Exploring the world with confidence: why travel insurance is a must for solo travelers

January 17, 2025

Whether you love traveling alone for the peace and quiet, for the complete immersion in a new destination without distractions, or simply for enjoying a guilt-free, no-compromises itinerary specific to you, solo travel can be an immensely rewarding experience. Many solo travelers choose journeys that reflect their personal values and aspirations, sometimes indulging in wellness or fitness retreats, other times exploring new cultures, languages and landscapes.

If you’re thinking about taking a solo trip, read on for helpful planning tips and to get ideas and inspiration. Be sure to have the right travel insurance as a backup plan in case things go awry and you’re in need of assistance, whether it is a medical emergency or unexpected itinerary change.

Experiences for the mind and body

If your conscience plays a big part in your vacation planning, there are ways to create a solo trip itinerary that treads lightly on the earth. You may want to unwind at a meditation retreat, or push your limits on a multi-day backpacking adventure, all the while prioritizing your mental and physical wellbeing. On a trip like this, you’ll feel more secure with an insurance plan that stands ready in case an unexpected crisis or delay changes your trip’s vibe, such as SafeTrip travel medical and travel protection plans. You’ll also want to consider these additional travel and insurance tips:

• Eco-conscious accommodations: Opt for stays that are both comfortable and sustainable, such as eco-friendly hotels or hostels that minimize waste, use solar power or other renewable energy sources, and commit to minimal water use and non-toxic cleaning products.
• Wellness and fitness: Destinations that include access to nature trails, yoga studios or gym facilities make it easy to incorporate activities that boost physical and mental health. And if there’s a spa on-site for massages and saunas, so much the better.
• Cultural immersion: Engaging with regional culture can go extra-deep by adding cooking classes from a local chef, learning a new skill through craft workshops, or scheduling your stay during a historical or music festival.
• Adventure with a side of safety: Choose destinations that let you seek out rarely seen natural glories, take advantage of glorious mountain hiking trails, or swim in waterfall-fed lagoons — but be sure to connect with local experts to plan these side trips safely. Also, ensure your insurance plan includes coverage for adventure sports or activities that are common in the area you are visiting.
• Digital tools for planning and sharing: In addition to using technology to document your trip through pictures and video, you’ll want tools to help you track your travel on the road, manage any changes or communications and share your experiences.

Cultural immersion is at the heart of these sorts of travels. With SafeTrip travel insurance, you can dive into local culture and cuisine without hesitation. Curate an array of unique experiences, from cooking classes with expert chefs to art workshops with community artisans and share these moments with the world. SafeTrip travel insurance plans ensure that you can enjoy each moment with confidence, knowing that we're here to support your journey every step of the way.

For the digital nomad

If you’re lucky enough to have a remote work arrangement that allows you to move your home office to a dream location, becoming a digital nomad can be very tempting. It’s a rare chance to be a local in a new city or country, allowing you to truly understand a culture and polish your foreign language skills. As you find the place where your work life and leisure plans can harmoniously coexist, be sure to check on your need for travel medical insurance, such as SafeTrip travel medical coverage that will protect your physical wellbeing as well as the essential equipment and valuables that you bring along for your stay.

Travel and insurance tips for the digital nomad:

• Health-conscious travel: Think of ways to maintain your wellbeing at your new home base, planning activities such as wellness retreats, fitness classes and other mood-boosting opportunities to move your body. Opt for a travel insurance plan that supports a healthy lifestyle on the road, covering activities that support your physical and mental wellbeing.
• Professional equipment: Since your work probably depends on digital tools, make sure your accommodations have the internet access you need. Also make sure to choose travel protection that covers theft or damage to electronic equipment such as laptops, cameras and smartphones, so you can continue to work with minimal interruption in case of an unfortunate incident.
• Flexibility in travel planning: As you get acquainted with local citizens and hear recommendations about nearby travel opportunities, you may want to switch up your travel schedule — plus strikes and other circumstances out of your control sometimes affect transportation options. Stay aware that you may want any travel dates to flex, and if you purchase travel protection, select a plan that helps when you face changes in timing and destinations.
• Experiential spending: Save room in your budget for experiences you can only have at your temporary home base, such as cultural tours and craft workshops, and make sure that all your activities are covered under your travel insurance plan. If not, look for optional buy-ups where possible.

When making your list of everything you’ll need to pack to work far from home, be sure to document all your items, and look into travel coverage that will cover loss, theft or damage to electronic equipment like laptops, cameras, and smartphones as well as a trip protection plan that covers you against travel interruptions. 

Travel with SafeTrip

Whether you’re choosing an eco-adventure or settling into a new culture for a stretch of time, you can travel with more confidence knowing you're covered in case of a medical or travel challenge. SafeTrip plans are not just about assistance when things go awry: they’re about letting you experience dream journeys with as little interruption, hassle and worry as possible. Check out our coverage to find the right plan for every step of your journey ahead.