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Travelling Solo for the First Time? 13 Useful Solo Travel Tips to make most of it

Solo Travelling

Travelling solo can be one of the most exciting and liberating experiences, no matter your age. It offers ample opportunities for you to indulge in yourself completely. But it can also be daunting, especially if you’ve never travelled solo before. Here are a few safety tips for travelling alone for the first time.

1. Plan in advance:

When travelling alone, it is always better to do your homework before you arrive. The plan need not be extremely detailed but the slight outline of it should be clear in your head. Getting your bookings done for the stay beforehand is a mandatory part of the preparations. Choose the accommodation wisely; book a hotel with a 24-hour front desk if you’ll be arriving late.

2. Learn the basics of the local language:

Not being able to communicate can put you at a distinct disadvantage in many situations, so make an effort to learn a handful of words and phrases in your native language before travelling. It will make a huge difference in how you experience a city or a country, especially when you don’t have anyone with you to lean on for translations. At least try to learn how to say ‘Hello, excuse me, sorry, thank you, and please’ in the local language, it opens up many doors for you and shows locals you are sincerely interested in learning about their culture.

3. Pack light and carry your essentials:

Since you are travelling solo, you should pack light so that you can carry your luggage by yourself with ease. Always keep important documents and items like passport, wallet, camera, phone and emergency contact numbers handy.

4. Try arriving at the destination during the day:

Plan to arrive at the destination during the day so you’re not trying to find your way through an unfamiliar city at night, especially while travelling solo.

5. Meet the Locals:

Connect with the locals. The main purpose of the solo trip is to explore without any inhibitions and it is through connecting to the locals of the places that you can truly explore the place.

6. Take care of your belongings:

When travelling alone, it is important to take care of your belongings in the best possible manner. It is a recommendation to store all your essentials like passport, cash, camera, wallet and phone, in a single bag and take special care of the same.

7. Dress to blend in:

Try to avoid attracting unwanted attention, dress as conservatively as the women you see around you. A good thumb rule is to dress modestly. In some countries, bare arms, shoulders and legs are considered risqué, so it’s a good idea to research before you go.

8. Learn to dine alone:

If you are travelling alone dining alone shouldn’t put you off. Instead, learn to enjoy the flavours of the food while enjoying the spectacle of the people around you.

9. Learn to take your own photos:

Learn to be your photographer and take your photos for the perfect memories. It is not only the places that matter, but your presence in them makes it special.

10. Don’t get drunk:

When on a solo trip, don’t let yourself get drunk. Don’t go to the bar alone and be aware of your surroundings. Don’t take drinks from strangers it might be drug-induced. Yeah! Do have fun and if you want to drink, drink soberly.

11. Stay in touch:

Stay in touch with your family and friends, which is a must during your solo travel. Leave a copy of your itinerary with your folks back home. Forbidden, if something wrong happens with you, your family/friends should know where you were last. Connect with family and friends often via calls and social media. Let them always know the details of where you are and where are heading to.

12. Use shared/public transport:

While you travel solo, make sure to use shared/ public transportation for commuting from one place to another. This will benefit you in two ways: first to let go of the fear of hiring a rental taxi and wandering alone from place to place, and second, it’s much easier to meet new people, who know you might just find your travel buddy, if you use shared/public transports.

13. Listen to your instincts:

Listen to your instincts, if it doesn’t feel right it isn’t right. Trust them they will keep you safe amid your adventure.

With all these above tips, solo travelling will be easier, more fun and rewarding. Now, give it a try.

Featured Picture Courtesy: Pinterest

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