Solo travel: 10 tips for your trip alone is written by Amanda Rico Abildskov.
Solo travel in the sensible way
When I told my friends and family that I had decided to travel alone to Central America and that I had booked my ticket to El Salvador, so most of the reactions were, "Well, isn't that dangerous?"
And then came the worries and speculations. Not my own, but my surroundings. Because it can be dangerous in El Salvador and especially in the capital - depending on which urban area you are in. But there is no more dangerous than so many other places, and whether you travel alone or with others, you have to to use his common sense.
Learn about the country you need to visit
The world is full of nuances, and you experience this especially when you travel: Cultural differences, attitudes, opinions, environments, religions, etc. It's easy to do something inappropriate if you haven't familiarized yourself with the country's conditions and way of doing things in advance.
Here are my 10 best tips for you who want to go on a solo trip - especially as a woman.
Arrive while it's still light
As far as possible, it is a good idea to travel and arrive in a new place while it is still light. That way, you have a better overview of where you are, and you can read the signs and find your way around better.
If you arrive in a completely new place after dark, it can feel unsafe because there aren't that many people on the street and shops and offices are closed, so it can be harder to ask for directions and things like that.
In that situation, it is a good idea to make an agreement with the place where you are going to spend the night to be picked up by taxi. That way, you are sure to drive with a reliable driver and avoid having to wander around in the dark looking for the right address.
Book the first night of your solo trip in advance
Make sure you have at least booked your first night's accommodation at your new destination, preferably close to the bus terminal or airport you arrive at.
It's not nice to be standing in an unfamiliar place and not knowing where east and west are, or how to get a taxi, or even where there is a place to stay overnight. I speak from experience.
Keep track of maps and addresses
When you go on solo trips, it's a really good idea to have downloaded the most important ones travel apps. Also have an 'offline map' on your mobile so you can always find out where you are.
If you don't have that option, make a few screenshots of the address you're going to on your mobile via a map. Also make sure you have the correct and full address noted for your accommodation both on your mobile and written down somewhere on paper or in your notebook.
That way, you have the important information if your mobile phone runs out of power or if you need to ask for directions. Double check the address. What major attractions are nearby? Monuments? Main high streets?
You cannot count on your driver, if you take one fee, knows where the address is just because you printed it out and show him a map. So it's good to have a familiar building to navigate around.
Have currency in your pocket
It is a good idea to have some cash on you in the local currency when you arrive in another country. You cannot be sure that the credit card can be used everywhere. If you are outside the big cities and in public transport and taxis, they usually prefer cash.
If not you have the opportunity to exchange for the local currency, before you set off on your solo trip, travel with at least US dollars. They are often easier to exchange for local currency than Danish kroner are.
However, you do not have to travel with several thousand kroner in cash, as you already as a tourist, backpacker and woman stick out and signal that you travel with valuables.
Distribute cash and cards
On solo trips, you can be extra vulnerable to theft. Therefore, always make sure that you have your cash placed in several different places on your body and in your luggage. The same applies if you have several credit cards with you.
If you have everything together in the same purse and bag, you will be left without any cards or cash if you are unlucky enough that someone robs you of your bag.
So my advice is to have your cash and cards spread out in both your large travel backpack, in your hand luggage as well as having cash and cards directly on you.
Trust yourself – and lie if necessary
It's important to listen to your gut when you're traveling solo. Trust yourself and your own decisions. There are always some kind souls who will offer their help and personal service when you arrive in a new place, while you stand there vulnerable and confused with your luggage, looking around.
Most important of all is your own safety and to travel safely on. It is not always the price that will necessarily determine how you get from A to B. Rely on your own judgment when people approach you. If you are not comfortable, do not go along.
Keep an eye on your belongings at all times, and don't stand there fumbling with money or your mobile phone in a public place where everyone can watch you. Stand against a wall or sit down somewhere and put your luggage down so you can relax while you get an overview.
You may be greeted by locals and asked by strangers if you are traveling alone. In these situations, it can sometimes be worth considering lying and telling people that you are waiting for your friend or traveling with a larger group.
No matter how uncomfortable it may feel to lie, it can be a good strategy for not having strangers and curious souls too close to you if you don't want them.
If the men are too approachable, it can also be a strategy to wear a ring and say that you are married and traveling with your spouse.
Choose your means of transport carefully on your solo travels
If you have not already arranged for someone to come and pick you up from a specific transport company or one shuttle service from your hostel or similar, you have more options.
If you arrive at an airport, I recommend that you either buy a ticket for a shuttle from the airport before you leave the airport itself, or that you take a regular taxi and agree on a price before getting in.
The reason why you have to buy your ticket before you leave the airport is that there are often many drivers standing outside the airport exits waving various brochures and offers and shouting for all the arrivals and competing for the customers. Here, it is not always easy to say no thanks or to find out what pays off best.
If you have to change means of transport en route, be as well informed as possible before your arrival about your options. If you decide to proceed by taxi, always ask for the price to your destination before getting into the taxi. If there is wi-fi in the area, order an 'Uber'.
If it is within walking distance, make sure you have informed yourself about the direction and address thoroughly before you start walking, so that you do not have to fumble with mobile and printed maps along the way. Wear good solid shoes. Make sure you have packed your luggage then smooth as possible so that you can easily walk to the address you need to with as free hands as possible.
Spot other backpackers
When you travel, you will often meet other people. backpackers, who is also traveling solo. Of course, it depends on where you are and what time of the season you travel.
Sometimes you can already spot other travelers at the airport, at bus stations, on the bus itself, or when you arrive somewhere. Often they are also away on a trip like you. So it can be a big help to get together.
If it feels natural, approach them, ask where they are going, and if you could share a taxi or Uber. That way, it can feel safe for both parties to have someone to accompany them. At the same time, you saves moneyMaybe the other traveler can give you some good advice or a tip for a place you should visit.
Report your arrival
If you feel like it would be nice for someone to know when you will arrive at your destination approximately on your solo travels, inform your accommodation of your arrival time so they know when to expect to see you.
Another good idea is to give them your mobile number so they can contact you if there are any changes. You can also make an agreement with the place you are traveling from to contact them and let them know when you have arrived and can thank them for good treatment and service.
Combine on your solo trips with group trips
A new place, a new city, a new country. What to do? It is always a good idea to buy a guided tour of the place where you have landed. That way you get the most important information about the place, attractions, things you have to take into account, and you will definitely meet others on the guided tour who are also traveling alone or with whom you can strike up a conversation.
And who knows; maybe you'll agree to meet up and have dinner together or something completely different. Even if you're traveling solo, you don't have to travel alone.
Have fun with your solo travels.
10 good tips for your solo travels
- Learn about the country you are going to visit so you know what you are arriving at
- Arrive while it is still light, so you have a better overview and can find your way around better
- Book at least your first night away from home
- Report your arrival to your accommodation so that someone knows where you are
- Download an offline map to your phone so you can always find your way
- Withdraw some local currency so you always have cash on you
- Trust your gut and lie if necessary
- Choose your means of transport carefully
- Spot other backpackers and hang out with them
- Place your cash and cards in different places on your body so you don't lose everything in case of theft
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