As a solo nomad, I have chosen not to have a permanent “place”.  I am very fortunate to have great friends who welcome me back with open arms. A hotel in a nice spot is also nice for a respite from travel. Being a solo nomad doesn’t mean I am alone – anywhere. My solo lifestyle at requires a group of people who have my back. And I have theirs, even from afar. Or new friends I meet along the way.

Much like life before being a solo nomad, we all need a support system.

I have received many notes from those who admire my lifestyle, but are worried, afraid or don’t know how to start. Some call me brave (not), others think I’m crazy.

I want to provide travel inspiration and “how to’s” for those thinking, dreaming or planning their own solo journey – permanently or not.

This is the first in a series of posts. I will respond to some FAQs and share some quick tips as well as the good, bad and ugly of being a solo nomad or travel in general.

What are your travel challenges or tips?
Leave a comment and share with the Where’s BabZ community.

Stuff goes Wrong

What happens if something goes wrong and you’re all alone?

In life lots of stuff goes wrong. Solo or any travel is no different. Delayed planes or worse come with the territory. A hotel or Airbnb that didn’t deliver on expectations. And probably the biggest concern – healthcare on the road.

My response to challenges is to find solutions. I can’t prepare for every eventuality. A little bit of planning helps:

Have a back up plan

• Travel and medical insurance - Health issues and delayed luggage suck when you’re traveling. Like any insurance, you get what you pay for. Most require you to have health insurance “back home”. I buy what I need depending on where I will be and for how long.

  • Tip: If you buy insurance within 21 days of payment, the policy has extras including covering preexisting conditions and other benefits. I’ll be honest I forget to do this. Fortunately, my torn ligament treatment was not costly in Peru - $300US + $52 in Chile for a follow up appointment two weeks later.

Peace of mind

• Escape hatch – If things really go south, I always have enough money, credit or points to get me out of the situation. This would include a credit card being hacked and having four others to use. An Airbnb not delivering on the listing. A plane or luggage delay that requires me to take care of myself because carriers won’t or can’t. I will deal with them later. My insurance will help when I file a claim. But instead of standing in a long customer service line, I book a hotel room to sleep in or rent a car. I do what I need to do to take care of myself.

  • Tip: If you have status with an airline, access to their lounge is a great place to regroup. You can also buy your way in with a day pass. They have Wi-Fi, food, drinks and a nice space to chill while you figure out your next step. If you have status they will also figure out your flight and hotel options (without standing in the customer service line.) Check out Priority Pass which does not require loyalty to any airline.

  • Tip: If I’m particularly frustrated, tired or hangry, I deal with them according to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Then I text/phone a friend for some empathy and ideas.

Don’t you get lonely?

• Traveling alone has a bad rap – As adults we can choose how solo or alone, we want to be. Many have pointed out; I am an extrovert. I can talk to anyone. I love watching people, asking what they’re eating or chat them up over art in a gallery.

• Enjoy where you are. We are lucky to be planning travel, let alone visiting places important to us.

  • Tip: We can enjoy alone or seek out others. When you join a “free” Guru Walk (pay what you want) or Viator tour you meet people with similar interests. For me, these often end with fellow travelers having lunch, a coffee and sharing our experience and contact info. We have the power to choose how we trave, what we do and with whom.

  • Tip: There are many Facebook groups dedicated to solo travelers – asking questions, preparing to launch and providing their shared knowledge. Join, lurk, scroll and participate. Search solo travel and click groups.

What are your travel challenges or tips? Leave a comment and share with the Where’s BabZ community.