A solo trip can be an exciting experience that pushes your comfort zone and can help you to discover more about yourself. There is a certain exhilaration to waking up alone in an unknown city, ready to explore on your own time. However, there are a few things you should do before setting off to make sure you’re prepared for your adventure.
Check out these 7 "know before you go"
tips for solo travellers.
Leave your contact information with someone at home
If you’re travelling overseas, especially where communication might be difficult, you should notify someone of your travel plans. Make sure they know where you’re going, where you’re staying, and what your travel dates are. In the event that you need to be reached, your loved ones will always be in the loop.
Keep Copies of Important Documents
Be sure to keep copies of all important documents, such as your passport, visas, and other paperwork. The copies will come in handy in case you misplace one during your travels! Keep them in a plastic file hidden away in your luggage.
Learn How to be Alone
Solo travel means spending a fair bit of time alone. Depending on your personality, this might be the most difficult aspect of travelling solo. Being alone in another country can be a challenge, but slowing down can create a lot of growth and help you discover more about yourself.
Talk to your Network
Tell your contacts where you’re travelling, they could have connections there, and then they could connect you to people in their networks. This can be extremely helpful for solo travel since you can get local insight into your destination as well as meet up with people if you wish!
Bring a Book and a Journal
As you will be travelling alone, bringing a book can help occupy your time during long travel days. Journaling is another terrific way of keeping yourself entertained. You can also use it to keep track of your journey. Trust us on this! The joy of finding your old travel journals and reading back through them later in life is priceless.
You May Never Feel 100% Ready
I think this one speaks for itself. With our busy lives, it’s difficult to find the time and energy to travel internationally. Perhaps you’re thinking you’re not ready to travel solo yet, but is there truly a perfect time? Take the leap if you’re considering it!
Things Will Go Wrong... That's Okay
No matter if you’re travelling alone or with others, something will usually go amiss. You might be stressed at the time if something goes wrong on your solo trip, but it will make great stories to tell later and will help you learn to be more flexible. Do your best to roll with it!
Travelling solo is truly an adventure of a lifetime, and we believe it can enrich your life in so many ways. It may be scary, but it is well worth it!
Make sure to check out 7 more Tips for a Great Solo Travel Experience.
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