10 Mistakes to Avoid While Travelling Solo For The First Time
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Solo travelling is rapidly rising in popularity. Travelling alone can strengthen your confidence in your own capabilities like nothing else can. It helps you become self-dependent, self-assured and happy in your own company. But, it can also be quite challenging in some ways. There are some problems you could face on a solo trip that you wouldn’t have to face while travelling with friends or family. So, if you are planning to take this life-changing experience, then don’t worry! Here is a list of 10 mistakes to avoid while travelling solo for the first time.
1. Never be unprepared
It is important to pack correctly for any trip, but it is much more necessary when travelling alone. You should never leave for a solo trip ill-equipped. Always remember to carry a first aid kit containing anti-inflammatories, your choice of pain medicine, bandages and disinfectant along with other essentials. Also, it is wise to keep all your travel documents safe. You should keep the scanned copies of your documents saved as a backup so that you can access the backup using any system or phone in case of emergency.
2. Don’t over-schedule
Solo travelling can be as fatiguing as it is thrilling. You have to do everything on your own and don’t have anyone to help you navigate through it. Many travellers try to fit in as many sites and activities as they can in a single day. However, trying to keep up with such a tight schedule can suck all the fun out of it and leave you with a feeling of exhaustion. So, avoid over-scheduling as it can be a total trip killer.
3. Don’t make rigid plans
Planning can be good for your trips. Having a pre-planned course of action can save a lot of time and energy. It can be quite intimidating to plan a solo trip for the first time. It’s natural to feel like booking everything in advance to avoid any mistakes. But, it is always helpful to give yourself some wiggle room to change the pace or schedule if required. You can say yes to new opportunities if you have some flexibility in your plans.
4. Don’t avoid locals
It is difficult to trust strange people in an unfamiliar place as you can’t differentiate between crooks and friendly locals. So, you consider it best to avoid interaction with anyone at all. But, ignoring and mistrusting everyone you meet is a mistake. Finding a new company on a solo trip can be fun and make it more enjoyable. Also, locals know the place much better than you and can help you explore in a way you could never do alone.
5. Never run out of money
Money is one of the major aspects of a trip. Running out of cash in the middle of a trip can be problematic for anyone, but it is even more of a problem for a solo traveller. Almost everything will cost more than expected. You will definitely run out of money if you are completely dependent on the budget you estimated while planning the trip. So, keeping extra money handy should top the list of solo travel essentials.
6. Don’t feel lonely
The purpose of a solo trip is to learn to enjoy your own company. While travelling alone you can do whatever you want and go wherever you want without adjusting to someone else’s timeline. Also, you don’t have to be by yourself for the entire trip. It is always a good idea to make friends along the way. Doing this can often give you lifelong friends and irreplaceable memories.
7. Never fight your spontaneity
One of the biggest advantages of travelling on your own is that you can change your plans as many times as you want. You never have to resist your spontaneous behaviour on a solo trip. You can do whatever you feel like doing without having to think of others. You can participate in last minute activities, go to places you are interested in and even sleep anytime you want without having to consult anybody.
8. Don’t stop yourself from going with the flow
You can set your own pace and schedule on a solo trip. You can decide when you want to wake up, sleep, go out, stay in, eat or do anything else, without coordinating with anyone else. Even if you do make friends along the way, you don’t have to adjust your schedule according to their plans. You can do the things you like even if the others are not interested. Just go with the flow and make use of every opportunity that presents itself.
9. Never compromise with your safety
Travelling in a group can be relatively safer than travelling solo. There are certain risks and challenges you can face if you are on your own. You should always listen to your instinct in such situations. Also, it is advisable to keep a tab on your alcohol consumption. Being intoxicated and not in control will make you an easy target for thieves, robbers, muggers or other crooks. Being in your senses is very crucial to your safety especially when you have no one to help you out.
10. Never leave without a backup plan
It is very important to have a backup plan in case things go askew. Always keep someone you trust informed about your whereabouts. It can be really helpful if someone knows what you are up to and where you are headed. You can use social media to let people know you are safe or if you need some help.
These are the major slip-ups to avoid while travelling alone for the first time. So, try keeping them in mind before heading off to your own solo adventure.
Read More :8 Safety Tips for Children and Adults you shouldn’t ignore when Travelling
solo travel | travel | Travel Tips
