Are you planning to travel on your own this vacation? Have you just broken up with your partner but you don't want to give up that trip you had planned? If so, this article can help you overcome those concerns that may arise when traveling solo
Whether out of necessity or because you are an independent and adventurous person, these solo travel tips will help you explore any corner of the world with complete peace of mind.
Tips for traveling alone without giving up peace of mind
Take note of the following recommendations to keep in mind for your next trip alone.
one. Choose your destination well
While it is true that by taking precautions we can visit any part of the world we choose, the truth is that there are many countries that we can currently consider dangerous for anyone, whether men or women.
One of the most basic tips for solo travel will be investigate beforehand the place you want to travel to You don't just have to avoid the areas with active armed conflicts, as would be evident, but it is advisable to find out about the current situation of the country we wish to visit to prevent unwanted surprises.
2. Schedule your routes well
Once you have your destination, plan your itinerary and the routes you will follow at all times, especially if you plan to visit several cities or countries.This will allow you to anticipate the search for accommodation and get to know the destination environment better
It doesn't have to be a totally rigid plan either, especially if it's a long trip. Always being ready to adapt to possible changes or setbacks that may arise is another of the best solo travel tips that you can follow. In this way you will enjoy your adventure to the fullest without feeling overwhelmed
3. Travel insurance
Consider the possibility of applying for travel insurance or medical insurance, especially if your travel plan will last many days or if you are traveling to places with little medical coverage.
The World Nomads agency is one of the most recognized and used by travelers from all over the world, and offers all kinds of effective insurance around the world.
4. Inform your relatives of the trip
Another of the tips for traveling alone that you should not ignore is leave information about your itinerary to a family member, friend or person trusted. In this way you will have the peace of mind that they know where you can be at all times in case of emergency.
Also provide a mobile number or ways to contact you in each city, such as the phone numbers of the hostels or hotels where you plan to stay. Do not forget to give signs of life or keep them informed often.
5. Forget about the expensive, look for the safe
The most expensive option is not always the best, especially when traveling to another country. In these cases, especially if you are traveling alone, it is best to save by staying in hostels and traveling by public transport. As long as they are safe.
In this way, you will be able to reserve money for other needs that may arise during the trip or to spend on other experiences that allow you to enjoy the place more. This way you will also avoid paying more unnecessarily just because you don't know how to be a tourist.
6. Stay only in recommended places
Following the advice above, don't be afraid to stay in cheap accommodation, but do it only in reliable and recommended places The opinions of other travelers They will be your great ally when looking for accommodation. Some hotel reservation websites even indicate the security level of each area where the hotel is located.
If you use services like airbnb or couchsurfing, look for accommodation only in apartments that are verified and that have already received recommendations from other travelers. If you want more security, you can also choose to stay with women only.
7. Light luggage
Another of the tips for traveling alone is to carry luggage as light as possible. Forget about suitcases and opt for a good backpack. Take the essentials for the trip and make sure it is light so that it does not make you lose agility.
Carrying expensive items can also be a warning to thieves. It is best to travel in comfortable clothing and avoid wearing jewelry. If we can't avoid taking our best camera, try not to keep it visible all the time and take it out only when it's essential.
8. Languages
Knowing a little bit of the language of the destination is not only enriching knowledge, but it will also be very useful for getting around the city .
You don't need to learn the language well. It is enough to memorize or have written down the most basic phrases, in case you need to communicate with a local with something more than signs.
9. Find friends in the area
Try to make friends, either before the trip or during the trip. In addition to meeting interesting people, it will give you a sense of peace of mind knowing that you are not alone or that you have someone to turn to.Especially if you meet other female travelers who, like you, travel alone.
To do this you can sign up for outings or group experiences, either for day trips or to do a specific activity . Another way to meet people can be using “mealsurfing”, where locals offer their homes to set up dinners with different strangers.
10. Always carry your documents with you
Try to always carry your documentation and some money with you. For this, bags that you can hide under your clothes are practical. Avoid also keeping all your money in one place or leaving everything at the hotel. In any case, always see if you can have a safe in your accommodation.
It will also be very useful for you to scan the documents and upload the necessary data to a secure online platform, so that they are always available to you anywhere.Don't forget to include the addresses of the places where you'll be staying, as well as other useful information about the city, so you don't lose information and have a clear idea of where to go.
eleven. Emergency numbers
Any precaution is little. Prepare a list with the different emergency numbers of the country you are going to visit, as well as the different services available to you once you are there.
Write down the addresses and telephone numbers of the consulate, medical services or local police. You never know when you might need them.
12. Transport
If you are going to use buses or trains, try to sit in areas where other passengers travel, especially if they are women. Always avoid falling asleep in public.
Reserve some money to spend on taxis and thus avoid walking at night or in unsafe areas. Use only trusted taxi companies. In many countries there are even so-called “pink taxis”, which are taxis driven by and for women only.
13. Discretion above all
One of the tips for safer solo travel is without a doubt to be discreet and not give more information than is necessary. Try not to give signs that you are traveling alone and avoid giving information about your accommodation or about the itineraries you plan to follow.
In front of strangers, let them know that you are waiting for someone or that you are traveling with a companion. If you use public transport or leave it, a good trick can be to make a false call indicating that you have made an appointment with someone on the way out.
14. Adapt to the country
Try to dress according to the local people and try to follow the same schedules as them. Adapting to the local lifestyle will allow you to blend in with the population and avoid attracting attention. Also take a look at the different gestures and their meanings in each country, so as not to create misunderstandings when communicating with them.
Tourists are an easy target for both pickpockets and scam artists, especially female solo travelers. To do this, also avoid carrying large maps or appearing doubtful in front of signs and signs. If you have any questions, ask a business or someone who seems trustworthy.
fifteen. Security measures
Take a lock and chain with you so you can tie your backpack to the bed and keep it safe in case you share a room. There are also some portable door alarms, which you can use in the room of your accommodation if you don't just trust it.
All of the above solo travel tips should help you stay safe, but that doesn't mean you don't run into unwanted situations. That's why it's also a good idea to carry self-defense items, such as whistles or pepper spray.Don't hesitate to use them in case you find yourself in trouble.