traveller at night

Solo Travel: What to Do at Night When Traveling Alone

Last Updated on January 11, 2024 by Christine Kaaloa

I’ll admit, there are times being a solo traveler at night can feel like… well, a single gal alone on a Friday night! In solo travel, w hat to do at night when traveling alone? In this post, i’m sharing 19 things to do at night when traveling solo .

Some solo travelers will avoid going at night for fear it is unsafe. But it doesn’t have to be so, especially when you see families going out at night.

In fact, would you believe that when I travel alone , I often don’t return to my pad until midnight? I practice safe creativity and street smarts, because a city at night offers a lot of unique experiences, charm and local variety.

Read 31 Safety tips for Solo Travelers

Solo travel: what to do at night when traveling alone (19 options).

Table of Contents: Solo Travel: What to Do at Night When Traveling Alone

• 1.0.1 1.   Take a romantic stroll through the city
• 1.0.3 2.   Make your own city bus tour at night
• 1.0.4 3. Sightsee, sightsee, sightsee!
• 1.0.5 4.   Explore night markets and indulge in street fairs
• 1.0.6 5. Dinner shows, concerts and cultural performances
• 1.0.7 6.   Follow your curiosity
• 1.0.8 7.   Brave creepy crawlers on a night safari
• 1.0.9 8.   Dine alone
• 1.0.10 . 9.   Explore Street Food culture
• 1.0.11 10. Explore the local shopping experience
• 1.0.12 11.   Hang out at your lodgings, chat and find travel friends
• 1.0.13 12.  Catch up with family and friends
• 1.0.14 13.    Enjoy the quiet time reading a book or writing in your journal
• 1.0.15 14.  Cozy Up for a Movie Night (Solo Style)
• 1.0.16 15. Research the local events & make a new discovery
• 1.0.17 Join one of my group adventures!
• 1.0.18 16. Take a Night Tour with a Twist
• 1.0.19 17. Take a food tour
• 1.0.20 18. Join a Cooking Class (and Eat the Results!)
• 1.0.21 19.  Do take long-distance journeys at night
• 1.0.22 Conclusion
• 1.0.23 What would you add to this list of solo travel things to do at night ?

1.   Take a romantic stroll through the city

If you feel unsafe going out at night, then this first tip might not be for you… I like to explore the city and fall in love with it.

Each city takes on a magical face in the evening, as it’s veiled in light, shadow and occasionally in neon. Locals and families go out at night.  Explore streets lined with lights, visit a popular boardwalk, sit at a cafe, observe how locals come out to play. Unwind through the smells wafting from restaurants and homes.

Romance isn’t only for couples, but are for soloists too. Go ahead, make a date with the city!

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2.   Make your own city bus tour at night

Some tour agencies and cities offer  city bus tours at night and these tours are like cheap all-inclusive holidays, taking you around the city to all the major landmarks lit by light. But if you can’t find one, go ahead and make your own! I’m a big fan of D.I.Y. (aka do-it-yourself) tours.

Public transportation services such as city buses, ferries and monorails make perfect and cheap way to see the city lights at a slow pace. (Read my post on  Bangkok’s transit options  to get an idea of ways to see a city through its transportation)

3. Sightsee, sightsee, sightsee!

Although m useums , theme parks and government attractions typically clock out when it hits sunset, temples, churches, shopping malls, night markets and shops are still operating under working hours. As long as there are things to see, these shoes will go until it closes the town down.

Below you see me visiting a temple that is alongside a night market in Chiang Mai. Streets are crowded like a country fair, street food is available and craftsmen set up their stalls to sell cute knick knacks. I love Chiang Mai at night.

4.   Explore night markets and indulge in street fairs

One of the best things to do at night when traveling solo is visiting night markets. Southeast Asia has wonderful night markets I love indulging in. Thailand has walking streets which are like huge block parties or street fairs… they’re all pretty much the same fun. Haggle for cool local craftwork and souvenirs or dive into the local foods and snacks, watch street performers jangling for change or fuel up with local cuisine at an outdoor restaurant. Watch my tips on how to haggle when traveling

Night markets for local folk can get a little more gritty, less sparkly with a feeling more foreign, but you’ll often see families and friends enjoying them.. Foods are authentically made for local taste and shopper’s items are aimed at more practical and household variety. Interesting nonetheless!

Watch your money though, it’s sure to drain fast.

Read 24 ways to avoid pickpockets

5. dinner shows, concerts and cultural performances.

Did you know that Vietnamese water puppet shows originated as a form of entertainment in villages, when rice fields got flooded?

…Or that in Bali , Legong dancers are played music, while still in the womb and taught the hand gestures before they can walk? I saw a Legong dinner show on the beach and it was included on an all-day sightsee- snorkel- and-beach tour package I got…for $40. Snap, don’t you love great budget tour deals!

A culture’s art is very indicative of its people’s history and many places offer engaging dinner shows and cultural performances to showcase their local talents and give tourists a vibrant understanding of who they are.

Download my 25 Solo Travel Mistakes to Avoid Checklist

6.   follow your curiosity.

Curiosity pays and occasionally, wandering off the grid can lead to discoveries, which are more rewarding than seeing the Taj Mahal . Never underestimate off-the-beaten-path places, even if at first glance it looks… too  grassroots for your taste!

Just when I was scraping the barrel of ideas for evening activities in the little Indian town of Gokarna , I came across a small town Indian community theater blasting Bollywood music in a shoddy dirt lot.  I’ve never experienced community theater in a rural town before. This was entertainment put on for the locals- not its tourists- and it was a blast.

Keep an open mind and follow your curiosity. It may lead to adventures that most tourists don’t think to try and you’ll be glad you did.

7.   Brave creepy crawlers on a night safari

Flashlights out everyone and don’t forget to hit yourself with insect repellent before you start!  Night safaris lead you on tours of the jungle, to point out the type of animals and critters that come out after dark.  It’s fun, eye opening and enough to give you the heebie-jeebies !

Read about my stay and night safari at Bako National Park

8.   dine alone.

There’s a myth that many soloists hold around solo dining, and it’s that others will see you as lonely or pathetic. Well, have you ever noticed someone dining alone? The likelihood is… not really , unless you’re another soloist or the only person in the joint. But ordinarily, our eyes are drawn to movement and activity (i.e. many vs. one).

Sorry soloist, hate to burst the bubble, but you’re not exciting enough to catch attention. In a busy restaurant, you’re actually wallpaper! So lose self-consciousness.

Read tips on How to Eat Alone.

Alternate ways to get over the fear of dining alone:

•   Look for other solo diners in the restaurant. They’re immediate validation that you’re not an anomaly and if you have the fortune of getting seated next to another soloist, use it as an opportunity for possible conversation. •   Ask for a table near a window or outside, so you can people-watch and experience your surroundings. •   Bring a book, magazine or journal to occupy yourself as you wait for your food to arrive.

. 9.   Explore Street Food culture

Forego the table-for-one at a restaurant and eat on the streets. Street food culture is alive in certain cities and it’s the place to be! With street food, you can eat standing up, sitting on a plastic stool on the sidewalk as motorbikes zip past you or amidst the cluck of foreign chatter. It’s real dining just the way locals do it :  authentic food and cheap prices!  Next time you visit street foodie capitals, like Thailand , Kolkata or Taipei , dare to step outside the tourist box and experience it local style.

Read my tips on street food safety and how to avoid getting sick abroad

10. explore the local shopping experience.

One of the best things to do at night when traveling solo is to explore grocery stores, convenience marts and shopping malls. They are absolutely safe! Doing your shopping at night also makes time for you to do your historical and monument sightseeing at day..

I ooh  and  aaah  at unique products, raise my eyebrow at strange ones and even pick up souvenirs for friends, which might have them guessing…  I’m always curious about how a country is different from my own.

In Asia, you can get a lot of skin care products with whitening in it (even underarm deodorant!), in India they sell a lot of Ayurvedic products. Islamabad, Colombo and Bangkok have mega-glam shopping malls that would blow any American one out of the water! Don Quijote in Tokyo at night… I could stay there until closing!

11.   Hang out at your lodgings, chat and find travel friends

The fallacy about solo travel is that you’re always alone . On the contrary, often I find it’s quite the opposite.  You’re almost always meeting people on the road.

But occasionally, you have to know where to look.  I’ll never pooh-pooh hostels and guesthouses. They’re a soloist’s salvation and these days, it’s not just for the young, but for the budget-minded in general!   Some joints host nightly events, book budget tours and often it attracts open-minded and friendly compadres, who are willing to share advice and recommendations of where to go and what you shouldn’t waste your time seeing. You can find a dinner companion or more or even strike up a group of friends to go to a bar with. It happens all the time. Sometimes, you’ll wish you were actually alone. (Read about my experience in finding friends to go to Bangkok’s X-rated ping pong shows ).

Read how to make friends when traveling alone .

12.  catch up with family and friends.

Skype your family, update your Facebook status, write a new post on your travel blog and… unload your photo card so you have something new to work with the next day.

I like to Skype or Facetime my mom to let her know how i’m doing and to talk to my dog, Tinker.

13.    Enjoy the quiet time reading a book or writing in your journal

Journalling is also great for taking notes on your observations and putting all your experiences into perspective.

Lastly, if you’re like me, you’ll also spend it trip planning and figuring out my transportation route for the next day!

14.  Cozy Up for a Movie Night (Solo Style)

Grab some popcorn and find a cozy outdoor cinema screening, light show or visit an actual cinema and watch a movie in a foreign language without subtitles. It can be quite fun! Immerse yourself in a different kind of story, surrounded by strangers who become your movie-night companions for a few hours.

I watched a Bollywood film in a historical movie house in India and took in my first 4DX movie in Thailand watching an American film about a big whale while having my chair rock and shoot mist at me to simulate being on a boat at sea. Note: this was before 4D came to the U.S.! In Mexico, I discovered the city center was aglow at night and certain historical monuments had light shows.

15. Research the local events & make a new discovery

All cities have a local event calendar where you’ll find concerts, opera, festivals, markets, etc…  Many main cities have a Time Out magazine. 

Tip: Ask your hotel front desk or concierge. The night I arrived in Valladolid, Mexico , I asked my hotel front desk if there was anything to see at night and they told me that the city had a carnival festival celebrating the virgin. It was the biggest carnival I’d ever been to in my life! Mexico has insane carnivals.

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Dive into local culture, food and off-beaten-path gems without the stress  , 16. take a night tour with a twist.

One of the best things to do at night for solo travelers is to take a night tour with a unique spin.  The traditional ghost tours aren’t bad. But how about a bike tour to navigate the city with the wind in your hair, or a photography walk to capture the city’s nocturnal charm? I did a night tuk tuk tour in Bangkok , exploring popular street food while sightseeing famous monuments lit up at night.

17. Take a food tour

Another safe thing solo travelers can do at night is to take a night food tour or pub crawl. Explore hidden culinary gems as you eat your way around the city with other travelers.

18. Join a Cooking Class (and Eat the Results!)

Learn the secrets of local cuisine in a hands-on cooking class. Not only will you gain culinary skills, but you’ll also connect with other travelers and locals, sharing laughter and delicious meals.

19.  Do take long-distance journeys at night

Overnight sleeper trains and buses are hotels on wheels. They help you maximize your daylight hours for sightseeing as you travel during the evening.

You might think you want to watch the passing landscape from the train during the day, but in reality, you might just watch half an hour of it before slogging off! You’ll maximize your sightseeing, by scheduling your long-distance travels for night instead.

Some buses and trains accommodate for instance, I love taking the overnight train in Thailand and India , while the Myanmar overnight Hello Kitty bus was surprisingly comfortable.

Tip: Check out my Resources page to see the tools I use for transportation

Remember, what to do at night when traveling alone is entirely up to you.

Embrace the freedom, chase the unique experiences, and trust your adventurous spirit. The night holds endless possibilities for solo travelers who dare to explore. So, go forth, my friend, and paint your own masterpiece on the canvas of darkness.

What would you add to this list of solo travel things to do at night ?

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13 Ways To Sleep Better While Seeing the World

Last Updated on June 18, 2024

Written by Jess Carpenter

Written by Jess Carpenter, Content Writer

Our research process.

Here at Sleep Advisor, our editorial team utilizes reputable sources and expert feedback to provide well-researched sleep health content. For more details, read our full editorial policy.

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Find out more from our sleep team on a several ways on how to sleep better while traveling.

Gearing up for your trip around the world? Nothing ruins a vacation more than being exhausted the whole time. There are some things that you can do to spend more time seeing sights than the back of your eyelids.

Before we get to some tips, let’s chat about the thing that rules our lives even more than our jobs: circadian rhythms. Circadian rhythms are our body’s natural clocks. They are to blame for your troubles sleeping in on weekends, making you tired as soon as the clock ticks 10 p.m. every night, and triggering jet lag on your big trip to Europe.

When it comes to travel, your body starts to notice a big difference after crossing two or more time zones. Taking the proper precautions before you leave and during your trip should help maximize the sleep you can get when you are far from home.

Prepare for Jet Lag

Jet lag is no joke — altering your circadian rhythm can take days if you travel far enough away. To avoid this, start moving your bedtime a few days before you leave an hour or so earlier each night. It takes about a day to adjust for each time zone that you cross.

Change your watch right when you board the plane to get yourself a little more prepped. Try not to schedule anything too taxing the first day of travel because you will be tired, but get outside if possible.

This works if you are staying in a new location for more than two days. If it is a short trip, your best bet is to stick to your usual schedule as closely as you can, otherwise, your body is going to be pretty confused. In cases of two-day trips, try to schedule any obligations at a time that you would usually be awake at home.

Learn more: Jet Lag – Meaning, Symptoms and Treatment

Try to Stay Awake until “Bedtime”

As soon as you leave, you will want to pretend that you are on local time in your destination. This means that your bedtime is going to be a bit later or earlier than usual. Try to go to sleep around 10 p.m. “local time.” A good rule of thumb is to do what those around you are doing — if they are out and about, you should be too!

Yes, you might be walking around like a zombie in the market, but it will make the transition a lot faster.

If you are only staying for a couple of days, this tip will not apply to you because you should be trying to stick to your routine at home.

Plan Your Travel to Arrive at Night

Getting to your destination at night works best for most; sleeping on an airplane can be excruciating at times, so unless you are one of the lucky few that can easily catch some zzzs on your flight, you will not be getting much rest during travel.

If you have already set your watch to local time, it should not be too much longer until a “bedtime” of 10 p.m. This works well because you won’t have to trudge through a whole day with no sleep, and you will most likely be exhausted from a full day of travel (that bed will be calling your name as soon as you land).

If a nighttime arrival is not an option, taking a short nap during the afternoon once you arrive is doable, just make sure it is not too late in the day and is shorter than a couple of hours so that it does not interfere with night sleep.

Stay in the Sun

The sun is the ultimate calibration tool; light tells our brain when we should be awake and when we should be sleeping. If the world around you is awake when you land, try to stay out in the sun as long as you can. Walk around town, eat your meals outside, and stay away from dark rooms.

If traveling east, try to get the most amount of sun exposure in the late morning and early afternoon; some suggest wearing sunglasses in the very early morning to limit the amount of light your body gets. If your destination is western, stay in the sun during the evening. This should help you adjust your clock more quickly to the new time zone.

Avoid Rich Foods at Night

After a long day of travel, nothing sounds better than a giant, hot, carb-loaded meal. Unfortunately, if you want to sleep better, this is where self-control comes into play. 

There are a couple of reasons for this one: First, filling meals often make us tired, and if you fall asleep too early, the effects of jet lag can be even worse. Second, rich food, despite sometimes making you tired, actually decrease the quality of your sleep. Heartburn, stomach aches, and issues with digestion can awaken you throughout the night.

Learn more:   The 17 Best Healthy Nighttime Snacks

Bring Your Own Pillow

There is this thing called the “ first-night effect ” that scientists discovered years ago. Essentially, the first night of sleep that people get in a new place is so bad, that during research, scientists would just throw out the data for that day. Not the best sign for someone traveling, huh?

Our brains are not as easy to shut down when we are in a new environment, possibly a biological trait from back when we had to protect ourselves from predators out in the wild. To make ourselves more comfortable, making the hotel room more similar to our bedrooms at home can be just the trick. Bringing your own pillow or blanket gives us something familiar to sleep with to make us feel right at home.

Avoid Alcohol the First Day

I know, you are on vacation, and this feels like blasphemy. But hear me out: Alcohol might make you sleep like a log initially, but research shows that it hinders the quality of rest overall. Plus, it is a diuretic, so your slumber will probably be interrupted by frequent bathroom trips.

Anything that messes with your sleep schedule while your body is adjusting to a new rhythm is no bueno . Do not worry, though; once your body is regulated, you can go back to buzzed bliss.

Say No to Coffee and Nicotine

Like alcohol, coffee and nicotine can alter your sleep rhythm, which can be problematic when trying to rework your schedule. Unlike alcohol, coffee and nicotine are stimulants, which effectively convince your body to stay awake.

Caffeine can stay in your system for up to six hours, so try to limit the amount that you consume in the afternoon. Nicotine is addictive, and users often feel withdrawal symptoms during rest because its effects do not last very long. These might cause unwanted midnight wake-ups and overall restless sleep.

Pack Some Lavender Soap

Lavender is known to help you relax , so it is a perfect natural trigger for sleepytime. An easy way to expose yourself to lavender is by using it in soap, which can help the smell linger and the effects last longer. Plus, there are only a few things more relaxing than a delicious-smelling, warm bath before bed.

Our bodies thrive on routine, and following a bedtime ritual every night is good sleep hygiene. Involving lavender into your routine while at home and continuing to do so during a trip can heighten the relaxing effects as your body associates the smell with rest.

Keep the Curtains Open

Because the sun helps our circadian rhythm regulate itself , it could do you some good to keep the curtains open.

As the sun rises in the morning and the room gets brighter, you should wake up naturally. This is an easy way to help move along that adjustment period and reduce the effects of jet lag.

Keep Moving

We are getting a little “sciency” here — research shows that our body temperature has a huge impact on our circadian rhythm, and increasing our temperature tells our body that it should be awake. 

If you need to stay awake longer, be sure to keep it moving. Although you may be tired, it helps regulate your wake and sleep times. In the morning, take a warm shower and a short walk to signal that it is time to get going.

Get Strategic with Lodgings

Planning is key for this tip. You will want to do some research to make sure that your accommodations can provide a conducive sleep environment. If your hotel is on a busy street and you are used to it being extra quiet at night, you might have a rough night.

Blackout curtains (used strategically! Not for afternoon naps), a comfortable mattress, and a clean room are a few things that can improve your rest. Your hotel should have a list of provided items and amenities. Make sure that rest is a top priority when choosing a hotel.

Consider Melatonin

Many people claim that sleep aids are life-savers, especially when overcoming jet lag. Melatonin is among the most popular, with millions of users each year.

By definition, melatonin is the hormone that triggers our need for rest and makes us tired.

The purpose of using supplements is to prompt melatonin release either to help those who struggle with falling asleep or to alter a bedtime; however, studies show that exposure to natural light throughout the day is a more effective way to adjust circadian rhythms, so discuss options with your doctor before trying it out.

Read More: Best Melatonin Supplements

Generally, less is more when it comes to melatonin, and you do not want to mess with your body’s natural levels permanently, so use it sparingly.

Sleep might be the last thing on your mind when planning a trip, but it could make or break your vacation. Adopting a few simple changes can impact your rest in a big way, and preparing beforehand can set you on the fast track to dreamland. Seeing the world takes a lot of energy, so take your rest seriously — no one wants to spend their vacation sleeping in the hotel room.

If you do happen to sleep great, consider “bringing home” a piece of your trip: shop our top picks for best hotel mattresses of 2024 or best mattresses for Airbnb and vacation rentals here. 

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Jess Carpenter

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Jess is only serious about a few things in life: sleeping, writing, and making the perfect chocolate chip cookie. In her free time, you’ll probably find her having a dance-off to ‘80s pop with her family or watching scary movies with her cat, Waffles.

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11 Sleeping Tips for Overnight Flights That Are a Game Changer

Historically, I’m not a great sleeper on land, let alone on a long-haul flight. The combination of a cramped seat and altitude have never been particularly relaxing for me (I’m guessing you can relate 😉 ), but after years of professionally traveling all over the world, sleeping on planes has become somewhat of an unfortunate necessity. Over time, I’ve developed and refined a list of tips for overnight flights that have been a game changer. 

Through practicing these tricks for long-haul flights, I’ve trained myself to maximize my opportunity to sleep on the plane, waking up (relatively) refreshed by the time I arrive in my destination.  

While at first glance a red eye may sound like something to be avoided at all costs, there are definitely times when they’re an advantageous choice. For example, if you only have a few days of time off work but want to visit an overseas destination, taking an overnight flight can help you maximize your vacation time and land with a full day ahead of you. 

Plus, when flying from the United States to Europe or Asia, most of the flight options are overnight flights, giving you more range in terms of airlines, timing, and pricing. In some cases, you may not even have a choice between red-eye and daytime for long-haul destinations.  

After spending COVID close to home, many of us are likely out of practice when it comes to mastering the overnight flight. But as the world starts to open up again with more and more people getting vaccinated, I hope this post will help you prepare so you have the best experience possible on your next long-haul journey or quick domestic red-eye. 

Getting the right routine down can be revolutionary, turning your experience from something you dread to something you’re able to enjoy. Keep reading for my absolute top tips for overnight flights to help you master sleeping en route like a travel boss.

Tips for Overnight Flights to Help You Sleep Like a Boss

Know When to Splurge on First Class or Extra Legroom 

While it would be a dream to only fly first class for the rest of time, we all know this isn’t a feasible option for most of us already paying a pretty penny to get to our destination. However, whenever booking an overnight or long-haul flight, it’s always worth it to look into the cost of upgrading to boost your comfort and ability to sleep on your flight. Depending on the airline and specific flight path, sometimes there can be reasonable upgrades to any level.  

However, whether you choose the upgrade or not is really dependent on your particular situation and budget and there are quite a few factors to consider. Let’s take a look at some of them.

What Type of Plane Are you Flying?

First, you’ll want to look into the plane you’re flying. If you’re taking a shorter domestic red-eye with little difference between economy and first class seats, a paid upgrade is probably not worth it. On the other hand, if you’re traveling overnight to The Maldives with life-flat seats in business class, it could mean the difference between sleeping like a baby or waking up in paradise with a crick in your neck.

How Long is Your Trip in Total?

Another factor to consider is the total length of your trip. If you only have a few days and need to hit the ground running as soon as you arrive, splurging for an upgrade may be worth the cost. Getting a good night sleep on the plane will enable you to feel more refreshed and enjoy your trip and limit any downtime needed napping in your hotel room.

How Does the Upgrade Cost Compare to Your Hourly Wage?

I tend to look at the cost on a per hour difference. For example, if a 12-hour flight costs $750 for economy and $1,250 for business class, that’s a $500 difference, divided by 12 hours makes it around $42 per hour increase for an upgrade. If the 12-hour flight is $750 for coach and $4,000 for business class, that’s now around $270 per hour of upgrade. 

Each person should make the decision based on their own budget, but take into account your hourly rate at work. Is it worth X more hours of work to you to have a more comfortable flight? With this mindset it can make justifying that extra $500 a bit easier.  

Plus, some airlines like Aer Lingus, Aeromexico, Alitalia, Icelandair, Lufthansa, Quantas, and more, will even let you bid on an upgrade. Using the cost-per-hour math is great when bidding on an upgrade because you can bid exactly what it’s worth to you.  

Get Upgraded with Status or Miles

If you don’t want to have to pay out of pocket for extra space, you can also score free upgrades if you have status with an airline or have racked up enough miles to use those towards upgrades. It’s a lot harder to get free upgrades these days out of the blue, but asking politely with your gate agent never hurts. Keep your fingers crossed and maybe you’ll get lucky!  

Don’t Forget That an Upgrade Doesn’t Always Mean First Class

Lastly, remember that there are all different types of upgrades. Most airlines offer at least coach, coach with increased leg room, business, and first. Just because you aren’t jumping to row one doesn’t mean that some type of upgrade won’t provide more comfort and value. A little bit of extra space can make all the difference when you’re trying to sleep on a red-eye flight!

Book a Window Seat

If you want a key for how to sleep on an overnight flight, it’s this: book a window seat. There’s nothing worse than leaving your seat assignment up to chance and then learning you were assigned the dreaded middle seat. Save yourself the discomfort and book a window seat upfront.  

Window seats are optimal for red eyes because you have control of the brightness of your row, plus an extra wall to lean against when you want to sleep (for me personally, this is crucial). Plus, you’ll have the least amount of sleep interruptions in this seat from guests waking you up to climb out for a bathroom run, or flight attendants hitting your elbows with the beverage cart.

For me, getting the window seat is a non-negotiable to ensure maximum comfort with minimum disturbance on any flight and is one of my top tips for overnight flights especially.  

Avoid Watching a Show or Movie Right Before Shut-Eye 

One important tip for overnight flights—that most people ignore—is to turn off the screens. With the increase in popularity of blue light glasses, we all know that staring at a screen right before sleep isn’t great for our health or ability to get deep slumber.

According to the Sleep Foundation, “Electronic devices, including computers, televisions, smartphones, and tablets, all emit strong blue light. When you use these devices, that blue light floods your brain, tricking it into thinking it’s daytime. As a result, your brain suppresses melatonin production and works to stay awake.”  

With sleeping on planes being difficult enough as it is, give yourself a break and turn off the screens at least an hour before you’re trying to doze off, and opt to pick up a paperback book instead.  

Read More Travel Tip Posts

A beginner’s guide to earning free flights, 101 ways to travel cheaper, how to plan a trip with google maps, wear something cozy that you can move in .

If you’re anything like me, you find it extremely difficult to sleep on a red-eye flight due to unregulated temperatures. One minute you’re freezing you’re ass off and cursing at the air vents that won’t close. The next, you’re sweating profusely and wishing you could strip down to a bikini. So how do you stay comfortable enough to sleep on an overnight flight? 

Layers. Layers. Layers.

I’ve made the mistake of not bringing anything warm on the flight when heading to a tropical destinations (because why would I need a sweater in Bali?) and let me tell you, you don’t have to learn that lesson the hard way more than once!  

I’d recommend bringing comfy socks, an oversized scarf or shawl that can double as a blanket, and both a long sleeved shirt and sweater so you can add and subtract layers for optimal comfort. Make sure everything is easy to move around in too. You want the option to curl up in your seat, stretch comfortably when you get up for bathroom breaks, or generally not have to deal with waistbands digging into you while you’re attempting some shut-eye.  

Avoid Seats Near the Bathrooms and Galley

Equally as miserable as getting woken up from a neighbor climbing over your aisle seat (see tip #2) is getting woken up by slamming bathroom doors and food cupboards. While it may sound advantageous to be near the bathroom for easy access, if you want to sleep on your red-eye flight steer clear of common areas like bathrooms and the galley.  

Bathrooms and galley areas tend to have the most light and the most noise, as people often gather here and chat.  If you want to get some solid sleep on your red-eye flight, stick to the middle of the cabins away from these spaces.  

Get into Your Zen Routine

How do you typically wind down after a busy day at work? What does your go-to evening routine look like at home? While I know you can’t recreate this perfectly at 30,000 feet, one of my top tips for overnight flights is to bring elements of this up in the air to mimic your nightly routine as closely as possible. This will set you up for successful relaxation mode.  

Consider making (and downloading pre-flight!) a calming playlist on Spotify or some meditations on an app like Headspace or Calm. Breathing exercises (like inhaling for five and exhaling for five, all through the nose) or journaling are also solid options. Even a (travel-size, of course) essential oil like lavender or sandalwood can help ease you into a relaxed sleep-ready state. 

For me personally, reading to exhaust my eyes is a pretty no-fail trick to sleeping on overnight flights. No matter what you pick, find elements of your home routine that work for you and stick to them as best as you can.  

Wash Your Face

I don’t know what it is, but I have a much harder time sleeping knowing that I have makeup on my face, especially if I have a eye mask on or am smushing my face into a pillow on the plane. Don’t forget to bring some wipes to remove makeup before you pile on the eye mask and neck pillow. Plus, waking up with raccoon eyes from smudged makeup is not the cutest look for your highly-anticipated first day of travel ahead.  

Even if you aren’t a heavy makeup wearer, using a wipe is still a good idea before falling asleep—you’ll be surprised (and grossed out) by how much dirt and grime accumulates from being in an airport!  

Be Prepared with the Essentials in Your Carry-on: 

Next on the list of must-know tips for overnight flights is to ensure you have all your essentials easily accessible. For me, a light-blocking eye mask is top priority.   This one is the best I’ve personally found and it’s only $10 on Amazon. 

Another essential? Ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones. I’m a huge fan of the Bose headphones in my day-to-day life, but they’re not always comfortable for everyone to wear in tandem with a neck pillow. There are many smaller options that could work better for sleeping on a red-eye flight like noise-cancelling Airpods.

The biggest game-changer for me in getting decent sleep on flights was finding the right neck pillow. I’m simply not the kind of person that can fall asleep sitting straight up with my head upright, and I tried many neck pillows over the years that didn’t seem to help much—until I found this one .

If you want a good balance of support and softness, this neck pillow is a must-have and scrunches up into a tiny ball for easy transporting. I love that it can connect to your seat’s headrest wings if you please for maximum support, and it also has a drawstring to make it as tight or as loose as you want.

Finally, make sure to have the essentials that will help you get tired. Whether that’s a book, a soothing playlist, or some Melatonin or Advil PM to ease you to sleep. Just remember, don’t pop any pills until you’re already in your seat!  

Book a Direct Flight if Possible 

Maybe my most important tip for long-haul flights: take the most direct flight path possible. If you’re newer to long-haul flights I understand the temptation to want to break it up and spend some time on land to stretch your legs, but trust me, this is not the way to go. The more stops you have, the more times you have to wake up, move around, and then re-acclimate yourself in a new seat.  

Plus, more layovers take more time, which ultimately reduces the amount of time you have in your destination.  The less time in an airport, the better!  

Think Twice About What You Consume Before Your Flight

You know your body best, but things like caffeine, loads of sugar, or irritants that don’t jive with your body like gluten or dairy can make for an uncomfortable flight. Stick to healthy foods that are easy to digest and skip the over-salted airplane snacks like peanuts when possible.  

One of the most tempting things can be drinking the free alcohol on flights (trust me, I know), but this can also disrupt sleep or increase risk of having to get up to use the restroom. Find the right balance of staying hydrated (with water!) and not disrupting your flight with frequent bathroom breaks. And avoid the post-flight hangover so you land feeling your best.  

Keep Your Itinerary Light on Day One of Your Trip

While you may want to hit the ground running as soon as you land, try to take it easy for the first day if possible. The pressure that you must sleep because of all the things on your itinerary can lead to unnecessary anxiety that actually will hinder your ability to get a good night’s rest during your flight.

Instead, plan to check into your hotel or Airbnb, nap if you need, and give yourself space to explore at a leisurely pace. By giving yourself time to adjust to the time change and overcome jet lag you’ll be in a much better position to enjoy the rest of your trip!  

Did you find these tips for overnight flights helpful? Let me know in the comments below!

Planning a trip right now don’t miss my go-to websites for booking everything from flights and tours, to accommodation and more:.

• Booking.com for the best hotel deals
• World Nomads for flexible travel insurance
• VRBO for awesome rentals
• Skyscanner for finding the best flight deals
• Hostelworld for budget accommodation
• Rentalcars.com for easy car rentals

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Solo travel: What to do at night when you’re travelling alone

April 17th 2017

We’ll be the first to encourage anyone to travel alone, but it does have it’s difficult moments. Those social hours in the evening can be a lonely time, especially if you’re in a quiet place without a nightlife scene. Follow these tips to make the most of your evenings and keep the adventure going after dark.

Rule number one is to get out and about. You’ll feel even more lonely if you shut yourself away and don’t at least mingle around other people. It could be something as simple as popping downstairs to the bar at your hotel – as long as you’re out your room you’ll feel less isolated.

// Related: 6 things they don’t tell you about solo travel

Go for a walk

Many cities around the world are beautiful by night – in fact, some look better than ever after the sun goes down. Go for a walk before or after dinner to swoon over lamp-lit streets and listen to the buzz of busy tables outside bars. Park yourself up on a bench or at a cafe and people watch by night, one of the best times to do so. Gaze around at couples walking by hand-in-hand or friends catching up over cocktails. Notice the way they move and interact, it could teach you a lot about local culture and customs.

If you’re not travelling in a city, it’s of course not a given that you can go for a walk at night. We’re by no means suggesting you wander off into the middle of no where through darkness, but even a local village could prove entertaining for a stroll. Do some research about potentially dangerous neighbourhoods to avoid at night and ensure you stay safe.

Find some great food

Most unforgettable evenings revolve around unforgettable food, and just because you’re alone doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a fantastic meal somewhere. Go out on that walk with the intention of finding delicious food along the way, letting yourself be led by the smells you encounter as you wander. Focus in particular on local cuisine so that you both try some of the regional fare and learn about how people in your destination eat and enjoy food together.

If you eat at a restaurant, chat to your waiter about what’s best to try on the menu and ask them questions about the local delicacies. Night markets are another great way to combine food and exploration, and the more chaotic the night market the less chance you’ll have of feeling alone.

Take out a notebook

When travelling alone and out at night, it’s natural to be self-conscious and think people are looking at you, especially if you’re giving solo travel a shot for the first time. The trick to shaking off that feeling is to radiant confidence, and act like you’ve eaten out in restaurants alone a hundred times before.

One of the easiest ways to do this is to take a notebook out with you and jot things down as you wait for your food to come out or as you’re sitting at a bar having a post-dinner tipple. People then tend to be intrigued by you in a more positive way, admiring your tenacity or presuming you must be in town on business.

Furthermore, you might find that people will ask what you’re writing, providing a simple segue into conversation. That’s not to mention the other benefits of writing as you travel: putting memories on paper and helping you to pay more attention and note down the world around you.

Catch a show or movie

If you’re perfectly happy to be alone for the night but crave some entertainment, head to a cinema or theatre and see what’s on. There’s something pleasing (and undeniably romantic) about going to these places by yourself, as it allows you to be completely absorbed in the production.

What’s more, you don’t have to compromise on your selection; you can watch whatever you want, at whatever time you want to fit around your other plans for the night. Revel in the uncompromising nature of solo travel and create your perfect evening on your own terms.

Join a night tour

In destinations across the world companies run tours by night to show travellers the best things to see, eat, and drink, or a particular attraction that is best seen after sunset. Do some research prior to leaving to see if these are run in the place you’re visiting and book yourself in. Look especially for small group tours for the extra social factor, and those that last a few hours, keeping you busy for an entire evening.

Not only are these tours often more unique than standard day trips run, they also provide an easy way to meet people. Sharing that experience with strangers gives you something to talk about with them, and it’s not uncommon for people in the group to go for drinks or stay out after together after the tour has finished.

Fearlessly sit in a bar and chat to people

When you’re yearning to find someone else to share the evening with, you need to push yourself to start chatting to strangers. This isn’t so hard if you’re staying in a hostel or AirBnB accommodation , but if you’re in a hotel this becomes a little more difficult.

Find a quiet place to get a drink nearby and sit at the bar. Location is key here – if the music is too loud it will make talking to someone new a little cumbersome, but if it’s too dead there’ll be no one to speak to in the first place. Try somewhere that has a few people dotted around, that’s not romantic so it won’t be full of couples wanting privacy, and where it’s easy to get chatting to the staff or other people around the bar.

Strike up conversation by mentioning you’re new to the area and need tips on where to eat or what to do. This takes a lot of courage, especially if this kind of behaviour doesn’t come naturally to you. However, once you start you’ll realise that most people are quite friendly and happy to help a stranger settle in.

The beauty of solo travel is that you don’t have to answer to anyone. This comes in especially handy when you’ve had a long day of exploring and don’t fancy doing anything in the evening. That’s fine – you don’t have to. If you want to have an evening of chilling, catching up on a couple of TV shows or reading a book in your hotel room, you absolutely can, unapologetically. We all need nights like that sometimes, often  especially when we’re travelling.

What are your tips for solo travel by night? What do you get up to in the evening when you’re exploring alone?

4 responses to “solo travel: what to do at night when you’re travelling alone”.

Thanks for the help! I love traveling solo but at night its hard not to just stay in the hostel. Bringing a notebook is always a good idea, but its also helpful to find bars or resturants with live music or shows, usually jazz bars are a good one. It gives you something nice to watch while you wait 🙂

Thanks for the tips! It can get pretty boring in the evening when one travels alone. I think communal dining is another great thing to do. Also, sightseeing at night gives you a whole new perspective of a city

Thanks for your comment, Jade! And for your extra advice – we love the communal dining ideal especially. Such a good point, and can create really special experiences while travelling. Happy trails!

Even solo travellers gotta eat! So depending on the location and local custom, I will enjoy dinner “early”. That does several things: no pressure to finish up & vacate a table, easy to get a great table/view, wait staff has more time to chat, leaves the rest of the evening to enjoy site seeing. The other thing I do is bring a book. Love to eat & read!

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Beating Travel Insomnia: A Traveler’s Guide to Better Sleep

• by Abby McCoy
• Updated: December 18, 2023

Table of Contents

Whether you jet off on a sunny, relaxing holiday or you’re called far from home for a business conference, trips come with plenty of intertwined positives and negatives. No matter how you travel, hitting the open road or the blue skies can offer excitement, a change from the daily grind, and a sense of adventure. But it can also open the door to travel insomnia. Don’t worry too much, though. In this article, we’ll let you know some common travel sleep-disruptors and how to address them.

Note: The content on Sleepopolis is meant to be informative in nature, but it shouldn’t be taken as medical advice, and it shouldn’t take the place of medical advice and supervision from a trained professional. If you feel you may be suffering from any sleep disorder or medical condition, please see your healthcare provider immediately.

Long Story Short

• Travel insomnia, although not a medical diagnosis, describes difficulty sleeping when you’re on a trip.
• Stress, anxiety, different sleeping conditions, and jet lag can all contribute to travel insomnia.
• You can banish travel insomnia by following good sleep hygiene practices, mimicking your home sleep environment, and steering clear of heavy meals, alcohol, and caffeine too close to bedtime.

What Is Travel Insomnia?

As a medical diagnosis, insomnia describes difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. ( 1 ) 1 To be considered true insomnia, your symptoms have to stick around for a minimum of three nights a week for at least three months, says Dr. Chester Wu, MD , sleep medicine physician in Houston, TX.  

Travel insomnia describes temporary trouble sleeping that any traveler can experience — even if you travel often. When normal sleep patterns get disrupted, you can experience symptoms like: ( 2 ) 2

• Daytime fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes
• Gastrointestinal symptoms, like a change in bowel movement frequency

“Travel can lead to, if not full-blown insomnia, then certainly sleeping issues,” says Wu, who adds that travel insomnia is not a medical term and differs from jet lag. “Travel insomnia likely refers to any sleep disruption that occurs during or after travel, while jet lag specifically refers to the circadian rhythm disruption caused by crossing multiple time zones.”

Jet Lag, Defined

Jet lag describes a temporary sleep disorder that happens when you travel to a new time zone. Your circadian rhythm doesn’t know what to do with the switch-up, especially if you move through more than two time zones. ( 4 ) 4

Jet lag can contribute to travel insomnia, Wu says, but other factors can also play a big role. Let’s look at some of the other elements that impact sleep while you travel.

What Causes Travel Insomnia?

To know how to combat travel insomnia, first we need to look at its causes. Regular old insomnia (not just the travel kind) can be caused by a long list of components, including noise or light at night, a too-cold or hot room, a change in routine, skimping on physical activity in the day, certain medications and medical conditions, as well as loading up on caffeine and alcohol. ( 3 ) 3 Odds are at least one or two of these factors sound familiar, whether you’re a frequent flier or a travel novice. 

In addition to general insomnia causes, travel insomnia origins can include: 

• Travel stress : Stress or anxiety related to travel can hit even the most seasoned globetrotter, says Wu. One study found business travelers were more affected by sleep disturbances than people going on vacation. ( 4 ) 4
• New environment : Unfamiliar sleeping environments can also disrupt your snoozing while you travel, says Wu. Although experts aren’t sure why, some research suggests this cause can especially affect morning people. ( 4 ) 4
• Disrupted schedule : A consistent bedtime and waking schedule are a hallmark of good sleep hygiene , so when your schedule gets shuffled like a card deck, your sleep may react accordingly.
• Jet lag : If you travel across multiple time zones, this change can disrupt your body’s circadian rhythm, or internal clock, says Wu. When your internal clock thinks it’s bedtime but the sun’s still high in the sky, it’s hard to get back on a regular sleep schedule . ( 5 ) 5
• Missing sleep accessories : If you adore your perfectly firm mattress and your memory foam pillow, you may have trouble sleeping without them. 

Some of those may seem easier to battle than others, but we’ll get into some specifics and suggestions below.

Can I Avoid Travel Insomnia?

If you’re worried about travel insomnia, you can take a few steps to avoid it altogether. Wu recommends you try to keep as many aspects of your sleep the same while you travel, even if it poses some challenges. 

“This means creating a sleep environment that mimics the same temperature, noise level, and darkness,” Wu says. He also says to stick to the same sleep timing and bedtime routine as well as the same daytime behaviors that influence your sleep (like diet and exercise). If you’re traveling over time zones, Wu suggests adjusting your sleep schedule gradually over several days if you can. 

Of course, some things may be out of your control, and there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to fully trick your body into thinking you’re back in bed at home. But the closer you can get to your regular routine, the better off you’ll be. 

Tips for Overcoming Travel Insomnia

If you can’t avoid travel insomnia, you can still work to banish it and reclaim your sleep! How you overcome your sleep woes while traveling depends on whether you have medically diagnosed insomnia or temporary sleep disturbances from travel, says Wu.

“For the former, insomnia-specific treatments like stimulus control, sleep restriction, and CBT-I ([cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia]) may help,” Wu says. “Otherwise, maintaining excellent sleep hygiene is your best bet, with a particular emphasis on correctly timed light exposure and relaxing before bed.” 

What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, or CBT-I, is a type of therapy that targets insomnia by addressing your behavior and thought patterns surrounding sleep. ( 6 ) 6

It’s also a good idea to make a sleep plan designed to accommodate your air travel and your first few nights away from home, especially if you’ll be away more than two days. ( 4 ) 4 For example, if you arrive at your destination at 10 o’clock in the morning, you may be tempted to sleep all day, but try to stay up as late as you can to readjust your circadian rhythm. ( 4 ) 4

Read on for more tips to reclaim your sleep while you’re away from home. 

Seek Out Natural Light Exposure

Your circadian rhythm depends on cues from light levels , so when you get out in the sun, you can help reset your clock to your new time zone and remind your body it’s time to be awake. ( 7 ) 7(p2) ( 8 ) 8 Natural light isn’t the only thing that affects sleep, though — blue light from electronic devices can keep you up when you should be sleeping. Try to avoid screens in the hour and a half before bed for best results. ( 2 ) 2

Stick To Your Routine

If you normally enjoy a steaming cup of (decaffeinated) tea and reading a few chapters of a book before bed, aim to do the same on your trip. Try to stick to the same routines you do at home to give your body as many signals as you can that bedtime is approaching.

Bring Sleep Accessories

On a trip, travel accessories like special pillows, ear plugs, eye masks, and safety pins to close up hotel curtains can offer sleep-saving assistance — even just having your regular pillow from home can make a difference. If you use a CPAP machine at home for sleep apnea , you can ask your provider about a portable option. ( 2 ) 2

Be Choosy About Your Hotel and Room

When booking your hotel room or rental, check reviews for noise levels, heating/cooling, and other amenities that might affect your sleep. You can also ask your hotel for a room far from the elevators or ice machine to lessen noise.

Keep It Cool

The best temperature for sleep is 66 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. ( 9 ) 9 If you’re used to a cold room at night and you’re traveling to a warm climate, try to book lodging with reliable air conditioning, and bring temperature-appropriate pajamas!

Avoid Over-Snacking

Heavy meals before bed can affect your circadian rhythm and disrupt your sleep, while large or spicy meals before bed can also give you heartburn. ( 10 ) 10 Aim to keep your snacking light two to three hours before bedtime — your sleep will thank you. ( 2 ) 2

Save Your Bed for Sleeping

Even if your hotel bed feels like a cloud, avoid spending too much time in it watching TV or working. The more time you spend curled up on that mattress, the less your brain will compute that it’s a spot meant for sleep. ( 11 ) 11  

Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine

Alcohol and caffeine can both disturb sleep if you consume them too close to bedtime. Caffeine can keep you revved up for at least five hours and make it hard to fall asleep. ( 2 ) 2 On the flip side, alcohol may make you feel sleepy, but if you drink too much before bed, it can disrupt your sleep through the night. Try to take your last sip two to three hours before bedtime. ( 12 ) 12 ( 2 ) 2

Pre-Travel Insomnia and What You Can Do About It

If you’re excited or anxious about an upcoming trip, you may find it difficult to sleep in the nights before departure day. No matter the cause, anxiety and worry can affect your sleep quality. ( 13 ) 13

If you’re having trouble sleeping before a big trip, try these tips to calm your worries and get back to snoozing:

• Pack early and make lists! Then you won’t spend time in bed worrying about what you might forget.
• Write trip details down for easy reference. Then, when you feel anxious at night, you know you have everything taken care of.
• Try calming techniques like deep breathing and meditation. ( 14 ) 14
• Follow the sleep hygiene tips included above for excellent pre-trip snoozing.

The short answer: yes. Travel can easily lead to sleeping issues because of sleep routine disruption, unfamiliar sleeping environments, and travel-related stress or anxiety, says Dr. Wu. “If your sleeping difficulties are severe or persist for more than a few weeks, consult a sleep medicine specialist for further evaluation and treatment,” says Wu.

“Travel insomnia” is not a medical term, and it differs from jet lag, says Dr. Wu. “Travel insomnia…refers to any sleep disruption that occurs during or after travel, while jet lag specifically refers to the circadian rhythm disruption caused by crossing multiple time zones.”

The Last Word From Sleepopolis 

Poor sleep is no friend to any traveler, for either business or pleasure. But you can take control of your sleep by preparing for your sleep environment, conditions, and routine. “If your sleeping difficulties are severe or persist for more than a few weeks, consult a sleep medicine specialist for further evaluation and treatment,” says Wu. Either way, you could be getting those zzzs again in no time.

• Krystal AD, Prather AA, Ashbrook LH. The assessment and management of insomnia: an update. World Psychiatry . 2019;18(3):337-352. doi:10.1002/wps.20674
• Aircrew Safety & Health – Circadian Rhythm Disruption | NIOSH | CDC. Accessed December 10, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/aircrew/jetlag.html
• Insomnia – Causes and Risk Factors | NHLBI, NIH. Accessed September 14, 2024. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/insomnia/causes
• Xiong W, Fan F, Qi H. Effects of Environmental Change on Travelers’ Sleep Health: Identifying Risk and Protective Factors. Frontiers in Psychology . 2020;11. Accessed December 7, 2024. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00724
• Jet Lag | CDC Yellow Book 2024. Accessed December 9, 2024. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/air-land-sea/jet-lag
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): A Primer – PMC. Accessed December 11, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10002474/
• Module 2. Effects of Light on Circadian Rhythms | NIOSH | CDC. Accessed December 9, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/work-hour-training-for-nurses/longhours/mod2/19.html
• IAMAT | How to manage jet lag. Accessed December 9, 2024. https://www.iamat.org/managing-jet-lag
• Harding EC, Franks NP, Wisden W. The Temperature Dependence of Sleep. Frontiers in Neuroscience . 2019;13. Accessed December 10, 2024. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2019.00336
• Nogueira LFR, Pellegrino P, Cipolla-Neto J, Moreno CRC, Marqueze EC. Timing and Composition of Last Meal before Bedtime Affect Sleep Parameters of Night Workers. Clocks & Sleep . 2021;3(4):536-546. doi:10.3390/clockssleep3040038
• 8 secrets to a good night’s sleep – Harvard Health. Accessed December 10, 2024. https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/8-secrets-to-a-good-nights-sleep
• He S, Hasler BP, Chakravorty S. Alcohol and sleep-related problems. Current Opinion in Psychology . 2019;30:117-122. doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2019.03.007
• Chellappa SL, Aeschbach D. Sleep and anxiety: From mechanisms to interventions. Sleep Medicine Reviews . 2022;61:101583. doi:10.1016/j.smrv.2021.101583
• Norelli SK, Long A, Krepps JM. Relaxation Techniques. In: StatPearls . StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Accessed December 8, 2024. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513238/

          Wu, Chester, MD. Personal Interview. December 7, 2024.

Night Bus Travel: 11 Tips for Safety, Survival and Sleep

Written By: The Planet D

Travel Tips

Updated On: January 17, 2021

Taking an overnight bus while traveling is often a great option. Not only can you cover a lot of ground without losing time, but you can also save money on a flight or hotel room.

The journey itself, however, can be challenging—especially your first time.

After taking numerous overnight buses over the years, I’ve come up with a list of tips that will hopefully make your experience easier and safer —and one during which you can sleep easy.

Bus Travel – SAFETY

1. make sure the route is safe..

Check local travel advisories and be sure the bus route is not one where robberies and/or accidents are common at night.

If you see warnings about this, you might want to opt for a day bus.

2. Splurge on the first-class bus.

Think long and hard before buying a ticket for the cheaper or cheapest overnight bus.

Does it look safe and decently maintained (eg, are tires bald)? Can you imagine being in one of the seats all night?

Will there be two drivers, taking turns—or just one for the entire night?

If you’re unsure and/or have a bad gut feeling, then it might be best to take more expensive, higher quality overnight bus.

3. Choose your seat carefully.

There are several things to consider when picking your seat:

• Window or Aisle? Some people feel they’ll sleep better near the window; it means more ways to create a makeshift pillow. Others (like me) prefer the aisle because there’s more space and a way to stretch out.
• Near a man or woman? You should sit where you feel most comfortable. I tend to sit next to a woman or a teenager. The few times I’ve sat near a man (whether seats were pre-assigned or not), I had some unpleasant encounters. If you’re a male traveler, then the choice might be easier. My advice is to state your preference when you buy the ticket if seats are assigned in advance.
• Front, back or middle? The further back you sit, the bumpier (and possibly weirder) the ride may be. Sit too close to the front and you might see things you don’t want to see—the road in front of you, that is, and the scary way in which the driver is taking the hairpin turns. Of course, if you like rollercoasters, then you might enjoy a seat up front.

Middle of Bus is the Safest Place

According to safety experts, the middle is generally safer. If an accident occurred, the chance of serious injury would be minimized since most accidents involve head-on collisions or rear-ending.

For this reason, and those discussed above, I tend to sit in the middle.

4. Hide your money/other valuables in more than one place.

It’s not ideal to keep all of your money and credit cards together.

In the event of a robbery, the thief would get everything. Try to split up your valuables.

I prefer to use a slash-proof waist pack (which has a ‘trick lock’ on it) and to hide some money in my shoes.

Read: Top Scams to Watch out for in India

Bus Travel – SURVIVAL

Moving beyond basic safety, there’s ‘survival’—that is, making the journey more comfortable and bearable.

5. Pack as if you’re flying.

You’ll probably have to stow your larger bag underneath the bus (if there’s no room for it above you).

If so, then make sure your daypack has what you need (eg, medication)—as if you’re going to be on a plane.

6. Pack an energy drink (to avoid needing to use the bathroom).

Buy a Gatorade or another beverage that replenishes electrolytes. Or pack small packets of powder drinks to make your own.

This will hopefully keep your thirst quenched and your bladder, empty—meaning that you won’t have to use the bathroom as often.

That’s a good thing since there may or may not be one (if there is, it’ll probably be unpleasant) on the bus and those at rest stops may be atrocious.

7. BYOS (Bring Your Own Snacks).

Most often, there will be a stop or two at roadside restaurants; in some cases, the food is quite good.

But there are no guarantees. I once ate at a low-quality place in Indonesia and got sick the next day.

If I’d had snacks, I might have skipped that meal. You should always have something (eg, nuts, fruit or an energy bar if possible) just in case.

8. Use noise-canceling headphones and entertain yourself.

Night bus rides last from 6 to 12 or more hours.

During this time, you will encounter many unpleasant sounds: a loud TV, staticky music, someone snoring and/or other conversations. Use good headphones (noise-canceling would be best) to block those sounds and to listen to your own music.

If you want to read, be sure to have a reading light because chances are the overhead light won’t work.

Check out 10 Things that will Ruin your Sleep in India

SLEEP on the Night Bus

9. use earplugs plus an eye mask..

When it’s time to sleep, you’ll want to drown out the noise.

I recommend earplugs, which you can buy at an electronics store. (See Tip # 6.)

An eye mask is also important. It helps block out light from inside the bus at night and in the morning, when the sun coming in through the windows can make you feel like a vampire.

10. Use a neck pillow.

If you travel with a suitcase, then you might want to purchase a neck pillow.

If you’re a backpacker, you won’t want the extra bulk of a pillow in your bag, so you should consider getting a blow-up neck pillow.

It will make you feel more comfortable whether you’re reading or resting.

11. Take meds if you need to (but nothing too strong).

It’s not always easy to sleep on these buses, so you might need some help.

Taking medication (check with your doctor first) could be a solution. I use a combination of antihistamine and Xanax.

You want to sleep, but you don’t want to be so knocked out that you can’t wake up and react quickly if you need to.

Your Thoughts/Ideas?

Have you ever taken an overnight bus? If so, have you used any of the tips above or do you have any to share/add? If so, please comment below.

About Lisa:

Lisa Egle is the author of Magic Carpet Seduction , a collection of off-the-beaten-path travel tales set in China, Latin America, Turkey and the Middle East. She also runs the travel blog, Chicky Bus , which takes readers/’riders’ to unique destinations around the world via photos, videos and stories. Her writing has been published on BlogHer and Matador Network, and one of her stories was featured in an article on the Oprah.com blog. Follow Lisa on Twitter .

Photo credit: All photos are @L Egle/ChickyBus, except for one of the snacks. Thanks to  Liza , a photographer whose work can be found on Flickr.

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15 thoughts on “Night Bus Travel: 11 Tips for Safety, Survival and Sleep”

Thanks I’ve never rode on bus before. I’m planning a night trip but theirs like 6 stop because I’m going to a small country town. Thanks for your tips.

Additional note, get high before the ride

Wonderful and useful tips. I agree with you.

Id rather get robbed than wear a fanny pack lol!!!

This is my personal tip- loop the straps of your purse or bag around your arm or ankle while you sleep, so no one can grab it without waking you up. Many people may get on and off between where you get on and your final destination, and there are some shady characters who hop on and off of inter-city buses! If you get off the bus to buy a snack or use the facilities at any point, take your stuff with you (always!)

Great Tip! Thanks for sharing Macy. I agree, I always loop things around my feet.

Oh man, always always pay for the best you can get. Sleeper buses in Asia were an adventure, but I hope to never repeat the experience! My own tips are here: http://nzmuse.com/2013/07/how-to-survive-sleeper-buses-in-asia/

Thanks for the tips. We agree when it comes to ground transportation, we try to pay for 1st or 2nd class. Most of the time it isn’t that much more expensive by Western Standards, but the difference is unbelievable.

The energy drink tip is interesting! I’m trying that next time, because I’m always torn about drinking water: long bus trips make me really dehydrated, but there’s nothing worse than having to pee and waiting an hour or more for the next rest stop.

Oh man, that’s the worst. That’s why I never drink, I always have to pee!

These are helpful tips for any kind of travel. I employ many of these on planes too! Didn’t know that about Gatorade, though. Will be adding that to my repertoire!

Hi, Heather. True re: planes. The tips definitely work well there, too–and also on overnight trains. Glad that you’ll be trying out the Gatorade (the tip, I mean). 🙂

Great tip for sure!

Great tips!

Thanks, Andi!

Solo Traveler

Solo travel tips, destinations, stories... the source for those who travel alone.

Night Safety for Solo Travelers: How to Have Fun and Be Safe

May 24, 2023 by Janice Waugh

You can travel solo, go out at night and be safe. All three are possible despite the concerns some people have. Night safety for solo travelers just requires a bit of thought and planning.

It's really not that difficult. I say the same thing when I am asked whether it's possible to go out alone as a woman safely. It's not that difficult. Many of the same safety rules we follow at home apply on the road as well. But, given that you are in an unfamiliar place and possibly an unfamiliar culture, there a few additional things to consider.

Here's my post with suggestions of things that solo travelers can do at night . Let's get into the night safety tips for solo travelers.

How to Stay Safe at Night: 17 Tips for Travelers

Through many small experiences, I've learned how to stay safe at night. From New York City to Memphis, from Paris to Hong Kong, these are tried and true night safety tips for solo travelers.

1. Check with someone reliable first.

Before going out, make sure that where you're going is safe. While everyone has a different sense of what safe is, it's helpful to have an opinion or two before you go.

2. Plan for getting there and getting home.

Depending on where I am and what time I'm going out, I may take public transit there but I almost always take a taxi back. Make sure that the taxi is licensed. Don't take pirate cabs. If you take public transit, sit near the bus driver or choose a subway car that has many people in it.

3. Leave a note and take a card.

Leave a note in your room saying where you're going in the evening and take a card from your hotel or hostel and keep it in a pocket. If you don't know the language, you can simply show the card to your taxi driver to get home.

4. Don't take a purse or backpack.

I suggest leaving a purse or backpack behind. They can be targets for petty theft and just one more thing to worry about. However, this does mean that you have to leave things in a safe place in your hotel. I use the hotel safe though every online source will tell you that they are not completely secure. It's still better than trying to hide things. Please don't use 1234 or 0000 as your code for the safe. This is as good as leaving the door open.

5. Stash your money in more than one place.

Have some money easily accessible but, just in case you lose your money (or worse), have some tucked away in a shoe, your bra, or wherever works for you.

6. Have fun, make friends, but be cautious.

When you go out and meet people remember that they are strangers. You don't really know them. Also, on vacation you may be more relaxed, less careful, and, in another culture, you might interpret comments incorrectly. Stay in a public place with them at all times.

7. Don't accept lifts from new friends.

Along with staying in a public place, night safety for solo travelers also includes not accepting a lift from people you meet or sharing a taxi with them.

8. Gain the backup of a server.

If you're in a pub or bar, befriend the server or bartender so that they'll come to your aid if someone starts hassling you.

9. Be aware of your drink.

Don't let someone distract you so that they can slip something into your drink. Be aware of it at all times.

10. Go rested. Stay sober.

It's important to have your wits about you when you're out at night, so go out rested and don't drink too much.

11. Men and women are equal.

Sometimes people assume that women are safer to connect with than men. This isn't really the case and should not be assumed.

12. Where you're staying is your business.

Your accommodation is your safe haven. Don't tell people where you're staying. Here are tips for handling intrusive questions from strangers .

13. Dress appropriately.

I hesitate to suggest that a woman could be responsible for inappropriate attention from men based on their dress but the truth is that if you dress conservatively you will attract less unwanted attention. Also, wear a minimum of jewelry to protect it from theft.

14. Engage the support of strangers.

If I get turned around, as I did in New York City once, I'm careful about who I ask for directions. My first choice is to approach a family and then perhaps a couple.

15. Know how to get help if needed.

If you carry a smartphone, there are many safety apps available. Read 10 Solo Travel Safety Apps: Technology for Peace of Mind . At minimum, learn the local emergency number.

16. Find help for someone who needs it.

If someone appears to need your help, find someone else to lend the help needed. As a stranger to the area, you are not the best source of aid. It's also possible that the help required is a ruse to get you engaged and in danger.

17. Be rude if necessary.

If you're being bothered by someone who just doesn't get the message that you don't want their attention, be rude and noisy. They'll usually back away.

Take care. Have fun. Night safety is possible for solo travelers.

For more, see our most comprehensive safety post: Solo Travel Safety: 50+ Proven Tips to Keep You Safe .

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Editor Tracey: tracey @ solotravelerworld.com

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The Night Travelers

Written by Armando Lucas Correa Review by Waheed Rabbani

Berlin, 1931. A young German poet, Ally, falls in love with a Black German musician, Marcus. They have a daughter, Lilith. To avoid hateful stares, they travel at night, as “by night, we’re all the same color.” When the Nazis seize control and Marcus disappears, Ally fears that the authorities might have seven-year-old Lilith sterilized. She persuades her Jewish neighbors, who are fleeing to Cuba, to take Lilith with them.

Havana, 1958. Lilith grows up blissfully in Cuba. She falls in love with Martin, an air force pilot in the Batista regime, and they have a daughter, Nadine. When Castro comes to power and Martin is imprisoned, Lilith makes a heart-wrenching decision, much like Ally’s.

Berlin, 1988. Nadine works as a scientist, ignorant of her family’s past. Her daughter, Luna, makes efforts to unearth their family’s history and discovers the appalling duplicities that have affected them.

Correa has used one of Rumi’s thought-provoking poetic lines, “Night travelers are full of light,” to title this novel, a multigenerational saga that stretches from 1931 to 2015. The plot weaves through that period’s historical events. Their harsh and traumatic impact on the lives of four women, Ally, Lilith, Nadine, and Luna, and their families, through war, revolution, and redemption, are narrated nonlinearly. The novel takes the readers on a journey through pre- and post-WWII events in Germany, the Cuban Revolution, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and other incidents. Correa mostly tells events, rather than show them, and his story has numerous flashbacks, perhaps to condense Ally’s family’s chronicle into one book. This structure reduces the multi-character fictional story’s dramatic impact, rendering it more like a biography. But the novel’s theme of the Nazi regime’s racist policies adversely affecting generations is well elucidated.

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Home » Hanafi Fiqh » Daruliftaa.com » Is Travelling at Night Forbidden or Disliked?

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Is Travelling at Night Forbidden or Disliked?

Is it true that it is disliked to travel during the night? I have been told that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade travelling at night.

In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,

No, it is not forbidden or disliked to travel during the night. The Shari’ah does not specify any particular time of the day or night for travelling or desisting from travelling. One may choose to travel at any given time of the day or night as long as it is safe and there is no other external factor prohibiting travel such as the time of prayer is about to end and one has not yet performed it.

In fact, there is a Hadith in which there is encouragement to travel at night. Sayyiduna Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “You should travel during the night (dulja’), because the land is rolled up at night [i.e. the land is travelled faster at night than it is during the day].” (Sunan Abi Dawud, no: 2564)

Mulla Ali al-Qari (may Allah have mercy on him) states in his renowned commentary of Mishkat al-Masabih titled Mirqat al-Mafatih that the term “Dulja” in this Hadith refers to either travelling during the early part of the night or travelling during any part of the night. He states that the latter meaning is more suitable, hence the encouragement is for travelling during any part of the night. He further explains that the meaning of the Hadith is that one should not suffice with travelling during the day, but rather one should travel during the night as well, because it is easier and one is able to travel faster. (See: Mirqat al-Mafatih 7/333)

Having said the above, if travelling at night is unsafe and one fears harm unto oneself because of weakness or the journey-route not being safe, or one fears being tempted and mislead by Shaytan into committing a sin, then it is disliked (makruh) to travel at night, especially when alone. It is in this context the following Hadith has been mentioned:

Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “If people knew what I know about being alone, no rider would travel at night alone.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, no: 2836 and Sunan al-Tirmidhi, no: 1673)

Imam Bukhari (may Allah have mercy on him) records this Hadith under the chapter-heading “Travelling alone” and Imam Tirmidhi (may Allah have mercy on him) under the heading “The dislike (karaha) of one travelling alone” demonstrating that this Hadith is more about travelling alone than travelling at night.

In his commentary of this Hadith, Imam Teebi (may Allah have mercy on him) explains that the apparent wording of the Hadith should have been “… no one would travel alone” but the night was mentioned because darkness poses more danger to the traveller and it is normally more difficult to avoid harm unto oneself during the night than the day. (See: Tuhfat al-Ahwazi bi Sharh jami’ al-Tirmidhi 5/313)

As such, in conclusion, there is nothing wrong with travelling at night rather encouraged if it is more convenient. However, if it is unsafe to travel – such as travelling alone in empty and remote areas – or one fears committing a sin, then it is disliked (makruh). As for well-travelled routes where there are likely to be helpers, it is not Makruh. Travelling during the night on planes, trains, ships and buses is also fine, as long as it is safe, because the one who travels by these means is not considered to be alone and is generally safe.

And Allah knows best

[Mufti] Muhammad ibn Adam Darul Iftaa Leicester , UK

This answer was collected from Daruliftaa.com , which is headed by Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam Al-Kawthari . He’s based in the United Kingdom.

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6 Tips to Consider for Those That Travel at Night

Many people find themselves driving at night for various reasons. Maybe you went out for a night on the town and stayed out a little too late, or perhaps you’re coming home from a late shift at work. For others, night driving is a relaxing time to cruise the open road. No matter your reasons for driving at night , it’s important to take precautions to stay safe during your travels. If you plan to travel at night or find yourself unexpectedly on the road after dark, here are six tips to keep in mind.

1. Check your car’s systems before you travel at night

Before you travel at night, it’s a good idea to give your car a quick once-over to ensure all of its systems are in good working order. This is especially important at night when you’ll rely more heavily on your car’s headlights and taillights. 

Be sure the windshields are clean and the headlights are not dim so that you have an unobstructed view of the road. Check your taillights and turn signals to ensure they’re functioning properly. If any of your car’s systems aren’t working correctly, it’s best to get them fixed before hitting the road.

2. Map out your route if you plan to travel at night

If you plan to drive somewhere new, map out your route and become familiar with the area in the daytime before you travel at night. Doing that will help you feel more confident behind the wheel when night falls. If possible, try to stick to well-lit, major roads and avoid shortcuts through the dark, deserted areas.

3. Drive defensively at nighttime

When you’re driving, always look out for pedestrians – especially at night ? and in hard-to-see conditions. ⛈️ pic.twitter.com/qyAJ2VMgNh — nhtsagov (@NHTSAgov) June 24, 2022

Defensive driving is key to staying safe when you travel at night. Remember to keep your eyes peeled for other motorists who might not be following the rules of the road. Be extra-cautious around drivers who appear impaired. According to the NHTSA , drunk drivers pose a serious threat to everyone on the road. If you see someone who appears to be driving under the influence, avoid them and call 911 if necessary.

4. Check your vision before you travel at night

You can take a few steps to ensure your vision is up to par for night driving . First, get your eyes checked regularly. If you wear glasses or contacts, make sure they’re up-to-date.

Second, adjust your car’s mirrors properly. Mirrors that aren’t correctly positioned can make it difficult to see other vehicles, which can be dangerous when driving at night. 

Last, clean your car windows regularly. Dirty glass can make it difficult to see at night. 

5. Dim your dashboard lights

late night drives to nowhere, pic.twitter.com/3DxwQoMaxj — jc the alien (@jccaylen) October 17, 2017

Illuminated dashboard displays can be distracting at night. The glare can also make it hard for your eyes to adjust to the darkness, making it difficult to see.

To avoid this issue, lower the brightness of your dashboard instrumentation gauge and infotainment display. You can do this by turning a knob on your dashboard or using a dash mat.

6. Use your high beams when appropriate

High beams are helpful when driving at night, but you should use them only when appropriate. When there’s oncoming traffic, you should switch to low beams. You should also avoid using your high beams in foggy conditions because they can actually make it harder to see. Some cars have fog lights for that purpose.

Bottom line

Night driving doesn’t have to be difficult. By following these simple tips, you can make it much easier on yourself. Just remember to take your time, stay alert, and be cautious. Drive safely!

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Can You Stay at Jonathan Knight's Camp from 'Farmhouse Fixer'?

Jon's husband addressed the popular fan question.

Jon took on the project for nostalgic reasons: He has fond memories of spending summers at the lake with his grandparents and wants to create a space for families to have the same experience. The series has been filled with dramatic moments, from unexpected expenses to rodent infestations to falling trees. But the resulting designs have been beautiful and definitely worthy of a visit. Jon had plans of opening the camp for rentals this summer, but his upcoming NKOTB tour and construction delays have made that goal extra challenging.

In the show's third episode, Jon has a serious conversation with his brother Jordan about the camp's future. Jordan says, "You gotta know that you can still make a profit: How much a night for each cabin can you charge? How many days a week do you think they'll be filled?" He points out that Jon will need a general manager, a staff, a logo, and a website before the property can open. It's clear there's still a lot of work to do, aside from renovating the cabins.

Jon admits, "I look like a real dumbass right now. I don't know what I've spent to date... I think I'm in over my head." He says, "I don't even own a computer."

Jon finally comes to terms with the fact that all of the cabins won't be open in time for summer. He says, "Reality is, I'm not going to get 10 cabins done in such a short period of time. Sometimes you can't be an overachiever. Sometimes you have to go at the pace that you're going, and I'm okay with that. I can still open with three cabins, and at least I'll have some money coming in while I work on finishing the rest."

He breaks the news to his family, and says, "That was a very sad moment. Still very disappointed."

Still, fans are wondering when they can join in the summer camp fun with a stay at Waters Edge. On a recent HGTV instagram post about the show, a fan asked, "Will you be renting out these cabins? Do you have a web site?"

Jon's husband, Harley Rodriguez , chimed in the comments section and answered. He said, "will be rentals but not until the rest of the 7 cabins are completed."

The final episode of Farmhouse Fixer: Camp Revamp airs on HGTV on Tuesday, July 9.

Katie Bowlby is Digital Director at Country Living, where she covers gift guides, product reviews, crafts, and TV shows like Yellowstone. She’s currently stitching up a cross-stitch pattern for the magazine’s next issue 

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Haleakala closed indefinitely due to wildfire. Is it safe to travel to Maui right now?

A brush fire that started in eastern Maui Wednesday evening burned through over 420 acres in the span of two days, prompting the closure of Haleakala National Park and a two-day emergency proclamation by the Maui County Mayor. 

The Maui Fire Department identified the fire, which began on Crater Road along the slopes of Haleakala, to be “caused by hot spots in a eucalyptus grove on the mauka flank that slightly grew in intensity overnight,” according to a Friday morning announcement . 

The Maui County Mayor declared an emergency proclamation Thursday morning but lifted it by nighttime as conditions improved. As of Friday morning, the fire has been 70% contained to 355 acres. The response included multiple Maui Fire Department fire crews, aircraft, water tenders and Department of Land and Natural Resources wildland crew. 

'We need responsible tourism': Maui businesses plead tourists to help economy after fires

The recent fire comes on the heels of the first anniversary of the Lahaina wildfires – the nation’s deadliest wildfire in over a century. In just two days, the August 2023 fires killed over 100 people and left almost $6 billion in damages, destroying homes, businesses and culturally significant sites. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Hawaii has one of the highest wildfire risks in the nation due to its warm, dry climate and the growing presence of non-native, fire-prone grasses and shrubs, according to the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization .

As the Maui community continues to recover and heal from the devastation of last year’s fires, travelers may be wondering if it's safe to visit Maui, the second-most visited island in Hawaii, at this time. 

Here’s what travelers should know about traveling to Maui right now. 

Is Maui on fire again? Where is the Crater Road fire on Maui? 

The Crater Road fire began uphill on Crater Road – also known as Haleakala Highway is the 37-mile-long main road winding up to Maui’s famous summit – near the entrance to the national park at an elevation of about 7,000 feet on Wednesday night. 

The fire swept through over 400 acres due to strong winds of 40 mph and “inaccessible gulches in the area,” according to Fire Chief Brad Ventura in a press conference on Thursday. 

On Wednesday night, residents “above Kekaulike and Haleakala highways between Upper Kimo and Waipoli roads” were asked to keep watch for potential evacuations, but that is no longer expected. No structural damages or injuries have been reported. 

However, Maui County is asking people to continue to avoid the area if possible as response teams continue to contain the fire. 

“I want to assure you that the county and the state are collectively working together to maximize resources and most importantly, keep our community safe,” said Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Thursday in a press conference. “The safety of our community is of the utmost importance, and I encourage everyone to remain calm and continue to monitor the situation.”

Is it safe to travel to Maui right now?

Yes, travel to Maui is safe if visitors avoid Haleakala National Park. On Thursday afternoon, the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) said in an email statement that the fire “is many miles away from Kahului Airport and Maui’s resort areas.” 

“The Crater Road fire should not deter any planned visits to the island of Maui, nor have any travel advisories to that effect been issued,” said Ilihia Gionson, HTA’s public affairs officer, told USA TODAY in an email.

The fire also does not threaten Maui’s water supply, according to the County Water Supply Director.  

Is Haleakala National Park open?

No. Haleakala’s National Park is closed indefinitely, with road closures leading up to it. All sunrise reservations at the park are canceled until further notice, and no future reservations are being accepted. 

However, the Kipahulu District , the lush scenic coastal region located on the backside of the dormant volcano past the town of Hana, is open as usual. In Kipahulu, people can visit bamboo forests and waterfalls. 

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

Meghan Markle Exudes Easy Elegance in Halterneck Gown for Surprise Red-Carpet Appearance

She looked glamorous alongside Prince Harry and Serena Williams at the 2024 ESPY Awards

The couple showed up to the Dolby Theatre, where Meghan's close friend, Serena Williams , will take the stage as the ceremony's host. Tonight, Harry will also accept the Pat Tillman Award, which is honoring his work through the Invictus Games . The trio posed together for pictures on the red carpet.

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Meghan looked effortlessly elegant in a sleek white gown from Staud with a draped halterneck, a backless silhouette, and a floor-sweeping hemline. She kept her accessories to a minimum, simply adding diamond stud earrings, her signature gold Cartier bracelet, and a few gold diamond-encrusted rings. Finally, she finished off the look with strappy black heels. Beauty-wise, she opted for a natural glam and swept her black hair up into a slicked back bun.

As for Harry, the Duke of Sussex looked suave in a classic black suit from Giorgio Armani worn with a white collared shirt and a black tie.

Williams looked just as glamorous in her own halterneck gown—a custom Ferragamo creation—though she took a more sparkly route. Her dress was nearly entirely covered in reflective maroon scales. The piece's skirt additionally featured wine-colored fringe enmeshed with the scales.

The tennis champ and the Duchess of Sussex have long held a close friendship with each other over the years. Back in 2022, Williams sat down with Meghan for the debut episode of her podcast, Archetypes .

“She couldn’t be a better friend to me. Low moments, high moments, she’s always there, and that’s all I want to be to her,” the athlete previously said of the duchess in a 2019 press conference.

As an associate editor at HarpersBAZAAR.com, Chelsey keeps a finger on the pulse on all things celeb news. She also writes on social movements, connecting with activists leading the fight on workers' rights, climate justice, and more. Offline, she’s probably spending too much time on TikTok, rewatching Emma (the 2020 version, of course), or buying yet another corset. 

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Navigating Paris during the Olympics: how to avoid transport fare increases and more

Jul 8, 2024 • 8 min read

Here's how to navigate the French capital during the Olympic and Paralympic Games Getty Images

With an estimated 15 million visitors expected to descend on the French capital during the Olympic and Paralympic games, Paris’s public transportation system and security forces will be under immense pressure.

In the lead-up to the games, which start after the opening ceremony July 26 and end September 8, a flurry of new metro fare announcements, road and metro closures and security measures have caused confusion even among the locals.

So it goes without saying that visitors can be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed by information overload as well. To help clear up the confusion, here’s a break-down of how to best navigate Paris (during the Olympics, but also after) and how new security rules will impact your travels:

What documents do I need to prepare for my visit to the Paris 2024 Olympics?

Holders of American, Canadian, British and (of course) EU passports can travel to France  visa-free if their stay is less than 90 days. If you’re not from any of these countries, the government has a clever portal called the “ visa wizard ” that will tell you if you need a visa for your visit, and the kinds of travel documents you’ll need to bring.

Where are the Paris 2024 Olympics taking place?

In Paris , the games will be spread out across 15 Olympic and 11 Paralympic sites and extend beyond the Paris perimeter to suburbs like Les Yvelines to Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-et-Marne and Seine-St-Denis.

Certain events such as soccer, handball, basketball and sailing will be held in Bordeaux , Nantes , Lyon , St-Etienne, Nice and Marseille . 

The surfing competition will be held in the overseas territory of Tahiti .

Are metro tickets really double the price during the Olympics?

The rumors are true. The cost of a metro ticket in Paris is set to double during the Olympics. But only for visitors who leave things to the last minute and don’t plan ahead. From July 20 to September 8, the price of a single metro ticket will rise from €2.15 to €4.

But there’s a way to bypass this entirely with just a little advance planning.

By downloading the regional transport authority’s app on your smartphone before July 20, visitors can buy single tickets at the regular fare of €2.15 per ticket in advance. You can also save a bit more if you buy a book of 10 tickets for €17.35 (a reduced fare of  €1.73 per trip). Users can store up to 30 tickets at a time and buy top-up tickets as you go. It’s a handy way to avoid long line-ups at ticket kiosks. Just scan your phone at the metro turnstile and you’re on your way.

For those who prefer an actual metro card, you’ll want to buy a Navigo Easy pass at metro stations or at approved sellers like tobacco shops and newspaper kiosks for €2. Cards are rechargeable, and tickets can be purchased from the app and loaded directly on the card: just hold the Navigo pass to the top of the phone. For the less tech savvy, cards can still be topped up at metro stations as well. 

New Olympic daily pass

Visitors can also purchase a specially created daily Paris 2024 Pass , which starts at €16 for 1 day and gives users unlimited access to all competition venues in  Île-de-France, as well as Orly and Roissy Charles-de-Gaulle airports. Fares are on a sliding scale and get cheaper as you go: for example, a 7-day Paris 2024 pass works out to €10 a day (€70 for 7 days). This pass can also be purchased from the app or at train stations and ticket machines and is valid for use between July 20-Sept. 8.

After September 8, fares will return to normal pricing. Future visitors should also consider downloading the transportation app in order to avoid line-ups at metro stations and save a few euros.

New service to Orly airport

If you’re flying in and out of Paris-Orly airport, a new extension on metro line 14 linking the airport to the city center was recently inaugurated. Flyers arriving at Orly can now take the metro line to popular transfer and stop-off stations like Châtelet and Saint-Lazare, all the way up to the northern suburb of Saint-Ouen. Just remember that fares to the airport are not included in the standard metro rates and are an additional €10.30 per trip.

Station closures to be aware of:

While mapping out your metro itinerary, keep in mind that the following stations will be closed throughout much of the summer until September 21:

Concorde, Tuileries, Champs-Elysées – Clemenceau

A full list of closures and reduced metro service between July 18-25 can be found here . To find the best metro itinerary with up-to-date information on closures and service disruptions, Google Maps is pretty reliable, as are the apps for the Paris metro Bonjour RATP and the regional transport authority Île-de-France Mobilités . 

Users can also use the Bonjour RATP app to rent any one of the 35,000 bikes from Dott, Lime Tier and Vélib. 

Do I need a QR code to get around Paris during the games?

It depends on a lot of factors, including your mode of transport, your dates of travel, and the location of your destination. But sorting out the rules requires wading through a maze of conditions and exceptions.

The Pass Jeux or Games Pass is a digital pass or QR code that allows holders to access sensitive security areas, particularly in the lead-up to the opening ceremony. For the first time in Olympic history, the opening ceremony will be held outdoors on the Seine river, rather than a stadium—a spectacle that carries with it huge security challenges.

In the days leading up to opening ceremony

From July 18-26, if your hotel or restaurant reservation is in the high security grey zone along the Seine, and you will be traveling on foot or by bike, you will need to apply for a QR code to justify your access to the area. Cars, including taxis and ride-shares, are strictly prohibited. 

This doesn’t apply, however, to ticket holders for attractions located in the area. Those who hold confirmed bookings are exempt from having to apply for a QR code and can simply present their ticket at security checkpoints. That includes the Louvre and Orsay museums, the Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac (all of which will be closed July 25-26), the Eiffel Tower (closed July 26) and the Institut du Monde Arabe.

Note that all river cruise excursions will be suspended between July 20-26.

Outside the grey zone and into the broader red perimeter, pedestrians, cyclists and scooters are allowed to move freely without a QR code. If traveling by taxi or ride-share, you don’t need the QR code but you must be able to present proof of a hotel, museum or restaurant reservation to gain access to the area. 

After the opening ceremony

Between July 27-August 11 and then for the Paralympics August 28-September 8, areas around competition sites will become red zones up to 2.5 hours before a sporting event, and for an hour afterwards. Pedestrians and cyclists won’t require a QR code, but those planning to travel in a taxi or ride-share in the area will be required to present a Games Pass. 

Along with the digital pass, make sure you have your photo ID, along with proof of accommodation or reservations on you to present to police.

Ticket holders of Olympic sporting events do not need a QR code to access the sites.

If you’re not sure, check the interactive map to see if your destination falls in one of the security zones.

Digital passes are free and not required for those under 13. 

QR codes can be obtained on the platform Pass Jeux and require applicants to send photo ID and proof of reservations.

The main takeaway: if you want to avoid traffic headaches, the best way to get to your destination, be it a competition venue or restaurant, is to take public transport, walk or bike—modes that also align well with the Paris Olympics’ sustainability goals.

Visiting other French cities for the Olympic games? Here's how to navigate France's rail network

Keep in mind that France’s ban on domestic short-haul flights of under 2.5 hours for trips that can be completed by train came into force in 2022. That means that if your Olympic events are in cities like Nantes, Bordeaux and Lyon, your only option (unless you plan to drive yourself) is the train. Luckily, this also happens to be the easier and less stressful method of transportation.

That said, the different rail operators in France can cause confusion. Here’s a quick primer on the different rail lines and operators:

• The SNCF is the national rail service and operates the country’s high-speed TGV trains. A trip from Paris to Lyon on a high-speed train, for, instance, takes about two hours. This will be your first stop when looking up train tickets to other host cities.
• Inoui designates premium seats and service.
• Ouigo is the low-cost version of the SNCF, but tickets and times are more limited.
• Trains operated by Intercité serve cities without high-speed train routes and connect major cities without the need to transit from Paris. Routes include Nantes–Bordeaux and Toulouse –Marseille. The outfit also operates night-train services connecting Paris with cities like Nice, Lourdes and Toulouse.
• TER (Transport Express Régional) trains connect cities and smaller towns within the country’s 12 regions in metropolitan France.
• Transilien is the equivalent of the TER but for the region of Île-de-France.
• The RER (Réseau Express Régional) is a commuter line that operates within Paris and its suburbs.

The logistics of planning a trip for the Olympics may seem daunting at first, but knowing your options and understanding how all the systems – for match ticketing, accommodations and transportation – work will hopefully make the picture clearer so that you can look forward to being a part of history.

This article was first published Jul 26, 2023 and updated Jul 8, 2024.

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