Solo travel has never been more popular. With better technology and information, it is also safer than in the past. It can be overwhelming to travel alone if you are new to it. And there are many things to think about. Our practical guide will help you plan and prepare for the trip of your lifetime.
1. What to do when you travel alone
It’s a good idea to get used to solo travel by practising at home. You should get comfortable with solo travel before booking your trip. You can get used to it by going to a movie, dining out or visiting a museum alone. This is the stage when you will decide if this idea is right for you. Decide if these elements are something you can complete abroad.
You’re now ready to choose your first solo destination. Now, it’s time to select your solo destination. It’s a common misconception that if you want to take a solo vacation, it has to be halfway around the world. It’s not true. If you’re going on your first trip, it’s better to pick a destination that is within your comfort level.
2. Plan Your Trip with an Itinerary
Arriving at a new location can be intimidating, especially when you don’t have any plans. It is a good idea to plan a few aspects of your trip. Google Maps can help you plan your commute and pre-book hotels, tours, and attractions.
Pre-booking these elements for the first days is a good idea. You can then decide the rest yourself when you arrive. What suits you best is what’s important. It’s a fact that having a plan for your arrival will help you to enjoy the solo aspect of your holiday.
3. Group Tours
If you think you’re alone in this, you’re wrong. Many people choose to travel solo, knowing they will meet new friends along the way. Joining group tours is a great way to make new friends. You can soak up local culture and history by joining a guided walking tour. Even if you ask someone to take your picture, it will be a great way to meet like-minded people. You’ll meet people who are willing to share their honest experiences and give you tips and suggestions that you won’t get online.
4. Travel Light
You’re probably packing too much, whether you’re going on a solo trip or not. We all pack our luggage until we reach the weight limit for airline baggage, and then only use half of the stuff. Also, we rarely think about the weight of this suitcase when carrying it by ourselves. What to pack when backpacking? Here are our top tips.
Pack lightly. Bring only the essentials and layer-able outfits you can mix and match. You will need a phrase book. Travel insurance will protect any valuables you bring with you. We discussed the risks of travelling without travel insurance before.
5. Carry different types of payment methods
This is a preventative measure that can save you from a lot of stress. Cash is a good idea to have with you, as not every place will accept your card when you are away. Bring more than one credit card in case your first one is blocked, stolen or lost. It’s always important to have a backup plan when travelling alone. Revolut, N26 and other great apps are especially helpful for travellers who are travelling abroad. They offer prepaid cards that you can load up whenever you want, currency exchanges and budgeting tools.
6. Safety Tips for Solo Travellers
Some people will try to take advantage of tourists by committing travel scams. Follow these tips for safety while travelling abroad.
Share your itinerary with family or friends back home before you depart. Include any details about planned activities and hotel reservations. Many data packages are available at low prices, and WIFI can be found in most cafes, bars, hotels and hostels. Keep your family and friends informed about your plans and location. Even if you want to tell them how much fun you are having, check in often with friends and family.
Find out which areas are the safest in your destination and which you should avoid. Try to walk in a public area with others and do your outdoor activities during daylight hours.
Researching and learning more about your destination can help you choose accommodations with high safety ratings. Travel insurance is the best way to protect your investment and yourself from unforeseeable events.
7. How to Meet People While Traveling Alone
Meeting new people is one of the most enjoyable aspects of travel. Find other travellers who have similar interests. There will be groups or hubs that share your passion, whether it is football, Harry Potter, music or poetry. You can find people by using Google or sites such as meetup.com. Many apps help you meet new people. Hostels and B&Bs are ideal for solo travellers because they encourage conversation. There are fewer guests, the owner is often on-site, and there are shared rooms and dining areas.
8. What Solo Travel Teach You
This is a great way to build your courage. Even with the best of preparations, sometimes things can go wrong. In these times of difficulty, we can learn to overcome the unexpected obstacles in our journey. We are alone and must face the dangers without any company. This helps us to become more brave and discover our hidden strengths. It’s also a wonderful way to reconnect with yourself. This is the best time for you, as it allows you to clear your mind and refresh your ideas.
You will also learn how to take care of yourself and your responsibilities. This makes you more accountable because only you are responsible for your actions. You are responsible for your actions, and there is no one else who can be held accountable if something goes wrong. It will not only teach you new things but also alter your way of thinking.
Enjoy the experience. It is amazing to have the desire to travel and the confidence to do so alone. Enjoy every minute. AIG travel insurance will help you to enjoy your trip without stress. You can choose between annual or single-trip policies and purchase a policy in minutes.
