Travel Agency Owner Issia Lee Cook Shares How to Solo Travel Like a Pro in 2024

Issia Lee Cook, founder of the rapidly growing travel agency Issia’s Traveling Co., has a passion for solo traveling and living life to the fullest. However, a major part of that passion is showing others how to do the same by organizing detailed trips to their dream destinations for fun, safe, and affordable experiences.

Since the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 25-year-old entrepreneur and visionary has successfully tapped into the trillion-dollar travel and tourism industry. She has solidified a reputation as a leader in securing luxury vacations for travelers at the best rates, providing upscale concierge services and specialty in hotels, vacation homes, cabins, car rentals, restaurants, and excursions.

Recently, she is seeing a growing number of bookings from people desiring to embark on solo trips.

“My last three solo trips have been to Amsterdam, Medellin, Colombia,  and Antigua, Guatemala. I had an amazing time at each of them, but Guatemala is probably my favorite so far,” said Issia Lee. “Most people wouldn’t even think to travel there. They tend to go to more typical locations like Cancun, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. So I want to use my platform and my content to expose people to other great locations and to serve as a resource for those looking to travel alone.”

Of course, as a young black woman, she frequently fields questions about the safety of taking these international adventures alone. Issia Lee maintains that while there are certainly potential dangers for any traveler who fails to take proper safety precautions, thorough research about the destination prior to departure can eliminate most, if not all, issues.

To make the process easier and less nerve-racking for her customers, she provides detailed overviews and itineraries to make sure they have the best experience.  Issia Lee also has ten tips so that other aspiring solo travelers can also navigate their trips fearlessly and confidently.

1) Do your research: Every country is different, so do your homework on where you are going and the area you will be staying. A resource I use is TikTok. For example, you can search for ‘Cancun Tips and Tricks’ or ‘Cancun what not to do’ and find information on the experiences of others.

2) Stay in hotels or social hostels: I would say to refrain from vacation properties and Airbnb as much as you can. They are not as safe. Book hotels because the hotel staff is responsible for protecting you, and they have safety measures in place. Also, social hostels are good as well. They are like shared hotels or college dorm rooms where you will be with other solo travelers. You can build relationships and go on group tours to make it safer.

3) Book professional transportation: Always schedule your transportation with a reputable company to pick you up from the airport upon your arrival and to take you back for your departure. Otherwise, make sure you use a marked taxi. It’s better to pay extra than to risk your safety.

4) Study your surroundings: Don’t be too eager to go out and party the first night you arrive at your destination. Instead, on the first day, learn about your area. Know what street you are on, identify landmarks, read up on places to go and not to, look up reviews, and know where to get help if you need it.

5) Don’t rely on Apple Maps: Use Google Maps instead because it is much more accurate. Also, download the map just in case you lose cell phone service.

6) Invest in a portable charger: When you are on an excursion, your phone might die. Some excursions may take several hours, and you want to make sure that you always have access to your phone, especially in the case of an emergency.

7) Purchase travel insurance: This is a really good investment because it covers you for medical expenses, trip cancellations, or lost belongings. Each company does things differently, but if you lose anything, lost belongings are 100% covered, as well as medical.

8) Bring your medication: It is important to bring medication that you are familiar with just in case you have any kind of sickness. In some destinations, medication may not be as accessible. I learned that in the DR and in Nicaragua. It can be very expensive, and the closest location can be hours away.

9) Pack light and carry a mix of cash and cards: When solo traveling, you don’t want to bring too many clothes.  Not only can this slow you down, but it also will make traveling more expensive due to baggage fees. You can also purchase something at your destination if you want. Also, bring some cash just in case you have trouble using your debit or cards. You may want to exchange some currency while you’re there.

10) Trust your instincts: Although you should definitely engage with the locals, if you don’t feel right about something, don’t do it. You can always just say no thank you and go on about your day. Have fun, but be smart, and you should have a great, safe trip!

Keep up with Issia Lee on Instagram at @issia.lee and follow Issia’s Traveling Co. on Facebook. You can also visit her YouTube channel, Issia Lee TV.