Due to some requests from the readers months ago, I've planned to write about some tips on how to travel solo. I'm not a person whom had travelled to many places, nor do I have a rich experience on travelling alone. In fact, it's actually my first experience on travelling by myself. I wouldn't say that I was totally sure about how my plan would have worked. I just... plan. And all the while I was just praying that everything would be smooth; at the same time preparing to embrace the worst if my plan didn't go well.
And that, requires lots, lots and LOTSS of planning. Getting plan Bs and a few more options for you will help you to get through problems. So here are some tips that you could perhaps use if you plan on travelling on yourself soon! Some tips are also useful even if you are travelling in groups.
Read back
Part 1: Departure
Part 2: Puerta del Sol
Part 3: Of Palace and Parks
Part 4: Solo Trippin' Thoughts
Part 5: Gastronomic Spain
Part 6: Jewels of Toledo
Part 7: Hola Barcelona! (Part I)
Part 8: Barcelona! (Part II)
Part 9: Travel Video/VLOG
Research on your destination
Take into account of the season, weather forecast, crime rate, culture and other details on the area.
Prepare the right clothing suitable for the season. If it's summer, you can benefit more from the luggage weight as you would pack soft, light clothes. Pack along a scarf too, it might come handy when you would like to visit some conservative places like certain religious church and etc. Despite that, do bring along your jacket too in case it gets too cold on the plane/airport/certain places. Dress versatile, so you can avoid bringing too many clothings. Always estimate that your return luggage will be heavier than the weight to the place. Buy the luggage weight that will fit your belongings.
Get a brief idea of how's the weather there during your travel period so that you can pack up umbrella/raincoat for unpredictable weathers (from searing hot sun/abrupt rain/storms).
You should also research up the crime rate of the place you will be going. Europe is relatively a safe place for people to travel alone. Mind you, stressing on the word relatively. There are also some places that are more prone to crimes. Avoid those places if possible.
Know the culture of the place you are visiting will bring you more benefits (no culture shock when suddenly greeted by kisses) and you will be able to avoid doing something that is against their culture. Learning some basic regional language will also help you tremendously through your journey.
Check whether the country that you want to visit requires a visa or not. And also check whether if you need extra travel requirements.
*EXTRA TIP: If possible, wear like the locals and that won't attract unnecessary attention highlighting yourself as a tourist.
1. AIRPORT- adjust your time appropriately especially at transits to avoid not being able to catch your flight. Sometimes your landing time will past your boarding time for your next flight. If neccesary, you might need to contact the airline beforehand (in case of such problem so they will take note of it) and waste no time lingering at the airport, just rush to your gate.
2. TRANSPORT- some transport tickets can be purchased online. It would at a cheaper fare and you can avoid queues and maybe possibly "sold off" tickets.
3. ACCOMODATION- Hostels can be cheap and you can get to know new people. Just compare your travel need/budget to decide to go for what kind of accomodation.
4. PLAN YOUR ITINERARY
Packing Up
If you're on medication, bring along your medicines and also consult to your doctor about your condition and your plan on travelling, especially travelling alone.
A pair of comfortable shoes is absolutely necessary too!
*Know your priorities
The number rule should always be SAFETY FIRST. Your ownself and your belongings. Bags should always be carried in front whereby they will always be in your vision. Between your life and your belongings, don't opt the latter. Therefore, don't keep your important things all in the same place.
Meeting people
Meeting new people can be exciting but never let your guards down either. If you sense something wrong, you can just ignore and best not to talk so much to them. Avoid being followed (be vigilant, always). I do met some weird ones, but showing them you are absolutely not interested should be able to get away with it (your first-line defense).
Being alone
There will be equal pros and cons travelling on oneself and in group. Let's talk about the cons; you can't share off rooms/big meals you can't finish; nobody to help you with photos. That's just basic stuffs. Travelling alone requires you to be more vigilant. You need to think of how to guard your luggage when you need to enter the small bathroom and other sorts of encounterings you hope you can split into multiple selves. However, you open to more opportunities in meeting more people. And personally, I think everyone should at least travel by themselves, well at least once! It's a lifechanging experience, but safety always comes first. Everyone will have a different story on their own journey. I met many people along the journey whom are also on their own. You're never alone.
Photography
This is the most interested question that people have asked me. How do you get your photos taken?
Part of them- I used the timer function to take; set 5 seconds, get into position, JUMP!
Another part of them (which is majority)- photography credits go to anonymous strangers.
Trust your instincts whether you could trust that person for your gadget or not. Don't do a model backpose and turn back to find your "photographer" missing with your stuff. (amitofo don't let that happen).
Getting lost might be unavoidable, but getting lost leads you to another adventure! Travel safely and don't forget to enjoy your process!
I have basically covered the things that were frequently asked by people here. Hope these tips might help you for your solo trip! Thanks for reading and let me know what you think ;)
till then
xx,
Yinnnn.