It’s better to be safe than sorry! How many times did you hear that growing up, or have you used that phrase as an adult? While as a child, this phrase would have elicited an eye roll response, as a grown-up making their way in the world, we know better, and the best way to not be sorry is to be prepared.
One area, especially that resonates with when it comes to solo travel. Making your way around the world as a lone traveler can be exciting, terrifying, and mind-blowing all at once for many different reasons. Unlike traveling in groups or as a couple, you are reliant on yourself, and at many times you will be far away from home should anything go wrong. So what are the best tips for solo travel to prepare yourself?
Travel Light
Only take what you can fit in one backpack. This will make it easier for you to get around and cut down on excess luggage fees when flying too. Items such as toiletries, sunscreen, etc., can all be bought easily at your destination, meaning you don’t need to worry about packing months and month’s worth to lug around with you. Prepared Bee can help with food suggestions should you need to be prepared for long trips camping or away from civilization.
Make Copies
Have copies of flight schedules, tickets, accommodation, passes, passports, and travel insurance. Be it via printed copies you keep separate from your original copies or take pictures on your phone. It may even be worth buying a cheap throwaway phone to use when traveling to reduce any damage to your main phone and avoid being the victim of phone theft. This will give you another way of contacting the home or the authorities should any issues arise.
Avoid Traveling During the Night
Travel options are undoubtedly cheaper during the twilight hours; however, it is advisable to make as many travel plans as possible during daylight hours as a lone traveler. This will allow you to be more aware of where you are and who is around, especially if you travel to new countries and are unsure how to get around. There will naturally be more people around to assist you should you get lost or need assistance finding transport or accommodation.
Explore
Don’t be afraid to explore. It can be tempting to stick with the tourist groups so you aren’t alone, however for a more authentic and fun travel experience, get out and about and meet the coals and dine in the local eateries too. Don’t be afraid of getting out there on your own or even dining alone. After all, you traveled this far on your own, how scary could it be eating alone too. Plus you get to choose where you go and where to eat at all times! What’s not to love about this.
Keep In Touch
Always chat or have someone you can inform of where you’re going and what you are doing. Even if they are back home. Share your itinerary and let them know of any changes so they know where to expect you to be and how you are finding your travels. Should you have any problems, it will be easier to inform local authorities of your whereabouts if you have a public timeline of what you are doing and where you are going, even if it is just a quick text each day.
Bonus: Don’t Fear Dining Alone
As stated before, you should never fear dining alone when traveling. No one is going to judge you, and if they do, so what? They clearly have nothing better to do with their time. Never let fear get in the way, especially if it’s something as basic as dining. You may be surprised to learn how welcoming restaurants are when you dine alone. For instance, Marietta’s Restaurant on The Square is the perfect option for solo travels thanks to the hospitality they provide!