You have arrived. Traveling alone has become easier than ever before (and this includes female solo travelers as well). You are thrilled. You are prepared for what could potentially be the most remarkable adventure of your life.
You have successfully accomplished the task. You have managed to condense your entire life into the luggage you are carrying. Carrying the weight of your life, along with your passport, you proceed through customs. Just like that, you are embarking on a journey. You are almost at your destination.
You still have to wait a little longer before you can board the plane, that’s what I mean by “almost”. However, you are still very close, aren’t you?
Everything seems flawless until the moment you require a moment in nature, commonly referred to as a toilet break.
Solo Travel Isn’t A Full-Time Solo Experience
With hostels and bus rides, you constantly find yourself in the company of others. It is your choice whether you prefer socializing or having some personal time. What remains unchanged is that the entirety of the experience relies on your decisions and choices.
It’s Really Not About Being Brave
The distinction between having a dream and taking action is quite straightforward. How many individuals harbor secret aspirations for freedom? Many more than one could possibly fathom. However, the unfortunate truth is that it can be quite intimidating for a lot of people. Some individuals are not prepared to give up their comfort, job, or family, and this is completely understandable (or is it? -Oops). Personally, I enjoy stepping out of my comfort zone, which is why I am fond of traveling. I crave stimulation. When I am on the road, I am constantly bombarded with stimulation, and I find great pleasure in that. Conversely, when I fall into a routine, I inevitably find myself in the company of my friend Boredom-Ben, and I am often quite miserable. I simply require more in life. “This” alone is insufficient for my needs.
Slow Travel Isn’t Necessarily Expensive
During these two-year trips, I have been engaged in work, residence, and voluntary activities in foreign countries. To extend my time on the road, I have made numerous sacrifices, such as residing in a shared flat with 10 individuals or even staying in a dormitory. This lifestyle may not be luxurious, but it is also not unfavorable. Unless you seek a brief luxurious getaway, there is no necessity to spend all your money recklessly. It is increasingly simpler to find inexpensive flights. So, what other justifications will you come up with?
Traveling tips
Book your accommodation via ratings
I have checked into numerous hotels and noticed that they differ greatly from the pictures. To ensure a safer choice, I recommend checking the overall rating and the number of reviews. It’s important to reconsider if a hotel has a rating of 5 stars but only one person thinks so.
Make an effort to meet other travellers
When I first began to travel alone when I was twenty, I noticed that I was becoming increasingly introverted. However, as time went on, I found that talking to people became easier and more effortless. Soon enough, I noticed that new acquaintances were asking me the same set of questions: where I had come from, where I was headed next, and which places I had loved the most so far. These simple conversation starters often led to forming friendships, and before I knew it, my solo dinner for one turned into an enjoyable adventure with a new companion.
Start your day early
People often ask me how I am able to capture photos at famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower without any other tourists in the background. The answer is simple: I wake up early enough to catch the sunrise. Waking up at sunrise provides numerous advantages, including fewer crowds, shorter wait times, exquisite morning illumination, and the opportunity to experience a location in solitude.
Buy travel insurance
When I travel, one thing I absolutely insist on is purchasing travel insurance. Since there is no one to watch over me when I travel alone, I always choose to book travel insurance to ensure peace of mind in case any mishaps occur. This is especially important in situations such as flight delays or cancellations, as having travel insurance reduces stress by guaranteeing that I won’t be responsible for paying the expenses.
Pack Light
One of the things I learned early in my travel career was the importance of packing a light suitcase or backpack and enjoying the benefits of carrying less weight up a flight of stairs. I have encountered numerous situations where I had to ascend over 100 stairs with my suitcase after getting off a subway, which taught me that it is consistently preferable to pack fewer items.
Travel alone but not lonely
When I first started traveling, I quickly discovered how simple it is to make friends in foreign countries. We are fortunate to live in a time when social media and globalization allow us to connect with individuals who can show us around their city even before we reach our destination! By greeting locals with a smile, learning a few phrases in their language, and visiting local cafés, we can easily meet new people.
Visit Local coffee shops
When it comes to local coffee shops, they provide an excellent opportunity to encounter fascinating individuals or simply observe passersby. It is common for us to become consumed by sightseeing in a new city and neglect to pause and appreciate everything around us. These instances have frequently been when I’ve come up with my greatest ideas, forged connections with people I still maintain contact with, or simply reflected on my surroundings for personal rejuvenation.
Travel with a book
When you travel alone, you often have free time. This free time can occur when you’re in a line, waiting between courses at a restaurant, or during long bus rides. In my experience, it’s ideal to always have a book with you when you travel. Reading a book allows you to immerse yourself in the story and prevents you from feeling lonely because you’re accompanied by your favorite characters.
Stay sober if exploring at night
This is a personal travel rule that I have unconsciously implemented. Although I enjoy having a glass or two of wine during dinner, my priority is feeling safe. Therefore, I only consume alcohol if I have plans to walk around a city by myself at night, as I prefer to be alert and secure. Throughout the years, I have encountered several situations where I have been grateful for remaining sober, as it allowed me to quickly leave if necessary. There is nothing more unsettling than sensing that you are being followed or observed while walking alone, so it is important to remove yourself from any uncomfortable situation.
Catch public transport
Using a new public transport system may be intimidating at times, but it consistently remains the most economical and frequently preferable approach to exploring a city. Learning the local stops and utilizing the subway is the ultimate method to experience a city like a resident.
Pick your destination(s) wisely
It’s a fact that certain destinations are safer than others. I have previously discussed the safest destinations for solo travelers, and I still consider them to be some of my preferred places where I have traveled alone.
