Solo travel is becoming more and more popular and has become a trend in the 21st century. As our daily lives become more fragmented and isolated, many people still think that solo travel will only make us realize how lonely we are in modern life. But they forget that the loneliness of traveling alone is the motivation to help us find companions among the countless strangers in the lands we have passed through.
In the past, we’ve outlined the key points to keep in mind when traveling solo: tips on saving money, finding deals, and how to eat alone without feeling self-conscious. But then again, traveling solo also gives you the opportunity to splurge or try things that are more expensive than when traveling with others. With a little care and thought, traveling alone can be a life-changing or life-changing event. To help you make the most of your solo trip, take a look at this list of common mistakes to avoid!
Don't always insist on staying in a hostel.
It seems that the most common advice you receive when traveling alone is to stay in hostels to meet people easily and quickly. To a certain extent, this is completely true, but do not ignore the opportunity to experience other interesting types of accommodation. If you need a necessary safe space, a little more comfort when you are tired, a place for you to release the difficulties encountered when traveling alone or immediately be able to relax without having to worry, choose a homestay or hotel. These are all places that give you a feeling of peace when leaving your luggage so you can freely explore and visit the surrounding places.
Don't be too ambitious at the beginning of your journey.
One lesson many people learn after years of traveling is to lower their expectations and ambitions on the first and last days of their trip. When you insist on everything going your way, you become fragile and vulnerable when you get to your destination, and it’s easy to feel pressured to get on the train or plane on time. On those days, relax and don’t be too hard on yourself. There are many ways to solve problems, so don’t stress and pressure yourself into getting everything perfect from the start.
Don't run out of cash
Having no money in your wallet or not being able to withdraw cash is one of the most serious problems for any traveler, especially those who travel alone. When traveling alone, you definitely do not want to be pickpocketed. Many people have shared their experiences of putting $100 in the insole of their shoes to avoid such unfortunate situations and it really helped them feel secure during the trip.
Don't be too concerned about having a companion.
One of the main purposes of solo travel that is often emphasized is to meet new friends or, if you are lucky, to have companions. But at the end of the day, solo travel is about having the freedom to enjoy everything “alone”. There are many people who travel in groups who yearn for the freedom to do whatever they want. So don’t be afraid to go alone, enjoy it to the fullest!
Not realizing what you really want to do
Even if you meet great people, remember to do things on your own that you really enjoy, in your own way. These may be things that only you are interested in and that no one else is interested in.
Don't worry too much about plans.
One of the biggest advantages of traveling alone is that you can change your plans at any time without consulting anyone. This is a luxury that you should not refuse. If you like something or a place, go for it!
Don't be too careless.
Just like keeping cash on you at all times, having proper self-defense tools is essential. You need it to protect your assets and not become a target for robbers. Without your back up, you can easily get into trouble.
Don't rule out the possibility
When you travel alone, there are obviously risks that you are more likely to encounter than when traveling with others. If your gut is telling you something is wrong, don’t ignore it.
Don't be too greedy for activities.
Over-planning can be a holiday killer in any situation. You are the one responsible for planning, executing and ultimately the outcome of your trip. You need time to do the seemingly small but essential things like going to the store to buy razors, toothpaste or finding an ATM, so don’t over-schedule yourself and tire yourself out with a tight schedule.
Don't forget to make a reservation
Waiting in line all day to get into a destination or restaurant is a really tiring and time-consuming task. If you intend to go to places that are popular with tourists, remember that you need to book your tickets in advance. Otherwise, you will become frustrated because of the long wait.
Don't be too hard on yourself.
Traveling alone often brings up a lot of thoughts and internal struggles. Simple things like time management, choosing a means of transportation while having a lot of luggage to carry can sometimes make you frustrated with yourself. So, be mentally prepared for things that are not planned and relax, accept it as part of the trip.
Don't let the alarm control you
One of the best things about traveling alone is that you are the one who plans your trip. And this is the time when you have the freedom to decide when you wake up, eat, and go to bed, without being rushed or rushed.
Don't be shy and avoid "gossip" times.
If you want to meet and understand more about the local people and culture when traveling alone, you need a little courage. Many people are quite shy about talking to strangers, but try to overcome your shyness and give yourself the opportunity to approach interesting people and stories around. You can start by asking for directions or talking to souvenir shop owners, for example, sometimes you will have interesting and long-term exchanges that you did not expect.
Don't be shy about looking for fellow countrymen.
Solo travelers tend to avoid people who speak the same language or come from the same country. They think that this travel period should only be for completely new things. However, do not take this issue too seriously, but feel free to talk and make friends with anyone. The opportunities that you are hesitant about at first may bring you many surprises later.
Not preparing a backup plan
Things don't always go your way, so before you start your solo trip, you need to have a backup plan to minimize any unfortunate events that may occur during your trip. You need to prepare personal information, contact information, and detailed itinerary information on your phone or other personal devices to prevent unexpected situations. Don't think that updating on social networks is just to make people jealous of you, it's also an effective way to update detailed itinerary.
