10 Useful Tips For Solo Travelers

By Author: Willy kalala
Total Articles: 7
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You won’t need to become an intrepid traveler to enjoy vacationing solo or don’t need to be a part of a group to indulge in exciting, fun-filled experiences that Earth has to offer. You can vacation alone and enjoy it at your own pace! Ideally Solo travel always creates curiosity among localites. Just you need to follow some basic tips while traveling solo. So, it’s time to collect your sense of adventure and take a solo holiday:

10 Tips for Solo Travelers

1. Do Homework -

Now it’s easier to preview a holiday destination for the Internet. But keep in mind that, official tourism websites have a great objective to show only the beautiful pictures to draw visitors. Even you will find the best places over the Internet to obtain in-depth information from locals about safety and culture as well as to have your questions answered in an unbiased way. All you need to do is to do a thorough research and homework before traveling solo on holiday.

2. Check Maps & Schedules -

You should check maps and transport schedules before taking a leave for your next holiday hub. It just needs you to ...
... be sure you’re heading in the right direction. If you know where you’re going, you will be much focused on your surroundings and enjoy more of the scenery. Ensure you have a travel insurance, a bunch of preventives for Malaria or water contaminations.

3. Pack Smartly -

When traveling solo, you need to make sure all of your essentials are in your carry-on. This means, you should take change of clothes for different weather - hot, cold and wet weather, walking shoes, medication, and all of your identification details as well as important technology. You should dress for comfort and always carry some emergency cash with you.

4. Be Careful -

Your safety and protection of your valuables are the major concern. Hence, you don’t dress like an obvious tourist, don’t flash money, expensive technology or wear pricey jewelry. You need to be careful about the surroundings and stick to the main roads, well-lit areas as possible. Try to walk with confidence. Keep your money to several places like purse, baggage or handbag.

Keep all key contact details, pins to a place which you can use.

5. Be Innovative -

It’s imperative not to let strangers know you are alone. Telling white lies can be acceptable like you’re waiting to meet someone until you’re sure they are reliable. You should be innovative in finding spots to necessary stuffs like hotel keys and cash, when you have to leave them unattended while swimming at a pool or beach.

6. Interact with People -

Vacationing solo is a perfect way to enjoy doing your personal thing without any restriction or hesitation. But, eventually you will feel lonely. A good way to meet people is to seek out like-minded groups of locals sharing a hobby you enjoy and attend their functions. You will get chance to get a lot of solo backpackers on the way and you would become friends. Having something in common can help you break the ice!

7. Be Adventurous -

You should try out things that really push you out of your comfort zone; after all, you’re on an adventure! However, you can try out bungee jumping, wildlife safaris or something you’d never consider doing at home. You might be surprised to know what you’re capable of when no one is watching.

8. Capture Memories -

Making photography an important thing, even if it’s just a little details you notice about a place, gives a unique memory of your day.You will see every small detail as you’ll have the time and attention to look around. No matter what, your friends and family at home will love your unique perspective and the story that comes with it for sure!

9. Learn a Little Language -

When traveling solo, it’s wise to make an effort to learn a few important words and phrases beforehand. Just knowing how to introduce yourself, start a conversation, order food and count from 1-10 will make a great difference. Swahili is a local language which you can learn a bit beforehand. Local people will love to know you’re making an effort and doing your best to interact with them.

10. Be Aware of Your Safety -

Traveling solo can be both rewarding and exciting. But you need to be mindful of safety concerns and take care of yourself in large cities at night as well as keep your eyes open on your valuables. Know about the local dress codes and be modest. Be careful about street hawkers and try to donate something to keep them happy. Night travels is not recommended unless you travel in a group or guided by a tour operator who takes care of your safety concerns.

11. Aware about the passport -

You must aware about the Visa Permit dates, the agencies who handle Visa permits etc. which can help you visit connected countries.

Conclusion -

It can be a bit stressful being in an unfamiliar place by yourself. But you just relax yourself and enjoy your travelling. South Africa is a safe and courteous place to travel. Your first vacation would be inspirational and would lead to many more such vacations.

This article is written by Mount Zion Tours and Travel - offers useful tips and suggestions for making your vacation a great success as it deserves to be!