10 Solo Travel Tips For Australia

Thinking about travelling to Australia and witnessing all the amazing places it has to offer? Being so far from the rest of the world, it can feel a bit daunting, but more and more people are travelling alone and at their own pace. So if you want to take the plunge Downunder, here’s 10 Solo Travel tips for Australia to bare in mind when booking your trip.

Pack lightly

It may sound obvious, but you really should pack lightly. As long as you’ve got SPF, passport, a good pair of walking shoes, jeans, jumper, shorts and your bathing suit, you’ll pretty much be fine anywhere in Australia.

Do your research

Make sure you research online before heading off, having somewhere to put your head down at night is important. There are so many affordable ways to book accommodation now, that you can simply download the Hostel Bookers or Airbnb app and book yourself in at the most convenient and affordable accommodation you can find. You could also book through www.yha.com.au, for discounts, promotions, tips and a listing of the most successful Australian hostels. You’re going to want to be spontaneous during your travels, however don’t arrive without somewhere to stay for your first night Down Under.

Keep all your personal information scanned and kept on email

Anything can go missing or stolen on your travels; the majority of things can be bought, however your personal information is one thing that takes precious time and money to replace. Scanning everything onto your emails before you leave for Australia is a priority. Your passport, health insurance, travel insurance, ID and anything crucial on your travels need to be copied in case it goes missing.

Don’t feel like you have to travel with people you don’t know

You are inevitably going to meet people whilst in Australia. Being on your own, you’ll meet people to talk to and share your experiences with. However if you don’t feel comfortable going off with someone you met at a hostel or on a trip, then do not feel obliged to go on with him or her. If your trip was to gain some ‘me time’, then there is no harm in a polite ‘no’ if you want to do things on your own terms. There are always going to be other travellers, like yourself, and people you may become long-life friends with.

Keep a log of emergency numbers

You’ll probably never need them, but knowing you have an emergency number can give you the confidence to deal with awkward situations and of course, emergencies.

Have a back up phone

It’s also a good idea to take a back up cheap phone for when smart technology may fail you!

Be OK with looking worse for wear

If you class yourself as high maintenance, you might want to get into the habit of looking after yourself a little less. There’s a small chance that you’ll have access to hair straighteners, irons and long length mirrors in hostels. It may actually help your self-esteem and you won’t have the space to pack hundreds of products.

Go on tours

Really make sure you see Australia in all its glory. There are so many tours that you can do, from witnessing the splendour of the Red Centre, or chasing Kangaroo’s on Kangaroo Island Backpacker Tours, or getting lost in paradise on Fraser Island 4wd Tours and Fraser Island Adventure Tours. There is so much to see, and a helping hand of a tour company is a great way to see as much as you can. You can also find plenty on the east coast – East Coast Australia Tours.

Be careful with your money

Budget how much you want to spend everyday. Keep some emergency money somewhere different in your bag, so you’ll have back up for any hiccups that may occur. Hostels in Australia start from around $30 for dorm beds or there are some great budget/cost effective hotels where you can pick up an ensuite room from $90. It’s always good to make sure you save enough money for your accommodation and food as Australia can become expensive when you’re out everyday.

 Make the most of it

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity so make the most of it! Do things you could never imagine yourself doing, be spontaneous and meet new people. Travelling solo in Australia may seem quite scary, however 80% of independent travellers are flying solo, so you’re not alone. Australia is a country full of wondrous opportunities and you want to make the most of the time you have there, enjoy!

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By Sabrina Shales

@sabshales