Solo travel is incredibly exciting, but it can also be really daunting. It’s important to know where to start when planning for your first solo trip, as the reality of solo travel is often completely different from what people may imagine. Although I’m pretty new to solo travel myself, these five tips have allowed my travels to be a more empowering, wonderful experience: Start SmallPersonally, I had to ease my way into solo travel. I have an anxiety disorder, and I knew I had to take it slow in order to make solo travel a lasting thing--something that I would want to try again. My first trip was a one-day road trip to Big Sur, only a few hours from my home. Although I had initially planned on staying overnight, I ended up punting on that idea, as my GPS wasn’t working and I didn’t have a very good paper map of the area. My second trip was an overnight stay in Yosemite; I slept in my car in a campground, and spent two days wandering through the mountain country. All that prepared me for my latest trip: an eight-day stay in London. This is my first solo “long-term” trip (well, long for the trips I’ve been taking), as well as my first solo trip abroad. I only started taking solo trips less than six months ago, and while I’m excited, I’m also glad that I started small so I could ease myself into this, and prove to myself that I have the tools I need to enjoy solo travel. Know YourselfTo enjoy solo travel, you really need to know yourself. A lot of people travel because they want to “find themselves,” which is a totally valid reason to travel, and solo travel gives you the perfect opportunity to discover what you really like. You get to do all the things that you want to do, without having to compromise with anyone else. If you want to spend your entire trip museum-hopping, or visiting every zoo in Australia, or lounging in the backwoods in a hammock, you can do that! Forget what anyone else says you “have” to do, and just do what you like (or what you think you might like, and then go from there). This brings us to our next point: Be Open to New ThingsTo travel solo, you have to be open to trying new things and pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone. For me, talking with strangers is really hard, but solo travel necessitates that I talk with strangers every day. This pushes me outside of my usual boundaries, and allows me to grow as a person. Alongside this, being open to new things means, well, trying new things! Eating out by myself, saying “yes” to trying waterfall-sliding, and just trying things I haven’t done before (by myself or at all). Solo travel is all about adventure and getting to know yourself better--so why not get to know yourself in every situation? Be PracticalIn my experience, solo travel is perfectly safe so long as you’re smart about it. Do your research beforehand to blend into the local population as much as possible, by doing things like dressing like a local, learning a few key phrases in the local language, and talking at an appropriate volume. I hate to say it, but this is extra important for us Americans: we have a reputation for talking LOUD, which just isn’t how people in most other countries speak. If you think you’re talking at a normal volume, but you’re speaking twice as loud as everyone else, you’re definitely going to stand out in a bad way. Just pay attention to how the people around you behave, and you’ll pick it up from there. I also suggest only taking only what you need with you, and being smart about where you keep it. I carry my passport with me in a well-concealed place, as well as extra cash hidden either in my luggage or with me when I’m exploring, just in case. I try not to carry any bulky bags, or keep my camera/other expensive equipment in sight (nothing screams “tourist” like a guidebook in hand and a DSLR around your neck). Next, know where you’re going. Book hotels and transportation in advance where you can. Keep the address to where you’re staying and a phone number where applicable somewhere on your person in case you get lost and need directions. Don’t forget to also check maps or public transportation schedules before you leave so you know where you’re going; it will reduce stress and help you to relax and enjoy the ride. Finally, I highly recommend letting someone know where you’re going. Leave your itinerary with someone you trust back home, as well as a photocopy of your passport. Some people let the concierge know where you’re headed and when you expect to be back, if you’re staying at a hotel, but I’ve found texting someone I trust back home a couple of brief updates (in addition to my itinerary) to work for me! If you’re a US citizen, I also suggest signing up with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, which helps travelers in case of emergency. Believe in yourself!Be confident in your ability to handle whatever comes up. You’re on your own for the first time, and it’s exciting and scary in equal measures, but being confident (or faking confidence until you start to feel it) will help you look approachable, while simultaneously making yourself less of a target to potential pickpockets. I try to smile more when I engage with new people, both because it starts our conversation off on the right foot, and because it can really go far in smoothing out cultural or language barriers. Smiling also helps me to relax and feel more confident. Solo travel is stressful, but you got this! You’ve taken the first step, and now this trip will be what you make of it. Go slow and relax. Believe that you can do this, because you totally can. Like this post? Why not share it?If you enjoyed this article, please leave me a comment telling me what you think! Or, if you found it useful, share it with your friends! You'll be helping me turn my passion for travel into a business, and more importantly, you'll be helping your friends out with any travel questions they might have, too. See more adventuresIf you liked this post, you may also like:
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Hi, there! Call me Kris. I’m a world traveler, author and artist working to showcase the world's beauty and inspire you to find your confidence to see the world!
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