I have been traveling solo since 2022. There are some advantages and disadvantages of being a solo traveler. As I go along, I discover that though I am flexible to anyone, I am a solo traveler at heart. I can do things on my own and can change the course of travel anytime.

Advantages of Solo Travel

1. Flexibility: You can change your plans on a whim without needing to consult anyone else.
2. Self-Discovery: Traveling alone allows you to learn more about yourself and your preferences.
3. Meeting New People: Solo travel often encourages you to meet and interact with new people, making connections you might not have otherwise.
4. Complete Control: You have full control over your itinerary, budget, and activities.
5. Personal Growth: Overcoming challenges on your own can boost your confidence and independence.

Disadvantages of Solo Travel

1. Loneliness: There can be moments of loneliness, especially during long trips.
2. Safety Concerns: Traveling alone can sometimes pose safety risks, especially in unfamiliar places.
3. Higher Costs: Some expenses, like accommodation, can be higher when not shared with a travel companion.
4. Decision Fatigue: Making all decisions on your own can be exhausting.
5. Limited Photos: It can be challenging to get good photos of yourself without someone to take them for you.

Below are my ways of smart spending based on my travel experience. Again, these are based on my experience only. If you have additional smart spending tips, please comment below.

1. Understand Your Preferences: Before traveling, assess if you prefer traveling alone or with friends. If you’re unsure, try both to see what suits you best. Personally, I enjoy the freedom of solo travel. I have traveled with organized groups and found it hard to take pictures, as sometimes they ask you to take pictures for them, and you end up without any. As a solo traveler, I always bring a tripod with a Bluetooth remote to take pictures of my own.
2. Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation. It’s better to be safe than sorry. For example, in Jerusalem, a man kept following me and eventually spat near me. I left quickly without confronting him, as it’s important to prioritize safety.
3. Use Flight Comparison Apps: Apps like Skyscanner or Wego help you find the best deals on flights by comparing prices from various airlines and travel agencies. They also offer price alerts, so you get notified when fares drop. I always use Skyscanner and search “everywhere” to find cheap destinations on my travel dates. If a ticket seems expensive, I check another app.
4. Connect in Hub Airports: I usually connect in Rome (FCO) or Istanbul (SAW) as they offer the cheapest fares based on my experience. Based in Saudi Arabia, I depart from either Dammam or Riyadh. Pegasus is often the cheapest flight to Istanbul, and Wizz Air is the cheapest to Abu Dhabi. Once in Istanbul, you can find cheap airfare.
5. Plan for Winter Travel: Winter travel can be expensive due to the need for heavy clothing. I always buy extra luggage or book airlines that include luggage. For example, my flight from DMM to Vienna with Pegasus cost SAR 1,100 (excluding a 20 kg bag). Adding the bag costs around SAR 400. Meanwhile, Etihad Airways offers a ticket for SAR 1,600 with 25 kg luggage and a meal included, so I chose Etihad.
6. Pack Light for Summer Travel: Summer travel is easier as you don’t need to bring a lot of clothes. I only bring a 10 kg carry-on. In summer, I bring essentials, wear shorts, and bring one pair of shoes. For example, in Prague in June 2024, the weather was unpredictable, so I brought a jacket. Always bring extra cash for unexpected weather changes.
7. Bring Snacks on Budget Flights: If you’re flying with low-budget airlines that don’t provide food and drinks, bring biscuits and buy water before boarding. These airlines often make a profit from in-flight sales, so bringing your own snacks can save money.
8. Find Accommodation Deals: Apps like Booking.com, Agoda, and Hostelworld offer discounts on hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals. Filter search results by price, location, and amenities to find the best deals. Always check reviews; I book hostels with ratings above 8.5 and consider those nearest to the city center.
9. Book Hostels with Free Breakfast: To save money, book hostels that offer free breakfast. I usually wake up early, around 5:00 am, to visit tourist spots when they’re less crowded, then return to the hostel for breakfast around 10:00 am, which serves as my brunch.
10. Visit Neighboring Countries: If you’re in Europe, maximize your trip by visiting neighboring countries. For example, when I travel to Vienna, I also visit Bratislava, Slovakia, which is only an hour away. Plan ahead and consider traveling by bus. In Europe, FlixBus is a leading provider, offering cheap and easy bookings. The buses have chargers and are very punctual. See my FlixBus experience
11. Use Tour Booking Apps: Apps like GetYourGuide can be cost-effective compared to DIY travel. If I don’t feel like planning everything myself, I book through a travel app.
12. Join Hostel Activities: Hostels often offer activities like pub crawls, where you can meet other travelers and make connections. For example, in Zagreb, I paid USD 18 for a pub crawl, which included free drinks and visits to three bars.
13. Take Advantage of Free Walking Tours: Many hostels offer free walking tours, which are a great way to explore the city. In Berlin, I joined a free walking tour and saved a lot. Just tip the tour organizers; I gave them USD 5.
14. Bring Your Own Padlock: Some hostels provide lockers but not padlocks, so always bring your own. Hostels usually sell padlocks for around USD 3.
15. Use Public Transportation: Airports in Europe are usually well-connected with trains or trams. If not, pre-book transportation through apps or take a bus. For example, in Skopje, North Macedonia, I booked a taxi from the airport to the city for only USD 10 since I arrived at 9:00 PM. I suggest always arriving at the airport before 8:00 PM to ensure public transportation is available.

Happy travels and smart spending! If you have any additional tips, feel free to share them in the comments.

If you found it helpful and would like to show your appreciation, you can buy me a coffee here.