Have you ever wanted to travel alone? Solo traveling means having the freedom to go anywhere at your own pace without having to worry about anyone else in the trip. It’s also a great opportunity to do some reflecting and overall improve the relationship you have with yourself. On the other hand, traveling alone can seem daunting at first. After all, you will have to do all of the planning, and you won’t have anyone but yourself to guide you throughout your trip.
They say that the best way to get over a fear is to take a deep breath in and risk it anyway. However, it doesn’t hurt to do some extra preparation. Here are a few things to keep in mind before and during your solo trip.
Blend in with the crowd.
Tourists are a common target for scammers, pickpockets, or other dangerous folk. Some businesses, such as restaurants or tourist shops, would mark their prices to be much higher than normal for tourists because of their inexperience with the area. Trying to blend in with the crowd is the best way to prevent this, especially if you’re going solo, as it prevents you from looking like an easy target.
First, do some research about your destination before going there. Clothing can make you stand out, so knowing the typical garb that locals wear can make all the difference. Also, limit yourself from bringing out any items that scream ‘tourist’ – cameras, maps, and fanny packs can be dead giveaways.
Share your location with loved ones.
It’s always smart to have someone watching over you, even if you’re traveling solo. Share your itinerary and your accommodations with a few trusted loved ones so that they know what you’re up to. This is for the sake of your safety. For example, if they see that you’re far away from the location you’re supposed to be in according to your itinerary, they’ll be able to check up on you.
Make the most out of your smartphone apps.
Technology has come a long way within the last decade, making solo travel much less daunting. Hundreds of apps for your smartphone are now available that can help you with your travels. For example, Google Maps or Waze are now the go-to apps for navigation, something you should certainly take advantage of. Google Translate can help with quick communication. There are also plenty of location sharing apps to keep your loved ones updated on your whereabouts.
Make an emergency plan.
It’s better to have an emergency plan you’ll never have to use than be stuck in an emergency unprepared. This is especially important when traveling alone, as you won’t have anyone nearby to fall back on.
Look for any hospitals or police stations around your accommodation so that you know where to go in case of an emergency. If you’re traveling to a foreign country, familiarize yourself with some emergency phrases in the local language so that you’ll be able to ask locals for help if necessary. Keep yourself prepared for a variety of situations, such as medical emergencies, crimes, or fires.
Mingle with the locals.
One of the best ways to learn about your destination is by talking to the locals. When you’re researching your destination, you might only find information on the most popular areas and tourist spots. These spots certainly have their place in your itinerary. However, talking to the locals and asking them about the area can help you gain a more authentic and eye-opening experience. Plus, you may just end up with a genuine connection with the people around you, making your trip even more memorable.