Traveling alone is a different experience than traveling with a friend, regardless of whether you’ve never met your special someone, are traveling for business or need some “alone” time. These ten tips can help you feel more confident about solo travel than staying at home if you are afraid that traveling alone won’t be enjoyable.
These are ten great tips to travel alone.
Avoid lodging with a single supplement
Two people might be required to share property by some hotels and cruise lines. You will need to pay a Single supplement if you wish to have it all to yourselves so that the travel provider can still make their expected revenue.
These fees will be made clear before you make your reservation. You can ask for clarification before you confirm your reservation.
- Stay Somewhere with Multiple Positive Ratings
Solo travel can make you more vulnerable when you’re in unfamiliar places. Do your research before you book a place to stay. Only stay in hotels or properties with positive reviews. These reviews will give you an idea of the host and the neighborhood.
Stay Anywhere with Free wi-fi.
It might be dark earlier depending on the time of year you travel. This means you don’t want to spend as much time outside exploring on a summer night. Make sure you have free wi-fi if you plan to spend a lot of your time in your hotel. This time can be used to Skype or Facetime family and friends back home, so they can share your day’s adventures.
You might also be able to use your wi-fi for streaming movies, responding to emails, or surfing the internet. You might be able to avoid paying a fee to use the wi-fi hotspot if you are a member of a higher-ranking hotel and receive in-room wi-fi as a perk. The American Express Platinum Card gives you access to over 1,000,000 Boingo wi-fi hotspots worldwide. You can find wi-fi access wherever you are most needed by doing a quick search on the Boingo site.
Meet other travelers
You can also meet other travelers to break up the monotony of solo travel. You don’t have to stop talking once you board the plane. You have two great resources to connect with fellow travelers and even locals. Couchsurfing allows you to stay with local homeowners to meet other travelers.
Meetup can help you find local activities and events no matter where you are staying. It’s possible to find a cafe or attend a local festival listed in the guidebooks. You will find many options in every city, so make sure you check them out before your visit.
Relax while you eat
Meals can be a time to relax and unwind. While you may be able to have a conversation with your waiter or bartender while enjoying your meal, it can also be an opportunity for reflection and relaxation. You might use this time to plan your day, check emails, read a book, or catch up on emails.
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You don’t have to be out of place if you want to feel comfortable, then you may consider visiting a cafe. The casual atmosphere attracts many people and groups looking for a break from the everyday grind. A restaurant booth is a better option if you need more privacy. You can find the privacy you are looking for in either setting. The food and atmosphere can also be better than fast-food joints.
Get up early to start your day.
If you don’t like the idea of going out to nightclubs by yourself, then be an early bird. If you’re visiting a big, busy city, there are many opportunities to see the sights alone. You can also be safe. It is easier to avoid crowds at popular attractions if you get up early, especially for families or night owls who leave their hotel after dark.
Do Something You Wouldn’t Do Normally with Others.
Solo travelers might be reluctant to try new things if they don’t work out as planned or someone doesn’t accompany them. This can be an opportunity to explore something that your regular travel group might not have the chance to do. You can spend a whole day at an art museum while your kids prefer to be on the beach. You might do something alone that you cannot do with the children.
You can also use this trip to check off a bucket list item.
Take lots of pictures.
It’s now easier than ever to capture photos of any place you visit with your smartphone and free wi-fi hotspots. Instantly sharing photos on social media allows you to share your experience with friends and family. Although you could use a selfie stick, it is not necessary. We envy others who can see new places we don’t have the opportunity to visit.
Send a copy of your travel itinerary to family and friends.
Do your family and friends a favor by sending them a copy of your itinerary. It should include your flight times, hotel reservations, as well as a rough outline of your sightseeing schedule. Register your trip with the State Department before you travel abroad. The local consulate or embassy can contact you if you have any questions.
Create a list of emergency contact information
This last tip is important for all travelers. Keep a list of emergency contact information readily available. You can include your personal information and the name of an emergency contact at home. You might also include the number of your credit card company’s toll-free phone number if your card is lost or you need to activate travel protection benefits if you are stranded.
Also, take a photo of your stove. You might forget to turn off your coffee maker, iron, or stove before you leave for the airport. Check the photo of the dials on your stove before leaving the airport. You can call your landlord or friend to turn it on for you, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about while you are gone.
Summary of Traveling Alone
You might dread your next solo trip. Don’t. This could be one of your most memorable experiences. It’s great to share memories with family and friends, but solo travelers can have a lot of fun. All you need is a positive outlook. It’s not surprising that technology has made the world smaller than ever before.