Answer this. How often have you had to postpone or cancel your travel plans because your travel companion can’t make it at the decided time? Is it too often? Then, there is a high probability that you are getting sick of it now. If such is the case, take matters into your hands and opt for solo travel to explore the world.
Solo traveling is undoubtedly an ideal option for those people who enjoy freedom. Moreover, it is an exciting opportunity if you want things in your control and independence. After all, in solo travel, you no longer have to worry about negotiating where you will eat, which places you will visit, and what things you will splurge your hard-earned money on.
And while solo travel offers you endless benefits, it can also be a nerve-wracking experience if you haven’t done it before. Whether it is your first time traveling solo or you are a seasoned solo traveler, you must always be careful while planning your trip.
Read on below the ten most crucial things you must keep in mind to make your independent journey more successful and enjoyable:
- DO YOUR RESEARCH THOROUGHLY
Save yourself from anxiety and frustration by doing your homework properly. Conducting thorough research before heading over to your destination is always important. It is even more critical when you are going solo. Doing basic research beforehand can save you from any possible troubles on your trip. For example, it’s always a good idea to know the safest route to reach your destination, which public transport you can use on your trip, or how you must dress.
And while you are at it, don’t forget to do some research before picking a safe accommodation for your stay. For instance, are you planning to visit Pigeon Forge? Then, research the best places to stay in pigeon forge and read about your booked hotel’s different amenities. You can also check the nearby locations before making the final decision. Lastly, don’t forget to consider the reviews and ratings of the place you choose.
- STAY IN TOUCH WITH YOUR LOVED ONES
Sure, you are traveling alone. But it doesn’t necessarily mean keeping your close family or friends in the dark. On the contrary, you can still stay connected with your loved ones by sharing your essential travel details back at home. Thus, make an itinerary list and share it with someone you trust entirely back home.
Put it this way, at least one person back home must know about your travel plans, such as the hotel you booked, flight times, or even a sightseeing schedule. In this way, if you encounter some emergency, they will know how to contact you. You can also frequently chat with your family or friends and let them know where you are heading out.
- FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE LOCAL LANGUAGE AND CULTURE
Let’s face it; each place is different in its own way. Every place has its own set of rules and culture. Learning the local language and culture can save you from much pain. And while you might think you are going just for a trip, still knowing and abiding by those rules and customs is necessary if you wish to make your traveling experience unforgettable.
Keep in mind; you don’t necessarily have to be a pro in learning the local language. Only learn some common sentences or words such as hello, yes/no, thank you, ask directions, etc. Then, it would be easy to communicate with the locals.
- AVOID OVERPACKING
One crucial tip to avoid in your solo travel is to avoid overpacking. After all, you don’t want to strain your shoulders or continuously worry about your valuables’ safety. Instead, a pro tip is to research what you need for your solo trip and pack your bag accordingly.
Simply put, the lighter your bags, the more you can be stress-free on your trip. Moreover, if your bag is lightweight, you can walk freely, even in a crowd or over a long distance. Wherever you go, make sure to put water bottles, portable chargers, the right clothes suitable for the weather, essential documents, etc., in your backpack.
- PLAN FOR EMERGENCY SITUATION
While we wish no one has to experience any emergency during their traveling, it is better to stay prepared in case of any unfortunate event. So before reaching your destination, make sure to know the nearby emergency medical centers, police stations, etc. Moreover, if you are traveling to a place where locals speak a different language, try to learn some phrases you can use if you need help from locals. In addition, a better option is to list down the emergency contact information that is easily accessible whenever an unfortunate event occurs.
Furthermore, if you feel uneasy in a particular surrounding, trust your instincts and leave the place immediately. Lastly, don’t forget to learn some basics about self-defense.
- MAKE TECHNOLOGY YOUR FRIEND
It is no secret that traveling solo can be challenging. However, you can make it easy by leveraging technology. Downloading a handful of apps can help you significantly on your trip. For example, you can download Google Maps, which can come in handy when traveling to unfamiliar destinations. Moreover, you can also download offline maps in advance if the internet connection is poor.
You can also download expense tracking apps, so you don’t go over budget on your solo trip. If you wish to know about local events or festivities, Meetup is the best app. Other apps that can come in handy for solo travelers include Translator, Travello, Wifi-Finder, etc.
- CONSIDER TRAVELING DURING THE DAY
Does the idea of going to a nightclub alone seem daunting to you? Or do you believe going sightseeing at night might be unsafe for you? In that case, consider starting your day early in the morning then. It is a perfect idea to wake up early, have a leisurely breakfast, and then start with your activities.
Since you will be starting your day early, you can get the much-needed rest at night that will help you revitalize your energy for the next day’s plans. Getting up early is also the best way to view breathtaking views of sunrise and avoid crowded places.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Whether you plan a short weekend trip to the nearby mountainous region or a long trip to an exotic place, traveling solo can be an exciting and fulfilling experience. Moreover, solo traveling is a unique experience that gives you the luxury to try something out of your comfort zone and learn more about yourself. However, it doesn’t matter how thrilling and adventurous traveling solo may sound; many people find it daunting. And while it’s natural to feel slight discomfort or nervousness when going on a solo trip. Still, there are many things you must consider on your journey to make well-informed decisions and make your trip memorable and enjoyable.
