solo travel tips
Travelling alone can be one of the most rewarding and self-fulfilling things you can do. Don´t be afraid of it, embrace it. Here are some tips for travelling solo.
Take day tours
When taking day trips with companies you are usually joined by other fellow travellers on the tour. This enables you to meet and connect with new people. It can also be nice to have everything already planned and sorted out for you. Travelling alone brings a lot of responsibility and planning and a tour enables you to relax and fully enjoy the experience. Of course there are disadvantages like not being able to make unplanned stops or going off the beaten track. However the majority of the excursions I have been on have been amazing. There is always the possibility to book excursions at the destination, but usually I tend to book them beforehand just to make my trip planning easier. Some companies I use to book excursions are: Viator and Getyourguide.
Avoid alcohol
Avoiding alcohol and staying with your fullest senses is definitely to recommend when you are travelling solo. Getting drunk and not knowing where you are or what you´re doing can be really dangerous. As you are travelling solo this makes you an even bigger victim. I have heard many stories of people who have had their drinks spiked and ended up in weird places and been victims to horrible things. Of course you can enjoy a night out, just be aware of your surroundings. Make a plan on how you will be getting back to your accommodation and know that you can have fun without alcohol.
Look out for solo-friendly accommodation
Accommodation when travelling solo is definitely determined by personal preference. Some people love staying in hostels as this enable them to connect and meet other people in the same situation. I myself have stayed in hostels and had great experiences. But sometimes it can also be nice to have your own space and not have to share a bathroom and sleeping area with 10 other people. Choice of accommodation also depends on where you are going. In Europe ,where it is quite expensive, it is significantly cheaper staying in hostels. However in Asia prices as much lower which enables you to have your own room in a guest house or hotel. Many times in Asia I have found that hostels can be more expensive than hotels. Another thing to look out for when booking is if the place is liked by solo travellers, many sights like booking.com state in their description if solo travellers enjoyed their stay or not.
Pack light
As you are travelling on your own you will not have anybody to help you carry your luggage or take something that won´t fit in your suitcase. Travelling from place to place with luggage that is too heavy makes the trip even more challenging. That´s why I would recomend to pack as smart as possible, i.e: light, compact and well organized.
Enjoy your own company
Many people have a fear of being alone, especially when travelling. Know that eating alone is nothing strange and it can be really enjoyable. Travelling alone enables you to do exactly what you want to do and the only one you have to take into consideration is yourself. Do not freak out while you are alone, instead start enjoying your own company. Make it a time of self reflection and really getting caught up in your own thoughts.
Be open
Nobody wants to approach a closed book. Be open to connecting with new people and having new experiences. It can be challenging but know that this will make your travels much more enjoyable and filled with new memories that will last a lifetime. Connecting with people around the world and hearing their stories makes you grow as an individual and who knows you might find a lifelong friendship.
Be aware of safety
Travelling solo makes you an even bigger victim of crime. This goes for being exposed to scams, robbery, harassment, kidnapping and the list goes on. Always be aware of your surroundings, do not look like you are lost and read up on common scams at your destinations. When you are well planned and have done your research you can definitely be more relaxed and enjoy your travels.