You’ve heard your friend’s epic stories on travelling the world alone and how it was a life-changing experience. Finally, you’ve cleared up your hectic schedule and mustered the courage to go on your own adventure! Bear in mind, it can be daunting and you most definitely need to step out of your comfort zone. Here are 4 important tips to help you prepare for your soul searching trip.
Pick the right destination
Truth to be told, the experience of travelling alone is more valuable than the destination. However, it is important to pick a place you are comfortable with. Consider what your goal of the trip is. If you are looking to unwind and relax, visiting an island where you can enjoy the crystal clear water and the sun may be a good option. If you’re after culture, opt for older destinations with history where you can even spend the night in a little village. Big, vibrant cities can’t go wrong if you’re looking for glitz and entertainment!
Getting around and where to stay
The fact that you’re going to a foreign location on your own makes accommodation and knowing how to get around extra important. Research and book your accommodation in advance. Look into the different locations to find out what is convenient for you. It’s always a plus if there’s public transport nearby! Decide the kind of accommodation you’re after as well. If you’re on a tight budget consider hostels – chances are you’ll meet a lot of friendly solo travellers too! If you like privacy and space, Airbnb would be a good choice and are reasonably priced. However, if you’re looking to splurge (don’t worry we’re not judging!), every city has their luxurious 5-star hotels.
Pack smart
It’s essential to pack light, so bring only what you’ll actually need. Clothes that you can layer on will come in handy on saving bag space. A good backpack can be expensive but it’ll be a great investment as it is convenient and versatile with the necessary compartments to store your things. Pack mini bottles of shampoo and soap as not all accommodations may provide them. As for the little things, pack a pen, a notebook and a good old book to keep you company.
Single tour operators
Tours can be expensive in general, especially when you’re joining one alone! Many tours usually require you to travel with a partner to save cost on accommodation, food and to do activities in pairs. If you opt to do it alone, you may have to bear the cost of two people. However there a number of tour operators which cater towards single travellers to help you make new friends and travel as a group. They also help pair you up with a roommate of the same gender when it comes to overnight tours. Do your research as these tours may be more readily available in some places than others. Remember to also book in advance and the tour groups tend to be small and spaces fill up quickly!
Make friends, but trust yourself
When you’re travelling alone, it’s great to meet new people from all over the world and perhaps gain some company to do some sightseeing with too. Remember, it’s always important to stay safe and not trust everyone you meet. Don’t leave them with any valuables like your money and passport. In general, always be aware of your surroundings, especially in an area you are not familiar with. Always keep your belongings with you and be aware of pickpockets.
