Travelling alone is becoming more and more common. While the idea might still scare some, the number of solo travelers is constantly increasing. Lower travel costs are a primary reason for this, and solo traveler stories only encourage novices to do the same.
Want to take the road solo? Hold on to our checklist or success mantras when traveling alone for complete peace of mind!
Preparing for travel
- Boring but important- make a copy of your documents. Take a photo or scan your important documents. You can email them to yourself, or send them to someone you trust. Or both. In this way, in case of loss, you will always have a copy.
- Purchase a local SIM card - If you are traveling for a long time, it may be worth investing in a local SIM card. One, you will be more easily reachable, and on the other hand, it will allow you to keep your social networks up to date!
- Download useful applications- some applications are very useful when traveling. A translator for example, or local emergency numbers.google.com
- Equip yourself with a GPS - For when you can’t access maps online. If you rent a car, look at the cost of renting a GPS. For more than a week, it may be much cheaper to buy your own device.
- Learn a few words about the language - You do not need to know complicated phrases, a few words (Please, thank you, yes, no ...) can suffice to make yourself understood. Language is also a good indicator of the people and their culture. And it does not matter if your accent is appalling, on the contrary, it will certainly make the locals smile who will then be tempted to teach you the correct pronunciation!
- Lie sometimes - Everyone does not need to know that you are traveling alone. Tell them that you are going to join your friends or husband / wife. In some countries, it may be helpful to have a fake wedding ring to wear in case.
To travel safely
- Inquire before you leave on the risks potentially associated with your destination. There are obviously some countries and regions of the world or you risk big if you're not a seasoned adventurer. The foreign affairs ministry website's are a very good indicator.
- Become familiar with a person in your hotel, generally the ones that arrange for you, as they it helps for them to know where they can find you in case something happens.
- Trust your instincts, avoid places that make you uncomfortable or the ones about which you have a bad feeling.
- Portray confidence and avoid sounding like a tourist who does not really know his or her way around. Scammers know how to spot their target, learn to outsmart their instinct.
- Use secure lockers for valuables, important documents that many hotels provide. Pay particular attention to your identity papers.
To feel at ease
- Start by creating routines similar to those you have at home. Eat your breakfast in peace, take your morning jog, go do some shopping.
- Make every place you visit a temporary home. Decorate with a few familiar objects, unpack your toiletries bag, put your music.
- Go to the restaurant and bring a book, a travel guide with you, or your journal and write .Do not stay alone in the room on the pretext that you are alone.
- Become a regular customer of a bar, cafe or any other place frequented. This will give you an attachment point and easy contact with people who work there.
To facilitate meetings
- Choose fellow travelers who speak your language, they will share your experience of the moment and will be open to discussions.
- Meet people on travel forums devoted to your destination. They are full of information and you will often find other people leaving at the same time you.
- Go for guided tours, you will be forced to mix with fellow companions.
- Offer a coffee only to people in tourist places you frequent. This will allow you to initiate conversation on basic issues such as things to see around. You can also ask local to teach you a few words in their language. The important thing is to realize that you risk nothing, you will not seethem again if you do not wish to.
Don not stress! It'll just get started. Do share your travel experiences in one comment and share this article if you found it useful!
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