10 Ways to Make the Most of Your Solo Travel
BY JESSICA SMITH
Traveling is the most conventional way to pleasure oneself. This activity has transcended through different cultures and has become a part of one’s lifestyle. Travelling is also the most flexible way of amusement; do it with friends, family or professionally with colleagues.
But traveling alone is uncharted territory. In its defense, it is also the most peaceful means to explore the world (and through retrospect, ourselves). It is the pinnacle of self-indulgence.
And to help you optimize this very thunderbolt, here are 10 tips to make the most of your solo odyssey.
1. MORE EYE, LESS CAMERA
The world is an overwhelming visual feast while traveling and to catch this thunderbolt in a bottle, we tend to photograph everything. While it gives you a phenomenal Instagram feed, it costs you the beauty and the real experience of being present in an unfamiliar place. So, soak the world through your eyes and keep cameras away as much as possible.
2. WHEN IN ROME…
One way to make your travel memorable is by bonding with the locals. And the best way to do that is by adopting their tongue. When you speak or greet the locals in their language, the suspicion in their minds fades away and a sense of comfort grows in them. With that being so, when in Rome, ‘speak’ as the Romans do.
3. EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE WORM
There’s a mantra for every solo traveler ever: Sleep is for the weak. Starting your day early can be a vital addition to your itinerary: you’ll get more sights to see and you can plan your day ahead. Early morning is the most beautiful as well and can bring out the best in any place. So, stop pressing the ‘snooze’ button.
4. SAY NO TO HOTELS
The truth is, hotels are the same everywhere. Staying in a hotel deprives of really absorbing the vibe and culture of the space. Nowadays, you can easily find services that allow you to live with a local or have accommodation in a hostel or in a settlement that makes you plunge straight into a different setting. You’re sure to learn a lot and make indelible memories.
5. HOLD NOTHING BACK
Say ‘Yes’ to almost everything on your adventure. Face your fear in the eye and overcome it. Do things, you wouldn’t normally agree to and see yourself transform into the better version of yourself. Adventure sport is a great option: ride an adventure motorcycle or skydive. Be the person you are in your fantasies, it will help yourself discover a new side to yourself and give you immense levels of self-confidence, and that’s just one of the many perks of traveling solo.
6. KNOW WHERE TO SPEND THE MONEY
Ask yourself these questions: “Do I need to take the cab?”, “Should I really dine at this 5-star hotel”, “Do I really need to buy souvenirs?” before you take your wallet out. Not being thrifty can cost you while on a trip. Saving up money for new, unplanned experiences or emergencies can be extremely benefitting. Pack any extra accessories (such as gym outfits) that you might need instead of buying them And what’s the use of souvenirs anyway?
7. BE COOL, BUT CONSCIOUS
Going to a party/wedding where you’re cordially invited is a cool thing to do but, allowing someone to share a room with you is where you need to be conscious. While traveling solo, your safety is solely in your hands and one should always be conscious of one’s surroundings and the people they’re with. Always keep your money and documents handy and be prepared 24/7.
8. MAKE NEW FRIENDS
When you make friends in a new place, you widen your reach. Staying in a hostel or with locals can be an integral part of this process. They can help you navigate your travel, recommend what food to eat and even give you a jolly company. You can return the favor if they ever come to your place, it’s an opportunity to build lifelong relationships.
9. PACK (ONLY) ESSENTIALS
In this voyage, you may need to walk, to hitch-hike, you may need to trek and you may also need to run. To make all this hassle-free, it is advisable that you pack light. Grab the essentials: food, money, documents, tool pouch, first aid and then go out there in the wide world. A heavy bag can be a pain to your body and can take the pleasure away from your journey. A light bag is a key to fun on a solo trip
10. BE A PEOPLE’S PERSON
And finally, you should understand that this trip is what you make of it. And people play an integral part of it. So, smile and be welcoming to everyone, allow them to shape your travels and experiences and make the most of what they give you. Understand their cultures and be a good sport!
With all that said, the only thing that remains between you and your endeavor is your decision to step out of the house. Traveling solo has been a decision for the most and with those tips in your hand, you’re sure to have the most fun and ensure that you make the most of this trip.
Bon Voyage!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jessica is a blogger and co-authored Supercharge Organic Traffic: A popular course focusing on Organic Traffic for E-commerce.