There’s tons of solo travel advice out there for women—but not nearly enough for men.
“Yeah, but isn’t travel way more dangerous for women?”
Absolutely. Women face elevated risks of harassment and violence, and are often expected to follow cultural norms that men can ignore (like dress codes in conservative countries).
That said, guys get into plenty of trouble too—often because we think we’re invincible. After years of traveling solo, I figured it’s time someone gave some no-nonsense advice for the fellas.
Guys: I’m not here to lecture you. These are just real-world tips from someone who’s been around the block.
#1. Don’t be a hero
If someone mugs you, just hand over your stuff. Seriously. Your phone and wallet can be replaced. You? Not so much.
Stay calm, make slow movements, and comply.
If you’re lucky, you’ll never be in that situation. But always be mentally prepared for it.
Also, don’t intervene in local conflicts:
A couple arguing? Walk away.
Heated argument at a market? Not your business.
Trying to play peacekeeper often backfires. Unless someone’s in real danger, mind your own.
If you do get mugged:
Leave the area ASAP.
Cancel your cards. Use hotel Wi-Fi or ask staff for help.
Report it to police (especially in countries with a functioning legal system—it helps future travelers too).
What I always travel with:
A backup phone (hidden in the room)
Photocopies of my passport
Emergency cash (stashed separately from my wallet)
#2. Take Risks – Just Not Stupid Ones
Adventure is the point of travel. Just don’t let your ego write a check your body can’t cash.
Want to ride a scooter in Vietnam? Great. Wear a helmet.
Want to go cliff jumping? Awesome. Make sure the locals actually do it—don’t just assume it’s safe.
Examples:
Jungle trekking? Tell someone where you’re going.
Gritty street photography? Go during the day. Leave the DSLR behind.
Mountain biking Death Road in Bolivia? Fun—if you follow instructions.
You’re not invincible. Know your limits, and don’t take dumb risks just to look cool.
#3. Try not to fight anyone
Yes, you trained in Muay Thai. No, you still shouldn’t get into a bar fight.
Guys fight over nonsense:
You glanced at someone’s girlfriend.
You cracked a joke about a politician.
You’re the foreigner and they want to “prove something.”
Fighting abroad is never a good idea:
Street fights aren’t fair. There are no rules, and weapons are common.
You don’t know who you’re dealing with. The smallest guy might be the deadliest.
One-on-one doesn’t stay one-on-one. Friends will jump in.
Local police won’t be on your side. You’re the outsider.
Better move? Walk away. De-escalate. Leave.
Only fight if you’re cornered and there’s no way out. In that case:
End it fast.
No fancy moves.
Go full survival mode.
Remember: Your trip is about living, not proving how tough you are.
#4. Know the local drug laws
Even if drugs aren’t your thing, know the laws—because chances are, you’ll be offered something.
Asia? No joke.
Middle East? Forget it.
Even some places in Latin America? Stricter than you’d think.
Marijuana might feel harmless back home, but in places like Singapore, Indonesia, or the UAE, possession can mean years in prison—or worse.
Important to know:
Some countries are starting to relax cannabis laws, but it’s inconsistent.
Others are doubling down, especially if tourism is tied to “clean” branding.
Also: That guy selling you weed on the beach? Might be an undercover cop.
If you get caught:
You’ll be asked to pay a fine (read: bribe).
Pay it. Because once you’re in the system, everyone gets a piece.
Just don’t put yourself in that situation to begin with. Getting high isn’t worth losing months—or years—of your life.
#5. You don’t have to finish that drink
Drinking is part of the experience in many places—but you don’t need to keep up with anyone.
You might be invited to:
A local wedding
A late-night karaoke session
A rooftop party in Budapest
Drink if you want. But set your own limits.
For example:
Sip, don’t chug
Alternate alcohol with water
Don’t mix drinks (that still holds true in 2025)
Stick to 1 drink/hour if you’re trying to stay functional
A tip that still holds true: In places like Russia or Poland, people won’t judge you for drinking less. If anything, they’ll assume you’ve already had your wild drinking years and are just pacing yourself now.
Being a man doesn’t mean keeping up. It means being in control. Know when to say no.
#6. You’re an ambassador now – so act like one!
Let’s face it: the world hasn’t magically become a global utopia. Cultural gaps, national biases, and good ol’ fashioned stereotypes still exist—even more so in places that don’t see many foreign visitors. As a solo male traveler, you will be judged—fairly or unfairly—by the actions of those who came before you.
Whether you like it or not, you’re a walking representative of your country. That means:
People may assume things about you based on where you’re from.
Everything you do reinforces (or challenges) those assumptions.
Your behavior becomes part of a bigger story.
You can lean into this reality in one of two ways:
Be just another tourist stereotype. Loud, entitled, messy? You won’t be the first.
Or flip the script. Surprise people with your kindness, curiosity, and self-awareness.
I’ve always enjoyed subverting expectations. Being calm, respectful, and genuinely interested in others’ cultures often catches people off guard—in a good way.
Pro tip: If you’re frequently asked “Why are you here?”, have an easy, positive answer ready. Saying you’re a “solo traveler” might raise eyebrows in certain countries. Try something like:
“I’m a photographer.”
“I’m visiting friends I met online.”
“I love learning languages and culture.”
It’s not about lying—just giving people a simple narrative they can easily understand.
#7. Ditch the shorts
In many parts of the world, grown men rarely wear shorts unless they’re at the gym or beach.
To avoid sticking out:
Opt for dark jeans, slim chinos, or tailored joggers.
Choose neutral colors and leave the flashy hiking gear at home.
Wear casual sneakers or loafers instead of beat-up trainers.
Tourist giveaways to avoid:
Bulky backpacks with hanging straps
Branded tees (Red Bull, Monster, etc.)
Flip-flops in a city (unless you’re at the coast)
DSLR straps swinging from your neck
Fanny packs (unless you’re rocking it ironically, and confidently)
Of course, if you’re 6’4″ in Thailand, you’re not going to fully blend in—and that’s okay. But every bit helps, especially when it comes to avoiding scams or inflated prices.
#8. BYOC (Bring Your Own Condoms)
You don’t need to be a hopeless romantic to pack protection—just a smart traveler.
In many countries, condoms can be hard to find in the right size or quality, especially if you’re picky or need larger sizes. It’s not just about optimism; it’s about being prepared and respectful.
Pro tips:
Bring a few trusted brands from home.
Store them somewhere cool and dry (not your wallet).
Get tested regularly—especially on longer trips. Most cities now have clean, modern clinics or testing centers. In fact, full health checkups are often cheaper and quicker abroad than at home.
Being responsible doesn’t ruin the fun—it makes it safer for everyone involved.
#9. Don’t bring up politics (or the Pope)
It’s a golden rule that still holds up.
No matter how globally connected we all feel, politics, religion, and sex are still taboo topics in many places. You never know what someone believes or how deeply they feel about it.
You might hear locals ranting about their own leaders—but don’t assume that gives you a free pass to join in. As a foreigner, your criticisms often won’t be received the same way.
Best approach?
Listen more than you talk.
Let others bring up hot topics first.
Be curious, not confrontational.
That said, if you’re invited into a real conversation—go for it. Just do so with humility, not arrogance.
#10. Protect your passport
Your passport is literally your most important item on the road. Lose it, and your fun just turned into a week of embassy visits and emergency paperwork.
Do this:
Keep it in a waterproof, protective sleeve.
Only carry it when absolutely necessary.
Use a driver’s license or ID card for bars, clubs, or transport.
Carry a photocopy or digital scan in your phone and cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive or Dropbox).
In some countries, cops may ask to see ID at random. A printed copy of your passport is usually fine—and it saves you from risking the real one.
Bonus tip: Pack several passport-sized photos. They’re useful for visas, permits, and random admin stuff.
#11. Start a journal (seriously)
You don’t need to write poetry or start a travel blog. Just jot down a few lines every couple of days.
Why bother?
You’ll forget most of the details in a year.
Writing helps you process your thoughts, especially during solo travel.
Future you will thank you.
Easy options:
A compact notebook and pen
A voice memo app
A private Google Doc
A “photo-a-day” Instagram post with short captions
If you’re feeling isolated or overwhelmed, a journal can be your best therapist.
#12. Call your mother
This one’s timeless.
No matter how independent you feel, your family still cares—especially your mom. She probably hasn’t seen your travel stories on social media. A 10-minute call or even a thoughtful voice message goes a long way.
And let’s be real: solo travel can get lonely sometimes. A familiar voice can be grounding when everything around you is new and unpredictable.
* * *
Solo travel as a guy can be one of the best things you ever do. You’ll gain confidence, meet amazing people, and learn to trust yourself.
Just don’t mistake freedom for invulnerability.
Be adventurous. Be bold. But above all—be smart.
Stay safe out there.
For more useful tips, check out our article on how solo travelers can save money.
Or: check out one of our free destination guides (organized by region / country)!