Swati Tewari
Often I have heard people saying how wary they are of travelling solo. With obvious concerns of safety and loneliness, travelling solo is often considered as something very adventurous that not many people would like to end up doing. However, everyone I know who has travelled alone, has always found the experience extremely liberating and confidence boasting.
[highlight highlightColor=”highlight-salmon” ]Why should you travel alone at least once in your lifetime?[/highlight]
Not just because it’s fun, but also because it is an experience of a lifetime. You have no worries, you are answerable only to yourself and you do not have to bother about what others like. You are free to take your own decisions. This is the time when you can try out all those crazy things you wanted to do but couldn’t. Go for long walks, try the most bizarre dish on the local menu, make random friends, grab a drink, dance the night away…phew, the list is endless.
And no, none of these make you look like a loner. Instead, you are your own boss, having the time of your life like it’s no one’s business.
[highlight highlightColor=”highlight-salmon” ]Safety First[/highlight]
For sure this is one of the most important things you need to consider. A little planning and you are good to go. Rent a car beforehand. Read up all you can about the place. Find out how far is your hotel from the airport. Make sure that it is close by and in a busy area.
Most importantly, do not dress up in a way that would attract unwanted attention. Wear clothes that make you look more like the locals. No ‘I Love NY’ t-shirts please. Try your best to blend in the crowd. When in doubt, ask, but don’t look lost.
Keep your passport, money and other important papers distributed in different bags. Keep photocopies handy.
Inform your folks back home about the hotel you are staying at, including the address and the phone number.
Lie a little if needed. If you are lost and asking around for directions, a little lie like a friend’s waiting for you, doesn’t hurt.
Do not wear or carry any jewelry.
Go via a trusted travel agent/company with a proper tour itinerary.
Always have your own first aid kit and carry it wherever you go.
Stay alert. Do not trust easily.
[highlight highlightColor=”highlight-green” ]WSL Recommends[/highlight]
Thanks to social networking sites, we have friends all across the globe. Find out who’s in the town you are travelling to.
Eat. Explore the local cuisine and dig in guilt free.
Make new friends, preferably children and elderly people. This way, you are more likely to get invited over to their place and learn a lot more about the local history and geography.
Go for random walks early in the morning. Explore new places that guide books do not talk about.
Listen to good music and grab a book on the local history. Spend your ‘me-time’ reading it.
Rather than feeling lonely, head to the bar of your hotel. The bartenders are friendly people who love to talk and divulge a lot more that any tour guide ever could.
Make notes and document everything.
Go to concerts, play or the library in your spare time.
Indulge yourself. Let loose. Learn the local language. Go for all those adventure sports you always wanted to but didn’t get a chance.
Go ahead and have fun. You will be glad you did it.
