Independent travel can be a wonderfully unique experience. It helps boost your confidence as you must step out of your comfort zone and make decisions without the help of a companion. It’s also great as you can plan your travel experience exactly as you want it to be! However it can be quite daunting, especially if you haven’t done that much travel beforehand. But don’t let nerves get in the way of a good time, here are 10 tips for first time independent travellers that will give you the confidence you need to take the plunge.
Planning your trip is important for any journey – where you want to go, how long you want to stay, how best to get around – but it’s especially important for independent travel. Having some general knowledge about the country beforehand will help you feel more settled when you arrive.
Some of us love a detailed itinerary whereas others prefer to just take it each day at a time. For independent travel however, it’s a good idea to have at least a rough itinerary for you trip to provide some general guidance.
Accommodation can contribute to the bulk of a trip’s expense, so it’s natural to want to stay in less expensive places. But when travelling solo it’s good to consider a hotel, hostel or Airbnb in a safe neighbourhood with plenty positive ratings.
If you’re starting to feel lonely, get out there and meet other travellers. Staying in a hostel or going to local festivals and events is a great way to do this.
Eating alone may be the biggest downside to independent travel and it’s easy to feel a bit awkward. But use this time to just sit and relax, maybe reflect on your travels so far or plan what you want to do next. You can also use this time to check in with family or catch up on your emails.
Some safety tips that are especially important for independent travellers is to stick to public spaces, don’t let on that you are alone when asking for directions (e.g. say you are meeting a friend) and check transportation schedules before leaving your accommodation so you are not glued to your phone.
As a young solo traveller it’s natural for your family to worry, especially if this is your first independent trip. Leave your family a copy of the itinerary and check in regularly to ease any concerns.
While group travelling can be heaps of fun, it also comes with a lot of compromise as each traveller as different likes and dislikes. When travelling on your own you have the freedom to plan your holiday exactly as you like, so don’t be afraid to try new experiences.
Travelling, while fun, can also be a very tiring experience. More so for independent travel as you are planning everything by yourself. Give yourself time to rest and recharge, perhaps by having an early night or a sleep in every now and then. Your body will thank you for it!
Most importantly, have fun and remember to stay positive. It’s ok if you make mistakes and things are bound to go wrong, but that all adds to the experience! With the right attitude and an open mind, your solo trip will be a whole lot of fun!
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