Have you been a little nervous on the idea of traveling alone? If you are, then this article is just for you. I have a few female friends who would avoid the idea of traveling alone. They think that traveling is always better if it’s done with more than just 1 person. To them, it’s not only safer for security purposes but it’s also for companionship sake. I agree on the companionship part but sometimes, the time that you want to travel might not coincide with your friends, or perhaps where you want to go is not where they want to go. It would be a pity to postpone or even cancel your trip because of those reasons. Isn’t it a shame if you already have your days off approved, been looking forward to the trip for a while and having to completely cancel the trip?
I have enjoyed traveling alone. As a matter of fact, most of my trips are done alone. I love the idea of going to a foreign place all by myself and venturing into these unknown places. In this article, I will list out some of the things that you can do to if you are a newbie on traveling solo. Hopefully afterwards, you might consider traveling on your own in the near future for the first time. After you have done a few times traveling solo, you would realize that it is just as fun.
3 Tips for Traveling Alone for the First Time
1. Book a Hostel
The best place to meet other travelers is a hostel. Before you quickly say “No, I do not like a hostel,” do some research first. Many hostels in Europe cater to a wide range of travelers, anywhere from a shoestring budget to a somewhat above average budget. You can even find a private room in a hostel if you are not comfortable sharing with others. Take a look at this article for the best looking hostels with private rooms. If you don’t need a private room but prefer to share with other females, there is that option too. You can choose anywhere from 2 other occupants to as many as 12 occupants. Pick a style that’s suited to your comfort level. This is where you can find other solo travelers and perhaps explore the city together.
2. Find a Walking Tour
In many big cities, there are various tour companies that provide tip-based walking tours. Once you find them, you can get familiar with the city and even meet new people who are in your group. You can share some tips of where to go and where to eat. Or even go together to those new places. Make new friends and share stories. If you don’t find anyone in the group, you could always ask the tour guide for recommendations and places to go. Not only would you have a quick overview of the city, you’d learn about the city’s history and landmarks. And it’s free, if you don’t feel like tipping.
3. Friends of Friends
You know that 7 degrees of separation theory? Tell your friends and family that you are going to a specific location. Post it on your social media as well. You might just find a friend of a friend of a friend who is currently living in that city of your destination. If you happen to find someone, contact them and ask them if it’s alright to meet up for a coffee or a drink. It would be good way to meet a local to get their perspective on what it’s like to live there and how to avoid tourist traps. You can end up saving some extra cash and use it on something else to make your trip better.
My advice to you – to put it very simply and short – is please just try it out. Conquer that fear of uncertainty and see if traveling solo is your thing. It’s better to know what you prefer after you have tried all options.
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