For Solo Travellers
Travel By Yourself Occasionally
While traveling with friends is a lot of fun, solo travel is when you’ll REALLY learn about yourself and what you’re made of. Traveling solo forces you to figure things out on your own, meet new people, and tackle unfamiliar situations.
You’re also free to pursue the activities and experiences that you truly want to have while traveling, with no objections or limitations from others holding you back. It’s a wonderful way to learn new life skills and increase your confidence.
Get Off The Beaten Path
I know it’s cliché, but you should still attempt it. Seek out interesting and unusual places that don’t see much tourism while travelling (or traveling). Many memorable travel experiences have happened to me in areas that are not easy to visit.
By all means, travel to popular sites, but don’t rule out other locations just because they’re not on the tourist trail. Although please realize that just because an area is remote or dangerous doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have a life-changing experience.
Stay In Touch With Loved Ones
Remember to call your family & friends from time to time. Travel isn’t lonely, far from it. You constantly meet other people.
But traveling solo means many of those new relationships are fleeting. Someone is always coming or going. So maintaining a strong connection with the people who know you best back home is important for your mental health.
Make Friends With Locals
Make it a point to avoid other travelers from time to time and start conversations with local people. One of my best travel tips is to make eye contact and smile more. Maybe stop to ask for directions. This is a fast way to make new friends.
Also, check out websites like MeetUp.com or CouchSurfing.org and similar good travel websites to see what kinds of activities are going on nearby, and join one. Take the time to hang out with locals who actually live in the country you’re visiting. People enrich your travels more than sights do.
Say Yes More Often
Be impulsive and say yes when someone randomly invites you to meet their family, try a new activity, or explore a place you didn’t know existed. You never know what you’re missing unless you say yes!
It’s these unexpected and unplanned situations that add spice to your travels and always turn into the best stories later. Accept the kindness of strangers when you travel — you’ll have plenty of opportunities to do so.
Visit The Local Tourism Office
Most large towns and cities have a local tourism office, and it’s a great place to visit if you’d like to get some ideas for things to do in the area. Tell them what you’re looking for, and they’ll be happy to help.
Whether it’s free activities nearby, family-friendly spots, or even local festivals and events that may be going on at the time, the tourism office is there to point you in the right direction.
Stay Hydrated When You Fly
The recirculated air in planes is super dry, and sitting there for hours can dry out your body quickly. Most people don’t drink enough water anyway, and flying makes it even worse. This contributes to jet lag too.
Before getting on an airplane I recommend you pre-hydrate by drinking a liter of water mixed with some re-hydration salts. Just don’t use you water filter with these, or it will get clogged!
