Planning to do some solo travel in 2019? While it may sound scary at first, travelling on your own can be a liberating and rewarding experience.
If you’ve been wanting to take that leap of faith and travel solo, but are feeling a little anxious, don’t worry, you’re not alone! Almost everyone feels this way before their first solo trip. There are a few things you should be aware of when you’re travelling by yourself, so take note of these 10 solo travel tips.
1. Get recommendations from locals
A great way to learn more about your travel destination is to head to the local spots and talk to the people. Whether it be at the corner pub, the cafe down the street, or the local dairy don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations from the people who know the area best. Going to these places also gives you an opportunity to people-watch and observe the culture and customers of a new country. It’s a great way to meet new people, and make deeper connections with the locals.
2. Learn to say YES
One of the secrets of having fun while travelling alone? Saying yes to adventure, saying yes to the unexpected day trips, and whatever else comes your way. It’s all about being willing to do things, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone. It calls for more memorable experiences, and whole lot of adventure!
3. Learn a bit of the local language
It’s a little hard to communicate with others in a foreign destination, especially if you’re travelling alone. So make the effort to learn a few words and phrases before you head off on your travels. Even if it’s simply knowing how to introduce yourself and start a basic conversation. It’ll make the locals warm up to you, and it’ll make it easier to talk to new people.
4. Always keep a couple of friends updated on your whereabouts
As a safety precaution, it’s a good idea to keep a friend or two updated on your whereabouts, even if they’re on the other side of the world. It’s good to keep a few people in the loop so there’s someone who has a point of reference or contact in the case of an emergency.
5. Book accommodation at a hostel
The best way to meet new people when travelling? Staying at a hostel. It’s a great place to meet people who are on the same journey as you. It’ll give you a chance to bond with like-minded travellers and there’s always a few solo travellers within the bunch. If you’re looking to find a travel buddy on the road, staying at a hostel is the place to go!
6. Get up early
When you’re travelling alone, it’s completely up to you to see what there is to see. So seize the moment, and make the most of your days! The more you put yourself out there, the more things you’ll get to experience.
7. Be aware of safety
It’s important to be mindful of safety concerns when you’re travelling within groups, and especially when you’re alone. Take care of your valuables when walking around the town, especially in busy cities at night, and be aware of any local scams.
8. Make a list of your emergency contact information
Make a list of your emergency contact information - this can include your personal contact information, the name of an emergency contact back home, and any other phone numbers you may need (i.e. your credit card company in case your card gets stolen).
9. Keep a record of your journey
Cliché, we know. You don’t need to be a travel blogger to keep a record of your travel experiences. Even if it’s just a heap of photos to keep track of all your travel quests, having something to look back on will allow you to appreciate the experience you had travelling solo.
10. Embrace the experience
Let’s be honest, travelling solo isn’t exactly a vacation. Exploring the world solo has it’s challenges, and it won’t always be easy. So it’s important to remember to embrace the experience! You’ll learn from, grow from it, and you may just end up preferring travelling on your own.
Want some more travel tips? Head to the The SimCorner Blog for a whole heap of travel advice.
