Five ways to stay connected while solo travelling
Travelling alone doesn’t have to be lonely! Eve O’Neil from public transport Wi-Fi supplier Nomad Digital shares their top tips for staying connected on your solo adventure to keep in touch with friends old and new.
Solo travel has soared in popularity in recent months, with searches for single-person flights up 36% in 2023 (Kayak). It’s easy to see why so many of us have the urge to explore the world on our own: solo travel can be an incredibly empowering experience while also allowing us to enjoy the adventure at our own pace. And without the constraints of coordinating with others, you can immerse yourself fully in the journey and do whatever you want to do.
However, travelling alone doesn’t mean you have to be isolated. Staying connected, whether with other travellers or loved ones back home, is essential not just for your safety but for companionship. Making new friends on the road allows you to open up to new experiences and maybe even make lifelong connections.
The good news is that it’s easier than ever to stay connected while on a solo expedition. Here I’ve rounded up five of the best ways to keep connected with loved ones back home and new friends while solo travelling.
1) Make the most of public transport
Public transport isn’t just an affordable way to navigate a new city but an excellent way to stay connected. While taxis can be a convenient way of getting from A to B, they can be costly and don’t offer the same social experience that public transport does, especially if travelling further afield. For instance, you might strike up a conversation with a fellow solo tourist on a long train journey, or even get some tips on what to do in the area from a local.
Many buses, trains, and trams now come with Wi-Fi too, making it easier to keep in touch with friends and family as you travel. The quality of public transport Wi-Fi has improved vastly in recent years, removing the limitations of slow speeds and unstable connections. In fact, some of the routes we cover even supply gigabit networks that cover all of your streaming needs, which is perfect if you want to stream your favourite travel show for some inspiration for your trip.
Not only is public transport Wi-Fi access important for safety, but it can help you save your mobile data, which may be a lot pricier than it is back home. Plus, on a long journey, you can use your Wi-Fi access as an opportunity to do some trip planning and connect with travellers at your next destination. You can also use this Wi-Fi to download local public transport apps. These can help you navigate routes, check schedules, and even purchase tickets, ensuring you’re never left stranded or disconnected.
If you’ve already established a group of fellow solo travellers and you want to enjoy some sightseeing together, you may also be able to save money with a group booking. Some public transit systems offer daily or weekly group tickets, allowing you to explore with your new friends at a reduced cost.
2) Stay powered up
Technology is an integral part of keeping connected while exploring the world solo. Whether it’s your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, your technological devices are crucial for keeping you in touch with friends and family back home, making new connections, and staying safe while navigating your travels. So, keeping these devices powered up is essential while out and about.
Fortunately, there are lots of opportunities to charge up even when you aren’t in your accommodation. The most obvious way to keep your devices powered up and connected is with a portable charger, a travel essential which prevents a dead battery from stalling your day. You can also pack your charger in your day bag and make the most of power outlets on public transport or in cafes.
For peace of mind, you may want to consider carrying two charging leads. This allows you to power up multiple devices while on the go and provides you with a backup in case your main lead becomes damaged. You can even make connections with a spare lead by sharing it with a fellow traveller in need.
3) Stay in hostels
Hostels can get a bad rap, especially amongst those more used to staying in premium hotels. However, they can be a fantastic option, particularly if you’re travelling on your own. They offer solo explorers an easy and convenient way to connect with other travellers and are often a much more affordable choice too.
Staying in the same dorm as someone is a great way to get to know someone quickly. However, if this isn’t your thing and you’d prefer a little more privacy, many hostels now offer private rooms with communal kitchens and lounge areas, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds.
As well as having communal spaces to connect, some hostels host events for guests, such as BBQs, film nights, board game nights, or walking tours. Throwing yourself into these activities is a great opportunity to get to know fellow travellers and try something new too.
4) Use travel apps to form new connections
While solo travelling is exciting and empowering, it can feel a little lonely at times. But you can easily quash this one small downside of travelling alone by connecting with other tourists. This is a great way to enjoy the company of others while solo travelling and get insider tips from other travellers too. And who knows, your brief connection may even lead to a lifelong friendship!
There is a wide array of apps and online communities designed to help travellers connect, from sites for joining large groups like Meetup to apps for connecting with travellers one-on-one, like Bumble BFF. You can also find a large selection of Facebook and Reddit groups which cater specifically to travellers, acting as a platform for travellers to share experiences, ask for advice, or even arrange meetups.
While these apps and online communities can be wonderful tools to connect with others, you should always have your wits about you and be as cautious as possible to prioritise your safety. Whether you’re meeting someone solo or you’re joining a group, always meet during daylight hours and in a busy public place rather than someone’s hotel or apartment.
You should also make people aware of where you are going and how long you expect to be away for, whether this is a loved one at home or a staff member at your hotel or hostel. If you’re a solo female traveller, you may want to join a group which hosts exclusively female tourists for extra security.
5) Use co-working spaces
For digital nomads, co-working spaces can be invaluable. Balancing work and travel can be challenging, but co-working spaces provide a structured environment that helps you maintain a work-life balance while still enjoying your solo adventure.
Not only do they provide a productive environment to work from, but they also offer a great opportunity to connect with like-minded travellers. Many co-working spaces host events, workshops, and social gatherings, making it easy to meet others who are also working while exploring the world. And it isn’t just social connections that you can make in one of these spaces — co-working buildings can also help you expand your professional network. You might meet someone in your industry, leading to new opportunities as well as friendships.
Stay connected on your solo trip
Solo travel offers you endless opportunities, and by staying connected you get to share the adventure with both new friends and loved ones far away. Use the tips above to stay connected while travelling to make the most of your adventure. And make sure to check out other Talented Ladies Club travel articles for even more solo travel tips.
