Traveling with companions is wonderful, and the most common way to go about vacationing. But when you travel with others, you have to make sacrifices because everyone will have an opinion about everything. What should we do? Where should we eat? Where should we go? You won’t always get your way and you may not get to do the things you’re really wanting.
Traveling alone means you can do WHATEVER. YOU. WANT.
If you’re sleepy, stay in bed. Want to shop the whole day? Do it. Feel like staring at the architecture of a pretty building for an hour? Stare for two!
Traveling alone may sound scary, but it can also be incredibly gratifying and memorable.
Here are a few tips to think about and keep in mind when planning your lone adventure!
1. Do Your Research
Before setting off on your solo voyage, get informed. Have a plan B, C and maybe even a D. You can’t be too prepared!
2. Trust Yourself. Use Logic and Instinct.
These are givens, but we’ll give them to you anyway: DON’T go down a dark alley at night. DON’T hop in the car with a stranger. If you feel uncomfortable with something, don’t do it. Listen to your gut. If you wouldn’t do it at home surrounded by people you know, don’t do it away from home surrounded by strangers. If you are well informed and prepared beforehand, you will ace traveling solo.
3. Read up on the locals.
Research the local people, culture, food, customs, traditions and music – and anything else you can think of! Don’t just look into where you should eat and what you should do. There are places around the world where certain articles of clothing that we wear in America are not acceptable. These are things you want to know BEFORE leaving home and getting in trouble! Do as the locals do.
4. Drink responsibly.
Don’t over-drink. Don’t leave your drink unattended. Don’t take drinks from strangers. Stay in sound control at all times.
5. Let someone know where you are.
Make sure someone knows your itinerary, flight and hotel info. Let them know if you change your plans, and check in every day or two.
6. It’s okay to feel lonely.
This is part of the experience. Sitting alone at a table for one will start to feel lonely, but it’s just temporary. Remind yourself what an awesome thing you are doing for yourself. Use the opportunity to strike up conversations with others. While learning about other people, you’ll learn a lot about yourself.
“To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.”
-Freya Stark, travel writer
