The thought of traveling alone especially when you are in a foreign place can be overwhelming, scary and daunting. However, you can turn traveling alone into a great and wonderful experience.
When you travel alone, you are able to create and design your trip to be unique to you, personal and meaningful. When there is no one else making decisions during your trip, as a solo traveler, you are forced to look into your own resourcefulness and rely on your own intuition. You’ll be surprised to find that you are capable, confident and are able to handle and overcome the fear of being alone in an unfamiliar place. You just have to have the willingness to try the new experience of going at it alone.
Here are some pieces of advice to make the most out of your trip when you travel alone.
Plan and Do Your Research.
Do your research. Before you leave for your trip it is a good idea to learn about your destination. What is important about the place? What are the customs? What sights and points of interests should you not miss? What about the food? What about the people? Study a map of the place to get your bearings ahead of time.
Once you have all the information you need, create an itinerary but remember not to make your schedule too crazy and exhaustive. Be open to having your curiosity, whim and openness dictate your agenda when you arrive at your destination.
Leave the Kitchen Sink
Remember to pack light. Don’t be tempted to overpack. Remember you are traveling solo. You want to be able to manage all your belongings and not be dependent on others to help you out. Do not limit your mobility by having tons of heavy and unnecessary luggages!
Travel Like A Local
To forget that you are traveling solo— surround yourself with people! Try skipping the rental car and learning how to take alternative modes of transportation that the locals use. Take the city bus, explore the subway, hop on a bike or commute via the “jeepney”. Not being couped up inside your rental car allows you to get a more intimate view of everyday life.
Be In The Moment
Listen to your instincts. What is it that you truly enjoy? What do you really want to do and see? Do you want to tour a museum or check out the retail shops? Lounge by the pool or explore local markets? Eat at odd hours or just be content to sit and people watch. All of the above? When you travel solo, you are able to listen to what your inner self tells you.
Consider a travel journal where you can jot down everything so you can be sure to treasure and remember the different and special moments during your trip.
Make Friends
Plan your trip to include doing something that will connect you with others. Book a walking tour, take a photography class or join a city tour. When booking a place, look for a central location or maybe reserve a place with a communal area where other travelers congregate. Check out local bars or coffee shops where you can engage in rewarding conversations with other people.
Solo traveling can be liberating and at the same time empowering. You will learn sides of yourself that you never knew you had. Look at traveling solo as your opportunity to learn, open up to new sights, friends and experiences.
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