Traveling is an activity we typically share with friends or family. Yet, as enjoyable as they are, it gets stressful accounting for people other than yourself. Traveling alone is a perfect alternative as you have more freedom, adventure and time control. However, there are essentials you need to consider before venturing alone.
Here are five essential tips every tourist needs to remember before traveling solo:
Do thorough research before going to the destination.
Whether it’s local or abroad, it’s always essential to be well-knowledgeable about your destination. It helps you make informed, safer, more cost-effective choices. But what should you research specifically?
Before going to the destination, you must look into activities you’re interested in. You could research the best beaches offering water activities if you're going to the tropics. Look into local markets and tours if it's the culture you like. And if you like the thrill, research adventure travel and tour packages.
Additionally, researching helps you familiarize yourself with the local etiquette, culture, and safety protocols. It’s essential to know security protocols, especially if you’re traveling abroad, to make your air, land, or water travel smooth.
Lastly, researching the destination before arrival helps you prepare a more accurate itinerary. Computing a close estimate of your expenses, inclusive of accommodation, food, activities, and miscellaneous fees will save you more money. Also, make sure to look into the average prices of transportation, local food, and lodging so you’ll avoid paying overpriced fares.
Book accommodations with positive reviews and ratings
Since you’re traveling alone, you are more vulnerable to security and safety hazards. It’s vital to look for accommodation where you’ll feel safe to stay, especially if you are in a foreign location where your resources are limited.
You need to remember the three Rs when selecting your accommodation: Ratings, Reviews, and Recommendations.
First, you must filter out your options by good ratings, which range from four to five out of five stars. Whether it’s a hotel, hostel, or room stay, you must always choose accommodations with high ratings.
Second, once you’ve picked out a few high-rated accommodations, you must read the reviews about the place. Is the area sanitary? Are the owners responsive and accommodating? Is the accommodation located in a safe environment? These are questions that reviews must answer.
Lastly, seek recommendations from your friends and family who’ve visited your destination. Hearing their referrals will help you narrow down your options.
Plan an itinerary but be flexible for changes.
Planning an itinerary is essential as it helps you set your expectations within the period of the trip. It’s composed of your list of activities, budget, and transportation and accommodation bookings—all within the span of your travel.
However, as a solo traveler, you have the luxury of straying away from your set itinerary when you feel like it. Additionally, there will also be instances where externalities such as weather and emergencies will delay your plan. In this case, you should be flexible to changes.
To avoid overlapping schedules, you can do two things: give time allowances in between activities, and prepare alternative plans. You could also opt to reschedule if your day is already full of activities.
Seek recommendations from locals.
One of the best ways to explore your destination is by experiencing it like a local. But, it’s difficult to do such a thing if your itinerary only consists of activities recommended on the internet.
There are numerous hidden restaurants and underrated activities that only locals know about. That’s why as a solo traveler, it’s vital to have contact with a trusted local who can share the secret gems with you.
How do you find a local to seek recommendations? You could start by asking service workers within your accommodation. The employees are likely well-knowledgeable about small restaurants best for food exploration, especially if you’re staying at a lodging house commonly booked by tourists.
For additional security, roam around the recommended areas before settling down. Familiarize yourself with the entrance and exit points, and inform your emergency contact about your whereabouts. Since chances are you’ll go to an area with a smaller population or space, you can never predict what could happen as a solo traveler.
Always ask for help when you are unsure.
Unlike traveling in groups where you could delegate the task of asking to an extrovert, traveling alone means doing everything alone too. So, when you get lost, you have no choice but to either wing it or ask for assistance.
Sometimes, you won’t have a good signal to Google Search the directions or translate signage.
We recommend asking for help, especially if it’s your first time going to the destination. There is no shame in asking if it means saving you time and energy.
Remember that as a solo traveler, part of the adventure is self-growth. If asking for help means stepping away from your comfort zone, then, you’re one step forward to becoming a better version of yourself.
In a quote by Joel Annesley, he says, “adventures are the best ways to learn.”
Traveling is a leisurely activity that can either be traumatic or the best decision you’ve made. Therefore, tourists can maximize their trip thanks to their preparations which can help them save time, money and effort.
Especially if you’re traveling alone, you must remember the five essential tips for a smooth-flowing trip: research, read reviews, be flexible, learn from the locals, and ask when necessary. These tips will help your solo travel be safer, smoother, and more exciting.
