keep my spirits up.

Another thing that makes long-haul travel more bearable for me is comfy clothing.

Once I get to my destination, I've found that the more I unpack and move in, the more comfortable and at home I feel.

It's important for me to have someone who knows where I am and who I can check in with to feel safe on my solo travels.

Recentering myself after mishaps makes me a more confident traveler.