When we think about visiting new countries, we immediately pick up the phone to plan an escape with our best friend or favorite sibling. Have you ever considered going solo?
Traveling alone might be the scariest but the bravest thing you have on your bucket list. If you’ve talked to someone who has traveled alone before, then you may have heard them describe the experience as one of the best in their lives. They may have also told you that they were finally able to learn more about themselves during their solo trip.
What makes traveling by yourself so appealing is the fact that you are in charge of your adventure and nothing has to be put past a traveling buddy for permission. You might be worried about safety issues or afraid to experience something new on your own. Afterall, we all have insecurities and most often one of them is being afraid of being alone.
Taking the opportunity to plan a solo trip, however, might actually push you to become more independent and teach you more about yourself. You will be pleasantly surprised by how much you grow and change (for the better) during your journey and even pick up some new skills along the way.
Tips and Advice for Your Next Solo Adventure
Your next trip cannot come any sooner and all you can think of is the food you will eat and the fun you will have. Before you leave, here are a few tips on a successful solo trip:
1. Do Thorough Research
Make sure you research your destination from your place of stay to your activities. Since this is your first solo trip, it is important to choose a place that has positive reviews and is safe for individuals traveling by themselves.
There are tons of blogs and resources out there that give you all the information you need to pick a fun, yet safe destination. Ask your network of family and friends about their vacations and experiences to help you further understand the place you want to visit.
2. Travel Insurance
Do not leave home without travel insurance. Even if you have the strongest immune system or never slip and fall, you still need travel insurance. When visiting a new place, you are exposed to a new climate, new food, and maybe even new insects.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Travel insurance doesn’t have to be expensive and it will be the best, pre-trip purchase you make, after your ticket of course.
3. Take Lots of Photos and Videos
You want to remember this trip forever, and thanks to smartphones, you can. Even though you might not look at them now, these photos will be an important way to remember your experience down the road.
Having fun photos of the new place you visited will also be a conversation starter and make your friends want to go on a life-changing trip themselves.
4. Learn a Few Helpful Words in the Local Language
If you choose a place with a different language, it is important to know a few words that could help you get by in case you are stuck in a place where no one speaks English. Not only will you impress the locals, you will also sharpen your skillset with a new language.
5. Be Open to Everything Different
As long as you are not allergic, try the destination’s cuisine even if you think it looks and smells different. Opening up to different foods will enlighten your taste buds and you might even find that you like the exotic cuisine.
Besides food, try out all the fun activities your place has to offer. If you are at a dinner and asked to join in their traditional dance, step out of your comfort zone and go for it!
6. Stay Safe
Make sure to keep your family and friends in the loop with any location changes and updates to your plans. Keep an emergency contact handy and stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
It is inevitable that you will make new friends and get to know other vacationers along the way. While it is okay that you engage with your new friends, make sure to maintain a sense of awareness and common sense at all times.
Don’t trust people you don’t know well. At the end of the day, these people are strangers and you don’t want to be put in a compromising situation during your trip.
Stay Safe and Have Fun
Keep these tips in mind and plan a solo trip as your next adventure. Not only will you benefit from a little getaway, but you will have the unique opportunity to get to know youself a little better.
References:
J. (2016, September 12). Travel Alone and Love it: 50 Tips (Revised and Updated). Retrieved April 09, 2018, from https://solotravelerworld.com/travel-alone-tips/
Top tips for surviving solo travel | Travel Feature. (n.d.). Retrieved April 09, 2018, from https://www.roughguides.com/article/ten-tips-for-surviving-solo-travel/
