There is something strangely thrilling about traveling solo. Traveling all by yourself lets you find out what you like and what you don’t. You also learn how to enjoy your own company and figure out when you can handle things yourself and when to ask for help.
Traveling solo tops the bucket list of far too many women, yet only a handful get to tick it off. This year, however, Booking.com predicts a notable surge in solo travel interest. Approximately 54% of women plan to travel alone in 2024.
Solo travels give women the freedom to choose exactly what they want. That, however, also means you need to be extra savvy about where you book. Your choice of accommodation will have an impact on your safety, convenience, and overall experience. So take care to choose your place of stay.
Here, we’ll share some practical tips that will help you select the perfect stay for your next solo adventure.
#1 Stay Where the Action Is
Quiet spots might seem appealing, but you should never stay in hotels far from the city center or isolated areas. You may secure a good deal. But the money you save would be spent commuting to key attractions. It would be a no-win situation!
Try to find accommodations near bustling areas. Accessing popular landmarks, restaurants, coffee shops, and transport options won’t be difficult. The good thing? After a day of exploring, your stay will be just a short walk or ride away, even late at night. That would be comforting. It will provide you with a sense of security.
In Chicago, for instance, Lakeshore East, Logan Square, and Gold Coast are some of the coolest neighborhoods for spending a weekend. Booking a hotel in any of these areas will be best if you’re visiting Chicago.
Take a virtual stroll of the neighborhood using Google Maps before you book a hotel in any neighborhood. Street View can help you get a feel of the place.
#2 Research Online
Do a little detective work online when picking your stay—it can save you from a lot of trouble.
Dive into reviews of the hotels, especially from solo travelers. Those reviews often focus on safety and whether the place is solo-friendly.
Beyond basic amenities, look out for red flags in the reviews, like sketchy surroundings or reports of suspicious activities. Recently, there has even been a lawsuit against hotels for human trafficking due to negligence or turning a blind eye to such activities.
Red Roof Inn, one of America’s largest budget hotel chains, is a case in point. Two of its locations—Red Roof Inn in Smyrna and Red Roof Inn Plus in Buckhead—are named in the human trafficking lawsuit.
A slew of lawsuits, TorHoerman Law informs, is also faced by other hotels, including Hilton, Marriott, Super 8, Wyndham, and Extended Stay America.
Checking the property’s reputation and any recent news about it can help you steer clear of potentially dangerous situations. Trust your gut, however. If something feels off in the reviews, it’s better to keep looking until you find a safe and comfortable option.
#3 Think About the Check-In and Check-Out Flexibility
Hotels with fixed check-in and check-out times don’t cater to the unpredictable schedule and the shifting itineraries of solo travelers. Avoid them at all costs.
Search for hotels whose check-in and check-out times are flexible instead. Even hotels with 24/7 front desk service will be excellent. They ensure a smooth arrival and departure process, saving you from the stress of waiting around with your luggage.
Some hotels offer a self-check-in option. You can access your room without needing to coordinate with a front desk. It would be super convenient if your flight is supposed to land at odd hours.
Dalata Hotel Group is one of those few hotels that has introduced self-check-in pods at Maldron Hotel Liverpool. This was revealed in an article published in Travel And Tour World.
#4 Don’t Overlook the Amenities
Little things make a big difference—so don’t overlook the amenities. They are more than just extras; they are game-changers for convenience and comfort.
Think about what you will need. A kitchen for cooking your own meals? Fast and reliable Wi-Fi for planning your adventures? Laundry facilities to freshen up your clothes?
Some hotels go that extra mile and offer complimentary breakfast to their guests. Booking a room in such a hotel will save you money and time in the morning.
Quite a few even provide extras like bicycles, guided tours, or free breakfast. These amenities are helpful when you’re traveling on a budget.
Your place of stay for solo travel will decide whether you will have an unforgettable adventure or an okay trip. Remember these tips when you book a hotel for your next solo trip. Trust us; you will find a place that feels like a home away from home. So, book that perfect stay and set out on your solo trip with confidence!
Laura Bennett is a vital member of The Jeep Diva team, handling all review and advertising inquiries. With a strong focus on the latest in celebrity news and entertainment, Laura ensures that each review is insightful and captivating. Her commitment to nurturing advertiser relationships keeps the blog lively and appealing. Outside of work, Laura loves discovering new media and engaging with readers to deliver unique and exciting content to The Jeep Diva audience.