Solo travel could be a personal mission or adventure, where you get to experience the fullness of the journey all by yourself and make your dreams come true. But this most times can be hindered by things like work and other factors, especially if it’s your first time. But not to worry. Today is your lucky day. All those problems can be solved if you have the right tips to get you through that special adventure.
Experience the world today in grand style with these ten (10) indispensable tips for solo travelers.
1. Plan!
Places to visit, your budget, accommodation; these are some of the essentials to note in advance before setting off on your journey. You may not need a detailed plan, but at least a plan that will help you for the first
day you get to your destination will do. If you need to save up for the travel, start now. Book a hotel before you leave to avoid hassles on your day of arrival. Travel light; you don’t want to be burdened
with luggage.
A major part of your planning should also be some intense research into the city you are going to. Learn some local tricks that could help you thrive better. Planning cannot be overemphasized and is undoubtedly an
essential tip for any solo traveler. So, don’t sleep on it, pull out the drawing board, and start planning.
2. Stay Safe
You don’t always want to be looking over your shoulders on your extraordinary adventure, so you want to stay safe. Your security is paramount, especially if you are in a foreign land and unfamiliar with the environment. It’s also worth noting that not everybody is there to help you, so you have to be careful who you trust. Don’t flash expensive jewelry to avoid crooks and thieves. Be discrete and stay low-key. Before going to any place, ask yourself, “Is it safe?” Plan your transportation wisely and keep your valuables safe. If you are the kind of person that drinks a lot, tone it down a little this time so you are not left vulnerable. Remember, safety first.
3. Get Familiar with the Local Language
There is this unexplainable magic that occurs when foreigners speak the local language to locals. Everything always seems to work out well for these foreigners. But really, it’s just a psychological impression that you give the locals that you are interested in their culture that creates this magic. You can use online localization resources like The Word Point to break the language barrier.
You don’t have to learn the language correctly or learn it all, all you need to know is just the basics like how to say “Good morning,” “Hello” and “Thank you.” Many have attested that understanding these basics have opened doors for them. So, if you want to maximize your fully probably once-in-a blue-moon adventure, then learn the basics of the local language.
4. Make Hay while the Sun Shines
First off, arrive at your destination during the day because your destination might be an unfamiliar city, and you don’t won’t be looking for your way around the city at night. Secondly, try to move into the town during the day and get all the significant events done before sunsets. The best time to enjoy yourself without any hassle is during the day. Although, this is not to say you can’t enjoy yourself in the evenings as already stated, stay safe. If you are going to stay out late at night, make sure you alert your hotel, be conscious of your environment, avoid dark alleys, and have the local police on speed dial.
5. Take Pictures
Be your own photographer! Thanks to technology, many phones are as good as cameras, and anyone can quickly get a smartphone. Take pictures of the beautiful sites and of course, take photos of yourselves. Don’t be too self-conscious because the truth is that many people are even too busy to notice you. So, capture those moments and create memories because how else will you show your friends that you are the great adventurer that you say you are?
6. It’s Solo Travel, not Lonely Travel
Mix up with the locals, meet other travelers. A simple smile could open up an unforgettable conversation that could go a long way in creating a memorable experience for you. Ask for advice and mingle with other travelers in hostels, and who knows? You might just make a lifelong friend. The irony of it all is that the best way to enjoy solo travel is with people.
7. Don’t Give Up
When the going gets tough, the tough get going. If anybody told you it would be easy, they lied because sometimes there might be challenges, but those challenges can become unforgettable experiences that you overcome. At the end of the day, those challenges only help boost your confidence and happiness. You learn so much about yourself and your ability. So, believe in yourself, and when the going gets tough, don’t give up.
8. Take Part in Tours
Tours are an excellent way to know the city better and enjoy its splendor, but they are also a great avenue to meet people who are on the same “mission” with you. If you have the money you could get a personal
tour guide that will move at your pace, enabling you to soak in the rich culture of the city. Alternatively, you could go for tours organized by locals that are usually cheaper, and perhaps you could use this opportunity to connect with the locals.
9. Connect via Social Media
Connect with your family and friends via social media to keep them posted about where you are and when. This is another safety measure that solo travelers need to consider. Although family and friends back home might not be able to do much from where they are, it is always good for them to be able to track you in case of an emergency. Additionally, friends that you meet on your travels might be handy in the future, and social media is a platform that can help you stay in touch.
10. Have Fun!
There is a tendency for people to forget to have fun because they are playing it safe, but safety shouldn’t stop your fun. Go out! Have fun! Solo travel gives you more freedom. Whereas, if you were traveling with your friends, you might have had to move at a pace not convenient for you. But now, as a solo traveler, if you like it fast, you go fast. If you want it slow, you go slow. Go to concerts. Drink! But don’t get drunk. Party! But don’t party too hard.
Conclusion
The first perception people have of solo travel is that it is scary. But this is because they don’t truly understand what it entails and have not equipped themselves with the right knowledge. The world is a fantastic place, with amazing sites and locations to be explored, and most times, the only way we can absorb the fullness of the world is when you travel on your own terms. So, get ready. Don’t let fear hold you down today. Equip yourself with these ten(10) indispensable tips for solo travelers and complete that impossible mission.
Frank Hamilton is a blogger and translator from Manchester. He is a professional writing expert in such topics as blogging, digital marketing and self-education. He also loves traveling and speaks Spanish, French, German and English.
Travel writer Frank Hamilton
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