Traveling solo can seem daunting. What happens if something goes wrong? Is it safe to go out alone? All these questions and more might worry you about traveling on your own, and they can put off many people from making trips alone. To put your fears at rest, try some of these tips to have the best time during your solo travel experience.
Know Your Strengths
The worries you have about traveling alone will depend on what you want to get from your trip and what kind of person you are. Do you like to be pushed out of your comfort zone, or does the thought of that make you feel worried rather than excited? Are you someone who is sociable? If you are, then you might find being somewhere alone where you don’t speak the language very frustrating. However, if you’re more introverted then you might not mind the language barrier. If you like to plan, book something like Egypt Tours rather than exploring alone.
Do Your Homework
Take some time to think about what you want from your trip and where you’re most likely to get what you want. Some inspiration and research can help you to fill your time when you’re traveling alone, rather than being stuck wondering what you should do next. You don’t need to plan every moment, but know what’s available to you.
Sleep Around
Look for a room rental in an apartment or stay in hostels. This will give you an automatic link to others staying there when you’re traveling on your own. As a solo traveler, you will have lots of options to choose from. If you stay with a local, you can get some great tips for things to do too. Hostels are set up for solo travelers, but remember that you will spend more time with other tourists in hostels, rather than meeting many locals.
Embrace Yourself
Being on your own for long periods of time can seem quite daunting, but try to embrace it. You might find that you enjoy your own company. If you are feeling more social, you can try to make new friends while you travel. Offer to take a family’s photo at a tourist site, or sit near a chatty group in a cafe. Find excuses to strike up a conversation and you never know who you might meet.
Just Say No
Sometimes, you can attract attention when you travel solo, and while this is often well-intentioned, it can get a little intense. Learn how to say ‘no thank you’ in the local language, as well as ‘absolutely not’, and the nonverbal gesture for no. If someone is bothering you, don’t be afraid to make a scene.
Make sure you also have local numbers saved in your phone, such as your hotel, the tourist police, and medical services, just in case. You might not ever need them, but being able to call for help can help you to feel more confident while you travel.