Tips for Travelling Solo
Traveling Solo by Jen Ruiz on Amazon (kindle or paperback)
Travelling alone is exciting, it will give you experience and memories to talk about forever. But before you plan on trotting around the globe by yourself take a little to plan before you hit the road with these tips for travelling solo. This way your travels will be will be full of memorable moments instead of avoidable disasters.
Here are several tips for travelling solo and how you can make your trip an experience to enjoy and remember.
Take More Money Than You Budget
You may have gathered all the budget-friendly travel tips available, but there may always be a need for more money than you have.
The last thing you want is to be stuck in an unfamiliar place, without the necessary money to purchase what you need. When you are traveling solo, it is especially important to plan ahead and allow for extra money solely designated an emergencies.
And, there are times when an extra special event that you didn’t plan for presents itself, but yet too good to miss.
Plan Ahead, and Prepare for Emergencies
This is a time for fun and to enjoy experiences. But it not the time to throw caution to the wind. When you are travelling alone, think of every single detail. Before you leave on your vacation, brainstorm about all the things that could go wrong.
Talk with your friends who have been on a solo trip, and ask them to help you think of anything you may have missed in the planning. Be thorough in your thought process. Hope for the best, but prepare yourself for the any possible outcome.
Take Time to Get Social
Just because you’re travelling alone doesn’t mean that you need to be by yourself every moment. Doing social activities is equally important so you can expand your experiences. So, whether it’s taking a day trip to a tequila distillery, a boating trip to a sanctuary or taking a local art class then consider embracing this social time as part of being a traveler.
What better way to meet like minded people who may be travelling solo too. Let’s face it even if we enjoy our own company we are social creatures. So take the time to meet others and learn from the locals.
Arrive Before Dark
This is an important tip for travelling solo, especially when you are truly travelling without an organized group. Arrive before dark will help you to get your bearings help you to settle in easier. And of course everything looks better in the light. This way if you’re not happy with your accommodation, you then have time to make any changes before dark. I learned this the hard way in Mexico. In that case I opted to stay until morning as going some place new in daylight helps.
Be Proactive
If you’re not sure of what to do or what you need, then ask for help. Standing around looking lost will not get you where you want to go ,and it may get you noticed by the wrong people. So stand tall, walk like you mean it and ask for information. One benefit of traveling solo is that find your courage and you’ll build your confidence quickly.
Avoid Dressing Like a Tourist
You probably know that packing light is a top tip for travelling solo. But what about the type of clothes? It’s best to dress in a style best suited for the occasion with accents that are low key. Flashy jewelry and expensive cameras are a dead giveaway that you are new to travelling.
Get Your Bearings
One of my tips for travelling solo is to get my bearings as soon as possible when I reach my destination. That way I don’t feel like I a complete newbie solo traveler for long.
Since I’m not the best map reader (which it helps if you can) I book a local tourist type trip. That way I get a sense of direction using major landmarks like Stanley Park in Vancouver, the malecon in Puerto Vallarta or Big Ben in London. This will help you explore safely as you confidently discover your surroundings.
Eating at the bar or in a restaurant with share tables can be a great way to mix with locals and gather some information about the are you are visiting. Enjoy the company but as is advised anywhere — keep an eye on your drink and don’t over indulge.
Be Patient When You Travel Alone
It can be difficult arriving in a new city alone. Beside a little jet lag new its normal to feel a little overwhelmed. So be patient and take your time as you settle into your new environment.
Have a Designated Emergency Contact
Traveling solo means that there is no one with you in case of an emergency. It is wise to have a designated emergency contact such as a friend or family member at home with who you contact regularly. A regular time daily is a good way to give daily updates and locations. That way if you fail to check in they’ll sound the alarm if a pre arranged time goes by without hearing from you.
Take Risks… Calculated of Course
Now that you are a traveler, this is the time to explore and partake in all the activities you have dreamed of. Try things like zip lining, scuba diving and learning the tango if that is your desire. Check items off your bucket list and in that sense, throw caution to the wind.
Don’t cross the line into recklessness, though. Be safe about who you meet and give personal information to. Don’t become intoxicated, and don’t wander around alone at night. Be courageous, but safe.
Trust Your Intuition
Perhaps you are the type of individual who is friendly and doesn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. If so, don’t forget to keep your own interests at top priority. If someone gives you the creeps, don’t be afraid to walk away, or even report the individual to someone who can help you if needed.
Documents and Contacts
Besides important documents such as your passport it’s a good idea to gather the contact information of the embassy closest to your destination. In the event of stolen identity or other emergencies you can contact the embassy for assistance.
Wrapping Up Tips for Travelling Solo
Your solo trip will be one of the most amazing times of your life. It’s life changing! To make your adventures the best they can be then take the time to prepare well.
Follow the tips listed and above all, have fun.
With the right planning and thought going into it, this trip is sure to make up some of the fondest memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.