While most people travel with a partner, their family, or friends, there are really a lot of people who enjoy travelling alone. Although it might be more difficult to travel without a company, it’s no less interesting. In fact, travelling alone can be a great adventure. However, you need to be prepared to do all the things by yourself. And, since this is your first time exploring alone, here are some things and tips you should know before going on your trip.

Planning

When going on your first solo travel, you need to plan all things ahead to have more control over the trip. Therefore, before you start packing, search destinations, find the trip you want to go to, book your accommodation or a travel arrangement. If, for example, you want to visit different places in one country, find out how you can go from one to another. One thing you need to keep in mind is that planes and airports can be very noisy, so make sure you bring your own noise canceling headphones. After all, you’ll need to sleep at some point and headphones will ensure you get the amount of sleep you need. 

Packing

Since you are travelling alone, you shouldn’t pack too much. There won’t be anyone to help you carry those big and heavy bags. If you are travelling by plane, you should try to take as less as you can because of the luggage restrictions.

Safety

When going alone, the scariest thing is your own safety. In fact, solo travelling isn’t that dangerous. Of course, it is a bit scary, but there are ways to keep yourself as safe as possible. Here are tips for maximizing your safety:

• Always keep a business card or information from your hotel with you.
• Don’t drink too much alcohol.
• Blend in, so you are less of a target to criminals;
• Leave your jewellery, laptop and other expensive and important belongings at home.
• Pay attention to your pockets, wallet, and bag when in crowded touristic areas
• Keep several copies of your documents with you and on your phone
• Buy travel insurance
• Don’t post everything on social media until you return home.
• Stick to public places, especially at night.
• Don’t tell people that you are travelling alone.
• Meet new people, but don’t trust them. You have just met them.
• Rely on your inner feeling. Is something’s not right, don’t do it.
• Book a hotel with a 24-hour front desk, so if you arrive late, you don’t end up on the street.
• Leave a copy of your ticket or arrangement to a family member. Talk or chat with someone from your family to let them know you are okay.

Dining

While people can accept the fact they are travelling alone, many of them can’t accept to dine alone. It’s because they are ashamed to get into a restaurant and ask for a table for one. But, there is nothing to be ashamed of. So what if you are alone? Many people are.

No one will pity you for travelling or eating alone. It’s a thing we make up ourselves, believing that people are judgmental. Actually, people won’t even think of looking at you because there are plenty of tourists there.

Dining alone is interesting because you can have a conversation with the restaurant staff and make new friends. Moreover, you can enjoy the delicious food and tasty drinks without anyone interrupting you. And, if you are still worried about dining alone, here are several tips:

• Take a book or a magazine with you to read.
• Choose a seat at the bar or a counter seat.
• Go to a restaurant with booths, so you can have more privacy.
• If you don’t feel like dining alone, you can order carryout from a nearby restaurant or a room service.

Making New Friends

Although you are travelling alone, you can still meet new people and make new friends. Actually, when you travel alone is easier to make new friends. You can do it by talking to other travellers, staying in a hostel, taking a tour, or doing rideshare.

When Feeling Lonely

Travelling alone can be lonely sometimes. In that case, you shouldn’t despair, but use those lonely moments to talk to your family and friends. You can also listen to music, watch a movie, go on an adventure, sleep, or take a bath or a long shower.

Additional Tips For First-time Solo Travellers

Apart from the tips regarding your safety and dining, here are several additional tips for making your first solo travel the best it can be:

• Be confident – Self-confidence makes things easier.
• Smile – it’s a universal language, especially if you are in a county where people don’t speak or don’t know your language.
• Be ready – Always keep your documents and some extra money hidden inside your clothes.
• Explore – don’t spend your days between four walls. Gou out and explore the place.
• Be smart – Know the cost of travelling by taxi. It’s because any taxi drivers will try to charge a lot more. So, before you take a taxi, ask different taxi companies for a particular distance or route.
• Avoid the single supplement – Don’t pay more just because you are travelling alone. To avoid that you can: book a tour operator that offers roommate matching, book at the last minute, or stay in a hostel.
• Relax – forget about your everyday problems and enjoy your vacation.

Travelling alone has many benefits. Namely, you plan everything according to your preferences. Also, you can make decisions without having to negotiate with your travel buddy.

Although it may sound scary, remember, you are not the only solo traveller out there. There are plenty of other people travelling alone. And, who knows, you might find with others like you and make new friends.

Do you have any solo travel tips you would like to share?