When today’s travellers want to take a break from social media, spend some time with themselves and can afford to do so, they’re opting to go it alone. There’s something about that idea that sounds both liberating and downright scary. It may be because we live in a world where we often don’t know what to do with ourselves when we have nothing else to rely on but ourselves. But there are also instances in which solo travel is an opportunity for growth and exploration and, ultimately, a deeply enriching experience.
Solo travel can be an empowering experience, but can also be overwhelming with so much preparation to do before the journey. There are so many things to consider when it comes to solo travel that can leave you scratching your head when trying to figure out exactly when you should do what.
Make sure you’re ready to go
This one is really important. If you’re not 100% sure you’re ready to go solo, it’s not the right time. It’s going to be hard enough to do without also worrying about how to pay for your trip, find accommodation, and get around in a new city on your own.
Get your finances in order
Solo travel is expensive. People are becoming more and more interested in travelling. Many people travel abroad for holidays and many people are deciding to do their own travels, often independently, in order to save money and be more independent. This decision is not always easy to make and people need to be aware of the possible risks involved. If you’re travelling alone, you’ll be responsible for paying for everything, including any emergencies, so you need to be sure you can afford to travel alone, and you have the money for all eventualities.
A lot of advice is available on the internet, in books, and from your friends and relatives when deciding if you should travel alone. You should be aware that some of the important information may not be reliable.
In particular, the advice about taking medicine, vaccinations, inoculations and eye drops is often contradictory. Sometimes you will get contradictory information from different sources. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions. Be cautious about anything that makes you feel uneasy. When you feel unwell, you need to take sensible precautions.
If you do not want to rely on pills, injections or nasal sprays, there are some other options. Make sure you know how to use your anti-infection medicine. Keep your anti-infection medicine in your hand luggage. In case of emergency, contact your embassy or consulate, or dial 999 in case of emergency.
If you need any help while you are away, contact your nearest British Red Cross centre, and make sure you give your friends/family your itinerary whilst you’re away, so they know where you’ll be, and listen to advice from travel reps or your hotel, so you can stay as safe as possible during your visit.