Michigan Travel Coach Dawn Pick Benson, who has explored 42 countries, is dedicated to helping first-time solo travelers discover themselves through travel. Her company, based in Grand Rapids, serves as a valuable resource for those seeking independence on their journeys.
If you’re yearning for adventure but prefer not to be held up by the schedules of others, you’re certainly not alone.
Forbes has proclaimed 2024 as the Year of the Solo Traveler, a title that could still apply to your travel aspirations.
This announcement stems from findings by Overseas Adventure Travel and Solo Traveler, whose annual survey revealed that 68% of participants identified as independent travelers. In a similar vein, a global for 2024 discovered that 59% of travelers expressed a desire to explore alone.
Travel coach Dawn Pick Benson changed the course of her life and career through the experience of solo travel.
After ending her marriage of over two decades, Benson sought a new beginning in 2018. She embarked on a journey, spending three months in Eastern Europe.
During her time in Kosovo, Macedonia, and Montenegro, she reconnected with herself and returned home inspired to help others on their journeys. Having traveled to 42 countries, she reflects on how each adventure has impacted her life.
Today, she operates a unique blend of life coaching and travel expertise through her company based in Grand Rapids, where she guides first-time solo travelers. She provides both group and individual coaching, assisting clients in selecting destinations, booking flights, creating itineraries, and offering support throughout their trips.
Benson highlights the significance of the trip’s intention over its destination.
This notion challenges the typical portrayal of an American tourist. What if the essence of travel revolved more around emotions than sights?
“I aim to inspire women to embark on journeys that differ from the usual ‘let’s hit 75 attractions in two weeks without taking time for self-reflection’ trips,” she expressed.
MLive sought Benson’s advice for novices traveling alone. Here are her recommendations for ensuring safety, empowerment, and mindfulness while traveling.
Bring only the amount of luggage you can handle on your own
This might be the most crucial advice I have for women traveling alone. When you’re sure you can manage your luggage by yourself, regardless of the situation, it brings a sense of empowerment. No matter the scenario or environment, it means you won’t have to depend on others for assistance with your bags or face the hassle of getting on or off public transport alone. Wearing only what you can comfortably manage ensures that you can always rely on yourself — and that’s an incredibly empowering feeling.
Walk with purpose, even when you’re lost
The most obvious way to signal to those around you that you’re a confused or lost tourist (and potentially a target for theft) is to stroll around staring at your phone. If you ever find yourself in an uncomfortable situation or uncertain about your direction, keep moving forward with intent until you spot a shop, restaurant, or hotel where you can step inside. Once there, you can take a closer look at your phone’s map or even seek assistance from a local.
Trust your instincts
Whenever you find yourself in a situation that feels off, don’t dwell on it or worry about coming across as impolite. Listen to your inner voice. If something tells you to leave, don’t hesitate—simply go without second-guessing yourself.
You possess more authority in any situation than you realize
There was a time when a taxi driver decided to alter the fare during my trip to my lodging. It didn’t feel right since we had both agreed on a price beforehand, and I had a good idea of the expected cost from the airport to my destination. I quickly checked the map on my phone (as I had pre-downloaded the area on Google Maps before my journey), assessed the neighborhood for safety, determined that my luggage was manageable, and firmly told him to either honor our original agreement or pull over so I could continue on foot. His surprise was evident, and he promptly reverted to the agreed fare, taking me straight to my destination without further discussion. I felt as though he held a bit of respect for my assertiveness in that moment!
Understand the approximate transportation costs before reaching your destination—even if you intend to use Uber.
Many travelers find it convenient to depend on Uber or Lyft along with similar apps for transportation. However, there are occasions when these rideshare services may not be accessible, or your phone may unexpectedly fail. In such situations, it’s crucial to have a rough idea of the fare to negotiate effectively and avoid being overcharged.
In various regions around the globe, taxi drivers may not accept credit cards, making it essential to have the fare ready in local currency to prevent any unnecessary confusion or difficulties. While many of us rely predominantly on credit cards and digital payment methods, there are instances when cash becomes necessary while traveling. Therefore, I always ensure to arrive at a new destination with some local currency, or I make it a point to stop at an airport ATM as my first priority to withdraw local cash.
Consider acquiring a local e-SIM or SIM card
Traveling solo can be particularly stressful when you find yourself without data access, making tools like Google Maps unavailable when you need them most. Instead of opting for a pricey international phone plan, consider using an e-SIM or a physical SIM card, both of which can save you money. Services like Airalo are quite useful, allowing you to choose an e-SIM that fits your destination and the duration of your stay.
If you need a physical SIM card, it’s typically easy to find one at the airport, where assistance with installation is often available.
However, it’s essential to do your homework ahead of time. Make sure to verify which types of SIM cards are compatible with your phone, as not all devices support both electronic and physical SIMs.
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