Have You Ever Traveled Alone? and Few Tips for Solo Travelers.

If you have been reading the blog for a while you know that all three of us travel a lot. We have traveled with family, friends, and coworkers and on our own. Solo travel is completely different experience from any other, and everyone should take a trip on their own at least once. You can rest when you want and do what you want at you own pace. There's no worrying about balancing wants and needs of a big group; it's your own day to explore or get a new learning experience or sit by the pool all day if you feel like it. Saying that, traveling alone comes with its challenges, safety for one.  Today we rounded up few tips we picked up while traveling alone:

Safety:

There is something to be said about safety in numbers, but if you are on your own, utilize open public places that have people.  

Don't let people know you are alone. If you are sitting on the beach, say your friend is in the room or not feeling well. If you are asking for directions ask "Can you direct me to the museum? I have to meet a friend."

Stay in places where there is 24 hour front desk open.

Copy your ID and itinerary and leave it with someone at home.

Don't carry all you ID in one place.

Use your social media wisely. Don't announce to the world you are traveling alone.

Research:

Many places charge you more (or a premium) if you are traveling alone. Avoid extra fees by doing your research before you go.

Know how much it cost to get places. This ties in with safety, but know what transpiration costs, how long it takes to get places. This way saving money and being safe.

Learn about the culture, modesty and the meaning of gestures in countries before you visit.

Being on your own:

 Most people aren't comfortable eating alone, so bring a book or reading materials, sit at a bar or in a booth. You can always fall back on ordering room service or delivery if you don't wan to be eating alone in public.

Be confident. I know this is easier said than done but people who are confident and walk with purpose stand out less and looks like they know what they are doing.

Roll with the punches:

Solo travelers, and single people in general, are seen as strange, even a bit unfortunate. However, instead taking that to heart, utilize it. By travelling alone and stepping out of your comfort zone, you might find yourself the recipient of generous invitations to tag along, dinners or group gatherings. So don’t feel bad – just roll with it. The flip side of this is, know when to say no, and be okay with it. Not every offer will be your cup of tea, so say no. Learn to say Yes please, No Thank you and basic greetings if you are traveling to a country where you don't speak the language.

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If you are traveling for work on your own and don't know anyone:

Introduce yourself. To everyone and anyone you cross paths with. Yes, its scary, and being an introvert conferences with thousands of people give me nightmares but once you meet couple of people, it gets easier.

Smile. If you smile, you are more approachable, so people who are extroverts will come to you.

Be prepared. Have a little bio about yourself prepared, as most place will make you introduce yourself. Do a little research about the topics or events you are going to.

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Have you ever traveled alone? Do you have any tips for solo travelers?