Friday, March 27, 2009

Tips While Traveling Alone

Traveling in group is fun but have you tried travelling alone ?

Traveling alone can be equally adventurous and exciting if you know well that how to plan your journey and make proper arrangements keeping the safety in mind. If you haven't tried it then it will be a new experience for you. Some people have the experience of short trips and never realized how it feels when you travel alone on long journey.

Traveling alone need not be lonely. It could be fun in more ways than one. Don’t be reluctant to travel just because your on your own. Just remember these things:

Following tips may prove fruitful for traveling alone:
  1. Plan ahead - Research and read about the place you’re heading to. Know where’s the nearest hotel, restaurant, and such. Make reservations too, if possible. That way, your travel is on a good start
  2. Take a city map - You better study how to read maps. Needless to say, these can guide you where you are going, especially if it’s the first time you’re going to that place. Relying too much on the cab driver is not a good idea
  3. Learn the language - Just study the basics, and the most common things you’re likely to ask a local. Also get yourself a basic dictionary and learn the language before you arrive
  4. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions - It would be okay to ask someone for directions, but be sure you are going to choose who to ask. You can ask a waiter in restaurant, or the receptionist in your hotel. Just be sure you get all information. Asking from a complete stranger outside is not advisable
  5. Pack your baggage carefully to avoid any kind of problems during the journey. List of all requirements should be made so that you don't miss anything. Lock in luggage is necessary to avoid the thefts. Over weight of your luggage can become hurdle in your smooth traveling.
  6. Hide your valuables - Put your guard up. Don’t invite muggers to come and get you. Don’t wear too much jewelry outside the streets. Use inexpensive accessories.
  7. Dress appropriately - Check what the locals wear on a given time of day. You don’t want your clothes screaming you’re a tourist. The lesser attention you draw to yourself, the better.
  8. Keep all your medicines and also few medicines for precaution because you cannot rely on anyone for the help during emergency. Travel insurance policy can provide a great help when you don't have enough money to spend on the medical treatment and expenses on hospital bills.
  9. Arrange for the passport and visa in advance to avoid any kind of delay in the journey. You can also contact to the travel agents to make your trip comfortable. You can book your tickets online by visiting the websites of airlines.
  10. Lodging in hotels and resorts sometimes cost a lot for single person. You should book the room in advance which can help you in taking the proper rest when you reach the place. Online booking of accommodation is a good option for single travelers.
  11. Books are the best companion of loneliness. If you don't like reading novels then magazines are other choice. You can carry the reading material and can keep yourself busy during the journey. It's better to avoid relying on strangers from the safety point of view and reading habit can make your boring journey interesting. Listening music can also be a good option.
  12. No need to carry cash, alternative is to use electronic money for transaction. Credit cards and debit cards can be used for shopping purpose. Never buy heavy things which you can't carry. Basically, take just enough cash. Traveler’s checks and credit cards are good, and it could be your primary mode of payment, but you might want to keep a few extra dollars in your pocket with local money.
  13. To make your traveling interesting you can indulge in exciting things like trekking, mountaineering, river rafting, bungee jumping, scuba diving etc. Activities which give you pleasure should never be missed. Skiing on the snow covered landscape is usually enjoyed by the people traveling alone.
  14. Lastly, enjoy your self - Well, you are traveling, so make the most of it. Make friends with a local. Talk to somebody over lunch in a cafĂ©. Get the addresses of the friends you make to send them a thank you card. Maybe next time, you’d be their host. Always keep your confidence up and boost your morale before starting your journey alone.


With solo traveling, you will definitely learn more about your self and what you can do. It can also be fun..

Try it - traveling alone can be one of your best experiences.

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