The thought of traveling alone, especially in a foreign place can be intimidating, but it’s actually a liberating, self-discovering and possibly life-changing experience.
I say liberating because it allows you to be free thinking in the design and execution of your trip. You get to choose a unique and very personal experience.
Follow these six pieces of advice to make the most of your trip
Planning
Know before you go. Of course. The obvious places to go and sights to see but also the customs and one of my must knows, the cuisine.
It’s very important, especially as a woman to get the lay of the land, your navigation. Have your airport transfer upon arrival prearranged.
Do a lot of research on your destination and the areas you will frequent.
Pack Light
In almost all of my tips, I urge you to pack light. If yours bogged down with luggage, you’re more preoccupied with that than your surroundings, unless of course, you’re Beyonce and have a team of people to handle all of it. When you’re alone, you want to be able to manage all your belongings so you’re not dependent on others for help. In most cases, you should be able to manage with one small piece of luggage, preferably carry on and a tote or backpack.
Have A Flexible Plan
Have some freedom in your planning. Build an itinerary that’s a mix of making it up as you go and planned elements that require more expertise or guidance, like those far away or difficult to navigate places. Embrace the beauty of solo travel giving yourself the opportunity to follow your heart and gut.
Travel Like A Local
I find having breakfast at a local spot is a great way to get a view of everyday life. I’m a late riser, so for me, that’s often an early lunch. Another way to connect with locals and do as the locals do is to check out neighborhoods. They’re filled with local shops, restaurant, and parks to do some people watching and soak up local culture.
Get Caught Up In The Moments
When you travel in general and especially to someplace new, you give yourself a gift of learning, exploring new cultures, tasting life in new ways and opening your mind to new perspectives.
Connect With People And Make Friends.
Theirs always a travel tribe to be found. Other travelers who are just as adventurous as you are, albeit in different ways. Don’t be afraid to strike up conversations and meet other travelers and locals. You already have something in common with other travelers. A great way to find a travel tribe is to follow your passion, maybe in a cooking class or art class or museum or photography or walking tour. Check local bloggers for areas to visit and freelance guides who conduct local tours. As I mentioned earlier, a local breakfast spot could also find other travelers taking in the vibe.
Solo travel is unnerving and empowering at the same time — it can introduce you to you and some of your innermost emotions.
Traveling alone will be the scariest, most liberating, life-changing experience of your life. Try it at least once!
Ja’Vonne Harley, aka, The Traveling Culturati