Tips for Solo Travellers

Posted on July 20, 2018 by Ghoomophiro

Traveling solo is the most liberating and incredible experience that one can have. It feels you with so much self-confidence and you feel empowered. But the only con is that you have to tackle everything on your own. From finding the travel destination to making plans and solving any problem along the way, the only person you can truly depend on is you. This needs a lot of guts but one can always balance courage with smartness. That is why we the #ghoomophirosisters bring you tips that will help you in your solo travelling adventure. These tips include everything from budgeting tips, packing tips etc

Before you leave:

Start saving up: Instead of having the constant burden of knowing you’ll have to catch up financially after your trip, save up beforehand and create a budget. It is so much better to know that your trip is all paid up. And creating a budget is very important. Decide your travel destination and then plan accordingly. See what’s your biggest expense, transportation or accommodation. Book in advance and allot money to shopping, carrying along money, travel insurance, food and casual expenses. But also keep a limit for how much you want to spend on the trip totally and try not to go over budget. It is okay to carry your credit card and pay with it but don’t go overboard on the trip and then get crushed under debt.

Destination: Whether you are traveling to your dream destination or still searching for where you want to go, it is better to research the place and then make your plans accordingly. Search for solo-travel friendly accommodations like Bed & Breakfasts or small inns. If it is your first solo trip, do not go somewhere overcrowded or a very popular place. You might get overwhelmed and want to do a lot of things, most of which you’ll end up rushing through. Instead, choose a low key place that has many day excursions but also leaves you time to interact with the locals.

Packing: This is the most important part because you don’t want o pack a lot of things but forgetting important things can also be a hassle. Packing light can help you a lot since you wouldn’t have to wait in long queues at the airport and it leaves you more mobile. Do not carry things you never use thinking that you might need them sometime because you won’t. Just get the essentials: Travel paperwork, important documents, credit card and cash, the gadgets that you definitely require, personal items and toiletries, small first aid kit, clothes. Pack only pack-worthy things that are multipurpose and not only for one-time use. It is better to travel with a backpack instead of a suitcase but it all depends on how long you will be traveling for and where. And instead of packing bulky things, wear them while on the flight.

On reaching your destination:

Depend on people: Guidebooks may be handy but nothing beats real-time experience. Talk to locals and stay low-key. Observe how people are behaving and try to fit in. Don’t be too afraid to ask for help or talk to people. The first time travel can be a scary or confusing experience but as long as you smile and treat people politely, there will be many people willing to help you out. And solo travels are best for making friends. People make the best memories more than places do. Just because you are traveling alone does not mean you have to be lonely. Be curious and learn a few words in local languages. Visit coffee shops and explore off beaten paths. You might come across other travelers like yourself.

Check-in: It is essential that you leave an itinerary of our travels with your family back home and to connect with them from time to time. It will not only keep you less lonely but is also essential for your safety. Also if you are leaving the hotel, might as well let someone on the front counter know where you are heading and ask them about the place.

Go out of your comfort zone: If you are traveling solo, learn to say yes to small adventures and doing things that you wouldn’t normally do back home. Whether it is a cup of coffee or paragliding, trying a unique dish, hiking, you can opt for anything. The best part about traveling alone is that you can enjoy these instant moments and make on-spot plans without having to worry about your companions.

Transportation: Instead of using cabs or renting transportation, chose local transports and choose to travel between destinations. The basic reason for solo traveling is that you love to be on the road discovering places to learn the overview of the city and any passes or offers for tourists. If you are traveling alone at night, plan your transportation carefully. If you are going somewhere during the day, local transit is advisable but while returning during the night, it is better to get a taxi.

Have a backup plan: Whether it is your accommodation or transporting back, always have a backup plan in case things don’t work out like they were supposed to. Keep some cash handy for emergencies hidden in your shoes or clothes in case you get lost.

There’s only so much you can learn by reading stuff online. The only true way you will know about solo traveling is by experiencing it first hand. While it is okay to be careful and plan ahead, you should also go with your gut and have fun. Because that is what traveling is all about, broadening your horizons and enjoying life in its truest forms. And just because you are traveling to a place you haven’t been to before doesn’t mean you should exhaust yourself by trying to see it all and check things off your list. Being in an unfamiliar place can be unsettling so give yourself some time to relax. Since you are already there, you have taken the first brave step and it is just the beginning.

For latest solo trip planning, reach out to us at ghoomophirosisters@gmail.com