10 Lessons Learned in 9 Years of Solo Travel
1. People are nicer than you think
People love to share shocking stories of female solo travelers but they rarely mention how incredible it is. I’ve met people all over the world who’ve helped me find my way. Do not be afraid to ask for help and do not let the fear of the worst keep you from the best things in the world.
2. Self care and rest are fundamental
Traveling solo can get pretty lonely. At some point you might feel disconnected from people back home and/or lost. Self care practices keep you grounded amidst the chaos. Some of mine include daily meditation, journaling, and sufficient caffeine intake.
Deep rest is also essential. I don’t mean an hour between one activity and the next. I mean a entire day dedicated to doing absolutely nothing. Trust me, if you avoid relaxation, you WILL crash down the road.
3. Ask the locals
The internet will never tell you the best of the best because it’s a secret. Ask the receptionist at your hotel, your Uber driver, or a waitress. They know.
4. Sprinkle money around
Carry multiple credit cards and wads of cash. Keep some at home, some in your hotel, and some in your wallet. NEVER keep it all together.
5. Google helps but Google lies
Google is an incredible tool for discovery. You can save places you want to check out for later and easily keep track of everything within the same neighborhood.
However, Google lies, especially in very remote locations. Try to find an active Instagram tied to a business account or get yourself a backup option just in case.
6. Walk
Walking absolutely changes your local experience. It leads you to stumble upon shows, entire neighborhoods, vendors, and more. Suddenly you’re eating somewhere that doesn’t even exist on maps or buying jewelry from a stand that will be gone tomorrow.
7. Public transportation is your friend
Public transportation isn’t just good for saving money, it forces you to live amongst everyday people. You get to see how they act, speak, and dress. Best of all, it forces you to look at a map and understand where you are geographically. The last thing you want is to arrive to a destination without any idea where you are.
8. Meet new people
At some point, you will miss connecting with other humans. The easiest way is to hang out a lobby, rooftop, or pool around happy hour (even if you don’t drink). Everyone is usually tired from a day trip, bored, and/or ready to get lost in a foreign place.
Another great way is to meet people on a tour. Waking tours, for example, are perfect for chatting since you’re walking in silence for half the time.
9. You will not see these people again
I’m sure everyone you meet is perfectly placed by the universe. But you will most likely never seen them again, statistically speaking. Tell them how much you appreciate their presence while you have the chance and bid adieu.
10. Intuition is EVERYTHING
If you remember nothing else from this list, remember this: your intuition is the only thing that will keep you safe and secure when you’re alone abroad. No google review, local, or friend can prepare or protect you from the world.
You must get in tune with your body to the point that “eh, I don’t feel like it” will make you avoid entire situations. These visceral reactions are often so subtle we may not notice them. But when you do, they change your entire life.
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