1. Safety first
One of the top concerns for people planning a solo trip is safety. While it definitely pays to be cautious, it shouldn’t stop you from heading off on your next adventure. Picking the right destination can make all the difference.
2. Plan in advance
Do some advance planning, that’s one of the best tips for solo travellers. You don’t need a detailed plan but you should know, for the first night at least, where you’re going to stay. Confirm your accommodation/ booking before you leave.
3. Jot down your Emergency Contact Information
This tip is a prerequisite for every traveler. Make a list of your emergency contact information that is readily accessible to you. The list can include your own personal contact information, the name of an emergency contact back home, and any other pertinent phone numbers you might need.
On reaching your destination also include the contact number of your hotel manager/landlord or any other number you might require in the new city. Keep the list handy.
4. Choose your lodging place with multiple positive reviews/ feedback
Do a little research regarding your stay before booking and choose only one with multiple positive reviews. These reviews will provide you with a host of ideas of what to expect from the host, and neighborhood, and will also give an idea regarding nearby surroundings so as to make your solo trip super enthralling.
5. Stay Somewhere with Free Wi-Fi access
Make sure to stay somewhere with free wi-fi accessibility so that you can use this time for SNS or Skype your family and friends back home to recount your adventures for the day.
And you might also use your wi-fi to stream movies, respond to emails, and surf the web. The American Express Platinum Card will give you access to more than 1,000,000 Boingo wi-fi hotspot locations around the globe. A quick search on the website Boingo can help you determine where you can get wi-fi access when you need it most.
6. Look for shared accommodation
Be open to shared accommodation options, as a single occupancy hotel room can be both expensive and lonely at times. Shared apartments are something to look up to refrain from isolation. Staying in hostels and Airbnb is a particularly good way to meet people.
7. Get Acquaintance with other Travelers
Socializing and mingling with other travelers can break up the monotony of solo travelers. In fact, two great resources that can help you connect with fellow travelers and even locals are Couch surfing (similar to Airbnb) lets you stay with local homeowners where you might also be able to meet other travelers.
8. Engage in local events for better experiences
Regardless of where you stay when you travel, you can also use Meetup to find local events and activities that are happening in town. You might be able to hang out at a certain cafe or even attend a local festival that isn’t mentioned in any of the guidebooks/ itinerary.
9. Try to be an early bird
If the idea of pub crawling and going to nightclubs alone doesn’t sound appealing, try to be an early bird rather than a night owl. There are plenty of opportunities to sightsee alone and be completely safe. Getting up early also makes it easier to avoid the crowds at popular attractions and explore the place in a better and relaxed way.
10. Do Something You Normally Wouldn’t Do With Others
The key to having a unique and unforgettable experience when taking any type of trip is the willingness to stray from the usual path and side-step the tourist spots. When traveling solo, you might be hesitant to try new things in case they don’t go as expected and you don’t have someone by your side. Instead, this can be a time to try something. Solo trips can also be a great opportunity to cross an item off your bucket list.
11. Try your hand in learning local language in advance
Having lingual acquaintance might prove to be game changer in your trip. You may be able to connect with people and locals better. Moreover, you won’t feel alien. You can at least try your skills on slangs and common phrases.
12. Take sufficient Pictures
With smart phones and near-universal free wi-fi hotspots, it’s easier than ever to take pictures of every place you visit. By instantly sharing your pictures on social media, it’s almost as if your friends and loved ones are with your trip as they can relish nearly every moment in real-time.
13. Leave a Copy of Your Travel Itinerary with Friends and Family
Do your friends and family a favor and send them a copy of your itinerary that includes your flight times, hotel reservations, and maybe even a rough idea of your sightseeing schedule. If you will be traveling abroad, also take a few minutes to register your trip (before you go) with the State Department to the local embassy or consulate can contact you if necessary.
14. Get yourself insured
Travel insurance is always a good idea, as is keeping family and friends notified of your whereabouts.
15. Know your budget
Know your travel budget beforehand and then plan. Decide on your destination itinerary accordingly.
16. Keep your valuables safe
Know where your purse is – or better yet, don’t carry one. Depend mostly on cards and carry few bucks along with you.
17. Pack small
As the sole motive of solo travelling is to explore places, try to pack only the important belongings and necessary items. Moreover, you will be able to handle your luggage with ease. If possible carry a duffle bag too.
18. Join a tour
An organized day tour or a longer package group holiday might suit some solo travellers. Although escorted tours are bit expensive, but are safe and allow you to make friends during your tour.
19. Take advantage of some useful apps
While learning how to travel alone, you should download useful apps to your phone such as a GPS, a translator, a currency converter and some travel guides to make your solo trip easy going.
20. Believe in yourself
Last but not least. Believe in yourself. Traveling alone can be challenging, but the rewards make it all worth it. Many travelers report heightened feelings of confidence and happiness after undertaking a trip alone, as well as some newfound outlooks on life.
