One of the most fascinating and instructive experiences of your life may come from traveling alone. But before you make this bold move, there are several things to think about. The following should be taken into account while organizing a trip for one.
1. Constantly Stay in Contact with a Close Friend
You shouldn’t be the only one who knows about your daily plans, even if you are traveling alone. Regularly check in with a friend or relative who lives at home; they can act as a human alarm clock should you miss a scheduled call. Tell the designated safety checker where you are going and who you are travelling with at all times.
When communicating your location to your buddy back home, it is much more beneficial to attach a picture of the new acquaintance. The notorious “group selfie” is useful in this situation.
2. Avoid Being Sidetracked
When you are traveling, there are a lot of things to consider. However, don’t let the allure of a foreign location cause you to lose sight of your caution. Remain aware of your surroundings and your destination.
3. Avoid Getting Drunk
It’s not a good idea to become wasted when traveling alone. Limit your alcohol consumption to one or two drinks, and don’t even think about using any illicit substances. This has put a lot of single travelers in situations where they are exploited.
4. Make a Disaster Plan
Prior to your journey, make a list of all the possible scenarios that may go wrong. Consider what you would do if your passport or credit card were taken. In the event that the originals are misplaced or stolen, keep a backup copy of all key papers in a location apart from the originals. Maintain a phone book with the number of the embassy of your nation and a list of emergency numbers. Bring extra cash than you anticipate using in case of an emergency.
5. Recognize important words in the local tongue
It is unlikely that everyone in the nation you are visiting speaks English, even if there are a lot of English speakers there. Always assume that you will need to be at least somewhat conversant in the primary language of the nation. Learn how to say things like “I need help,” “Where is the nearest phone,” and “Do you speak English?” Being able to speak with those around you is especially crucial while traveling alone in order to avoid potentially dangerous situations.
6. Be Aware of Culture
Recognize the traditions and culture of the nation you are visiting. Every region in the world has its own set of norms on what is and is not acceptable. In certain nations, things that you may not think twice about in North America could be viewed as disrespectful or even illegal.
Depending on the place you are visiting, small mistakes like chewing gum in public and leaving specific body parts exposed might have serious consequences. If you don’t want to run the danger of upsetting locals where you are visiting, or even worse, getting locked up… When visiting a foreign nation, familiarize yourself with its customs and try your best to blend in and follow the laws.
For many people, going on a solo trip is an exciting and satisfying experience. Be ready for anything, and resist the urge to become swept up in the moment without understanding what to do in an emergency. Think on the specifics of your safety to increase the likelihood that there won’t be any significant issues throughout your trip.
