Do you dream of traveling alone? But wouldn’t you want a reality check on the same? Many people have asked my thoughts and feelings on traveling alone. Well, one ought not to expect solo travels to be easy, neither are they as hard as some make them up to be. If you are a young mind in whom the dreams of solo travel hatch, the following travel tips I have jotted down might be able to help you.
The list below is in no particular order of importance and hopefully, this helps you kick-start your journey.
1. Determine Your Sole Purpose in Traveling Solo
Ask yourself why do you want to go solo? What do you want to achieve at the end of your trip? Are you just doing it for the hype? Or because there is no one interested to go with you? Do it because you want to not forced to. This is really important because once you take that flight out, or bus/van/boat whatever….there is really no turning back and you have got to deal with it.
2. Take Care of Yourself
Yes, remember there is no one going around to spoon feed you! Not your mom nor your boyfriend. Go out and get some real proper food. Hydrate yourself, you don’t want to be passing out in the middle of nowhere. If you are under medication, make sure you have extra supplies with you and eat them on time. Keep your stuff close to you. Not across the dinner table and not in someone else’s hands. You are responsible for your own self and belongings. Get your shit together; it will save you from crying at the police station because of your missing passport.
3. Just Say YES Wisely
To everything and everyone. I know, I know. Many would advise you to say NO. Trust me on this one, you don’t want to regret not hanging out with your new found travel mates for a night do you? This is the best time to socialize and not make your solo trip super mundane. The next morning conversation will either be filled with how great the night went or how much you have missed it, you choose wisely. Of course, do practice caution in your choices……i am not advising you to go full on YES this and that.
4. Plan But Go with the flow
Those travelers that go out there and say,”What?! You are planning your travels?” Dude, of course you have to. The bare minimum is doing more of a rough guide to a certain destination and you will figure out the rest from there. Not extensively and into details, at least for me. And sometimes your plan doesn’t work out because God have better plans. There’s no better phrase to use, right? In this case, live in the moment. This is part and parcel of life. Things can happen anytime, anywhere, and you just have to hope for the best.
5. Be Positive and Enjoy the Moment
Smile, you are in a foreign land. The least you could do is make someone’s day. When you are traveling solo you will realise how much kindness you are receiving and unconsciously giving too. When you are positive you can spread the good vibes to people. What’s the use of going there to sulk and complain about stuff that is not to your liking? Why are you even traveling in the first place? Positive thoughts generate positive feelings & attract positive life experiences.
6. Be Open Go out and Talk to People
Open your mouth, you are not going to stay silent for the rest of your days/weeks in the beaches of Thailand/Bahamas right? Go out, talk to people. Talk to strangers, to locals and other travelers. You will learn a lot of new things from them and this will definitely widen your knowledge and perspective of people.
7. Update Your Locations
If you are not comfortable showing of your travel life through social media and telling us where you are, at least tell your families and close ones. Someone needs to be updated on your location especially if you are a female (no matter how gung-ho you are). In case of any emergency, they will be able to know your last location on earth.
8. Stay in Hostels
Staying in a hostel lets you meet people and interact with them. You will not feel lonely and surely someone will ask you out to join in their adventure for a day. Personally, I like to choose hostels that looks cozy and homely. There is just something about it that makes me feel safe and also warm and fuzzy on the inside. Most hostels can arrange day trips, transportation and laundry for you. Plus, they are light to the wallet.
9. Be Confident, Act Confident
If you are not confident, you have to fake it to make it. When you look confident, people will think that you know what you are talking about. This will minimize the chances of you being scammed. Don’t stammer, don’t speak too low and don’t make that “I’m confused/lost/where-the-heck am I face” because that will make you a victim of unpleasantry things.
10. Blend into Your Surroundings
This is the most logical thing that you should do when traveling in a foreign country alone. For example, if you are heading to a 3rd world country, please dress down and refrain from flashing your valuables unless of course, you would like to be a victim of snatch thieves.
Remember that solo traveling is a personal thing. Don’t do it for the hype because solo traveling is a serious commitment. However, you can have much more meaningful experiences in the country that you are traveling in. It can be a great relationship so nurture yourself well. Safe Travels!
