You clicked into this post. And you’re reading this text. That means that you’re thinking about traveling on your own. Have you just started to think about it? Or have you been wanting to do it for a while? Anyhow, my recommendation; JUST DO IT! It’s now 6 years ago that I went on my first real trip all alone – and it’s the best decision I ever made. I’ve put together 5 tips for you. They will come in handy for your first trip traveling solo. I hope you like it and that it’s helpful.
Prepare, prepare, prepare
Are you a planner like me? Then traveling alone will go smooth from the beginning. Are you not? Then you have a thing or two to learn before everything will go smoothly.
If you’ve planned trips before, it’ll help when planning for your first trip alone. And if you’ve been the “tour guide” for a group of family or friends that also helps.
When traveling alone it of course means that you are alone. You are the only person you can rely. You’re responsible for your own safety, for being on time at the airport etc. Therefore, preparation is even more important than if you’re traveling together with someone. On my first trip alone, I went to the US and visited 4 different cities. To be sure I always had my papers and stuff, I printed out everything from flight information to hotel addresses. I was so afraid that my phone would be stolen, with all the information on it- Ha-ha. But, I still think it’s helpful to have everything on paper even if it’s 2020. Are you like me that always manage to empty your phones battery? In those cases, paper is always practical to have as a back-up.
Once you’ve planned where you’re going. Bought flights. And booked hotels. You should go ahead and figure out how to get from the airport to your hotel. Researching small things like this made it much easier for me to navigate in a new city all alone. If possible, you should also try to arrive while it’s daylight.
Always be safe
When traveling alone safety is important either you’re a man or a woman. As said, you should if possible, try to arrive while it’s still daylight. It makes it safer, and easier to find your way in a new city. Make sure you carry your money/cash/cards/wallet in a safe way. And you should always keep it in mind when walking in crowded areas. My best tip that I always, always do when traveling, is to keep one card separate from my wallet. I always keep it in my bag or backpack while underway. And when I arrive I leave it in the safe in my hotel room. If I would lose my wallet or it would get stolen, I’ll always have a backup card. In addition, I also always keep some cash in my jacket or in my backpack/purse for the same reason. When traveling alone this is so important! All alone without money in a new country wouldn’t be any fun.
One other important thing when traveling alone, is that in all big cities there are areas where you rather shouldn’t go. Try to research this before you travel. Then you’ll at least have a wage idea where these areas are. That way you don’t get into trouble.
Be open to new people, but be cautious. There are good and bad people in all countries. If you keep your eyes open you’ll be fine.
Smile & talk to strangers
I really love the saying “If you smile to the world, the world will smile to you”. I’m over the top positive 95% of the time. And I really believe that if you’re nice to people, they’ll be nice to you. And if someone isn’t nice, it doesn’t mean I will be mean back. Then I would be just as bad as them! That was my wisdom of the day. Are you an optimistic person just like me?
One of the best things about traveling alone is that you learn a lot about yourself. You’re forced to be independent and to take responsibility. You also have the freedom to only think about yourself. And to do what YOU want to do. I feel so free and relaxed when I’m not obligated to anyone else. Every minute of the day you can do exactly what you want.
When that is said, in my eyes the hole meaning of traveling alone, is to be open to learn about new cultures and to meet new people. But you should try to find likeminded people. Someone that your gut is telling you is good.
I’ve almost always stayed in hostels when traveling alone. That’s a great way to be included in bigger groups. And a great way to get to know new people. You can sign up to activities organised by the hostel. They mostly organise a wide spectre of activities. Everything from bar-to-bar rounds, baseball games, yoga, dinners, guided tours, bike rides, boat tours, hiking, you name it! There are something for everyone. Do you find it difficult to speak to people you don’t know? Well, then hostels are something for you. I’m not shy, really not – but talking to people that I don’t know scares me. And makes me somewhat shy. Immediately if someone talks to me, then it’s fine. Do you also struggle with that first contact? Luckily for me I’ve become better with the years. And traveling alone has helped a lot. Everyone I’ve met at hostels where really friendly and openminded. In most cases someone talked to me, so my problem was solved. You’ll definitely grow as a person after you’ve travelled alone.
Breathe
Most people have a busy life with work, activities, family and friends. We’re living up to expectations all around us, every day. If you decide to travel the world alone, you’re doing something fantastic for yourself. When finding yourself all alone in a new place, you see the world differently. It’s really relaxing that you can choose to do whatever you want. Without taking someone else in mind. Even though you choose to join in on activities arranged by a hostel, because you’re traveling alone you can choose to go home early if you want to. Or stay out all night if that’s what you feel like doing.
Wander, explore and breathe in the air of the new exciting places you go. Would you rather sleep in? Dance al night? Or climb the highest mountain? Whatever is your cup of tea – do it! You only have to think about yourself. You’ll get home with inner peace if you open yourself up, listens to your body and just live.
Evaluate
So, you get back home. What now? Did you love it? If you can’t wait to go on your next trip, then you definitely got bit by the traveling-bug. Depending on the length of your journey, your reaction when getting home will vary. If you where on a longer trip, you might feel a bit empty when getting home to the normal life. Wanting to get on the next plane out of there. I’ve felt like this a couple of times. And it’s completely normal for us wanderers. And you’ll get used to the feeling. But still, deep down inside, all you really think about is where to go next. Do you feel like this? Then welcome to the club!
Of course traveling the world alone is not for everyone. Some will never feel comfortable with it. And that’s just how it is. Is that you? Then I recommend going back to traveling together with friends and family, if that is more your thing.
I guess most of you loved it. Because if you’re that type of person that starts to google to find out more about traveling alone. Then you most likely are a person that manage very good in your own company. And can manage travels and navigating very good on your own.
Anyway, find out what you loved. And what was not so good about your trip. And start planning the next one! Just having a plan makes everyday life for us wanderers so much easier. You know that soon, in the upcoming future, you’ll be sitting on an airplane going on new adventurers.
Did this inspire you to travel alone? Then share our post and welcome to the wanderer-family!
