I often get asked if I enjoy traveling solo and if I ever face any issues. I can’t say traveling solo is my first option but I do enjoy spending my “me” time. There are some things that I love doing alone that I can’t do with my husband or friends and that’s when a solo holiday comes in place. Here are some of my top travel tips are:
Choose a destination which is considered safe
Google the place guys! Simple tip for any person traveling to a new city or country. I tend to travel often for work and prior to my travel I always look up the place and decide my plan. In one of my recent work trip, I decided to meet my friends in Detroit and they suggested a place. I had absolutely no idea that downtown area wasn’t the safest area and honestly, I was super scared in spite of being in a car. Please do find company in places if you don’t feel safe and always share your location with your loved one using one of the mobile apps.
Central safe accommodation
I tend to book an accommodation in the center of the city or in a crowded area so that I can either walk back or get a cab easily. During some of my solo trips, I have either chosen a hostel or a hotel centrally location and obviously read the reviews prior to making reservations.
Join walking tours/group tours
I love seeing new places, but sometimes as a solo traveler renting a car or booking reservations can get very expensive. Semi private tours or free walking tours can be a great option to see the city or places of interest outside the city which are not easily commutable by public transport.
Never ever share your personal information
You need to be smart as a traveler and especially when you are going to a place that you have never been before. I happened to go to New Orleans for a few days and stayed at a hostel and right outside the hostel was a train station where I met an older man who kept asking trying to strike a conversation with me and I trusted my instinct and didn’t share any information with him. He followed me around for some time until I entered a busy bar. So inshort, don’t get chatty with people who you feel uncomfortable sharing information.
Grab the Business card
As much as I love traveling around Asia, I can’t pronounce their street names to save my life. I always grab a contact card of my accommodation and also take a photo and keep with me. All you have to do is show that card to a local or the cabby to get back. Most of the Asian countries have addresses written in local language and it comes in super handy.
Divide your funds
Never ever keep all your money and cards in one place. Always divide your funds in different places. If you are staying at an accommodation with a locker, keep you passport and expensive belongings prior to your travel.
Make friends
I consider myself as someone who can strike a conversation with anyone and this trait comes in useful when I am traveling alone. Being an outgoing person helps you find company, share food at restaurants and participate in activities together. I have made lifelong friends from my travels and so should you!
Learn of a few words of local language
I personally believe locals are much friendlier when you speak a few words in their local language and learning courtesy words comes in super handy. As a solo traveler you want people to help you and this small gesture does the trick.
Things to Carry
Carry a small backpack or a bag with your necessary items, such as cash, phone, credit cards etc. Carry your phone charger or a battery pack when traveling alone as you will be relying on your phone a lot. And if you are traveling to another country, find out the power socket type and carry the necessary converter.
Pack Light
Never ever over pack! I always travel light especially traveling solo and don’t carry more than a suitcase with a bag pack. It gets easy to travel around without needing help from anyone. Try wearing your heaviest clothing or shoes while traveling. It saves your baggage space and weight restrictions.
Photography
Who doesn’t like getting photo clicked for memories? I surely do, and sometimes as a solo traveler, it gets hard to trust your camera in the hands of strangers. I bought couple of different type of tripods for my camera and phone with a remote clicker. Trust me you would want that to get the photos the way you want it without troubling anyone.
Final Word
I would say go explore places by yourself if you haven’t been doing it already. The first time I traveled alone, I was a bit nervous but once I started doing it more often I realized solo trips are a way of self-pampering. Do keep in mind of the tips mentioned above and let me know if you have anything else to add on the list.
Happy exploring my hungry travelers!
Travelmakesmehungry 
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