IS IT WEIRD TO TRAVEL ALONE?
Before I begin discussing the tips for solo travel, I would like to address a question that I often receive.
I don’t think it is strange to travel alone at all. Once you become accustomed to it, you won’t feel odd about doing so.
Initially, my decision to begin traveling alone stemmed from my frustration of waiting for companions to join me. Due to multiple instances of canceled trips and unrealized plans, I ultimately took control of the situation and embarked on solo travels.
What’s the best part?
Solo travel not only eliminates the need to rely on others but also grants complete autonomy over the trip schedule, eliminating any necessity for negotiation.
Now that we have completed the brief motivational talk about solo travel, let’s proceed to the tips.
Know your strengths
The anxieties experienced before solo travel will naturally vary based on personal preferences and characteristics. For instance, one’s willingness to step outside of their comfort zone versus their fear of doing so determines how they perceive these anxieties. Additionally, individuals who enjoy being sociable and involved in all activities may feel overwhelmed without the ability to communicate, hence they should select a destination where they can speak the language.
If you prefer to travel alone and are more of an introverted person, don’t worry about the language barrier. Cities that are lively and have a strong café culture are excellent for observing people, making them ideal for you.
Do your homework
Definitely one of our top tips of surviving solo travel. Take time to consider what you want from your trip, and where you’re most likely to get it. For inspiration, and to help you focus on what you want, and how to get it, read our
gallery guide to the best 20 places to travel alone.
Engaging in multiple sexual encounters with different partners.
Try a homestay or look for room rentals in an apartment – this gives you an automatic connection with residents when you’re travelling alone. As a solo traveller, you’ll have lots of options to choose from. Even if your landlord doesn’t take you out on the town, you’ll at least scoop up a few local tips. Hostels are ready-made for solo travellers too but bear in mind you might wind up spending more time with other tourists than with locals.
Embrace yourself
This came up time and time again as one of our writers’ top solo travel tips – being alone for long periods of time can be daunting, but just roll with it. You might learn to love your own company along the way.
Just say no
Sometimes, especially in more hospitable and foreigner-fascinated cultures, the attention you get travelling solo can be a little intense. Learn how to say “no, thank you” in the local language, as well as “absolutely not” – plus the local nonverbal gesture for “no”, which is often more effective than both.
Make sure to have local help numbers, like the tourist police, saved on your phone. Even though you may never use them, having them readily available can boost your confidence when facing uncomfortable situations, regardless of whether you’re embarking on a solo trip in South America, backpacking through Australia, or taking a road trip across Europe.
Take photos
By making photography a mission, even capturing peculiar small details you observe about a location, you can establish a sense of organization in your daily routine. Additionally, your friends from home will value your unique viewpoint and the narratives encapsulated in the photographs. Furthermore, it serves as an excellent means of recollecting your solo travel escapade and commemorating your accomplishments.
Eat big
When considering dining out as a solo traveler, you might initially feel apprehensive and inclined to rely on fast food to avoid any uncomfortable encounters. However, it is important to overcome this fear. High-end restaurants are actually wonderful choices for solo diners. The waitstaff is more than willing to assist those dining alone who express their enthusiasm, saying something along the lines of, “I specifically came here for this meal. Can you suggest any dishes?” While some people may prefer to sit at the bar to engage in social interactions, there is absolutely no shame in choosing a regular table for two.
Revel in it
Even if you feel lonely, remember to appreciate the various benefits of traveling alone. These advantages can be as small as indulging in extra guacamole with your chips or constantly changing your plans without concern for inconveniencing anyone else. However, the main advantage of solo travel is the immense freedom it offers. You have the opportunity to design your trip exactly as you desire, and even if you’re unsure about your preferences, you’ll undoubtedly have a fantastic experience discovering them.
MORE ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR TRAVELING SOLO FOR THE FIRST TIMER
To help you smoothly transition into your solo travel journey, make sure to reserve your accommodation for the first night or the initial few nights.
Are you someone who tends to feel anxious? If you plan out your itinerary and ensure that everything is booked, this can alleviate the anxiety.
However, it is important to acknowledge that you may consider altering your plans as you interact with other travelers and gain knowledge about different cities during your journey. This is the reason why I personally opt for traveling without prior arrangements.
Traveling alone does not necessarily imply being completely isolated. In reality, it is highly likely to encounter and connect with other individuals while traveling solo, especially since being alone makes you more accessible to others. To illustrate, when discussing the experience of Black women traveling alone, my acquaintance Efia pointed out that she had already made a companion within the first 10 minutes of her initial solo journey.
Consider investing in Clever Travel Companion pickpocket-proof clothing, which includes hidden pockets for concealing your valuable items, thereby eliminating the necessity of carrying a purse.
Always have the card of your accommodation’s address on you at all times. This will simplify the process of taking a taxi and returning to your place, particularly when you find yourself in an undesirable situation.
After giving yourself a day or two to adjust to your new surroundings, it is important to avoid excessive planning and allow yourself to acclimate.
It is advisable to have a safety whistle with you. This not only serves as a means to startle potential wrongdoers but also helps in deterring wild animals, alerting others if you are trapped, and drawing attention to your situation whenever necessary. Personally, I frequently wear one around my neck, particularly during hikes, and keep it hidden by tucking it into my shirt.
One way to connect with locals and experience the local culture is by participating in the sharing economy. A few platforms that I personally recommend are BonAppetour and EatWith, which provide the opportunity to dine with locals, Skillshare, where you can take classes with locals, and Airbnb, which allows you to stay with locals.
