By: Sarah Stone
Any fellow solo travelers out there?
Whether you’re planning your first trip on your own or if you’re a dedicated solo traveler, there are a few basics we’ve got to pay attention to so we can stay safe and have fun on the road.
Let’s go!
Do Your Research
Venturing into the unknown is exhilarating, but a touch of groundwork is invaluable. Before setting out, acquaint yourself with your chosen destination’s cultural norms, safety measures, and key attractions. While you’ll want a basic itinerary to guide your journey, leaving room for spontaneous adventures is equally important. The magic often lies in unplanned detours.
Safety First!
When traveling solo, your safety is of the highest importance. Regularly update someone back home about your whereabouts and plans. Investing in a local SIM card or a global roaming plan ensures you’re always reachable. Accommodation choices are crucial too; opt for places with positive reviews, particularly from solo travelers with a background similar to yours. And of course, keep up to date with local news and any alerts that may pop up that could change your plans.
Photo by Resi Kling on Unsplash
Pack Light
The joys of solo travel amplify when you’re not burdened by excessive luggage. Packing smart and light not only is eco-friendly but also lets you navigate new terrains with ease. It’s liberating to swiftly move from one place to another without logistical hitches.
Make Sure You Have the Right Documents
Well before leaving on your solo adventure, make sure that you have all the right documents and paperwork to travel to your destination! This could include double checking that your passport doesn’t expire soon (some countries won’t allow you in unless you have at least six months left before your passport expires), that you have all of your required vaccines, and of course, visas.
Don’t assume that your passport is enough to grant entry to your destination, even if you’re from a country with a strong passport like the USA or the UK. Say you’re an adventurous traveler and want to visit different countries around East Africa: you’ll want to check if you need a visa to travel to Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, and anywhere else you may be dreaming of visiting.
Making sure you have the right documents can save you a lot of disappointment, not to mention running into travel difficulties in the long run. There are so many factors that you need to make sure you get right here, and this is something that will play a big role in helping make your trips smoother and more stress-free.
Embrace the Culture
Authentic travel extends beyond sightseeing. Dive into new cuisines, participate in festivals, and strike up conversations with the locals. This enhances your travel experience and deepens your connection to the destination and the people you’ll meet along the way.
Really Appreciate What You’re Seeing And Doing
We take a lot of things for granted in this life. Even when we are experiencing amazing things, we don’t stop and appreciate where we are. When you are on a vacation like this, you have to get the right perspective. Whether you are on a peaceful, beachside resort or you’re embarking on a Northern Light tour in Tromso Norway, you have to fully recognize your experience. Sooner or later, you will be back home again, reminiscing.
Trust Your Instincts
Your intuition is your best travel companion. Always be alert to your surroundings and trust your gut. If a situation or place feels uneasy, stepping back or changing course is okay. Prioritize your well-being above all else!
Stay Flexible
One of the luxuries of solo travel is the autonomy over your choices. If a place enchants you, linger a little longer. If another spot doesn’t resonate, feel free to move ahead. Your journey is all your own!
Photo by Oxana Melis on Unsplash
Join Group Activities
Solo doesn’t always mean solitary. Enrolling in group tours, workshops, or treks can introduce you to fellow travelers. These shared experiences can lead to lasting memories and even lifelong friendships.
Document Your Journey
Every journey has its moments—some monumental, others fleeting. Keeping a journal, blog, or even a photo diary allows you to capture these instances. It’s not just about reminiscing in the future but also about introspection and growing in the present.
Practice Self-Care
Amid exploration, remember to tend to yourself. Whether it’s a spa day, a leisurely afternoon at a café, or simply catching up on sleep, ensure you’re rejuvenated and ready for the next adventure.
Learn Basic Local Phrases
Language is a bridge. Learning even rudimentary phrases in the local tongue can significantly enrich your travel experience. It showcases respect for the culture and often leads to more authentic interactions.
Photo by Brooks Rice on Unsplash
Stay Eco-Friendly
Traveling with an environmental conscience ensures that the destinations you cherish remain pristine for future wanderers. Whether it’s choosing sustainable accommodations, reducing plastic use, or participating in local eco-initiatives, every green step counts.
Be Open, Yet Assertive
Striking the right balance between openness and assertiveness is key. While you should be receptive to new experiences, setting clear boundaries is equally vital. Remember, your comfort and safety are paramount.
Solo travel is as much an external journey across terrains as it is an internal voyage of self-discovery. Embrace every moment, challenge, and joy that comes your way.
Safe travels!
About the Author
As the editor-in-chief of Frayed Passport, my goal is to help you build a lifestyle that lets you travel the world whenever you want and however long you want, and not worry about where your next paycheck will come from. I've been to 20+ countries and five continents, lived for years as a full-time digital nomad, and have worked completely remotely since 2015. If you would like to share your story with our community, or partner with Frayed Passport, get in touch with me at sarah@frayedpassport.com!
Featured image by Suhyeon Choi on Unsplash
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