Traveling solo is a rewarding and life-changing experience. This gives you the chance to know more and discover a lot about yourself in a much deeper level. It’s also fun because you get to encounter and meet different people from other travelers to local residents. Aside from that, you get to do whatever and whenever you want. However, solo travel has its down side too such as safety concerns, loneliness and expenses become more than if you are traveling with a group.
So if you are already planning to go solo on your next vacation, then the following tips will really be helpful for you.
Safety
- Do your research beforehand in order to avoid unwanted surprises.
- Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact numbers, accommodation and travel agency if you have one with a friend/family member at home.
- Stay in touch regularly with friends and family back home and update them with your whereabouts through phone calls, instant messaging, email or sms.
- Carry identification at all times and in more than one place.
- Avoid looking like a tourist so do your research and plan your day well before heading out.
- Don’t draw attention to yourself and attract thieves by wearing flashy clothes or jewelry. Keep your valuables in your front pocket or safely hidden inside your bag.
- You don’t need to announce or reveal to social media or to strangers that you are traveling alone.
- If possible, limit going out at night if you are not with anyone.
- Always be mindful of your surroundings.
- Listen to your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, then don’t do or go for it.
Loneliness/Boredom
- Talk to the locals and learn more about their culture as well as get tips about favorite places to eat, shop and see.
- Go to touristy places to meet other travelers.
- Try meeting up with other solo travelers through social media.
- If possible, make sure that you have internet connection at all times in order to continue communicating with your loved ones at home.
- If you’re eating out, bring a good book or whip up your mobile phone to avoid feeling uneasy while eating alone.
- If you don’t want to endure another meal alone, order room service, food delivery or take-out and eat inside your room.
Single Supplements
- Book your trip with a travel agency that offer specific packages aimed for solo travelers.
- Travel during off-peak or shoulder season. Depending on your destination, it’s better to avoid the peak season in order to get better rates for single occupancy.
- Consider sharing with other single traveler of the same gender (if you are comfortable with that). There are a lot of accommodations that offer sharing or dormitory type rooms.
