It is rightly said that some journeys can only be travelled alone. That's the essence of travelling solo. Its a journey of self-discovery. Being a solitary traveller you will be completely responsible for your well being. Thus opening the window of self-realisation. Though it will seem scary in the beginning it will be the most liberating experience that will change your perspective towards life. It will make you stronger and take away your unfounded fears and ultimately you will realise that the world is full of people waiting to know you. Travelling solo also makes you self-reliant as you give up being dependent on someone else. You can do all that you wanted without any hesitation or interference of others. Though solo travelling sounds exhilarating and awesome it requires a hell lot of preparations on several fronts. If not planned the right way many things can go wrong. Worry not folks as we have come up with a complete travel guide for the newbies of solo travelling. Just have a glance at the tips below to make your first adventurous outing a travelgasm and not a setback on your journey of freedom.
1) The Destination
Start by choosing the destination where you want to travel. It can be a remote hill station or a bustling metro city. We would advise you to pick a spot with which you are a bit familiar and is not too challenging for your first solo adventure. Remember it's your opportunity to explore your true self and not to test yourself to the limits. Make sure that you have enough time at hand probably during a long weekend or take leaves if you are working. Thankfully, India is so vivid and diverse in its geographical features you can easily plan this outing from the variety of options to choose from.
2) The Planning
Before hitting the road do your research about the place you are heading out to. Read travel blogs, reviews of the place on popular travel forums or engage in conversation with friends on social media or family who have already been to that place. You must be well versed with the basic knowledge about the place. You may also bookmark the reference guides in your browser or even carry a map of the place in case your battery dies. You can also look for hotels that offer early check in if you intend to arrive early in the morning.
Bonus tip: Download the offline map of the area in your google maps of the region. This will help you to search fast even in a low network coverage area.
3) The Backup Plan
Solo travelling is a rising trend in India since Indians are also starting to live alone in cities away from their families in search of job or education. Therefore, it is important to make your family aware of your plans. You may share the complete travel itinerary with your family in advance and also intimate them on the go if you make any changes to the plan. This is important considering things may go wrong and you may be left stranded. Having someone looking out for you may be a blessing in such testing times.
4) The Execution
The next step is to finalise your plan and set the plan in motion. Start by booking your accommodation. Look for hotels nearby the station or bus stop so that it is easier to find the place once you reach there. Plan your travel such that you can reach the place before dark. We would also advise you to book your room using MiStay offering hotels on an hourly basis. This can be economical as well as efficient. The check-in time is also flexible and you end up paying only for the hours that you use the facility. There is also the facility to book online and pay at the time of lodging. Don't forget to check the reviews of the place before finalising. Try to communicate with the hotel staff to know the basics about the locality and any possible specific advice for the trip.
5) The Packing
Travelling light is one of the most important things to keep in mind while planning a solo trip. Handling very heavy and too many bags can be taxing and increases the fear of losing baggage. Therefore, one should only carry the bare essentials which cannot be managed easily and are not available at the destination. Most of the essentials are available at the accommodations so just make sure you confirm with yours while booking a room at the hotels. A rucksack should be used preferably which makes it easier to carry belongings as well as does not restrict the movement of the carrier. However, don't forget to pack essential medicines and a handy first-aid kit when travelling solo. Keep your cash at two places so that you don't go bankrupt even if you lose your wallet. Ladies, pack a pepper spray just in case, for emergencies. It's not to scare you but being prepared won't hurt.
6) The Transport
Safety is an important aspect while travelling solo. Therefore it is recommended to use Public transport for your commute whenever possible. You can also use a shared cab for your intra-city commute if you visit a metro for your trip. Firstly, this is very economical and will save you a few bucks. Secondly, you might get a chance to interact with fellow travellers and who knows you will strike a chord with one of them and create a friendship that would last a lifetime.
7) The Journey
Travelling solo doesn't mean you have to be tight-lipped and stay alone the entire time in private cabs and big hotels. It gives you a chance to interact with other travellers and locals. Assume a slightly open but secure persona such that you are approachable to the right people while you fend off the mean ones. Try to strike a conversation with anyone who seems friendly. A small tip from a quick conversation with a local might make your trip more enjoyable. You may end up seeing a place which was off the radar and not known to many. Be confident and social however, don't share every tiny detail about you and your plans to every new fellow you meet.
8) The days of your adventure
If you are travelling to a remote place in nature's lap travelling at late night might not be the best idea. Females must make sure to avoid such situation when travelling solo. To avoid this, start your day early. Remember the phrase your teachers would yell at you every day "Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy wealthy and wise". Perhaps it's apt for the moment. Wake up early, do your chores and start as soon as you can. If nothing goes wrong you will have dinner, plan your next day and go to bed by 10 pm
9) The Bonus Tip
"Part of the Journey is the end" even our beloved and flamboyant Tony Stark knows that the end is also the part of the journey and should be planned.
This whole solo trip aims to make you confident and pull you out of your comfort zone. But, that does not mean you put yourself in risk and forego your safety for an adventure. Always trust your gut feeling and never leave things to too much of chance. The trip is only worth it if you live to tell the tale. Not trying to scare you but being safe is the foremost requirement here. You will experience many hair raising incidents as you go out more frequently as long as you keep a check on yourself and be safe always. So head out there, enjoy and explore yourself and be safe. Its better to be out there than being locked up at your home.
Follow on read: 5 Smart Strategies to Travel Solo