4 Safety Tips For Solo Travel.
The Solo Travel Experience: Pros and Cons
Solo travel is becoming more common and lately it seems like I travel alone more often than with company. However when I talk about a solo trip, it’s usually met with a shocked look and something on the lines of “You’re not afraid of being by yourself?” Nope.
There are drawbacks, but I’ve learned that a little time alone does a lot for the soul. So let’s just get the unpleasant stuff out of the way…
The Challenges of Solo Travel
No Cost Splitting
The financial side of being by yourself is a double edged sword. I keep my lodging budget on the lower end of the scale when I’m solo, but the price I pay for an average hotel could have gotten me a better one, closer to the city center if I were to be splitting it with a buddy. There are also tourist activities and excursions that are cheaper in pairs or groups.
Sense of Security
It’s super rare for me to feel like I’m in imminent danger during my solo explorations (thank GOD). However, there are times that having someone to lean on – even for a minute – is missed. For example, during a recent trip to Tokyo, I experienced an earthquake tremor (no trip to Japan is complete without one, right?). This would’ve been a teeny less scary if I had a friend in the room with me. I ended up laughing about it with other travelers later in the day, but in that moment, the urge to pack up and go home was very real.
Loneliness
This one can be a real downer because it can strike even when you’re having fun. Making memories with your friends, family, or boo brings you closer and provides you with plenty of inside jokes for later.
The Rewards of Solo Travel
Setting Your Own Schedule
When you travel alone, you are the boss of your time. There’s no one else to consider when planning the itinerary. Want to spend all day reading on the beach? Go for it! Prefer to try street food over a fancy restaurant? Why not? Solo travel allows you to tailor your days to your interests.
Setting Your Own Budget
This is where the double-edged sword works for you. Although there’s no one to split costs with, it’s quite liberating to spend your money only on the activities you like. If you’d rather spend 100 euros on a soccer game than a museum tour, you won’t have to compromise in a party of one.
Soaking in Your Surroundings
Your social awareness is heightened when you’re by yourself – which is great for your safety. It’s also great for absorbing the vibe of the destination. You’ll be able to hear the birds of a peaceful countryside and you can blend in better with a city’s fast pace.
Meeting New People
The biggest misconception about solo travel is that you have to spend all of your time alone. Far from the truth. When you travel in a pair or group, you will spend the vast majority of your time talking to each other, which can limit your ability to meet other travelers. Being by yourself makes you more approachable and keeps you from having to split your attention.
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