What to consider when solo travelling?

Though it can be daunting, solo travelling builds character, transferable skills and gives you the opportunity to experience the world on your own terms. In my opinion, self sufficiency and independence are characteristics that need to be nurtured to grow, and traveling alone provides adequate challenges to achieve these goals. However, many people do worry about the dangers of travelling abroad solo. But, if you choose where you go carefully, it will be a nourishing experience.

Planning is key when travelling solo, not only to help reduce the costs but to ensure that you have the best experience. Consider carefully what you wish to gain from the experience. Many venture out in pursuit of charity work, finding a new job, improving their language skills or simply to make new friends and long lasting memories. Bear in mind to make the best out of your trip you will need to get out of your comfort zone and push yourself to try new things. Having said this, let’s consider…

Safety:

Before jetting off abroad alone, you have to be confident that you have all your essentials and transport lined up for you. Picking the perfect destination is important. Make sure you search for information about the safety of the place you’re planning to visit before you go. Ensure that it’s safe for solo travellers and ask other travellers about their experiences in that country. In large cities tourists are often targeted by pickpockets so be sensible with where you store your cash. Keep on the main roads and paths and be wary of scammers who may try to swindle you. In many countries there is a culture of haggling, so don’t be shy to bargain for a lower price. Be aware of any gestures or language that may be rude or offensive as the last thing you want to do is start a fight in unknown territory.

Travel insurance is also a must when travelling solo. Having all of your items insured will guarantee that if seething does get damaged or stolen, you’ll be able to claim money back.

For additional safety, keep in regular contact with friends and family as often as possible. Not only will this put your mind at ease, it will also help keep your family up to date on where you are and what you’re doing. Having a regular time in which you call your family can also help if you find yourself in need of money. Take the time to note down the country’s emergency services number as this will change depending on where you are.

A further precaution you should take is to carry a small piece of paper around with you with any conditions or allergies you have and an emergency contact number. This ensures that if you find yourself in a dangerous situation, people can assist you and minimise the risk of serious harm. You should write the information in the language of the country you’re visiting. If you’re unable to speak the language, you should have access to free translators online.

Learning the language:

Knowing a few phrases in the local language will help you immensely when asking for help. A shared language will help you feel less isolated and you will be able to converse more freely with the locals. In preparation for your trip, have a go at a Duolingo course or make some flashcards with greetings and key phrases. There are plenty of digital phrase books out there to help you if you are stuck. Here are a handful of phrases and words I recommend you learn in the target language:

1. Do you speak English?

2. Where is the nearest restroom?

3.Excuse me

4.How do you get to (X place)? (learn the directions too)

5.How much is this?

6.What is your name?

7.Please/ thank you

8.Does this contain nuts? (or any allergen specific to you)

9.When is the next bus?

10.Where is the nearest hospital?

Additionally, you should learn a little about the culture of the country you’re visiting. This helps you come to understand about the history of the area and the routines of the locals. Moreover, it’s a great way to show that you have an interest in their beliefs. Building up good relationships with locals is also a great way to build your opportunities and improve the chances of finding yourself a job. Plus, local friends will give you ‘insider knowledge’ on the best places to visit that are not the typical tourist traps.

If you find yourself without accommodation or money, having a support group within the country (as well as the British consulate’s phone number!) will help you solve these issues. Even if you do not think you are a ‘language person’, you will surprise yourself with how keen you are to learn and how much you will remember when you want to make friends.

Building your skills:

True growth only occurs outside of your comfort zone. It is completely normal to face some unexpected problems, however as you are forced to respond you may surprise yourself by coming up with creative solutions. As well as problem solving, I found working around train schedules and flight times helped me a lot with my time management.

Last April I was eager to improve my Spanish skills in the two week break from college, so I decided to take a solo trip to Madrid. Needless to say, having to live with a family who spoke no English really forced me to stretch myself to survive there. I grew much more confident not only in my language skills but also in my ability to get around by myself.

As I paid for this trip myself, I was eager to budget carefully and had enough cash left over to stay an extra weekend. These core skills — problem solving, budgeting, self-sufficiency, language competency — will definitely be developed if you push yourself. Aside from these, going abroad provides great opportunities to build connections and even volunteer. Cross-cultural competence is a prized skill in an increasingly globalised world, so employers have their eye out for those who prove they can adapt quickly.

To summarise:

In summary, travelling solo is great for any keen travellers who want to experience different cultures, gain essential skills and broaden your understanding of how others live their lives. Undoubtedly, the freedom you experience to tailor the trip to suit your own needs is one of the greatest benefits. Remember. you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for advice whilst travelling , whether on internet forums or on the street. Many people will be more than willing to lend you a hand, especially if you’re willing to show an interest in the culture.

Getting a tour guide is also great for people who are first time travellers and don’t know much about navigating their way around. Tour guides are also great for people wanting to avoid the busy tourist attractions as the tour guides will be able to take you to the ‘hidden gems’ of the country.

Furthermore, your tour group is a great place to meet like-minded people and build new friendships that are strengthened through the shared experience. However, one downside of having a tour guide is that it’s an additional fee for your trip and it may limit your time at each attraction.

One major benefit of travelling solo is that you allow yourself the opportunity to work abroad. If you do decide to work abroad, you will need a working visa which will usually grant you up to a year abroad in that country as long as you’re able to work. Many countries provide jobs for people wanting to work in their countries as long as you meet the requirements