Traveling alone can be fun and rewarding, especially if you limit your concerns by planning in advance. Taking proper precautions and making sure you are aware of your surroundings in a new place or city ensures that you will have a more enjoyable time.
When planning your solo trip, look on-line and at bookstores for traveling-by-yourself books. There are quite a few out there and will give you solo traveling tips, such as: places to go, where to stay, and things to do on your own.
Traveling alone is different than traveling with others. Whether you are going by air, bus, train or automobile, there are certain precautions and advice anyone traveling alone should take.
If traveling by plane, bus or train, the best thing to do is always be aware of your surroundings. Always keep your bags with you, and don’t walk away from them. If possible, check your bags as carry-ons so they never leave your sight. If you bring too much and must check them, make sure you stay with them until they are stowed, or checked in by crew. Always make sure you walk with a purpose so you appear to know where you’re going.
The thrill of the open road makes traveling by car the most fun. But it’s road traveling that requires you to be the most in-tune to your surroundings. If stopping at rest stops after dark, make sure they are on interstates, well-lit, busy, and if possible, patrolled by security. Keep your cell phone accessible at all times. If you get tired, stop and sleep, but it is safest to just go ahead and find a hotel. You will feel and be safer there, and get a good night’s rest. No matter where you stop along your drive, whether a restaurant, rest stop or hotel, make sure you park as close as you can to the entrance so you can keep an eye on your car. This covers necessary transportation tips for going it alone.
If in a new place or somewhere you are unfamiliar, take a taxi or make sure you have specific directions on how to get where you’re going. You can even call ahead to find out the best way to get somewhere (i.e. hotel, tourist attraction, etc… You might find out it is right next to a subway or bus stop.) And no matter how confident you are, try not to travel after dark by yourself. Before you go, scope out the city and find out more about it. Find out the good and bad places to go so you can make sure you don’t end up someplace you shouldn’t be. If you’re staying at a hotel, talk to the front desk staff. They can give you tips on where to go, what to do and how to get there.
When it comes to cash and spending, carry enough cash for food and fun but not more than about fifty dollars in small bills in your wallet. Use credit cards that if stolen, can be reported and canceled. Most financial institutions will not hold you responsible for purchases you didn’t make. If possible, carry cash in your front pockets, if you have them. Though you don’t want to think about it, thieves and pick pockets are in all big cities, and it’s always better to be safe, than sorry.
It’s easy to travel by yourself, it’s just about being prepared, having a plan and knowing what to expect. Enjoy the adventure!
