Solo travel has the power to transform: Think of the memoirs
“Eat Pray Love” or “Wild.” But you don’t have to circumnavigate the globe or
hike 1,100 miles to see why some people choose to go it alone. The freedom to
explore at your own pace, open to connecting with people you meet along the
way, can feel as intoxicating as a tropical breeze. But solo travel can be
daunting, too, especially when problems arise. And of course, solo travelers
need to keep certain safety considerations in mind.
اضافة اعلان
So, are you ready to plan your adventure for one? Here is how to
get the most out of it.
Start off easy
“Keep your first trip simple,” said Carolyn Ray, who runs JourneyWoman,
a website for solo travelers, and has visited more than 40 countries on her
own. Overcome your trepidation by picking a destination in your own country or
at least where people speak your language, she advises. Also, choose
accommodations with communal spaces where you can meet others and that are
close to the sites you want to see.
Wield the power of one
At even the hottest restaurants, solo diners without
reservations can sometimes squeeze in at the bar. And singles can often snag
discounted seats at shows and performances by looking for just one ticket close
to showtime, says Kat Fleischman, 36, an American public relations professional
who has been taking international solo trips since she was 18. She also advises
travelers to inquire about single-occupancy discounts at hotels. Travelers on
their own can also hop into faster-moving singles lines at amusement parks,
filling in spots left empty by groups. Universal Studios Hollywood and Six
Flags Magic Mountain, near Los Angeles, and Disney World, in Orlando, Florida,
all have a handful of rides with singles lines.
Join group activities
Websites such as Meetup and Fun JetSetter can help break the ice
with others who share your interests. An internet search can reveal an array of
options: Book dinners with locals and other travelers on the website Eatwith.
Find fellow nature lovers through local groups such as Alaska Outdoors, in
Anchorage, which organizes hikes.
Find new places to enjoy your favorite activities through sites
such as Pickleball NSW in New South Wales, Australia. Facebook groups devoted
to people living abroad, such as Spain’s Expats of Málaga group, can offer
local advice and people to meet.
Some hostels and guesthouses also organize outings. You might
find yourself going to a kayaking lesson, a singalong, a drag show or a dance
club. The hotel chain Selina, for example, offers coworking spaces along with
group outings in more than 100 locations.
Talk to the locals
If you are eating alone, sit at the bar, where you are more
likely to strike up a conversation with those around you. One trick: “Sit with
an English-language book to attract other English speakers,” Ray said. Some
dating apps have “friend” settings that solo travelers can use — take the usual
precautions, of course, by meeting in a public place and telling others where
you’re going and with whom.
Don’t overshare, and use a financial ‘safe word’
Be cautious about sharing personal information, accepting
invitations or leaving your belongings with someone you just met. And consider
packing a rubber doorstop to add an extra layer of security to your hotel room
or Airbnb, and a loud key chain alarm, Ray said.
If you’re lost, Fleischman advises, instead of standing on the
street to consult your phone, step into a cafe or a store. And rather than
looking at your route on your phone as you’re walking, use your earbuds to get
directions from mapping apps.
Come up with a term that only you and a chosen few people back
home know, so that if you are genuinely in trouble and need money, they will
know it’s not a criminal impersonating you. Leave an electronic copy of
important documents such as your passport, health or travel insurance, and
itinerary with those people, too. You may also want to share your location with
them using a cellphone app.
Leave Space for Spontaneity
“Stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the unusual can
lead to some of the most memorable experiences during your solo travels,” Ray
said. Make plans that you can choose to change.
Keep a Journal
Solo travel is an opportunity to “foster and cultivate your own
sense of empowerment,” said Ray, and it will help to understand what you’ve
learned if you keep a record — written, audio or video — of your goals,
setbacks, and triumphs.
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