{"id":154660,"date":"2023-07-17T08:01:31","date_gmt":"2023-07-17T08:01:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/?p=154660"},"modified":"2026-09-17T00:23:49","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T00:23:49","slug":"how-to-solo-travel-with-a-bad-sense-of-direction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/how-to-solo-travel-with-a-bad-sense-of-direction\/","title":{"rendered":"How to solo travel with a bad sense of direction"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIt\u2019s not about the plan, it\u2019s about the detour,\u201d is the tagline of Claire Ramsdell\u2019s website, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thedetoureffect.com\/\" class=\"post links\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Detour Effect<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Her family calls her \u201cWrong-Way Ramsdell\u201d because of her sense of direction but this hasn\u2019t stopped her from solo travelling, hitchhiking, car camping, and hiking all on her own. Another travel blogger, Christina Jane of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/beingchristinajane.com\/\" class=\"post links\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being Christina Jane<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> says that she overcame her fear of getting lost abroad by doing it scared and embracing this part of herself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/solo-travel-struggles\/\" class=\"post links\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">solo travel can be challenging<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a bad sense of direction (or anything else) shouldn\u2019t hold you back. From apps to mindset tips, here are some ideas about <\/span><b>how to solo travel with a bad sense of direction.<\/b><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prepare before your trip<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-154674 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/tabea-schimpf-9-xfYKAI6ZI-unsplash-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/tabea-schimpf-9-xfYKAI6ZI-unsplash-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/tabea-schimpf-9-xfYKAI6ZI-unsplash-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/tabea-schimpf-9-xfYKAI6ZI-unsplash-1-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before your big trip, boost your confidence! Try going out in your hometown or a neighbourhood you know well. Walk around while paying attention to your surroundings, rehearse every turn, and check the names of supermarkets, shops, and restaurants. Then, learn how to read maps if you don\u2019t know already, ask a friend with a good sense of direction if they have tips, and make sure that you\u2019re ready for your solo trip.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Download some useful travel apps<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-154676 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/fikri-rasyid-HGLCvGWujGE-unsplash-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/fikri-rasyid-HGLCvGWujGE-unsplash-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/fikri-rasyid-HGLCvGWujGE-unsplash-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/fikri-rasyid-HGLCvGWujGE-unsplash-1-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Navigation apps, translation apps, and offline apps are some of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/best-travel-apps\/\" class=\"post links\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">most useful travel apps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for people with a bad sense of direction.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\" class=\"post links\"><b>Google Maps<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: An indispensable travel app, Google Maps lets you save places you want to go, pin where your accommodation is, and search for directions. You can also use it offline if you download maps in advance. Pinning the places you\u2019ve been on Google Maps can strengthen your sense of place and give you a solid idea of where you are.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/translate.google.com\/\" class=\"post links\"><b>Google Translate<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Many Google Translate languages have downloadable language files that can be used offline. Especially if you\u2019re in a foreign country where there is a language barrier, Google Translate can be used as a communication tool. It also allows you to take photos to translate images or pictures.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.me\/app\/\" class=\"post links\"><b>Maps.me<\/b><\/a><b>: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An offline map app, Maps.me features hundreds of cities and countries worldwide.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gaiagps.com\/\" class=\"post links\"><b>GAIA GPS:<\/b><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For adventurous travellers like Claire, GAIA GPS is a must. With detailed trail guides, topography features, and forecasts, GAIA is one of the best options in remote areas when there\u2019s no cell service. It also comes in handy in big cities in case skyscrapers block signals.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/store.avenza.com\/pages\/app-features\" class=\"post links\"><b>Avenza<\/b><\/a><b>: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Available for both iOS and Android, Avenza provides offline mobile maps for a wide range of activities, including cycling, hiking, paddling, and walking around the city.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.waze.com\/apps\/\" class=\"post links\"><b>Waze<\/b><\/a><b> (needs internet): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re driving, Waze\u2019s real-time directions and traffic updates will help you find the fastest way to your destination. The app also shows road closures so that you know which road to avoid.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uber.com\/\" class=\"post links\"><b>Uber<\/b><\/a><b> or <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/bolt.eu\/\" class=\"post links\"><b>Bolt<\/b><\/a><b> (needs internet): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depending on the country you\u2019re in, Uber or Bolt are great options to go back to your hostel at night or find transport urgently if you\u2019re lost. If you\u2019re using taxis instead, make sure to carry cash.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Local public transportation apps: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While Google Maps is mostly accurate, downloading local apps is always a good idea. For example, in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-prague\/\" class=\"post links\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prague<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the PID L\u00edta\u010dka app shows ticket-selling points, public transport departures, and accessibility facilities. You can also buy your ticket online from the app.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/st\/mobile-app\/\" class=\"post links\"><b>Hostelworld<\/b><\/a><b>: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hostel\/\" class=\"post links\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Book hostels<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, connect with travellers, and join chats on Hostelworld\u2019s travel app.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buy a local SIM card or an eSIM while travelling abroad<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-154675 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/daria-nepriakhina-_XR5rkprHQU-unsplash-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/daria-nepriakhina-_XR5rkprHQU-unsplash-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/daria-nepriakhina-_XR5rkprHQU-unsplash-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/daria-nepriakhina-_XR5rkprHQU-unsplash-1-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re travelling abroad, a local SIM card will allow you to make calls and access the internet without depending on WiFi. A more hassle-free option is using an eSIM through a provider like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.airalo.com\/\" class=\"post links\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Airalo<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This way, you can call an Uber if needed, use any app at any time, and make urgent calls.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take photos and note addresses<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-154670 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/dominik-dancs-YumiD4DmYBA-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/dominik-dancs-YumiD4DmYBA-unsplash.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/dominik-dancs-YumiD4DmYBA-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/dominik-dancs-YumiD4DmYBA-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take photos of important landmarks to guide you, screenshot practical information to refer back to, and note the address of your hostel or the places you want to go to. Even when you don\u2019t have an internet connection, you can show locals your photos and ask for help. Another good idea would be to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/the-power-of-learning-a-language-while-traveling\/\" class=\"post links\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">learn a few words in the local language<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if you\u2019re abroad, especially direction-related ones such as where, straight, left, right, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t be afraid to ask for help<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-154671 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/eddy-billard-JOoOPt8tTPY-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"657\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/eddy-billard-JOoOPt8tTPY-unsplash.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/eddy-billard-JOoOPt8tTPY-unsplash-300x197.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/eddy-billard-JOoOPt8tTPY-unsplash-768x505.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cSolo travelling has taught me to assume the best before the worst when trusting people,\u201d says Christina Jane. Indeed, we are inclined to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/13-lessons-learned-as-a-solo-traveler\/\" class=\"post links\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">get scared before getting excited<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> when it comes to solo travel. In Christina\u2019s experience, people were always willing to help. Everybody can get lost, no matter how good or bad their sense of direction is. Whether it is fellow travellers in your hostel or locals, ask for help, and in most cases, people will help you.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A bad sense of direction is not always a bad thing<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-154672 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/michael-henry-8TNbGM3iu9o-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/michael-henry-8TNbGM3iu9o-unsplash.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/michael-henry-8TNbGM3iu9o-unsplash-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/michael-henry-8TNbGM3iu9o-unsplash-768x960.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When I got lost in my new neighbourhood in Prague, I found a darts bar that I still go to sometimes. Just like I did, Christina and Claire also found cool places after getting lost or simply going with the flow. These include crawfish boils, marketplaces, ghost towns, roadside attractions, random night-outs with new friends, and beach-side camp parks!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/5-golden-rules-for-staying-safe-when-youre-backpacking\/\" class=\"post links\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">use your common sense to stay safe<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and have your travel apps at the ready but don\u2019t go too hard on yourself if you can\u2019t find a place on the first try. Sometimes, getting lost is the passage to a new adventure.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Practice makes perfect<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-154673 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/dmitrii-vaccinium-pyM7TYWutJM-unsplash-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/dmitrii-vaccinium-pyM7TYWutJM-unsplash-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/dmitrii-vaccinium-pyM7TYWutJM-unsplash-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/dmitrii-vaccinium-pyM7TYWutJM-unsplash-1-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/solo-male-travel-what-you-need-to-know-if-youre-worried\/\" class=\"post links\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">gain experience as a solo traveller<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you will build your confidence, find out about your travel style, and see which apps work best for you. Although it might sound impossible right now, you will get better at navigation, improve your sense of direction, and hopefully tell your stories to your family, friends, and the travellers you will meet on the road.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Believe in yourself<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since she likes being spontaneous at a new destination, Claire makes sure that she has thoroughly prepared for her trip, done her research, and has all the apps she needs. This helps her feel more confident about the upcoming trip so that she can focus on having fun.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cConfidence and self-belief make a bigger difference than all of the apps combined,\u201d she says. And she\u2019s right \u2014 there\u2019s no reason why anything should stop you from going on that trip you\u2019ve been dreaming about.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Download the Hostelworld app to start meeting people from the moment you book<\/h3>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/app\/hostelworld-hostels-hotels\/id348890820?mt=8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-51103 aligncenter post links\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/App-IOS-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"203\" height=\"60\" \/><\/a><\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.hostelworld.app&amp;referrer=mat_click_id%3Da7e362b8d8149e63507f7d1f7184f176-20171011-8816\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\"><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-51106 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/App-google-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"203\" height=\"60\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 20px;\"><strong>You might also like&#8230; \ud83e\udd29<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 20px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/how-i-discovered-i-was-neurodivergent-whilst-solo-travelling\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">\u2b50 How I discovered I was neurodivergent whilst solo travelling<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 20px;\"><strong><a title=\"10 struggles of a solo traveller\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/solo-travel-struggles\/\" rel=\"bookmark\" class=\"post links\">\u2b50 10 struggles of a solo traveller<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/free-things-to-do-in-bristol\/\" class=\"post links\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px;\">\u2b50 The 13 best free things to do in Bristol<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":171,"featured_media":154666,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"hw_related":"[{\"id\":2254,\"score\":0.7521999999999999797495320308371447026729583740234375,\"hook\":\"\"},{\"id\":148607,\"score\":0.7403999999999999470645661858725361526012420654296875,\"hook\":\"\"},{\"id\":24102,\"score\":0.75949999999999995292654375589336268603801727294921875,\"hook\":\"\"},{\"id\":49391,\"score\":0.74270000000000002682298827494378201663494110107421875,\"hook\":\"\"},{\"id\":19601,\"score\":0.717799999999999993605115378159098327159881591796875,\"hook\":\"\"},{\"id\":1266991,\"score\":0.7177000000000000046185277824406512081623077392578125,\"hook\":\"\"}]","footnotes":""},"categories":[9473],"tags":[264367],"class_list":["post-154660","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel-tips","tag-solo-travel","authors-yaren-fadiloglulari","wpbf-post"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to solo travel with a bad sense of direction - Hostelworld Travel Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Working out how to solo travel with a bad sense of direction can be challenging. 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