Having travelled as a solo traveller since 2017, I will admit that each experience has been different. This blog shares additional travel tips from Part 1: My travel tips for solo travellers to help you make the most of your travel experience.
From the cultural exchange in Thailand, the United States of America (USA), Eswatini, Namibia or South Africa, each destination truly offers something unique. What does not change much, however, is the mindset required when traveling alone, the skills and key factors to consider that will either make the travel experience enjoyable or not.
- Invest in learning the language
Depending on the destination, language barriers can impact the travel experience negatively. Not only is language an important component of the cultural experience but it is also a form of respect. Learning phrases such as ‘hello’, ‘how are you doing?’, ‘thank you’ or ‘please help’ can help you build rapport with the locals. From personal experience, the ability to say hello and greet in the local language in some European, Asian and African countries where English is the primary language goes a long way and comes in very handy. You will most likely get a friendly smile and assistance if you need it. You can download apps like Duolingo to help you learn these phrases ahead of the trip.
- Keep your valuables secure
As part of your research and preparations, establish if the travel destination has your country’s embassy or consulate in case anything goes wrong. A travel hack I have learnt recently is investing in a good anti-theft backpack to keep my valuables safe.
- Protect and keep your passport safe. Always make a copy of the passport before you leave and keep it safely.
- Avoid real time social media check-ins.
- Always take a picture of your travel bag before checking it in at the airport. This is a tip I learnt from Emkay Fusi, a travel consultant at Tsela Tours and Adventures.
- Keep your phone, gadgets, bank cards and cash safe. Do not access banking applications from public Wi-Fi or flash expensive items in public.
- Embrace solitude
A BIG part of solo traveling is the opportunity to discover yourself, connect and fall in love with who you are. Granted, spending time alone in a foreign place can be extremely overwhelming and scary for example, going out to restaurants alone. I have learnt that true self-reflection happens during these moments, so embrace the solitude.
If you think the awkwardness is too much, take a book or journal with. If you are at a restaurant, order a new local meal, drink and take in the surrounding. Who knows, maybe you will meet another solo travel and build a new connection.
- Build connections with other travellers and locals
Being a solo traveller does not mean that you must always be alone! Be intentional about meeting new people and making friends. There are many apps, social media communities and group tours that you can join. I made some genuine connections on a cruise in Thailand, so be open to put yourself out there and connect. Be present, build connections and have conversations, you might learn something life changing.
One of the reasons I enjoy solo travelling is the freedom to do things that I want to do without compromising, whether it is going to the theatre, museum, park or sunset cruise. The freedom is liberating! Be fully present, immerse yourself in every experience, savour the moments and occasionally take a picture or video to document the memory. Until the next escape, let’s keep creating travel experiences and memories!
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