Solo Travel Dos and Don’ts - Meg & the Microcosm

My most important dos and don’ts as a first time solo traveler.

Do: Put yourself out there

Traveling by yourself is the best time to bask in your authentic self.
You are switching up the people you are with almost constantly, you are meeting new people all the time, so there is no harm in doing something a little or a lot quirky.
Talk to people! It is as easy as saying hi or asking where they are from; many travelers are also hoping to meet new people. Try out a new language! Try something new! Even if it is just a new food.

I loved sitting alone, people watching, reading, writing, or watercoloring while eating at restaurants. I did have to push myself, but it is kind of like convincing yourself to go to the gym and then realizing for the umpteenth time that you are in your element there.
Sometimes it might feel like going the extra mile, but it’s a great way to get yourself out there.
I took my book with me to a wine bar in Palma de Mallorca and discovered another woman with the same idea as me. I sat across from her and we just acknowledged each other and did our own things. I got to enjoy the loud, crowded, energetic ambiance of the bar, eat jamón croquetas, drink some red wine, and I ended up leaving with book recommendations from a friendly English couple that sat next to me. One of the absolute best parts of solo traveling is all the people you come across— people who are way more willing to engage with you than you might think.

ESPECIALLY in Barcelona.
The amount of people I know of who have had their phones stolen in Barcelona is absurd. In the span of two days, I met at least three other people who had their phones stolen… just like me.
I even met a waiter who had his phone stolen just outside his restaurant because he set it down and looked away for one second.
Keep one hand or eye on your bag at all times.
And do not hang around Barceloneta at night. The clubs are fine, but keep your wits about yourself.

I learned this the hard way and lost all my pictures I had not shared.
If you don’t use iCloud, it will definitely be worth it at least for the time you’re traveling.
Some alternatives to iCloud are Google Photos and Dropbox.
Maybe even take a cheap digital camera or a disposable camera. Two of my friends brought their digital cameras along and it (1) challenged me to get comfortable with the discomfort of using flash in crowded spaces; (2) meant that our photo shoots weren’t just on my phone; and (3) made other people want to get in the photos for some great memories with slight strangers

Will you meet the love of your life while abroad? Who knows.
Could an amazing opportunity arise from asking someone literally anything? Yes. And what’s the worst that could happen? You get told no and move on with your life?
Start small, ask someone to take some pictures of you.
Ask someone who works at a gallery if they have any food recommendations— yes this is from personal experience. Ask a bartender to wingman (or wingwoman) you. This is also from personal experience— Álvaro from La Banda Rooftop Hostel in Sevilla was a joy to befriend while he texted the man from the art gallery.

If you want to go out, but don’t want to go alone (which is not advisable late at night), meet someone for drinks and see if you vibe with them and then you can have each others’ backs.
I met a lovely and fun girl named Paola in Mallorca and I am hoping that we will meet again.

Hostels can make or break your experience. Madrid is not one of my favorite cities, however I loved the days I spent there. I met some of the most wonderful people and made unforgettable memories with them because of my hostel, Sungate ONEFAM.
Likewise, Barcelona is one of my favorite cities, but the hostel I stayed at (The Central House, Barcelona Gracia) was quiet and not social, which bummed me out.
Look for hostels that advertise family dinners, group events, pub crawls, and walking tours.
I can confidently recommend ONEFAM and La Banda in Sevilla.

Exchange numbers on Whatsapp, social media, or addresses for letters.
You never know if you will end up in the same city again or if you might become best friends.
A few friends I made in Madrid ended up coming to Barcelona at the same time as me and they completely elevated my trip. (They might even save you when all your photos are lost and they happened to take some with you).

If some Germans at an empty karaoke bar beckon you over, join them! Duet with them, make new friends, have fun!
You can do anything within reason. If you are in Spain for instance, you could take a ferry or flight and end up in Morocco or the Balearic Islands within hours. Create the story you want to live. And live a little!
Mistakes and risks are what will foster your growth, so go for it. That doesn’t necessarily mean taking a taxi to some German boys’ villa at 4am after meeting them at a club, which one of my friends was invited to do— but there are also worse decisions that could be made.