15 Experiences For Solo Travelers to Have
If you ask me what travel has taught me, I will tell you it has taught me to become more adventurous. But with those adventures came facing many of my fears.
I think many of us have long bucket lists of things we want to try but never get ourselves to do it. But, when you travel solo, things change. Suddenly, you’re off trying new things you wouldn’t normally do back home.
Perhaps it’s because those activities aren’t available in your area or because you can’t find a friend to go with you. However, while traveling solo, you will always find someone who will try crazy things with you.
I love solo travel because I’m pushed to try new experiences that I will never forget.
Here is a list of experiences for solo travelers to have:
15 Experiences For Solo Travelers to Have
Table of Contents
1. Diving & Snorkeling
One activity I held out on the longest was diving. It scared me so much, but I ended up loving the experience. Most travelers are afraid because they don’t consider themselves great swimmers or they’re scared of sharks. However, once you try it, you will want to do it again.
The hardest part is remembering what the instructor taught, but you figure it out once you get in the water.
Although snorkeling doesn’t sound as adventurous, it is. Imagine finding yourself in front of a massive school of fish or next to blue whales, mantas, and sea turtles! That’s definitely an experience.
San Andres Island is a great place to try diving.
2. Sandboarding & Snowboarding
When you’re a first-timer, this type of adventure is hard. However, you don’t need to become a professional to enjoy it. As long as you learn how to stand and go down the slopes slowly, this will be enough to have fun. Plus, you feel pretty cool when you get the hang of it.
You can try sandboarding in La Huacahina, Peru.
3. Surfing
Surfing requires a lot more physical and mental effort than snowboarding. Therefore it’s an activity that can be easy to give up on.
However, it is one of the most rewarding experiences when you finally stand up and ride a wave. I’m not going to say it’s easy, but it’s also on the cool scale for me.
I recommend you have a professional teach you.
4. Swim with Dolphins and Whales
Jumping in the middle of nowhere in the ocean to swim with dozens of dolphins is by far one of my top travel experiences. In some places, you can hire a guide to go in search of ocean animals.
Just take your bathing suit, an underwater camera, and enjoy seeing them. You might even hear them whistle underwater! (Also, please only do this in open water where animals aren’t mistreated).
5. Hike An Active Volcano
The world is an incredible place, and you realize why when you stand in front of a volcano. It’s such a crazy experience to sit in front of an erupting volcano or watch lava pouring out.
This is not something you experience every day. That’s why it’s so special to do so. There are many volcanoes to hike, but one for the books is hiking Volcan Acatenango to see Volcan Fuego in action.
6. Hike a Difficult Trail
I don’t mean any hike. I mean, you should experience those hikes that have you questioning why you did it The kind that challenge you and push you to your limits.
Those strenuous hikes where you feel you will pass out or your legs can’t go any further are the ones that come with the best rewards.
They are the ones that make every drop of sweat and sore muscles worth it.
Some of the best challenging or scary hikes I’ve been on and recommend are:
- Volcan Acatenango, Guatemala
- Rainbow Mountain, Perú
- Angel’s Landing, Utah
- Havasupai, Grand Canyon, Arizona
7. Jump into cold Waterfalls
Do you know what’s adventurous about this? Waterfalls usually are very cold, especially if you get cold quickly. However, looking for them and then jumping in for a swim is fun. There are so many beautiful waterfalls around the world.
Some of the best waterfalls to swim in are located in Colombia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and La Huasteca Potosina.
8. Ride a Helicopter
The perspective you get from a place when seeing it from above is incredible. You get to enjoy the beautiful views down below and you experience a bit of a thrill since helicopters move much more than a plane.
I’ve experienced seeing the Grand Canyon from a helicopter and it was amazing. I can only imagine how some places like Hawaii and New York look like from above.
9. Learn to Drive a Scooter or ATV
If you’re headed to Southeast Asia, one of the coolest experiences to have is driving a scooter. It can feel a little intimidating at first because of the traffic chaos in these countries, especially in Vietnam.
However, once you learn, there’s no stopping you from going everywhere in them. Another option is to go on an ATV adventure. Those are very fun!
10. Take a Road Trip
If you’ve never gone on a road trip, please do so. The freedom to have your car and stop on unexpected detours is enjoyable. I’ve ended up in the most random little towns or hidden gems in nature because of this. Plus, you can sing your favorite music at the top of your lungs.
Some of my favorite road trips have been:
11. Go Camping
No, not glamping. Camping. Waking up in the middle of nature is one of the most peaceful experiences to have. This form of travel makes you feel connected to nature, and you appreciate its beauty much more.
Waking up to coffee and cooking your meals on a tiny stove or trying to shower in nature is such a different experience compared to when we wake up in the comfort of our homes. I’ve never done this solo, but I know some people do and love it.
12. Volunteer Somewhere
Volunteering is a great actor of kindness we can do on our part. There is a need everywhere, and you do make a difference when helping. Ethical volunteering is a great way to give back to the community.
Plus, you will leave feeling much better because giving is so much better than receiving.
13. Visit a High Rise Building
Perhaps this doesn’t sound adventurous, but seeing a city from above is fantastic. Some people are afraid of heights, but I suggest you don’t let that fear stop you. There are even some cool places with glass floors making it feel a little scarier.
14. Cliff Jumping
Cliff jumping is one of the most thrilling activities out there, especially when the cliff is high. Standing at the cliff’s edge, heart racing, and palms sweaty, is not a nice feeling.
But once you finally throw yourself, you lose yourself in the moment. And getting lost in the moment is beautiful.
Cliff jumping at Lake Atitlan was a fun experience for me!
15. Skydive or Bungee Jump
I left these last because I still haven’t confronted this fear. However, everyone who has done it has told me it’s an incredible feeling. So, I know that I will finally get myself to jump from a plane one of these days. Not sure about bungee jumping, though.
What would you add to the list? Which experiences have you loved or hated?
What to Pack
Are you planning a backpacking trip soon? Check out some of my favorite items to pack:
15 Experiences For Solo Travelers to Have
Travel Booking Resources
Book Your Flight:
To find cheap flights, check Skyscanner and Google Flights. These search engines check airlines to find you the best deals. The more flexibility you have, the better flight deals available.
Book Your Accommodation:
Booking.com is my favorite booking site for hotels but it also shows great deals on hostels and apartments. Plus, when you reach Genius Level, you get special discounts, included breakfasts, and upgrades on some hotel rooms. Hostelworld is specifically for budget travelers who enjoy hostels. This is the best place for finding great options.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance and Visa Applications:
Travel insurance will protect you against theft, injury, illness, and cancellations. Sometimes unexpected things happen during a trip and protections will keep you covered. Two great options are: Safety Wing and World Nomads. Also, iVisa can help you get a visa if you need one.
Book Tours:
Sometimes the best way to see a place is through tours. I recommend checking out Get Your Guide for some fun and unique adventures wherever you go.
Check out my other travel resources to help you book your trip!
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and purchase a product, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Please note I only recommend products and brands that I personally use or have used and believe in.
15 Experiences For Solo Travelers to Have
