How to Start Solo Traveling: Tips to Embrace Traveling Alone
When the three o’clock slump hits at work, do you find yourself daydreaming in your cubicle? Do you imagine yourself strolling the shorelines of Santorini in a billowing sun dress, a peach Bellini in hand? Do you actually believe that you can live that dream? We hope you do, because you can. And we’re going to show you why it can become a reality.
Solo travel is one of the most powerful things we can do for ourselves. We step out of the mold of only traveling with friends, family, or lovers. Instead, we decide what we want for ourselves and go out there and get it – no matter what anyone else has to say on the matter.
It’s our life and, yet, we often confine ourselves to the dictates of others. Solo travel blows all that out of the water. When done right – and, by that we mean, safely and according to a well-honed plan – you can go anywhere and do anything. And that sense of empowerment that you feel throughout your travels is something you will bring back home to you. In fact, it just may be the thing that turns your whole life around. Together, let’s adopt 10 mindset shifts, or mantras, if you will. We hope you’ll allow them to propel you forward into a new life.
It’s Not Weird
The first thing to eradicate from your mind is the fact that solo travel is not weird. It doesn’t make you a loner, a loser, or any of those other self-deprecating terms that might flash through our minds. Solo travel is becoming increasingly popular for reasons we’re about to explore.
It’s Total Freedom
Solo travel is such a gift is because it’s utterly freeing. You’re not tied down to a travel partner’s wishes or – worse – demands. You can go where you want to go, when you want to go, on your own timeclock. Want to sleep in one morning and then get up at the crack of dawn another? Have at it.
This is your adventure – on your terms. That said, being able to spin the globe and go anywhere your finger lands is both liberating and confusing. Sometimes, too many options keep us stuck, as well. To help you start crafting your dream list of destinations, here are 20 of the safest cities for female solo travelers.
It’s Safe
Carrying on with that theme, it’s important to note that solo travel is just as safe as traveling with your best friend – as long as you play your cards right and use your street smarts. Stay in safe neighborhoods. Know where you want to go and how to get there – be it by foot, train, bus, or Uber.
Don’t stay out too late at night. Don’t go home with people you just met at the local pub. And, when you’re walking back to your accommodation, walk with purpose – as if you’ve done it a hundred times before. As long as you keep your wits about you, solo travel is just as safe as traveling with a pal. To that end, here are 20 tips to help you get out ahead of any potential safety concerns.
It’s Not Lonely
Of course, there may be momentary pangs of loneliness. You are in a new city all alone. But, the overarching theme of your trip does not have to be sullen loneliness. Find a local coffee shop or pub that you really enjoy and become a repeat customer. Be friendly and chatty; ask them how their day is going. When you return tomorrow, you have a new acquaintance.
Perhaps they’ll recommend a live event happening that night or something else of interest for you to check out. If, at any moment throughout your trip, you’re longing for a sense of connection with others, these 10 tips might help you get back on your feet.