Taking your first solo trip can feel so daunting. It is your first time travelling by yourself in foreign place without someone to rely on. However, there are so many benefits of it that it will be worth it anyway. The hardest challenge if solo trip is probably how to make decision, book your flight, and pack your bag. Also, solo trip experience may be different from one person to another. You may expect the same thing but the outcome can be completely different. Here are some tips to consider for a seamless first solo trip:
Pack your confidence too
Aside from packing the essentials such as travel gears, clothes, and toiletries, it is just as important to pack your confidence as well. Try adopting a secure and open posture when going out and exploring the places. When you have confidence, you will look more approachable for others. However, it won’t make you an easy target for the wrong people.
Try to blend in
You don’t want to attract unwanted attention, hence you’d better blend in with the locals. Try not to wear something that tell you are a tourist. Do a research of how the locals dress for casual occasion and pick clothes to help you blend in better. Also, talk at appropriate volume and learn to listen and watch your surroundings.
Put a smile on your face
You don’t necessarily have to smile all the time throughout the trip. However, put your best smile when interacting with the locals. It is one of the universal gesture of kindness you can share with people that don’t speak the same language. You won’t be viewed as rude or disrespectful when you smile appropriately. A smile can also lead to friendly encounter.
Be flexible and prepared with your plan
You don’t have to plan for a strict schedule for your travel plan. Be more flexible and allow space for you to catch a break from time to time. Also, be more prepared with it by having a backup plan. Carry extra cash somewhere safe in your luggage, write other alternative destinations on your itinerary, and have copies of important documents.
Let someone know
Don’t share your travel plan on social media. Instead, let someone you are close with know about it. Let them know your itinerary so they know how to track you just in case something goes wrong.
Make reservation in advance
You don’t want to wander around looking for a hotel in unknown place alone. Hence, it is best to determine your destination in advance including your accommodation. Reserve hotel room in advance so you can directly head there once you arrive at your intended destination.
Use your common sense to stay on guard
You may face various hurdles during your first solo trip so use your common sense to deal with them. If you are in doubtful situation, trust your instinct and intuition to stay safe. Stay guarded but don’t forget to have fun and make the most of your first time travelling solo.
