Mark Twain’s quote from 1869 is never more valid than today, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts.” While it’s certainly easier to travel WITH someone and explore together, solo travel equally stretches your beliefs and experiences. But how to get started on international travel when it’s just you? And perhaps one of the biggest stresses — how to travel solo as a female? Read on for our tips on how to travel solo to a foreign country.
How to Travel Solo to a Foreign Country
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Group travels have many advantages. As traveling solo tips below will show, so does traveling alone.
Solo travel offers a chance to know yourself better. Secondly, the experience ensures that you get out of your comfort zone. You also save money and boost your confidence.
To enjoy these benefits, follow these useful tips on how to travel solo to a foreign country.
How to Travel Solo on a Budget
When traveling alone, you may feel tempted to blow all your money on anything and everything that seems unusual. That could work out if you are away for only a day or two. However, the strategy might prove disastrous if you plan to travel for a week or more. Saving money guarantees you the money you need for the return trip.
For this to happen, you would need to prepare and follow your budget by being mindful of the following:
- Cost of food
- Cost of accommodation
- Cost of travel insurance
Stay at Solo-Friendly Accommodations
Secondly, it’s great to look for solo-friendly accommodations. Many hotels seem to cater to groups containing two or more people. If you stay at such accommodations, you would still pay the same amount that you would have if you were part of a group.
Nevertheless, a solo-friendly facility tends to cost less, resulting in saving tons of money. Research accommodation options including any of the following:
- Hostels
- Hotels
- Homestays
- Small inns
- B&Bs
Only Pack What You Need
How many days will you spend traveling? You will know what to pack by answering this question. Ideally, pack as light as possible.
For example, lighter luggage is easier to haul and reduced luggage fees. More luggage means paying more because of the added weight.
Packing light is one of the essential travel tips for solo travelers!
Guard Your Identity
What is more, you always run the risk of compromising your identity when traveling solo. You could do this when using public Wi-Fi. Online banking could also cause you to lower your guard, thus compromising your identity.
Because of this, implement the measures necessary for keeping your identity sacred, safe, and hidden. For example, work with a VPN that protects and allows you to browse without publicizing your identity to potential fraudsters!
Being Proactive
You gain more from being proactive rather than reactive. Do not hesitate to ask for help from the relevant authorities, especially when some things seem a bit confusing. Any time you don’t feel safe, rush to a restaurant or any public place full of locals. Be ready to be proactive at all times.
Travel with a paper map rather than relying only on apps such as Google Maps.
Try to Learn and Understand Local Language
Depending on the number of days you intend to spend at your destination, it may or may not be possible to learn the local language thoroughly. Maybe you are going to study in a foreign country, it’s vital that you learn the language, click here for more info. However, it’s worth noting that a good grasp of the local dialect can make your stay more fun. That way, you would not struggle to communicate with the locals. Those you meet in your travels would not hesitate to offer you the assistance you need when they realize that your understanding of the local language is good enough!
Visit Facilities with Multiple Positive Ratings
What do other travelers have to say about the facilities that you wish to stay at during your travels? Check their testimonials. Read their opinions. After all, it’s easy to feel vulnerable when staying at or visiting a place with which you are unfamiliar.
Be ready for a little research. By themselves, the reviews are not enough. Your eyes should search for positive reviews. Positive reviews should heavily outweigh negative ones!
Avoid Being Alone All the Time
It’s worth stating that you probably feel like traveling solo because of a strong urge to be alone. Despite all the attractions that option presents, it might not be suitable for you, especially on matters regarding safety.
Try to meet fellow travelers but consider safety at all times.
Balance your time – and itinerary – well, so that you are free to socialize with fellow travelers. Furthermore, you can do all the meeting on social media, mobile apps, and other technological advances.
Eat While Relaxed
What is more, you will not suffer any bodily harm to eating while relaxed. Mealtime is the best time for unwinding. You can be yourself as much as you want while eating.
As you sit down at the table to gobble up a delicious meal or sip a favorite drink, use the opportunity to reflect on all that’s happening around you or with your life in general!
Do not hesitate to do the following during your meals too:
- Reading a book
- Catching up on emails
- Doing a bit of office-related work
- Planning the rest of your upcoming itinerary
Do Something Different for Yourself
Lastly, it’s challenging to settle on something that appeals to everyone when traveling as a group. Everyone has their own agenda and list of things they want to do and see. With a group, you may argue about places to visit and even the departure time.
Welcome to traveling solo as you’ll have limitless options to do what you want to do. No problem choosing something appealing to you alone. Solo travel allows you to be as selfish and self-centered as you desire. After all, you are all alone. You have nobody with whom to argue.
The sky is the limit when traveling solo! Out of all the travel tips for solo travelers listed above, you should remember to stay safe and save money! Also, don’t hesitate to try something that you could never do with your group. Remember to stay at facilities whose positive ratings far exceed the negative. While at it, don’t forget to unwind, reflect, and plan your travels well!
