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Solo Travel: How to Have Fun, Stay Safe, and Plan Your Trip

Vacationing with one or more people can be a great way to discover new places and try different things, but you don’t necessarily need another person by your side to reap travel benefits. Solo travel can be just as advantageous as traveling with a friend, partner, or relative: you’ll step outside of your comfort zone, increase your confidence and self-awareness, and learn to rely on and trust yourself when faced with challenges.

As you plan your solo trip to New Orleans, there are some steps you should take to keep yourself and your belongings safe — and ensure you’ll have everything you need to enjoy the adventure. Check out these tips from French Quarter Phantoms Ghost Tours to learn how to prepare for your solo vacation!

Research, Plan, and Book in Advance

From visiting a historic cemetery to experiencing Mardi Gras for the first time, there’s so much for the solo traveler to see and do in New Orleans. Travelers can book guided walking tours of the French Quarter, Garden District, or Tremé, and they can learn all about the lives of notable New Orleans residents like “Voodoo Queen” Marie Laveau and Sister Henriette Delille.

Before visiting New Orleans on your own, it’s a good idea to research local attractions and compare places to stay, eat, and socialize in the City. Hostels and Airbnbs are great lodging options for solo travelers, as they can be a nice way to meet new people and discover local hot spots. You might also prefer to rent a bike so you can safely and affordably get around without walking around the City alone at night, or you could get around by streetcar or cab.

Practice Hotel, Hostel, and Airbnb Safety

As a solo traveler, it’s also important to keep your safety in mind. If the door to your hotel room has a deadbolt lock, for instance, be sure to use it whenever you’re in the room. Avoid booking a room on the ground level, if possible, and keep your bags and suitcases locked whenever you’re not in the room. Be sure to learn more here about hotel safety before taking off your solo adventure so you can protect yourself and your belongings during your travels.

Meet People in New Orleans

Staying in a hostel or an Airbnb can be an excellent way to meet new people while traveling alone, but these aren’t your only options. Instead of grabbing a table while dining out, for instance, you’ll be more likely to meet people if you sit at the bar. You could also drop into free outdoor exercise classes, book a guided walking tour, and start conversations with your Uber, Lyft, and cab drivers. Visit local jazz bars and music venues, and try breaking the ice by asking open-ended questions when you see someone you might like to befriend.

Pack the Essentials

You’ll do a lot of walking in New Orleans, so the best thing you can pack for your trip is a comfortable pair of walking shoes. Some other essentials might include:

• Travel umbrella or thin rain jacket.
• Reusable water bottle.
• Phone charger.
• Breathable clothing.
• Luggage locks.

When traveling alone, you should also bring an emergency contact card and keep it in your wallet or purse. Note whether you have any allergies or medical conditions, and include the names and telephone numbers of your emergency contacts.

New Orleans is the Perfect Destination for Solo Travelers

With so much to see and do and so many new people to meet, New Orleans is the ultimate solo travel destination. You’ll enjoy the benefits of traveling alone, but you’ll also have a chance to hang with the locals and connect with other travelers. Give solo travel a try and see for yourself just how fun The Big Easy can be when you’re exploring this vibrant City on your own schedule.

Planning a trip to New Orleans? French Quarter Phantoms Ghost Tours will teach you everything you need to know about the rich history of New Orleans. Contact us today to book a ghost and vampire tour, visit local cemeteries, or walk through the Garden District to explore the best of New Orleans.