Many people initially think it’s best to travel with others. In that situation, there are always individuals to share the memories with and get perspectives on a destination and its offerings. However, sometimes, the only available option is to go on a trip alone. Instead of feeling overwhelmed about that possibility and wondering if you should stay home instead, engage in some proactive strategies to feel more excited and prepared before and while you travel by yourself.
Get Advice From Travel Experts
When you go visit a new place, it’s common to return home full of wisdom that would have been great to know before departing. The good news is that you don’t have to feel clueless about what to expect on an upcoming solo trip. Get started by telling friends and family members that you plan to travel alone soon. If they’ve ever been in your situation or went to the destination you chose, they’ll almost certainly have valuable details to share.
Additionally, the beauty of the internet allows getting your fill of expert travel perspectives with just a few clicks. For example, Patrick James of TRICO Group is a lifelong travel enthusiast who sees the world as often as possible while traveling for work and pleasure. His blog features actionable travel hacks that you can apply during a solo journey or any other time when you’re away from home and want some reliable guidance.
Consider using a physical or digitized note-taking system to jot down suggestions you come across while doing research for your excursion. You could even segment stuff into categories, turning the content into a collective quick-reference resource.
Remain Open To Meeting New People
If you haven’t yet finalized accommodation plans, booking a hostel stay could be an excellent way to meet people. Many of the people who typically prefer hostel environments plan trips that keep them away from home for months or more. The economical hostel prices are especially attractive to individuals who want to stretch their budgets as much as possible while on long-term journeys. When you come across a fellow solo traveler who has been adventuring for three months already, you’ll feel more empowered.
A hostel is not the only way to create new friendships, however. The key is to look for great opportunities. If someone compliments you on your book as you enjoy some downtime in a coffee shop, use their comment as a jumping-off point for a friendly conversation. Maybe you’ll join a walking tour and find yourself strolling next to someone who shares your love of modern art. Could you capitalize on that joint interest by planning to meet at a gallery the next day?
A fantastic way to improve your chances of meeting others is to avoid staring at a smartphone screen. It’s understandable to refer to it occasionally to get directions or translation help. However, if you try to stay too connected to what’s happening with friends back home while letting the present moment pass you by, it’s harder to create fruitful relationships.
Learn and Practice Safety Tips
Traveling alone becomes a much more manageable prospect if you feel well-equipped to stay safe. Doing that starts by trusting your gut and knowing your limits. If you become uneasy as a guy you just met in a bar puts on the pressure to “let loose and have one more drink,” it might be the right time to excuse yourself from the situation. That’s especially true if he keeps pestering you despite hearing repeated protests and requests to be left alone.
No matter where and for how long you travel, basic safety precautions can help avoid dangerous situations. For example, stay in well-lit, populated areas at night. Walk confidently and take care when choosing someone to ask for help. It’s much better to go into a business to get assistance from a worker than approach a random person on the street. If you don’t speak the country’s language, learn the fundamental phrases that tell others you need urgent help.
Plan multiple ways to stash your valuables, too. Travel retailers sell pouches that attach to a belt and let you keep money or a passport under your clothes. A low-cost alternative is to keep most of your money in your shoe, then go to the restroom to take more out as needed. When you leave your accommodation to go out, try to carry as light a load as possible. Other valuables could stay in the hotel or hostel’s safe.
Besides putting these tips into practice, try your best to have an attitude that lets you go with the flow. There will inevitably be things that don’t go as expected as you plan and participate in your solo trip. Those instances usually happen despite the best planning efforts. They do not mean you’ve failed or should give up the idea of ever traveling alone again. When you can learn to embrace the unpredictability and learn from it, you’ll feel more upbeat about solo globetrotting.
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