So you’ve decided to travel solo. Whether this will be your first solo trip or your tenth, there are a few things you need to keep in mind in order to have a fun and safe journey. Here are a few things you should know before traveling solo:
Brush up on your social skills
It sounds a little silly, but when you’re on the road solo you’ll have to be comfortable talking to strangers and making new friends. So, before you go, engage in daily interactions with new and different people. Practice your small talk and get comfortable when putting yourself out there alone. It will be much easier to do this on the road if you have practiced it well at home.
Choose your accommodation wisely
Sure, AirBnB offers great affordable apartments. And a luxurious hotel resort is all I want sometimes too. But these types of accommodation can get a bit lonely when you’re on the road solo. Try browsing through Hostel World to find cool hostels that advertise common lounge areas and lively social scenes. When you’re there, hang out in the common areas and don’t be afraid to say the first “Hello”.
Pack efficiently
When you’re traveling solo, you’re the one who is going to have to carry all your luggage. There is no friend to carry your bag while you’re tired. No sibling to let you borrow their flip flops when you forgot your own back home. So you want to pack light but efficiently: multipurpose items will be your best friends.
Make copies of all your important documents
Many things can happen while you travel – both good and bad. And when you’re traveling solo, you want to make sure you’re ready for all the possibilities. One thing you can (and need) to avoid at all costs is losing your important documents. That’s your passport, national ID card, driver’s license, reservation confirmations, airplane tickets, visa, etc. Scan them to your laptop or electronic device and email them to a friend for extra precaution.
Make sure someone back home knows where you will be
Even if you don’t know where you will be exactly, make sure someone back home has your flight information and any reservations you make along the way. That way, if something goes wrong, someone will know and will be able to reach out to you. Make sure to stay in touch with a family member or friend from home as well. This could be as simple as a Facebook check-in or short status update. It will give your family and friends some piece of mind and save you the time of sending multiple emails or text messages.
Bring a book (or two)
If you’re traveling far, you will have to endure some long flights or train rides. And because you will be going solo, you might not have someone to chat with along the way. And that’s okay: a solo trip is the best excuse to catch up on all those books you’ve been wanting to read!
