Travelling by yourself can seem like a daunting experience if it’s something that you’ve never done before. Not only do most journeys take us outside of our comfort zones in the first place by introducing us to a place and culture we’re unfamiliar with, but going on these trips alone mean that you don’t have a familiar face to turn to when things get scary.
Fortunately, heading out on an adventure alone doesn’t have to be a worrisome experience. If you know how to prepare for travelling alone, you’ll improve your chances of having a great time, and even making memories that will last forever.
1. Know How to Say No
Many of us lose our confidence when we’re not surrounded by a crowd of our family and friends, but when you’re travelling by yourself, you need to make sure you can still stay no when necessary. In some foreigner-fascinated countries such as Egypt, you might find that you get extra attention when you’re travelling alone, so learn how to say “no, thank you” in the local language. You can also track down the non-verbal gesture for no which can also be quite effective.
2. Get an Early Start
When you travel alone, one of the biggest benefits is that you have complete freedom to do whatever you want. If you do have plans for the day, getting up and out of bed early can be a good way to make sure that you pack as much into your experience as possible, while leaving plenty of time to explore unexpected areas that you come across, or interesting bars that you might not have had the chance to visit with family.
3. Pack Home Comforts
Just because you’re out exploring your independence alone doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some of the comforts of home. Packing a reliable windproof travel umbrella that has come in handy before can be a great way to stay protected from the elements, while a favorite blanket or cushion can offer comfort in times when you’re feeling nervous.
4. Add Structure with photos
If you start to get a little bored of your travelling experience by yourself, it can be a good idea to make photography something of a mission. For example, tell yourself you’re going to take some of the best pictures of your destination so that you can share some truly great stories when you get home. The more photographs you take, the more you can add some structure and purpose to your day, and you’ll also be prompted to look around and explore more often too!
5. Enjoy the Experience
Finally, one of the best ways to prepare for travelling alone is to cultivate the right attitude. Even if you get lonely by yourself, try to pay attention to all of the perks that solo travel can offer – whether that means double-dipping your chips or changing your mind about what you want to do every ten minutes. Travelling alone is all about freedom, so soak it up and enjoy the experience.
