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Solo smart tips
The Alexandre III Bridge across The Seine, Paris, France. Photography: Muratart.
Travelling solo smart beyond “Bonjour!”
By Josh Chandler
Even the most experienced and capable solo travellers carry a quiet, deep-seated anxiety within us everywhere we go – a perfectly natural tension between caution and curiosity. It’s the constant undercurrent – no matter how confident and prepared we are – of not knowing exactly how to navigate misunderstandings. In a foreign place, even common everyday experiences such as finding a meal, asking for directions, or catching a bus, can feel loaded with the pressure of ‘getting it right’. That constant and slow-burning uncertainty isn’t weakness, it’s our instinct sharpening, and our awareness expanding to learn, remember, and understand about how to meet moments with confidence and surety. Acknowledging that this anxiety exists – and learning from it – is an essential part of our growth as solo travellers.
Start with survival, not small talk
Polite phrases like “Hello” and “Thank you” are useful, but in a moment of confusion or danger, survival phrases matter more. Prioritise what will help you get clear and calm assistance. You can be polite once you’re safe.
Carry a language card
A card with the name of your native language, written in the languages of the countries you’re visiting, is a simple, essential tool. Flag badges and pins can help, but only if someone recognises them. In a crisis, clarity beats symbolism – it’s not a quiz, and it may be an urgent moment where words matter most.
Learn and rehearse key safety-related phrases
Focus on functional phrases, the most important of which are “I’m sorry, but I don’t speak [your language], do you speak [my language]”, “Is there someone here that speaks [my language]?”, and “I need help to understand”. These lines can unlock kindness and assistance and help avoid confusion or conflict. Pair them with a shrug, a puzzled look, or an open expression. Practise with a friend or app. And remember, your tone and body language often say more than perfect pronunciation.
Keep key phrases handy
Memorise or carry a few essential phrases like “I don’t understand” and “Can you help me?”. If pronunciation is tricky, write them phonetically. Carry a small card in the local language with your accommodation address, as it can help hotel staff, shopkeepers, or drivers speak on your behalf if necessary.
Body language is your backup
Non-verbal cues are universal. Read faces, postures, and tone before reacting. Look around, because your ally may not be the person speaking to you. Stay aware of your own body language too – calm, open, and prepared wins more trust than panic or defensiveness.
Pause, listen, and scan the space
Don’t rush to respond if you don’t understand someone. Take a breath, use one of your prepared phrases, and look around. You may be focused on one person, but someone nearby could already be listening and ready to help. Often, the answer is in the room, and you just need to remember to slow down to notice it.