If you're keen on setting off into the wide blue yonder on your own in the not too distant future then there are plenty of things that you need to take into consideration prior to travelling. The key to any successful trip is to stay safe and if you're travelling alone then your safety should be at the forefront of all your actions.
Of course, travelling solo also enables you to meet other people and although you want to make sure you're secure you don't want to hide yourself away from the rest of the world. Be sensible about having fun and finding friends because you could be having the time of your life but suddenly everything could turn sour if you let your cautionary guard down.
Finding the right accommodation is also fundamentally important and even if you're travelling on a budget it's often worth paying that little bit extra to ensure your safe passage. Below are five pearls of wisdom that should be heeded before you set off and from the longevity of your trip to the essence of the open road, good luck and take care.
Having fun
Lots and lots of good times can be had whilst travelling and from making firm friends to once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, having fun is exactly what you'd hope for away from home. Steering clear of too much alcohol or other substances needs to be a priority for single travellers especially if you're hanging out with people that you don't really know. Make sure you keep your wits about you wherever you are because you don't want to wake up with a sore head or an empty bank account or worse.
Your security
If you're staying in hostels then make sure you stow your most-important documents and valuables in a safe-deposit box or about your person. Items, such as: passports, visas and medical information, should all be copied and kept in a safe place while originals are stored out of sight from intruders. Best practice is to keep your items on you in a money belt or locked within hand luggage, this way you know where they are and that you're responsible for them. Extra: note and store key document and contact numbers so they can be accessed via your email account just in case.
Being alone
Yes, you're on your own but this doesn't mean that you can't enjoy the world as you travel. Keep a journal, write a postcard and stay in touch with friends back home via Skype, email or letter – this is your chance to do whatever you like but keeping in touch is a great way to fend off loneliness. Of course, going out for a meal can be slightly weird on your own so take a good book along and find a nice spot that has a good view. Travelling solo can be daunting but be brave and be sensible and the rewards will surely follow.
Where to sleep
Anyone going on their singles adventure holidays needs to pay heed to their accommodation because no matter what the time of day, this is your area of solace where you can retreat and regroup prior to going out and facing the world again. Use guide books to tell you which hostels, hotels or b&bs are most popular and shop around before choosing one place over another. If there are a lot of fellow travellers using a communal area then have a chat before you book a room and ask to see the accommodation before you commit to handing over any funds.
How to travel
If you're travelling from one place to the next then you'll probably find yourself on a bus or a train that is crammed full of other foreigners. The alternative is to try local transportation which is often cheaper and far more rewarding from a cultural perspective. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages and as long as you can retain a positive approach getting to your next destination in one piece is pretty much the essence of a successful trip.
From meeting new friends to learning a new language, moving from place to place is what you signed up for – just be sensible and follow your gut instinct when considering how you intend to travel.
Chris is a well-travelled chap and can reference the streets of Bangkok and the trains of China as just a couple of his classrooms.
