It can be a daunting concept, traveling alone. No one to talk to but yourself. But the pros often far outweigh the cons to traveling alone. Travel + Leisure has come up with a few handy tips on traveling alone.
1. Don't overpack
-Only pack what you need. So that you don't strain your body lifting or moving a large suitcase. Only pack what you need for that trip. If you're going to be doing a lot of walking or hiking, comfortable shoes are a plus. If you plan on going sightseeing and want to take pictures, bring a camera. If it's a digital camera, bring a charger and a universal adapter to charge it
2. Don't schedule something for every minute
-The whole point of traveling is to see a new region of the world, to see how the locals live their lives. While it's tempting to fill every minute of every day you're in a new region of the world, don't overschedule every minute. Leave yourself some breathing room to relax. Delays will happen, travelling to places can take longer than expected, sometimes things go wrong. Take a little time for yourself by unwinding at a spa, enjoying a meal at a cafe, take in a museum. Just like you checklist your luggage, checklist what you want to do prior to departure
3. Always have a plan B
-Things will go wrong. You can't avoid it. That's why it's incredibly important to have a plan B. A backup plan. This plan will avoid issues like cancelled reservations or destinations that seemed impressive initially, but in the end were disappointing. Make sure you are aware of other hotels nearby in case of cancelled reservations
4. Never underestimate travel costs
-It's costly to travel. Especially travel to countries where there are no all inclusives (mostly found in the tropical regions, these types of resorts are where everything is paid for, you only bring money for tips and souvenirs). It's good to know how much your trip will cost. Figure in costs for sightseeing, food and drink, souvenirs, hotels, etc. Make a budget plan to know how much to bring with you and add some extra as a buffer against pitfalls
5. Don't be afraid to splurge a little
-We all work hard. We all deserve to splurge a little. That's not to say spend a fortune on something. Just make it something simple. Something like a spa day. Reserve a spot at a restaurant you've wanted to try. Make it something you'll remember
6. Don't feel an obligation to fill silence
-Traveling alone can be frightening for some people, especially those who are introverted, or have a shy personality. Silence is indeed golden. Remember, you don't have to interact with everyone you meet on your solo trip. You're not obligated to go on group tours. Self-guided tours and one-on-one experiences are allowed to be had. Sometimes, these solo trips are good self-discovery journeys just waiting to happen
7. Never fear making new friends
-Anytime you go outside your home country, friendship is waiting just around the corner. Never fear making new friends. It's always a rewarding experience to make new friends from a culture that differs from your own. Group tours and hostels offer the easiest way to make new friends. Hotel happy hours are another way of making new friends. When you become friends with someone new, keep connected with them via social media, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. There's even an app called Bumble, which has a "just friends" filter, allowing you to form bonds with people who are also looking to meet new people from all over the world
8. Tell people where you are going
-In case of an emergency, it's imperative that someone knows where you're going. Share your travel plans with a trusted family member or friend. Make an itinerary for them with all of the information they'll need, such as hotel phone number, hotel name, etc. Update them when you change something. It's imperative to put personal security as the number one priority
9. Don't forget those once in a lifetime experiences
-Some experiences can make you feel as if they were tailor made for couples or groups. Don't let that stop you. If your dream has been to stay in an overwater bungalow in a tropical destination, book it. Do you have a favorite musician who just so happens to be doing a residency in Las Vegas? Buy a ticket and get accommodations. Want to go to Walt Disney World by yourself? Go for it. Buy those tickets and get that hotel and enjoy the happiest place on Earth. You don't need permission from someone. Life is too short to worry about the small stuff
10. Never second guess yourself
-One thing that can always be trusted is your gut instinct, your intuition. If something doesn't feel right, odds are high that it probably isn't. Always trust your gut instinct. You can also follow your intuition on good things. If a restaurant looks interesting to you, but is not one of those five star Michelin-rated restaurants, it's fine. You might have found a hidden gem no one else knows about. There are restaurants called holes in the wall that are often the best places to go. They are off of the beaten path and they, more often than not, have the best food. Trust your instincts. Do not second guess yourself. Life is too short for second guessing
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