Have you always wanted to go travelling by yourself, but not had a clue where to start? Scared of eating alone or worried that your personal safety will be compromised? This article has some top tips to help you stay safe during solo travel and get the most of your travels.
Don’t drift too far from your comfort zone
If it’s your first solo travel trip, choose somewhere where English is widely spoken or where there is a large ex-pat community.
Plan your accommodation
Avoid hotels where possible- they charge by room, not by bed, so you could end up paying a ‘single supplement’, otherwise known as paying for two people instead of just one. Choose a guest house or a hostel with a communal area where you can meet other guests. Owner-managed accommodation is often much friendlier than corporate hotels!
Don’t shy away from solo dining
It can be really intimidating to walk into a restaurant alone and ask for a table for one. It may be easier to choose a place where you can sit at the bar and eat there, as you’ll get chatting to the staff and other patrons. If you dine regularly in the same place, you’ll become friends with the staff and it will get easier. If you do sit at a table, take a book to occupy you, or use the time to write in your travel diary.
Going out at night
If you’re going out at night, leave a note in your room saying where you’re going, when you expect to be back and who you’re with. Stay sober, or don’t have too many drinks so that you don’t know where you are! If you stay in a hostel, they may organise bar crawls or similar, where you can stick to a group who you’re staying with.
When it comes to cash, think ahead
If you’re planning on being away for a long time, consider a pre-paid credit card such as the one from Travelex and using ATMs to withdraw money, rather than having a large amount of cash with you. Keep emergency back up funds in a separate place from the rest of your cash.
Stay Connected
Whilst you’re probably away from home for a well-deserved break, it’s important to stay connected. If you’re away for a while, buy an unlocked phone with a local SIM card. Download Skype onto your phone so that you can speak to friends and family at home for no cost when you have internet access.
Constantly check your important items
Money, phone, passport, hostel keys- keep these items in a safe place and check them whenever you feel the need to.
Secure your documents
Make sure that someone at home has copies of all your important documents (passport, visa) and email copies to yourself. Keep a photocopy in your suitcase/backpack and carry the originals in a secure place such as a money belt.
Arrive early
Where possible, arrange to arrive at your new destination in the day time. Ask your hostel about airport transfers, or use official public transport, don’t rely on hailing a taxi as drivers can spot a tourist a mile off and will try to make more money out of you. If you do need to get a taxi, agree to the price beforehand.
Have fun!
Wherever you travel to, you won’t be the only solo traveller. Part of the fun is to let go of how scared you are and embrace it!
Book your solo trip away! Call Easyjet for flights to European destinations.
