Travel is one of the most incredible experiences you can have. It’s a chance to step outside of your comfort zone and experience all sorts of new things that you would have never had if you stayed at home. From what you eat to the language you speak, travel offers all sorts of new adventures.
Traveling by yourself can be even more exciting because it forces you to embrace self-discovery. While traveling in a group can undoubtedly be fun, sometimes you tend to be less aware of your surroundings since you’re engaged with your entourage.
Solo travel forces you to strike up conversation with strangers you might not have otherwise talked to, and encourages you to be braver overall. However, along with the exciting nature of solar travel also come certain challenges. Here are some of the best tips for making your solo travels an enriching experience.
Do Your Research
It’s helpful to do your research ahead of time so that you know what you’re getting into. Perhaps most important is to research the crime rate of where you’re going. If it’s in an unfamiliar place, determine whether they respect law enforcement in that area. Will you feel safe? How do you plan on getting around?
What are the modes of transportation in your destination? Where are the best places to eat? What kind of currency do they use, and should you bring cash or traveler’s checks? If it’s a foreign country, are they known for being proficient in English, or should you bring a language book to ensure you can get around? Get to know everything you’ll need, and plan accordingly.
Pack Lightly
One of the perks of traveling alone is that you get to be your own captain. You don’t have to worry about what everyone else in your group thinks or wants to do— it’s as simple as choosing your own itinerary.
When traveling alone, you never know when you might have a sudden change of plans, or the urge to get on a train somewhere you hadn’t anticipated going. However, it’s much more difficult to be spontaneous if you have extremely heavy luggage weighing you down.
Pack lightly if you hope to have the maximum amount of mobility. Not only will this help you get around more comfortably but it will also reduce your chances of hefty luggage fees. Nowadays even a few pounds overweight on your luggage allowance can result in hundreds of dollars on top of your plane ticket
Ask Locals
While forums and travel books can be useful, there’s nothing as reliable as the advice of a local. Connect with locals and ask them where they recommend eating and where they recommend going. Chances are the best-hidden gems are the ones that you’ll appreciate the most. Because if something’s inside of a tourist book, it’s most likely that it will be flooded with tourists. Advice from locals can provide the most authentic experience on your travels.
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