Are you thinking of travelling alone but find it rather scary or even worrisome to go on holiday alone in an unknown country? Does this make you not even want to think about travelling solo? Almost everyone who’s had the experience, recommends at least giving it a try. Travelling solo is like nothing else out there, especially if it’s your first time.
Here are our top tips worth considering if solo travel sounds like your next adventure.
Choose your destination wisely
Often the hardest part of a solo adventure is actually deciding on where to go. Are you comfortable with local customs, traditions, religion and more glaring things such as local transport and food options? It can already make a massive difference if you speak the local language, so you at least don’t have to worry about communication. All these points will make you feel more at ease and safe on your journey.
Try a short holiday first
If travelling alone sounds daunting, it’s probably best to not leave home at once for months. Instead, give yourself a test run and head out for a weekend or a short holiday first. If you pass the test, then plan for a longer adventure.
Pack light
Remember you’re on your own, so obviously you’ll have to carry everything by yourself! Make sure you put everything in a single suitcase or backpack and avoid carrying multiple suitcases or trolleys. You won’t immediately trust strangers to look after your valuables, either, so you will always have to keep an eye on your own things.
Besides, it’s best to leave expensive laptops or tablets at home if you won’t be needing them. Instead, carry along a notepad so you can keep a travel diary or bring a travel guide to keep you busy.
Take enough money with you
Many people say you can take part-time jobs while you’re abroad to make some (extra) money. While this is true, it’s not necessarily the best route to go. Remember you’ll be on your own, so you simply cannot fall back on someone else if you happen to run out of money. Especially if it’s the first time, worry not and make sure you have enough money for your entire journey.
Plan your rest days
A common mistake is to overdo your agenda and get going as soon as you reach your destination. But, it’s important to make sure you plan for enough rest days on your journey. Especially after a flight or long bus trip, take it easy on the first day, giving your body an opportunity to acclimatise to any altitude changes or time difference.
Back up important documents
Nowadays it’s pretty easy to take a screenshot of your important documents so you don’t have to carry them around all the time while you’re on the road. Take it a step further and save them in a cloud service or email them to yourself! In case you need any of your data, you can access your cloud or inbox without depending on your phone, which could have gotten lost, stolen or may simply have run out of battery.
Solo travel doesn’t mean lonely
People are often worried about being lonely if they travel solo. This definitely is a huge misconception. While standard advice is to stay at hostels and sleep in shared dorms, it really depends on you how much time is spent on your own. Going out eat, having a drink at a local bar, chatting with other travellers at a landmark; they’re all opportunities for you to make contact with other people. If you’re still having trouble, book yourself a group tour to get in touch with others.
Ready to go? Check out our website and find an incredible solo adventure that’s right for you.
