This article first appeared in Digital Edge, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on January 13, 2025 - January 19, 2025

One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions people make is to travel more. Whether it’s exploring new destinations, immersing oneself in a different culture or building memories that serve as a testament to a life well-lived, travelling resonates deeply as a meaningful and enriching goal for the year ahead.

Increasingly, travellers are embracing the practice of going solo, opting for quiet moments armed with nothing but a backpack and a curious mind. According to the latest American Express 2024 Global Travel Trends Report, solo travel has emerged as a major trend, with 76% of millennials and Gen Z planning solo trips in the coming year.

While such trips eliminate the hassle of group planning, and offer flexibility and spontaneity, solo travellers have to ensure they are well-prepared in other aspects such as safety.

Here is a list of useful apps they can use to make the most of their adventures.

The best friend to have during a trip is a travel planner with lists, reservations, attachments and a quick link to a map. Wanderlog does exactly that by enabling users to gather and record their plans.

This free itinerary maker and road trip planner takes the best parts of Google Docs and Maps, and lets users import the information and map out their trip.

Users can add lists of places they would like to visit and Wanderlog will recommend the best way to get there. The app allows users to see their travel lists on a map, which makes it easy to visualise distance and see the location of the attractions they want to visit.

Reservations can be incorporated and users can add travel companions by inviting them by email or message.

The pro version of Wanderlog has extra features such as optimising routes, live flight updates, car rental deals, unlimited attachments, exporting trips to Google maps, linking Gmail accounts for reservations and artificial intelligence assistance.

Outdoor adventures can be a lot of fun but planning them may be a little frustrating especially logistics wise. From rugged mountain trails to white-water rafting, Jommoutdoor by The Outdoor Ventures offers packages and tours for those who want to explore the great outdoors.

The online platform connects adventure travellers with experienced and certified adventure tour guides. Those who seek more adventurous activities such as kayaking, paragliding or caving can book tours or packages with guides who will lead them through the activities.

The packages typically include an experienced guide, accommodation, sightseeing activities and meals as listed on the itineraries. Jommoutdoor offers packages not only in Malaysia, but also Thailand, Nepal, Vietnam and Indonesia.

Vegetarian or vegan food choices may be limited in some parts of the world. HappyCow, an app and website that lists vegan and plant-based businesses globally, has come to the rescue. Unlike regular maps that show options nearby based on filter criteria, HappyCow offers one to three vegan options or products on the search list.

The app and website has a community of over one million members, and users can have discussions and make recommendations on vegan-friendly options near them.

HappyCow can also recommend plant-based or vegan foods that can be delivered to users’ doorsteps.

Perhaps one of the most important apps a solo traveller needs is location tracking in case of emergencies and mishaps. Life360 helps families and friends stay connected and coordinated on their whereabouts.

Users can create a “circle” of family, friends, spouse or children. Life360 shares real-time location and movements within the circle.

It also features crash detection, where a user’s circle will be notified when there has been an accident. The location will be shared with the circle members and emergency contacts if help is needed.

If you want to travel but don’t want to leave your children at home, Kiddocare has the solution. Its travel nanny service allows parents to travel with their kids yet have the flexibility to explore the destination without any worries.

The travel nanny will not only care for your children but also bring along activities and materials that are suitable and safe to keep them entertained during the trip. Users are eligible for a complimentary two-hour pre-visit/briefing session before the trip.

The service starts at RM250 a day for domestic trips and RM350 a day for international trips.

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