Solo Travel Tips

Girl looking at a map

Essential Travel Tips For Solo Backpackers!

There’s something very liberating about wandering in an unknown land all by yourself. Solo travel continues to grow in popularity. No matter who you are or your age, traveling solo hits you right in the heart. Traveling solo might seem a little daunting if you have never stepped out alone, but there’s no going back once you do it.

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Whether you are a seasonal traveler or a rookie solo, here’s a list of ten tips for solo travelers:-

10 Solo Travel Tips To Keep In Mind

1. Plan Everything Beforehand

Solo travelers are advised to make a blueprint of their entire trip before embarking on the journey. The plan need not be exceedingly detailed.

Having a rough outline of the trip would help you to keep track of things. You won’t feel lost. There will be no last-minute chaos or panic.

Maintain a check-list of things you want to explore on your journey. This way, you won’t have to deal with the fear of missing an activity. Make sure to book your accommodations prior to the Trip

2. Do Not Over Pack

Do not go overboard with packing your luggage. Whether you’ll be on the go constantly or staying put in a hotel for a couple of weeks, pack your luggage wisely. Do not stuff your suitcase with unnecessary commodities.

Dragging a heavy suitcase around is the last thing one would want to do, especially when traveling solo. Make sure to pack light so that you are able to move around with ease.

A suitcase, rucksack or backpack should suffice. Make sure to carry all your essentials

3. Learn The Local Lingo

Make an effort to learn a bunch of day-to-day phrases in the native language. When traveling alone, a little knowledge about the local tongue is bound to come in handy.

Learn a handful of phrases and greetings such as “hello,” “thank you ” “please,” “excuse me,” etc.

Locals certainly recognize and acknowledge the effort. They are pleased to see travelers genuinely making an effort to understand the region’s culture.

4. Learn To Eat Alone

If you plan to embark on a solo journey, you should learn to embrace your company. Instead of worrying about eating alone, learn to savor each bite while enjoying the spectacle around you.

Observe the people around you. If you are feeling a little chatty, talk to the staff or make a conversation with a stranger sitting next to you. You won’t regret it a single bit.

5. Say Yes To Organized Tours

Man is a social animal at the end of the day. It’s only natural to crave for some company. Organized tours help you to find some great company by connecting with fellow travelers

Opting for organized tours is undoubtedly a great option if you are running short on time or just want to go sightseeing with an expert.

If you need some time off from planning your next expedition in the city and yet want to explore everything, organized tours are the way to go!

Book tours on Viator.com

or explore a city with a local guide with hihiguide.com

6. Do Not Forget Travelers Insurance

Solo backpackers are advised to purchase travelers insurance. While you are traveling alone, there’s no one to look after you. You are pretty much on your own. If you have flight cancellations or experience any other inconvenience, you wouldn’t have to worry about paying the extra charges.

The amount of the insurance depends on the location you are traveling to. It varies from place to place. Make sure to purchase a coverage that includes the travel expenses of a person who can reach out to you in case you end up in hospital.

7. Trust Your Gut

Traveling to a new destination can be pretty exciting. It’s important to stay alert and vigilant at all times.

If you have a bad feeling about an alley, don’t go down it. If the person you are interacting with seems a bit off or suspicious then maintain your distance.

If you think that bridge is too wobbly, then don’t cross it. Give your instincts the credit they deserve and trust them as much as you can. Especially when you are traveling, you can never be too cautious. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

8. Create An Extra Copy Of Your Documents

Print extra copies of your passport and carry it with you. In case you lose your passport, you will have a backup. Scan all your documents and identifications.

Store an electronic copy of these documents on Google drive or dropbox. Email a copy of these documents to your parents or a loved one. So if something goes missing, you can ask them to mail you the copies. 

9. Choose An Accommodation With Positive Ratings

Traveling to an unknown land, that too alone does make you feel a little vulnerable.

Traveler’s are advised to do thorough research before booking accommodation. Only choose the ones that have multiple positive reviews.

The reviews will provide you a good idea about the dwelling options, the surroundings, the host, etc.

There are times when the hotels look nothing like the photos mentioned on the website. The safest bet is always to check the ratings and reviews of the other travellers. To check out hotels – Click here

Use Hotels.com to book hotels 

10. Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone

Traveling solo gives you the freedom to walk on any path you want. Do not get too comfortable. Analyze your strengths and weaknesses. Go at your own pace, but do challenge yourself! Whether it’s visiting a nearby café or talking to a stranger, don’t be afraid of new and unfamiliar experiences.

So what are you waiting for? Pack your suitcases, book the next flight tickets and embark on a solo adventure. Do not forget to follow the tips for solo travelers mentioned above for an unforgettable travel escapade!

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