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One of the top trends this year is going out and traveling on your own. Solo travel has reached new heights and shows no signs of slowing down.
In fact, it may become even more popular as word spreads about how liberating it can really be. Whether you’re a digital nomad, a seasoned traveler, or just starting out, we tend to screw ourselves over work.
It’s always nice to decompress by taking a new journey to discover new experiences. Maybe your friends couldn’t go, or maybe you actually want to embrace solitude for a while.
Either way, solo travel has become a norm, and it’s not just that gap year college kids. Statistics show that female travelers are the most likely to fly solo, but there are several people choosing to jump on this growing trend.
Has the pandemic made us comfortable being alone? Is there a break in the way society has adapted to social media?
Either way, solo travel seems here to stay. Here are the four most important tips solo travelers need to know right now:
Prepare for blowback
Let’s avoid the usual solo travel advice we’ve all seen before. You know, ‘go out and make friends’, etc.
It’s 2023. Solo travel is booming, and we’re fully aware that ‘solo’ means ‘alone’. Whether you’re taking your first solo trip or have done it countless times, there always seems to be someone standing in your way.
For me, it was my ex-girlfriend and her mother (hence the “ex” part). They just couldn’t embrace the idea of going anywhere alone, especially abroad.
Then come the accusations of running away from life’s problems, along with “you couldn’t get anyone to come with you?”, or “why isn’t your girlfriend coming with you?”.
Do we no longer have the right to our own individuality? The answer is yes, we are! Solo travel is a perfect escape to embrace yourself, find yourself or whatever you need.
But be prepared for others not to understand and they will let you hear it. Many people will support us, but often it is the only negative voice that our minds cling to.
Tiktok is not always a mirror of the world
Obviously, it’s very common to view the world through TikTok or other social media platforms.
However, it’s best not to judge a book by its cover when going somewhere new. Tiktok can be a great tool for exploring places in advance or getting opinions from other travelers.
But you can’t always expect to have the same experience as the traveler before you. There are so many overhyped places in the world, and a lot of them are paid advertisements.
The best way to go somewhere new on your own is with an open heart and mind. Let the destination reveal itself instead of chasing what others have already found.
Sometimes the trip that didn’t go as planned will create the best memories.
Prepare in advance how you will handle downtime
So here we are. The part where we won’t be like other blogs and say ‘go out and make friends’.
That’s obviously a given, as many travelers will find themselves in hostels with like-minded travelers. The opportunity is there, and it’s up to you how much you want to socialize.
Remember: this is it your trip. However, it is wise to realize in advance how much downtime you will have.
Solo travel is for everyone, but if you’re the type who can’t tolerate silence, or even if you’re a bit shy, you’ll want to have an idea of how to manage your free time.
Did you bring a book? Are your AirPods charged? Often your phone is your friend on the road. No strangers in hostels unless you go looking for them.
Don’t shy away from safety issues
Although the majority of travelers return home unscathed, safety should not be taken lightly. We all know the golden rules of travel, such as “Don’t show your valuables”. Duh!
We live in a crazy world and it’s important to stay informed wherever you go. When you are alone, you have to look after yourself.
Research travel adviceknow the local emergency phone number and take a ride if possible, as the rides are tracked.
Whether you want to believe it or not, at some point in your journey you may be a target. It could be a small scam or something bigger, but the eyes could be on you.
Read more:
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
