the Travel Enthusiast
- 15 Dec
Edina in Travel tips and tricks | 1 COMMENTSolo travel tips: getting used to traveling alone
photo by Angela Granger
For those who are used to traveling in groups, with friends or family, solo travel can sound like a cross between a nightmare and the biggest adventure of their lives. But traveling alone is nowhere near the tragedy it might seem to be the first time.
Solo travelers from around the world have found the way to enjoy themselves while traveling alone and make more of their holiday than even when they’re traveling with other people.
There are many advantages to solo travel – making up your own schedule, visiting whatever you like without making compromises, meeting a lot of locals and fellow travelers and learning to rely on yourself. But traveling alone can get lonely, and the solo travel blues can really ruin the trip of a lifetime. But all you need are some solo travel tips: getting used to traveling alone is not impossible, after all.
Stay in hostels
The first impulse of a first time solo travelers would probably be to hole up in a single room in a hotel, and while having a room to yourself is often a great way to relax, it doesn’t afford much chance of meeting people. Even if you are not a student anymore, staying in a hostel is a great idea.
Not only will it be kind to your budget, but it is the perfect way to meet other travelers and exchange stories or maybe travel together for a short while. Hostel common areas are places for mingling, and this way you might even learn some useful tips about where to go and what to do.
Go with a tour
photo by tim & annette
If you are wary of the first few days of solo travel, then become a solo traveler gradually: take part in a tour on the first day. for example. Although tours negate the freedom that is the essence of solo travel, tour offer a general look at the places you can visit in more detail, and meet other travelers with whom you can get a few drinks afterwards.
Hostels often organize tours, so you have the chance to go sightseeing with some of the people you might have met in the common room.
Tips on eating alone
Eating alone at a restaurant sounds like a real nightmare for many who haven’t tried it before. And while awkwardly for your food to arrive and then gobbling it up as fast as you can is not exactly a dream gourmet experience, it can be avoided. If you really don’t want to sit alone, find a restaurant with communal seating – some of your table neighbors will surely be up for a chat. If not, then bring a book or a magazine that you really like – it can do wonders to make you feel more at ease!
Beating the evening blues
photo by Global X
There’s nothing worse than not having anything to do in the evening and spending it alone in your room. If you don’t know what to do with yourself but you don’t fancy turning in early, then check out the local independent event booklets that you can find in basically all major cities.
If you are in a city, there will always be some kind of free concert, late night exhibition or play that you can attend. And even if you are in a backwater village, don’t be afraid to hit the local pub – and bring your faithful book with you if you don’t want to talk to people, just be around people.
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travel search by Travelgrove (get this widget)Enjoy your own company
Not everyone needs other people around them in order to feel good. Travel solo, and you might discover that you like your own company more than you’d have suspected. Keep a travel journal and record your experiences, take pictures of interesting places and objects, and explore your surroundings. Getting lost in a city can lead you to discover some amazing places – and you can take all the credit for yourself.
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Once in a while, some of us prefer to be alone. A solo travel is a good way to unwind and relax. A great time to focus on yourself, specially if stress attacks you.