10 things to avoid when travelling solo

Your love for travel can never reach it’s zenith if you haven’t traveled alone sometime. Taking a trip with your loved ones is certainly the idea of having just the right vacation and yet sometimes it might not allow you to embrace the core of traveling since it rather fastens you to a preset domain. Therefore, I believe that exploring some portions of the world with your own self can bring you even closer to the amazing benefits of traveling. But, wait! Please don’t jump on to the plan of taking a trip by yourself without considering a few do’s and don’ts. When you set out for a journey on your own, you have to be clear in your mind and strong-willed within to truly enjoy it.

We've always read lists telling us about the advantages and the tips for doing a solo travel jig, but this time, I am going to tell you stuff you need to AVOID when traveling alone.

1. Carrying a lot of luggage

The most important word of advice I’d give you is to do some light packing and carrying only the most essential things that you might need on this trip. It’s a good idea to just lug a backpack and a small purse/wallet so that you can handle your stuff without too much effort.

2. Being too anxious

Don’t be too scared of doing things, venturing out to interesting places and shows or eating alone. You’re on this expedition to immerse in the world all by yourself and being frightened because of being alone doesn’t serve the purpose. Get the most out of your trip.

3. Drinking more than you can handle

If you’re not too used to drinking, I’d rather say don’t do it this time either. Or perhaps drink as little as required to take pleasure in the surroundings without getting yourself into trouble. Remember, you’re out there without people you know and trust and therefore you need to take care of yourself responsibly.

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4. Staying isolated

Of course you have gone all alone but don’t forget that there are always people around you. People from different regions, cultures and backgrounds, all of them having their share of experiences and stories. Reach out to them. Make friends. Sometimes, you can even make little plans with them. Spend some time on your own but being too isolated throughout the trip would essentially make it unexciting.

5. Spending too much

Remember that this time you’re going to pay all the bills yourself. Don’t stay in high-end hotels or spend excessively on luxuries. Organize your finances and ensure that you enjoy the vacation without exceeding your regular budget.

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6. Warding off your intuition

Pay heed to your intuition. There’d be times you’d meet people you don’t like or walk through an alley that doesn’t seem too safe. Going out for a voyage alone certainly shows you’re independent but act smartly rather than being too audacious. Trust your sixth-sense and stay out of harm’s way.

7. Arriving during the night

Yes, avoid this. Try to reach your destination during the day. Reaching an entirely new place in the dark can make it more difficult to work things out. I remember reaching Bali at 9 pm and I felt so lost because the driver I had booked didn’t turn up. I had to pick a random driver and be in the cab with him for more than an hour. He was pleasant sure, but then you never know. It’s always safer to arrive in daylight to savor the place without being fearful.

8. Getting over-friendly with corny strangers

So, there’s a middle ground between being isolated and getting too intimate with random strangers and you must understand that. Talk to people, share stuff about your life, meet them for lunches and dinners, do cool stuff together but also remember that you’ve just met them and they don’t need to know excessively about you.

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9. Traveling to your destination without some homework 

This is the biggest mistake you’d make. I know its fun to just go ahead to some place and discover teeny bits about it as days pass by. But, always do your research and make appropriate plans. You need to know properly about the new city where you’d be spending days or weeks alone. Read about its culture, currency, safety concerns and the like so that you are well prepared. (And that definitely helps you feel more confident).

10. Disconnecting from your world and your people

A good percentage of people who take the plunge and travel solo do it because they want to discover their own selves or wish to get away from their messed up lives. However, that doesn’t mean you have to entirely cut off from your friends and family. Always stay in touch with someone on a regular basis. Probably keep messaging, make regular calls or spend a few minutes on skype every day. Trust me; it’s going to make you feel better and more secured.

Source: Giphy.com