Traveling is always an amazing experience: living among different people and in foreign places, even if only for a few days, can be exhilarating and enriching.
Nevertheless, most of us have mainly traveled with others. Be that with family, friends or colleagues; it seems easier to navigate a completely different environment when you have at least one friendly face by your side. But what about solo travel?
Solo travel is, in fact, on the rise. Even more, almost half of all solo travelers are 50+ years old. Go wild, retirees! Whether you’re thinking about solo traveling or are a seasoned pro, here are some tips you should take into account:
- Pack light: When there’s nobody around you can truly trust with your baggage, you need to haul it around with you all day every day. Especially when it comes to airport layovers and moving between one city and the next, it’s best to have only a carry-on or a backpack. If you want to go to the beach and there are no friends to watch your stuff, try tying your bag to any big thing like a tree or a chair. It will make it more difficult to steal your belongings while you swim.
- Go with a map: To avoid making yourself a “tourist target,” try downloading Google Maps ahead of time, as well as a compass app. It will help you find your way among strange streets without making it evident you have no clue where you’re going.
- Dining alone: This is usually a big concern when it comes to traveling alone. To avoid feeling awkward, you could bring something to do. Grab a book, a travel guide, and some postcards to write or even a travel journal. If you’d rather have something to look at, sit by the window or on the patio and engage in some people watching. You get the drill; you don’t need to feel weird because you’re enjoying your meal.
Now you know: traveling solo isn’t as complicated as it might seem. Here are some more tips tailored towards women especially. Grab your bags and go!