Stefan Simonovic
20 Best Tips for Solo Travelers
Although there are many interesting things you can do without ever leaving your home (watch movies, browse through cougar dating sites, have friends over), nothing can truly outdo the wonderful feeling of freedom that traveling can provide.
However, we can’t really say that there are a lot of us out there who dare going on a trip alone.
So, for all of you who are tempted by the idea of solo travel, here are 20 essential tips that will help you stay safe and make the most out of any journey.
1. Save Money
The first and foremost thing you need to do is to ensure that you have enough money for a trip. Moreover, you should also bring some extra cash with you since you never know what might crop up.
2. Pick a Destination
Choosing a destination isn’t easy, so we suggest you take your time. You can even choose multiple locations if you have enough time and money for that kind of thing.
3. Get Insurance
Nothing spells “covered” like travel insurance. You never know what can happen on a trip, especially if you’re going abroad.
4. Proper Accommodation
Not every location is suitable for lone travelers, so make sure you know where you’ll be staying during your journey.
5. Packing
You may think that you need to pack a couple of bags, but you really don’t. Pack lightly and carry only essentials.
6. Have an Emergency Contact
Aside from insurance, another smart idea for covering yourself and your assets while solo traveling would be to have a person as an emergency contact – just in case.
7. Protect Your Info
Be careful around ATMs and places with public WiFi that allow you to do online banking.
8. Patience
It can be very tiresome and difficult adapting to a location when you’re alone, so pack a lot of patience in your backpack.
9. Ask for Help
Whenever it seems that you’re stuck or lost, feel free to ask around for help. There are wonderful people everywhere, but you won’t find them if you don’t communicate with anyone.
10. Study the Map
It’s impossible to get familiar with new surroundings immediately. However, you can still take a look at the map and try to memorize the most important places on it.
11. Discretion
You don’t want to attract any unwanted attention to yourself while traveling alone, so keep in mind that low-key is, well, the key here.
12. Keep Smiling
Even if you don’t speak the language, just smile – it means the same everywhere and it makes every situation easier.
13. Learn Words
If smiling doesn’t do the trick, try learning a few words of the local language.
14. Pleasant Routine
If you’re staying in one place, make sure you talk to the same people and visit the same locations every day so that you can avoid unpleasant surprises of any kind.
15. Walk
Walking is the primary mode of transportation for most solo travelers because it allows them to explore hidden alleys and communicate with more people.
16. Stay Sober
We know that partying can be tempting on trips, but if you’re going alone, it’s best that you stay sober as much as you can.
17. Obvious Traveler
Contrary to popular belief, looking like a traveler will most likely attract those that actually want to meet you.
18. Lunch at Noon
Eat your lunch at noon so that you can get the same meals you would get in the afternoon for a lower price and with a smaller crowd occupying the restaurant.
19. Bring a Book
Books don’t run out of battery and are always a fun item to bring on a trip, just in case you get bored or the weather goes bad.
20. Curiosity
If you really want to get immersed with your surroundings, don’t be afraid to be curious and mingle with the locals.
