Admit it, travelling alone may be one of the most peaceful and indulging experiences one could ever have. There wouldn't be anything more satisfying than to follow your own plans and take your own journey. However, for first timers, have you figure out how would you enjoy your initial trip alone?
As per Independent Traveler, going solo on an adventure may have its jeopardies as much as it has positive effects. Part of which include loneliness, boredom, security issues and single supplement expenses.
Planning a solo vacation may also sound easier but actually takes extra care as to not waste your time and money. Hence, for someone who is plotting a solo trip for the first time, here are some of the things that could help you manage your journey whilst enjoying yourself.
Secure your things and yourself
Since you are alone, you do not have anyone to look for you nor your things. Always see to it that you secure your things properly in a locked bag before checking it in a hotel. In addition, keep an eye on your belongings wherever you go.
Independent traveler also suggests that you must not look like a tourist as to avoid dragging attention from people who might take advantage of you. Dress properly and avoid fancy clothes especially when walking on streets and any public areas.
Take note of important contacts
When travelling in a certain place, it is important to always have someone to call (especially authorities) in case of an emergency. Therefore, always keep in touch with the police, the hotel you're in, even the cabs you got in, so you would have someone to track whenever possible. Also, talking to locals is highly recommended as to get necessary information and tips as you go along with your journey.
Act normally and do not tell you are alone
Travelling alone always have risks especially if people knew you don't have anyone with you. Hence, when asking for directions or things, always see to it to act normally and never show people you are on a solo trip. You may lie a bit and say your friend will meet you in a certain place or that someone is waiting for you there as to not give notion of yourself being alone to others.
Know the area first before leaving
If you want to go around a place, be sure to study it before you leave the hotel. Someone who walks the streets with a map on his/her face can easily be a target of the bad guys. Hence, always see to it that you know where you'll go or at least act like you do to avoid further problems. Anyway, you may always ask for direction and apply the one mentioned above.
Be Skeptical all the time
Trusting people easily when in a lone trip can be dangerous. Make sure you talk to the right people and do not let anyone just drag you anywhere without fully examining their identity and purpose. The best thing is to talk to authorized personnel only and never leave your IDs or important information to anyone as to not let them have any access to your personal data.
On the other hand, trusting can also make you feel secured about yourself in a trip. People, especially locals may require a certain level of trust from you in order to perform their duty or offer their hands. Always be polite when asking and respect them when they are explaining.
Avoid Single Supplement deals
Single supplement is the extra pay you give in lieu of a partner or companion. Hotels, cruise and other operators often ask for such to cover up for another person.
Avoiding such is necessary for it will cost you much if you let them make you pay for having no one beside you. To avoid such, the source suggests to book an accommodation where you will be matched with other people (lone travelers) to cut the cost. You may also want to try camping on your own to avoid facing such dilemmas.
Bring entertainment paraphernalia
One of the catches of going on a solo trip is the loneliness and boredom as you have no one to talk to during the trip. Hence, bringing something that could kill time is advisable. Books are among the best companions when in a lone trip.
Also if you don't want to feel much about solo dining, then you can choose to have your meal in a restaurant that offers booths for privacy, take a seat in the counter or bar area. You may also take your food inside your hotel via service crews. Sitting in a cafeteria with a book can also avoid dragging attention as compared with eating alone inside a luxurious restaurant.
There are a lot of ways to plot a solo trip and the ones mentioned are just some of it. Above all, make sure to indulge yourself and enjoy your journey as much as possible. Make every trip worth your time and money by practicing all the tips above. For more Travel guide, visit Traveler's Today.
