It would be fair to say that the world of travel is significantly different to what it was a couple of decades ago. Back then, there were certain do’s and don’ts, and traveling alone certainly fell into the latter category.
Well, things have changed, and this is something that is well and truly in fashion.
Furthermore, it doesn’t matter whether you are looking to spend a weekend exploring all the things to do in Newcastle, or you are going on a round-the-world trip – the same rules apply (to an extent!).
Bearing this in mind, let’s now take a look at four tips you should bear in mind if you are going to jump on the bandwagon and become a solo traveller.
You need to force yourself away from technology
In today’s age it’s difficult, and there’s no doubt that on some occasions your phone is going to be your best friend (think of Google Maps!).
However, there will also be occasions where you overuse your phone. Nowadays, it’s all-too easy to log onto free Wi-Fi and ultimately catch up with everyone at home. Unfortunately, every time you do this, you are wasting precious time where you could be meeting other solo travellers and heightening your experience.
There will be plenty of other people like you, but you’ve got to make the effort to find them.
On the subject of staying social…
Following on from the previous point, let’s just talk about the social-factor a little more.
A lot of common advice to solo travellers is to find a “social hostel”; i.e., some accommodation which is set up to deal with travellers who are arriving on their own.
While this advice is all well and good, let’s again remind you that you need to invest some effort into the process. Just because you are staying in a “social hostel”, it doesn’t mean to say that the accommodation does everything for you. Make sure you sign up to events, initiate conversations and just try and get involved. Oh, and follow the obvious house rules.
Try and ignore the Google-factor
This almost relates to the first point we made, when we touched upon putting your phone down whenever possible.
That was mainly in relation to communication, but try and make it span to other uses as well. For example, if you’re unsure about something, rather than asking Google, try and find another traveller or local. This is an easy way to talk to people, particularly for introverts, and can again make life as a solo traveller so much more interesting.
It’s not about TripAdvisor
Of course, for some of you, TripAdvisor might be your go-to source and you might be desperately trying to tick off a bucket list formed off the famous website.
However, for the most part, we would advise you to avoid this and simply “get lost”. Wander around your area, get lost, and find some hidden gems. If you’re surrounded by tourists, you are much more likely to feel lonely. Instead, surround yourself by fellow solo travellers or locals, and things start to feel a lot more comfortable. Generally, non-TripAdvisor locations help you achieve this.
