People who travel solo often find it a liberating experience. Many say that it gives them the freedom to make their own decisions and take trails that they probably wouldn't have if they had someone with them. While men probably do have it a little easier, issues like safety are a concern for everyone. Those who end up with a sour experience as solo traveller often have unreasonable expectations from their destination. Every locale has its share of pros and cons. Though most travel agents would want to paint a rosy picture to make sure that they earn their share of pie, you should always be ready for a few nasty surprises that come your way.
Know your destination
With internet at our disposal it’s extremely easy to get detailed information about the place that you are visiting. Before you pack your bags and start travelling make sure that you have the know how of a few basic things.
Get to know what the public transport system is like, find out more about the safety of the place. Ask people on social networking sites who belong to that place about more information. Different states in the same country may have different rules. Don’t expect the same set of rules to be followed everywhere.
Travel light
When you are travelling solo, ensure that you aren’t carrying too much luggage with you. Be open to repeating your clothes. Carrying too many bags will have you looking for help wherever you are going. Make sure that you carry more than one document of identification, And keep it handy.
With ATM machines withdrawing cash is easy, so try not to carry too much money with your. Also, split the money that your are carrying so that even if you lose some baggage, you have some emergency cash stashed in your pockets.
Be aware, not paranoid
The safety standards at different places may wary, but that doesn’t mean you spend your trip worrying about your luggage. The best thing to do is try and blend with the crowd. Don’t dressy in a very touristy manner. Also, avoiding wearing jewellery like expensive rings may be a good idea.
Try and stick to the main roads and well-lit areas. Going to check out the ‘real’ city on the first day may not be a good idea. Your body language says a lot about you. Ensure that you are confident even if you aren’t really sure if you are headed in the right direction.
Keep in touch with your friends and family
Yes, we know that travelling solo means getting to cut off from your life back home, but it’s prudent to ensure that a few people know about your whereabouts. If you haven’t made your hotel bookings, call your friends or family numbers and give them your details.
Get a local number as soon as you reach your destination. This will not just help you be in touch with folks back home, but it will also save you a lot of money that you are likely to spend making calls from your phone.
Befriend professionals
If you are taking local transport, try and talk a man/woman who seems to be heading to his/her office about the place. Store owners and hotel staff also make for good sources of information. However, use your own discretion when it comes to following their advice.
Don’t walk with your face in the map or guide
Watch where you are walking, ask locals for routes. A solo traveller pouring over maps can be a mark for unsavoury types. Keep your map in your pocket or bag and take it out only when you are done with looking around at one place and are ready to move ahead.
It’s okay to lie
Travelling solo gives you the advantage of making up a story if you feel that someone is being to inquisitive. You are not bound to tell them the truth about your profession, residence, income, etc.
If someone want to know whether you are travelling solo, you can always tell them that you will be joined by a friend in sometime.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}