Single Travel: Tips For Going Solo

If you have never traveled by yourself before, then many people do describe it as an amazing and valuable experience. You might think that it could get a little boring or tedious, but it is the chance to really indulge yourself. You can see the sights that you’d like to see, without the stresses or ideas from other people. There is no catering to other people’s boredom or tastes, so you can take in so much more than you would necessarily. Having said that, going solo can be quite a daunting thought. There can, of course, be concerns of loneliness and perhaps safety. But when it is planned well, you can have an amazing opportunity, save money, and get the most out of your trip. Here are some things to think about if you are planning a trip by yourself.

image

Staying Safe

We do know the old phrase of safety in numbers, so if you are traveling alone, it can be a very real concern. But with forward planning and common sense, it can still be an enjoyable and safe trip for you. First of all, if you are ever planning to take a taxi anywhere, do some forward planning as to how long it should take. Single travelers are the most likely to be literally taken for a ride so that you end up paying more. So plan ahead and then ask the taxi driver for an estimated cost before you set off. There is no need for you to feel in danger or that you’ve been ripped off. But common sense does suggest other things, like keeping in very public places, especially at night. Don’t take back streets or short cuts. Stick where there are lots of other people, and you’ll just blend right in.

With that in mind, don’t make yourself look like an obvious tourist. Having a big flashy camera around your neck or a bright Mickey Mouse t-shirt can just scream tourist. So just wear subtle clothing and avoid having anything flashy or expensive on show. But that works for traveling with anyone really. One other thing is that you should always have an itinerary and give a copy to a friend or family member. Then if anything should happen, they can help to locate whereabouts you might be.

Be Friendly But Not Too Trusting

It is a great idea to be friendly and open when you are traveling.Making friends and going out with people that you’ve just met is great. But again, use some common sense, and you’ll be fine. Don’t go off to homes or locations that aren’t in public. It is also a good idea to avoid giving anyone your bag to hold or any cash or documents. You never know when they might just run off with it!

image

Arrange a Group Tour

You can do a lot of your traveling solo, but for some things, it might be a good idea to book a group tour. This is best for main tourist attractions, especially if you do enjoy the company of others. There are many companies, like Just You tours, that arrange tours for those traveling solo. So looking for something like that might be the best idea. Then everyone is in the same boat as you, and it won’t be just you hanging out with lots of couples or families.

Solo Dining

The thought of having to eat out alone can put a lot of people off doing it. It can be quite a daunting task and really put you out of your comfort zone. But it is pretty common to see people dining alone. Business travelers will do it frequently, as well as solo travelers. So it is nothing to be anxious about. It could be a good idea to choose outdoor seating, though, if it is available where you have chosen to eat. So that you can enjoy the view and perhaps some people watching as you dine. It is also a good idea to travel with a book or something else to read in your bag. Then you can just take it out at moments where you feel like you are just staring into space. Get chatting to local people when you eat out, especially the waiting staff. They should have plenty of recommendations for you so be friendly and ask lots of questions.

Have you ever done much solo travel before? What would be your top tips for anyone that is going on a trip alone?

Tips For Women Who Are Traveling Alone

Traveling is a fun activity whether you're married, a couple, in a group, or a solo flight. However, being a solo traveler does not mean you can not have fun as much as others who are traveling in a group or with a company.

Being a solo traveler and a woman at that poses higher risks than other people who are in a group. For starters, the world is not a very safe place anymore. There are plenty of places to visit though that are still safe considering the news we hear but being a tourist in those places still make you an easy target of petty crimes.

It can't be helped that you will sometimes have to travel on your own for whatever reason it is. Just read on for tips on how to stay safe while abroad and alone.

1. Don't be too obvious by carrying maps, camera and looking lost. People might be observing you and you don't want to be the attention of something not good.

2. Don't wear flashy jewelries or don't wear any at all.  Unless you are going to a gala, ball or a formal event then do so but try to subdue your jewelry so it won't get too much attention. And if you have to,  rent a car so you don't have to commute going to your destination.

3. Do not accept any assistance or a ride from a stranger. If there is an emergency, you can always dial help or call the police. In this case, you have to familiarize yourself with the important numbers of the country you are visiting.

4. Do not accept any invitation to go out from someone you hardly know. That's a no brainer!

5. If you're being adventurous, try to stick to the usual touristy area where there are plenty of people. Do not wander off from your hotel or go to secluded areas whether it is day or  night.

6. Never disclose that you are traveling alone. If people ask, tell them your husband is waiting at the bar or you are to meet in a certain place or you're in a group of travelers.

7. Obtain a seat in your flight or train coach where there are plenty of families around you.

8. Try to avoid shady budget accommodations. A few splurges when it comes to safety is better that being sorry.

9. Avoid getting a room in high floors or in ground floors. Avoid rooms with plenty of windows especially in the lower floors where it can be accessed. Avoid rooms at the far end of the hotel or somewhere in the darkened corner. Get a room near the elevator.

10. Inform the hotel to never give out your information to anyone.

11. Do not call for room service very late at night.

12. Do not open your hotel room door for any maintenance if someone comes at your door and claims they are from maintenance. Tell them to wait and call the concierge or the hotel manager and ask for the identity of the person sent to your room.

13.  Always take photocopies of your travel documents and cards and keep them safe in your locked luggage.

14. Do use a cross-body kind of bag so you don't have to keep worrying if the bag will fall off your shoulder. This kind of bag frees both of your hands and arms and can easily give a blow to someone who is aiming to harm you.

15. Do not open door when you hear noises in the hallway or near your room to check. Call the security when you hear suspicious sounds.

16. Check the lift before you go in if you suspect you're being followed. Or better yet, go straight to the concierge and ask for any staff or security personnel to escort you. I would certainly suggest that a lady staff and a security personnel escort you.

17. Always check the doors and windows of your hotel room are locked before you sleep.

18. Try not to switch all the lights off. Leave a lamp on to illuminate the whole room.

19. If you need to get a rental car, do not park far from the entrance of the building or somewhere dense and dark. Always park where there are plenty of cars and traffic and well-lit.

20. Do not take a hitch-hiker to ride with you at any cost.

21. Keep your car doors and windows closed and locked at all times.

22. Avoid driving at night.

23. If your car breaks down. Do not get out or accept help from others. Dial assistance or the police. Although I discourage the use of rental car if it can be helped simply because there is so much potential risk when a lone lady driver ventures out to unfamiliar places. It does not make it very safe.

24. Always keep a spare mobile battery should you have an emergency.

Remember to be alert at all times and always join group tours if you have too. Try to not stay long in a foreign place when you are alone. There's really nothing wrong when traveling solo but it is best to practice common sense and caution at all times.