“Travelling solo forces you to confront the reality of who you are, to get comfortable with your own company, and to trust your instincts.”
- Brenna Smith (Actress)
Imagine yourself standing somewhere in the bustling streets of Osaka, surrounded by some neon lights and a vibrant energy that offers a beyond-the-world experience. Or perhaps you’re hiking yourself through the breathtaking landscape of the Himalayas. Aren’t these the kind of moments that make a solo trip unforgettable?
Well, a solo tour is more than just a fun vacation that you do alone, it’s also your journey to self-discovery and personal development. So, why not just step outside your comfort zone and explore some true wonders that life has to offer?
So, in this read, I’ll be offering some practical tips and advice that can truly embrace your solo trip experience.
Let’s start!
Overcoming Fears and Challenges
The biggest reason a solo trip never gets off the ground is because of fears many travelers have regarding safety. Many travelers don’t like the idea of staying in hostels or even some hotels because they never have before, or perhaps they have heard horror stories from other travelers.
As a best practice, conduct ample research on where you are considering explorers to and look up review sites that can point you toward accredited locations for individual wanderers.
Planning a standalone adventure is the other major challenge that holds many people back, so start your planning as early as possible to avoid falling into this issue. Pick a time you know you’ll be able to travel and get it booked on the calendar as soon as possible so that you have no excuses.
Planning Your Solo Trip
First and foremost, you need to pick a destination that you want to explore. And, do not forget to keep all the major factors like the listed safety, primary language spoken, cultural differences, and more in mind when looking at places.
For those taking their first solo adventure, consider a country or location fairly similar to your home country so that you can get used to the experience. Keep your schedule as flexible as possible on your vacation as well, to give yourself ample opportunity to try new things on your adventure.
Staying Safe and Secure on Your Trip
Even if you go to the safest country in the world, there are still some chances of some mishappening, which is why it is imperative to understand the local laws and regulations. For instance, a proper understanding of crossing on the wrong side of the street can be used as a great example of understanding the local laws.
After all, even in a big city like Chicago, there are still 2,104 injury resulting accidents in a single year due to cars. In addition to this, avoid having your valuables out while you are walking around, and do your best to blend into the crowd as much as possible.
Tips for Connecting with Others
For those who experience loneliness rather easily, a solo adventure is still more than possible. While on your trip, you can look up group tours or activities that will be full of like-minded travellers who you can share your excursions with.
In the event you are in a niche part of the world without such group events, get to know the locals by studying their culture. This can help you establish some meaningful connections, who can further give some local advice to save your budget and what next destination you can explore for your next adventure. This will also provide you with the opportunity to exchange cultures and make lasting friendships on vacation.
Do You Know?
According to some latest solo travel statistics, 9 out of 10 solo travellers prefer to take tours all or some of the time.
Embracing the Solo Experience
The last tip on our list, as you prepare to take your solo journey, is to remember that the point of a solitary vacation is just that: to be alone. Try to find the joy in solitude by focusing on self-discovery activities.
If enjoying your own company doesn’t come easy, get yourself in a public setting with people around you so that it doesn’t feel as if you are trapped within your thoughts. Last year, 66% of people polled didn’t want to wait to travel, going to show just how quickly the travel bug has spread around.
Don’t let the idea of being by yourself stop you from taking a vacation you have always wanted. Bring a camera along and throw yourself into as many cultural experiences as you can. The best way to forget you’re alone is to pack your schedule with activities so that you can focus on having fun.
Plan Your Next Solo Vacation Today
So many people seem to have a fear of travelling alone, no matter if it is due to stigmas, safety concerns, or simply the effort required to plan the trip. However, a solo adventure can have many benefits and allow you to meet so many new people.
Don’t hesitate to start planning that journey you’ve been putting off for ages, even if you don’t have anybody to do it with. Simply take the time to plan out your adventure so that you know you’ll be safe and sound while playing tourist.
