Solo traveling is something that everyone should attempt at least once in their lifetime. It’s a unique experience than can leave you learning a lot about yourself and building your confidence levels. It can also help those who struggle to organize trips with friends or family members and simply want to get away on a whim without the stress of group organization.
So what are some essential tips if you’re looking for your first solo adventure?
- Do Thorough Research on Places to Stay
When you’re staying in accommodation alone – and having other people there know that you’re alone due to guest check-in – it’s essential to make sure you’re safe wherever you stay. Researching potential accommodations and checking out reviews, especially from other solo travelers, is a must.
Hostels are a popular budget option for solo travelers, but they also leave you interacting with a lot of strangers – and in shared rooms. So make sure to only stay at trustworthy places. If you’re camping, such as using a tent or staying in your own RV, then make sure to research suitable campsites that are safe to stay at.
- Inform Someone Else What You’re Planning and Where You’re Going to Be
This could be a family member back home, a friend, or even the receptionist at the accommodation you’re staying at. Just ensure that someone else knows where you intend to be at a certain time – that way, if something happens to you, such as if you get injured or lost, someone will know where you are heading and keep track of your timetable to know if something has gone awry.
- Take a First Aid Kit and Emergency Supplies Wherever You Go
It’s not only essential to shop for these items in preparation for your trip (and restock them as needed), but also to make sure you take the essentials out with you wherever you go. Especially if you’re planning a trip where you’re out in nature, such as on hikes or taking in the beaches, you’re going to need first aid essentials to protect yourself when traveling alone. Emergency preparedness supplies can include survival essentials and a flashlight if you get lost in the dark when out exploring, for example.
- Decide Your Reasons for Solo Traveling – and Make an Itinerary Based on That
There are so many benefits to solo traveling, as well as many possible reasons why an individual might want to. To get the most out of your solo travel experience, it’s important to be true to who you are and what you want out of your trip.
Some ideas include:
- Do you wish to push yourself out of your comfort zone as much as possible? If so, then tailor your trip for that. Book shared rooms if you’re usually unsociable, try things that would usually scare you, and go to places that you wouldn’t usually go.
- Are you looking for some relaxing alone time? Make sure to book accommodation that offers peace and quiet, such as a private room, and choose a location or sightseeing that’s less touristy and more serene.
- Be Sensible of Where You Go – Especially at Night
Sightseeing during the day can be a more comfortable and safe experience, but nighttime can be more tricky to navigate. You might want to re-think hitting pubs and clubs when you’re on your own, and make sure to not walk unknown streets alone at night. Think in advance about how you want to spend your evenings, arrange safe transportation, and do your research on anywhere you want to go.
