If you’re afraid of traveling by yourself, you certainly are not alone. But, if you go in with the right mindset and preparation, this experience can be the most inspiring journey of your life. It allows you to witness many breathtaking places, explore different cultures, and meet extraordinary people. You will gain knowledge that otherwise wouldn’t be accessible in schools or the comfort of your own home. You’re going to learn how to be brave and sensible at the same time, which are two of the most valuable skills to have in life. To travel alone, you need to know some things to make the most of your trip and stay safe.
1. Make your budget for the travel
When it comes to traveling, money is an important aspect to focus on. It might seem like an obvious one, but a lot of travelers don’t carefully plan out their expenses. You have to be able to account financially for every hour of your trip. If you’re wondering why it’s because you don’t have anyone to loan you money once you run out of it. It’s vital to make a detailed list of all the costs and make sure that you can afford it all. Otherwise, you might need to make some adjustments to the accommodations or means of transport.
2. Go out and explore
It’s easy to get stuck in your hotel room when you’re traveling alone. Most of the time, you’re not familiar with the place and you’d rather stay hidden or simply spend all your time at the beach – don’t. Traveling alone gives you a unique opportunity to explore all the sights on your own! You have no distractions, nothing else on your mind – it’s just you and the gorgeous sights you’re looking at. Try not to limit yourself to simply getting a tan. You don’t want to miss out on a new culture that you’re so lucky to be around. A good place to start is an online guide of the city you’re currently in, or you could simply try asking a stranger for advice. Above all, remember to truly experience everything and breathe it all in.
3. Always have your phone with you
Traveling alone can give you an opportunity to unplug, but you shouldn’t do that completely. Being alone in a different country without any friends or family can be dangerous because you’re in an unfamiliar place that could pose threats that you’re not aware of. So, having your phone on you is a must. You never know when you’ll have to contact someone in an emergency. If you decide to go someplace in the evening, or perhaps with people you’ve just met, remember to always let one of your loved ones know exactly where you’re going to be. A simple text will suffice.
4. Don’t get too drunk
This one goes hand in hand with having your phone with you at all times – it’s about safety. There’s nothing wrong with relaxing with a couple of beers or drinks with new friends, but you have to remember that you’re not in a familiar place where your loved ones could help you right away. Getting drunk could lead to your judgement getting clouded or could lead to someone taking advantage of you (but if they do – remember it’s not your fault).
5. Above all, be safe during your travel!
Traveling alone is an incredible experience for everyone, especially young people. It teaches you responsibility, bravery, and to embrace new cultures. You won’t meet as many culturally diverse people without traveling, so this way of spending your free time is becoming increasingly popular. You’re always going to be more courageous than your friends because you took it upon yourself to travel alone without any fear. The most important thing to take away from this guide is to be safe. The rest won’t matter as long as you’re going to make the best memories of your life while taking all the necessary precautions to come back home safe and sound.
Happy and safe travels!
This is an amazing and informative article that covers so much ground.