Nothing beats the intriguing experience of a new culture, language and friends. Many of us enjoy travelling, and quite a few of us enjoy travelling solo.
In recent years, solo travels have become a growing trend. When travelling alone, you make all decisions yourself, and that can be rather challenging, especially if you are embarking on your maiden solo travel.
Travelling solo opens up a whole new world of experience and introduces you to a lot of new friends, but it is not all about being alone. So, if you’re thinking to start on a solo travel, here are ten fool-proof tips to make your maiden solo travel experience, a more fulfilling one, with reduced anxiety level.
1. The destination
While you may have dream destinations that you plan to visit in your lifetime, careful consideration and planning are needed for a trip. Obviously, we choose our destination according to our interest, lifestyle and of course, budget. But first and foremost, is the destination safe to visit? Is it especially safe for a single traveller? Surely you won’t want to get stuck in a foreign land for the wrong reason.
2. Plan your trip well
Travelling solo does require detailed planning; from the point of departure to your accommodation and places you wish to visit at the destination. While you might feel adventurous and not book any accommodation until you reach the venue, it is a risky thing to do especially if you arrive at weird hours or during peak season. You might run the risk of either paying a very high price for accommodation or find out that none is available in the said location. A scary thought especially when in a foreign land! At the very minimum, get a room for at least the first night. Have a checklist if it helps.
3. Pack light
A very hard thing to do but packing light helps you move easily. Bring just one luggage, and pack according to the season and the nature of your trip. Also, pack a few necessities as it might get quite costly at the destination, or you might not find your particular brand there.
4. Keep your travel plans to yourself
Don’t tell strangers where you stay or where you plan to visit, or that you are travelling alone. Always say that you’re travelling with someone or a few friends.
5. Keep your belongings safe
Safeguard your belongings, documents, cards and cash. Keep your passport and other documents secure. Bring copies of them out but keep the original in the safe box in the room (if it’s provided).
6. Don’t stay out too late
It is not advisable to go out or stay out too late at night. If you do, go to public places, don’t go too far away from where you stay, and be mindful of available taxi hours. If you plan to drink, don’t get too drunk as you risk getting yourself in danger of theft or worse still, waking up in a strange place!
7. Make friends with the locals
The best travel experience is to get to know the locals, their culture, language and everything else. You get to discover many things that you otherwise may not if you go the normal route. The experience will enrich you tremendously in many ways.
8. Let your family know your whereabouts
Inform your friends and family back home of your whereabouts. Do not leave them in a lurch, especially if you are travelling for a long period of time, and especially more so if you are travelling to a destination less developed than where you are from. The place may not have good communication access.
9. Your mobile is your best companion
When travelling solo, you will rely on your mobile device for navigation and information. Make sure it’s in good working condition and fully charged when you are on the road. Get the local prepaid card with unlimited data plan to save cost.
10. Stay alert
Always stay alert to your surroundings and know where are the nearest places to get assistance. Keep the emergency call number, embassy and hotel contact where you can easily access it.
Finally, keep an open mind when travelling solo and keep healthy. Now that you have decided to go on this trip alone, enjoy the experience and make great memories!