Transform your solo travels with these useful tips

Stef Zisovska
Solo traveler
Solo traveler

There is something about solo travels that make it an exceptional experience. Traveling alone is a skill you need to develop in order to make your best out of the trip. It’s highly recommendable for people of all ages above 18, male or female, extrovert or introvert.

Solo travels make you know yourself better, learn a lot about the new cultures that you’re visiting, help you connect with nature, and make plenty of new friendships. Here are some useful tips to help you organize your trip if you have no experience in traveling alone. Let’s get started!

Learn from people, not from a guidebook

Learn from people
Learn from people

When you arrive at a new place, go to a crowded coffee shop or have something to eat the local market. Just sit there and observe people because you will learn more from analyzing real people than staring at your guidebook. In a matter of minutes, you’ll realize things about their culture and customs. Try to apply it right away to show that you’re interested in their way of living, and you’re not some weird intruder who tries to put new rules on their territory.

Say YES

Accept invitations
Accept invitations

When you’re not traveling with a group it is more likely that you would say yes to different kinds of invitations such as yes for a coffee, yes for a hike, yes for a new adventure like bungee jumping that you would never do at home. Being on your own will make you follow your heart and do things that you really want to do, without being afraid that someone will judge you. Nothing can be better than that, right?

How to meet new people when traveling solo 

Meet new people
Meet new people

People traveling solo have the “come and talk to me” expression on their faces almost all the time, which is a good thing. It doesn’t mean you want to be bothered, but it calls people to approach and know your story. It’s always interesting to see a person in foreign place, come near and ask how did they end up here? We are all curious and want to hear about other people’s lives, so if someone is interested in talking to you, don’t freak out, be friendly and share your story with them. You may also learn theirs.

Know your limits when drinking alcohol 

Don’t drink too much
Don’t drink too much

If you like to have a few drinks, do it but be careful not to get wasted. You don’t want to spend a day in your hostel room with a horrible hangover. Apart of that, getting too drunk can be a dangerous thing while traveling in a country you don’t know well. This advice is not useful only for ladies!

Unlearn stranger danger

Don’t be afraid to talk to people
Don’t be afraid to talk to people

No need to be paranoid that every stranger you meet is a mass-murderer or a thief. It’s okay to be scared on your first travel, but try to relax as much as possible. People are people, we all love music, dancing, we love to laugh. So, there are big chances that you meet folks who share the same interests as you do. Don’t be afraid to talk to them, share a hiking trip, do a bike tour or go out for a dinner.

Smile

Smiles are friendly and universal. Smile more often, and you’ll see how it affects people. Things will become easier for you during the whole trip.

Do something you would never do at home

Learn how to dance salsa, paraglide, learn to surf, eat a weird smelling food. Try to enjoy the new culture and have fun. If you were too scared or embarrassed all your life to try something new, the solo trip will allow you to do whatever you want without feeling guilty and worry about what would people say. It’s your life and you should live by your own rules. Good luck!

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stef-zisovska

stef-zisovska is one of the authors writing for Outdoor Revival