Solo Travel Tips

Traveling solo is something I feel everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. Granted, it won’t be for one and all, and it does take a certain amount of courage to push yourself out of your comfort zone, however the benefits and rewards are freeing. Personally, I’ve travelled solo for years and I love it. You can do what you want, when you want, and only have yourself to answer too.

As a result of this, in this blog I’ll be sharing a number of Solo Travel Tips that I’ve gathered through many years experience of traveling alone. If you’re still on the fence about traveling solo, I’ve previously wrote a blog regarding Solo vs Group Travel, which you can read here.

You’re Never Alone/Be Aware

The first tip about solo travel is that really, you’re never alone, and this can work both ways. When traveling, one of the great positives is that you always meet new people from all around the world, and therefore make new friends. Unless of course you choose to be alone, you’ll always be enjoying life with others around you at all times.

However on the flip side of this, it’s always important to be aware of someone and their true intentions. That’s not to say everyone who approaches you will have a hidden agenda, far from it, however be aware of what their true intentions really are. A relatable experience and an example of this for many travellers will be when someone suddenly tries to befriend you. Often when this happens out of the blue, it’s too good to be true.

At first what might seem like a friendly chat, can soon turn into them wanting you to do something for them, whether it be to visit their shop or restaurant, give them money, or even them trying to forcefully give you something for money in return. Unfortunately in some parts of the world this does happen a lot, however you’ve just got to be strong and say no thank you and move on, no matter how agitated or angry they get.

Keep in Contact

Next up, I always feel it’s important to stay in touch with family and friends back home, if anything just for peace of mind. Keep them updated on your plans and location, letting them know you’re safe and sound. Personally, either myself or one of my parents will check-in if communication has gone quiet either way.

Flexible Schedule

I’ve always been an avid fan of keeping a flexible schedule. Of course you will have some plans, however the last thing you want to be doing is tying yourself down to a fixed schedule completely, because where’s the fun and freedom in that?

Plans change, so does the weather, and also your daily thoughts and choices, I’ve always found it best to wake up in the morning and go from there, it’s more exciting that way. Furthermore, for example if you meet new friends, keeping things flexible means you can change your plans on the fly to keep exploring together.

Essential Bag

When on the road, I’ve always found it handy to have a bag of some sorts to keep and store all your essentials. This will look different and vary for many, however the overall outline is the bag will contain your valuables and most critical essential items.

Not only does it make everything easier to carry and therefore travel with, by doing this, your wallet/purse, passport, tech gear etc. will all be in one place if a situation arises. For example, if you suddenly have to up and leave somewhere in an hurry, then all you have to do is grab your bag and go. By being prepared, this saves you valuable time in the process.

Translation App

A simple and easy tip, it’s always handy to have a translation app downloaded on your phone ready to use in a foreign world. Alongside this, consider learning even a few basic words of the language spoken in the region you’re visiting, even those will go a long way, and the locals will appreciate it. If there’s one thing I regret not doing over the years, it’s not learning a new language.

Downloaded Maps

Another useful app to have readily downloaded before you set off on your travels is some sort of Maps. Whether it be Apple Maps, Google Maps or a local provider, it’s always useful to have some kind of location software at hand for you to fall back on in the case of wondering into the unknown and getting lost.

Self-Reflection

Lastly, and not so much a tip but something to consider, throughout life it’s important that we take a step back and reflect on ourselves about how we really feel. Self-reflection allows us to assess ourselves, the rights and wrongs in our lives, the ups and the downs. No ones life is perfect, we all have our strengths and weaknesses, our good and bad days. I have previously written a blog that identifies how to utilise and do this whilst you take a break from your daily life routine when going on holiday or to travel, named Self-Reflection Through Travel which can be read here.