There are a ton of benefits to traveling solo; having the ability to be selfish and check out whatever you want when you want, eating what you want, chatting it up with the locals, saving money, and getting to know yourself better are just a few of the perks. But if you’ve never traveled alone, the idea of it can be pretty terrifying. Especially if you’re into true crime (if you know, you know!) We put together some of our best tips for those that are thinking that this is the year of solo trippin’. Let’s get started! (Oh, and happy future travels, you brave human, you!)
(image via: istock)
Do your research before booking your stay. Whether you’re traveling alone or with a group, you’re bound to feel a little uneasy when it means staying somewhere new. So especially when you’re traveling solo, make sure you book your stay somewhere with all positive reviews and make sure you take the time to read each review. This is a great way to gain insight into your host, the neighborhood, and how other people experienced a stay here.
Learn to say no. And we don’t mean to learn to say it in a number of languages, we mean to learn to say it at all. Markets, vendors, kiosks, a pushy local, whatever the case may be, learn to say no, learn to say it in the local language, gesture it, however, you need to get the point across. If you don’t want to do something, buy something, or look at something, just say no.
Relax during mealtimes. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, second lunch, dinner, midnight ice-cream run, anytime you sit down to relax and fuel up, this is the perfect time to reflect on your day, journal, look at photos, plan your next move, take a breath, Facetime a friend, you name it. Use this as your time.
(image via: istock)
Take photos. You’ll regret it if you don’t, and photos are free souvenirs that will always take you back to that time and place. If posting about your travels isn’t your thing, no worry, photo albums displayed proudly on your coffee table or canvas prints are just as good. (Even better, to be honest!)
We totally get that when traveling alone checking out the nightlife probably doesn’t sound super enticing, so we recommend becoming an early bird if you’re going solo. Cafes, museums, guided tours, lying on the beach, whatever your cup of tea is, take it all in during daylight hours, then mosey back to your lodging after you’ve enjoyed some dinner, and enjoy all of the free WiFi (another tip: stay somewhere with free WiFi!) and catch up on your shows, edit photos, chat with friends, relax and enjoy the evening.
The last two tips we’ll give you go hand in hand: leave a copy of where you will be staying as well as your itinerary with someone close to you, check in with this person often, and make a list of your emergency contact info to not only leave with them but to have on you at all times as well. In fact, taking a photo of it isn’t a bad idea either, just to be safe.