Life can become a drudge when we have the same routine day after day. That’s why people love to plan their holidays and get away from it all.
Whilst going on vacation can be a lot of fun, it can also be daunting if you’re traveling solo. If this is your first time traveling by yourself, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! Here are 6 tips to help make your trip as enjoyable as possible.
- Plan Your Itinerary And Tell Others
To ensure you achieve everything you want on your vacation, spend some time planning your itinerary before you leave. Decide which sights and activities are most important to you and then research how much time each will take. This will help you create a realistic itinerary that ensures you get the most out of your trip.
Whether it’s family, friends – or even your hotel staff – it’s always a good idea to make someone aware of where you are and when you plan on being back. That way, if something were to happen, they’d know where to start looking for you. Plus, it’s always nice to have someone to check in with while you’re away.
- Find Decent Accommodation
TripAdvisor, Travelocity, and other similar websites are your friends when it comes to finding a place to stay. The popularity of the This Hotel website reflects people’s desire for the best hotels, hostels and B&Bs – based on professional recommendations and thousands of guest reviews. Folks also want price-match guarantees so they can always get the cheapest rates available.
Make sure that the accommodation you choose is in a safe area – and if you’re going to be staying in a city, find somewhere that’s close to public transport. If you’re on a tight budget, there are plenty of hostels and Airbnbs that offer private rooms at reasonable prices. You can also use Couchsurfing to find free accommodation with locals.
- Connect With Others
One of the best ways to enjoy your solo vacation is to connect with locals. Talk to people in line at the grocery store, on public transportation, or at a bar. Ask them for recommendations on where to go and what to see.
Not only will you get some great tips, but you’ll also get a feel for the local culture. And who knows, you might even make a new friend or two.
- Don’t Be Afraid To Go Off The Beaten Path
You’re traveling alone so if you want to sleep in late, eat at weird hours or wander around aimlessly, go for it! This doesn’t mean you have to stick to the well-trodden tourist path either. In fact, venturing off the beaten track can be one of the most rewarding aspects of solo travel.
Explore areas that are less touristed and get a taste of what life is really like in your destination. You might just find that you prefer the locals-only spots to the tourist traps. Do your research before booking your trip and make sure that the place you’re going is safe and has plenty of things for you to do by yourself. Popular solo travel destinations include Barcelona, Berlin, London, Melbourne, New York City, San Francisco, and Tokyo.
- Pack Lightly
One of the best parts about traveling solo is that you don’t have to worry about someone else’s packing preferences. Having said that it’s advisable to pack lightly so that you can move around easily.
Overpacking is a common mistake that solo travelers make. By packing too much, you’ll end up lugging around a heavy suitcase or backpack, which can be tiring and impractical. Instead, pack only the essentials and leave room in your bag for souvenirs.
- Prepare For The Language And Culture
Learning some key phrases in the local language will not only help you get by but will also endear you to the locals. They’ll appreciate that you made an effort to learn their language. You’ll also be better prepared should an emergency occur.
You should also research the dress code of the country or region you’re visiting. You don’t want to stand out like a sore thumb or offend anyone with your clothing choices. Check out things like body language too, as certain gestures can be viewed as insulting or confrontational.
Whilst traveling solo brings new sets of challenges it also provides new opportunities. By putting these 6 tips into practice as a solo traveler, you’ll be safer and better prepared – and able to get the most from your vacation. Before you know it, you’ll be back home, and armed with photos and exciting stories.