Travelling alone can be a rewarding experience

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Travelling alone can be both rewarding and intimidating at the same time. While it’s one of the most unique and fulfilling experiences, it can also raise concerns about safety and loneliness. This ultimate guide aims to address those worries and help you if you are a first-time solo traveller.  It’s an all inclusive handbook to have the best possible experience, tips on where to go in a new place, how to stay safe and most importantly how to enjoy your time with yourself.

Choose a solo-friendly destination-
One of the most important tips when planning your first solo trip is to choose your destination wisely. Make sure that the place you choose is welcoming and conducive to solo exploration. Certain places are inherently more traveling solo friendly than others. Opt for destinations that thrive on tourism because the tourist infrastructure and support will be a big boon on your travels. Additionally, English is commonly spoken in many travel friendly places even if you’re not proficient in the native language.

Embrace yourself- 
This is one of the most crucial pieces of advice if you’re heading on a solo trip- Embrace the prospect of spending time with yourself, getting to know yourself and enjoying your own company. Though it may seem intimidating as long as you’re in for the ride you won’t be disappointed. You might even be pleasantly surprised by your newfound appreciation for your own company.

Exude confidence and listen to your gut-  
In summary, when you are travelling alone, it’s important to avoid appearing nervous or lost. Plan your routes in advance and walk with confidence and purpose. If you do find yourself in unfamiliar territory, take a break at a local café to regain your bearings.
Trust your instincts and prioritise safety over everything else. Remember that travelling solo is a valuable personal growth experience so be sure to listen to yourself, follow your intuition and assert your boundaries whenever necessary. Your intuition and quick thinking is what will keep you safe on this fulfilling solo travel adventure.

Stay alert- 
Staying cautious and alert are key when travelling solo. Avoid getting belligerent drunk where you aren’t in your senses. Distractions like using headphones or staring at your phone while walking can lead to accidents as well. When you’re in a new place it’s important to stay alert, be aware of your surroundings, keep a close eye on your belongings, and invest in a hidden wallet for added security. It’s especially important to stay alert when you’re are out and about at night. Solo travelling can be safe and fulfilling, provided you take precautions.

Always carry a pen- 
Even though everything is digital, always carry a pen. You never know when it will come handy especially when you are travelling alone.

Mark your phone map with where you’re staying and the nearest consulate-
Facing challenges while abroad and alone can be quite unsettling. To ensure you never lose your way, save the location of your hotel or accommodation on your phone map app or write it down safely. This way, you’ll always have directions to get back to your lodging, no matter what. You’ll feel more empowered if you possess the contact information for the consulate in the countries you plan to visit or transit through. While in the past, you could register your overseas trip for emergency purposes; nowadays it’s advisable to stay updated on travel advisories both before departure and during your travels.

Pack strategically- 
One of the key pieces of advice for anyone embarking on a solo travel adventure is to pack thoughtfully and minimise your luggage. When travelling alone, you won’t have the luxury of someone else watching over your bags if you need to use the restroom at the airport or hail a cab. You and you alone will be responsible for your luggage. Hence, it’s highly recommended to pack efficiently. Opt for classic and monochrome items that can be mixed and matched or accessorised to create new outfits. Be sure to pack extremely comfortable footwear, a practical handbag or satchel for your sightseeing and most importantly pack as lightly as possible.

Take meaningful photos- 
When you are travelling, try to live in the moment. Take photographs of meaningful moments. Look at everything with your eyes and not through your camera lens. Turn photography into a purposeful endeavour, to recollect special moments of your journey instead of mindless pictures of every second thing. Cherish the experiences.

Enjoy local- 
To enhance your solo travel experience, consider-
Learning local lingo. Learn a few basic phrases of the local language to connect with people and show your effort in communicating.
Experimenting with local cuisine. Local food can offer you tremendous insight into the culture and history of your destination.
Trying to attend local events like festivals, flea markets and sport games.
Interacting with locals and learn about their culture from them versus a travel guidebook.
Explore local shops where the residents frequent to gain a unique perspective on the destination.

Take a mini first aid kit-
Carry first aid essentials like Band-Aids, pain relievers, antacids, allergy medication, mosquito repellant items your body is used to. These compact supplies have proven invaluable and won’t occupy much space. You never know when you will need this emergency first aid kit. It’s wise to stay well prepared.

Research, research, research- 
Prioritise doing research and learning as much as you can about a place before finalising your travel plans. Familiarise yourself with the sites you intend to visit, talk to people who have previously visited these places and organise essential details such as accommodations and transportation logistics in advance to ensure a smoother solo travel experience.

Communicate with people close to you-
Maintain communication with someone back home. No one is asking you to constantly communicate but a text or call to check in every now and then can keep your loved ones back home at ease. Consider sharing your itinerary and essential travel details with someone close to you, so you never fall off the grid completely.

Always have an ‘in case of emergency’ plan- 
Prepare for emergencies by researching local medical and emergency facilities, learning essential phrases and carrying an emergency cash stash.

Travel with insurance- 
While solo travel can be ideal, it’s essential to prepare for the unexpected. That’s when travel insurance comes in handy. This coverage safeguards your trip investments, offering protection against trip cancellations, medical expenses, and baggage issues and more than anything it ensures peace of mind during your journey.

Remember it’s OK to ask for help if you need it- 
It’s okay to be a little overwhelmed or get lost a few times when you’re visiting a new place but don’t let this dishearten you. Whether it’s in the airport, a busy street or train station, it can save you a lot of time and stress to walk up to a friendly face for assistance. More often than not, people are always willing to help out.

Practice doing smaller activities alone before embarking on a big solo trip- 
Embark on solo dining adventures and indulge in solitary days or weekends to get a feel of travelling alone. Practising doing things alone before your big solo trip can ease your comfort when it’s finally time to venture alone.

Taking that initial step into solo travel can be intimidating, but armed with knowledge, an adventurous spirit and preparation you can embark on one of the most rewarding and fulfilling journeys of your life!