There's nothing more daunting than planning a solo trip. Before the trip, you may be anxious with many worries.
What if you lose your phone, your only means of contacting home? What if your luggage gets stolen? What if you get stranded or lost? What if you get attacked? What if you simply don't blend in?
While there is not much you can do to solve all these problems at once, you can safely manage them. You can take certain steps to make traveling solo much easier. The rest of this article will be focused on that. Here is your ultimate guide to solo traveling.
What if you lose your phone, your only means of contacting home? What if your luggage gets stolen? What if you get stranded or lost? What if you get attacked? What if you simply don't blend in?
While there is not much you can do to solve all these problems at once, you can safely manage them. You can take certain steps to make traveling solo much easier. The rest of this article will be focused on that. Here is your ultimate guide to solo traveling.
1. Do Some Research
If you are traveling alone, the last thing you want to do is travel without knowing where you are going. If you are already certain where you are going, read about it. What is the norm there? What is and what isn't acceptable in that country?
If you are still uncertain where to go, you can check out our article on the best countries to visit in 2023.
2. Find What Suits You
Going on from the first tip, think carefully before deciding which country to visit. If you are an introvert or like quiet places, it may be a miss if you decide to visit somewhere like New York.
On the other hand, those who seek adventure should probably not go to a quiet beach on the outskirts of a country.
3. Learn the Language
If you are researching a place that speaks another language, try to pick up a few things. You may not have enough time to become fluent, but learning everyday words like no, yes, and greetings is important.
You may also learn the body language that comes with or describes these words. They are often as important as the spoken words themselves.
4. Know Emergency Numbers
Imagine being alone in a foreign country and having no one to call if something goes wrong. It would feel like the end of the world. Of course, you wouldn't expect your family to fly over at any inconvenience.
You should get local help or emergency numbers. An emergency can come up at any time; it would be terrifying not to know who to call.
5. Be Prepared
Still in the same vein as that of emergencies, always have a backup. Make sure you always have a backup in the form of credit cards, documents, ID, or anything else important. If you lose your passport, you are going nowhere without it.
Other documents you have to take may need more attention. You can also make digital copies to keep things easy for you.
6. Take Pictures
A vacation is hardly ever complete without photos. You may need something to remind you of that one time you really liked the atmosphere or of one statue that captured your heart. What better thing than a camera?
A Polaroid pops out photos instantly, but you can also get a digital camera to keep everything on a memory card. Just save the memory.
7. Taste Everything
You are abroad already, so why not experience it all? You really can enjoy it to the fullest if you put your mind to it. This is not to suggest that you overeat but taste new foods.
This is an excellent way to blend in and soak in the culture of the place you're visiting. It may also help you communicate with locals and other tourists for recommendations. Food has and will always be a bond.
8. Be Safe
Traveling alone may mean you are more susceptible to theft and attacks. It gets even easier if you stand out because of your outfit. This is why it is advisable to blend in.
If you are easily identified as a tourist, criminals quickly tag you as naive and try to rob or scam you. So, blend in, carry bags that can't be easily snatched like crossbody bags, and get travel locks. They help a lot.
9. Connect!
It can be tempting to hide in your hotel room and watch the opportunity of a solo trip wither away. Please don't do it. Leave your room to see attractions once in a while. Find what interests you and revel in it.
You may also find other people interested in the same things and connect with them. Connecting online is another good way of meeting new people on a solo trip.
10. Enjoy Your Freedom
The best thing about traveling alone is the freedom. You can do anything at any time and not be held for it. No one is going to question any decision you make or your inability to create one.
So, maximize this freedom to the fullest. Go to all the places you may not have gotten a chance to if you had traveled in a group. Just have a great time.