Top Tips for Solo Travelers
Solo travel can be incredibly liberating! Nothing beats the sensation of stepping onto a plane and realising the world is at your feet. If you’ve been alone for a while or want to get away from it all, travelling alone can be rewarding. Taking the first step is not easy and it can be intimidating; however, we have just the right tips on how to make travelling alone easier, safer, and an amazing wonderful experience.
Many people postpone their solo trips due to safety concerns. We know that there are some risks involved in travelling, but they are minimal, and as long as you study about where you will travel, you will be secure. Not only that, but as a solo traveller, you can blend in with the crowd easily with some research. Here are a few important safety reminders:
Stay Safe
- Don’t move through dark streets, especially at night.
- Arrive during the day to avoid getting into a foreign location in the dark.
- While moving at night, reserve a taxi or go by the metro to your destination.
- Keep a photocopy of your identification papers separate from the originals.
- Inform someone of your whereabouts and keep them up to date while you are away.
Read the Reviews
Travelling alone may make you feel more vulnerable in an unfamiliar environment. Research well before booking a place to stay, and make sure you book a hotel or Airbnb property with many positive reviews. Reviews will help you know the facilities, the neighbourhood, and the room types. Additional info you can gather from reviews is staff availability, how they communicate, cleanliness, etc.
Eating Tips
Food is a main concern when travelling alone. Everyone needs to eat, and no one will judge you for doing so, however, people who don’t feel comfortable sitting in a table alone. If you are one of these people, Here are few things you can do:
- Many restaurants have communal tables, which are ideal if you are dining alone.
- You can also sit on a booth or you can dine at a bar.
- Use the restaurants Wi-Fi to chat while eating.
- Check street food as that is one option where no eyes will ever notice you.
- Read a book while eating.
- Try and befriend a native.
Download useful Apps on Your Phone
If you are technologically savvy, downloading travel apps to your phone or tablet can be a lifesaver when travelling alone, especially when you need to communicate. Do you face difficulty expressing your desire for the chicken to the waiter? Use a translator app like Google Translate. There are even apps that translate spoken speech ans some are free. You can also GPS apps like Here Maps to locate your destination. Not only that, but some apps will provide you with a travel guide for your location.
Stay in a Place Where it Offers Free Wi-Fi.
Depending on the time of year, it may get dark early, so you may not want to spend as much time outside exploring as you would on a summer evening. If you know you will be in your hotel for a couple of hours, book a room with free Wi-Fi. You can use then your room to video call your family and friends and tell them about your day.
Enjoy Your Time Alone
Last, but certainly not least, have fun! Solo travelling is all about self-exploration, meditation and independence. Take sometime to know yourself just a bit more. Explore the area, use a the GPS to find the best things to do while you’re there, and make some reservations if necessary to ensure you have time for everything. Consider taking a guided tour. Some holidays can be planned from start to finish, allowing you to sit back, relax, and enjoy your vacation.
