5 TIPS For Solo Travelers

Traveling is one of the things that we enjoy the most, but most of the time, do we really know how to travel at our best? what are the most important facts about traveling? and how to enjoy it better?

Among my travel experience I have created a list of important facts that I consider important to being thinking before heading into your trip and/or facts that we usually miss when traveling. So sit down and relax your body while I let you know how to properly travel!

“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” -Gustav Flaubert

Most people think traveling or going abroad as a backpacker alone is something that no many people can do, I completely disagree and I will show you here why... I know there a few things to keep in mind before heading somewhere alone and that you probably know nothing about.

I assume this because I've made so many mistakes while traveling so I thought it was a great idea to post about it so that people could use my mistakes as a resource of what not to do before taking your trip and what tips to keep in mind while traveling.

Find Where To Stay

I know this sounds pretty obvious, however, how well are you at finding the best cozy or cheapest place prior traveling to the actual place? now days with this digital era it has become easy to find a place to stay, from checking out hotels, hostels, airbnbs, travel partners, #Workaway, etc. Doesn't matter if you have money or if you have a tight budget, you can try things such as #Couchsurfing, A platform where you can meet with locals and surf in their couches for free, you just need some simples steps to set up a profile and there you go.

If you have money, there are plenty of choices, Airbnb or Hotels are the first choice for many of us, but think for one moment, is it really the best you can get? Airbnb has gotten so famous that their booking prices have the same prices as a normal hotel or hostel. So what is the best option now? I usually what I do often check on social media and try to gather information from local people before getting there. For example; I use Couchsurfing to the public where I'm going and then check the best offers or tips available from local people. That way you can gather a lot of info as to what could be the cheapest spots to sleep in.

Another thing is compare the prices, you need time; I know how lazy but sometimes you an find hostels cheaper than an airbnb, so be wise about it.

You can try using hostels or hotels, but who wants to pay a lot for a simple bed when all you want is to be outside sightseeing places or getting lost in a new place. Well you can try Airbnb, is another web-based platform to find accommodation, and the best thing is that you can look up depending on your budget.

There are of course many more choices to pick from; such as travel partner, #WorkAway (if you're planning to stay longer) #Homeaway #TripAdvisorrentals #Booking.com

Here are the ones I use more often:

Couchsurfing

Airbnb

WorkAway

Get Involved

In recent days, you can actually find out what places are best to see or spots not to miss up. However, Why not take the risk? Sometimes it's better to simply go out and find out for yourself! have your own experience Spend the first day doing some research at least 2 hours of possible places or things to see, also if you want to see a special place, say a monument, try to figure out if there're entry fees or tax to pay. In addition, you can search what are the most interesting places to visit and read some reviews about what to avoid or what is the most interesting thing to do.

I usually use TridAdvisor but like this, there are many more sources that you can find online to plan your trip.

Enjoy Your Foreigner Aspect

Many people would think, really? how being a foreigner would be a good aspect? this can be a two-sided coin depending on how you see it. Not so many people are aware of this, but the world is full of small details that make life even more beautiful, up to the point of changing your life completely! A simple fact; using a simple ''Hello'' to greet people you don't know, can open the door to a huge universe of possibilities that you could never imagine of, so don't be afraid or don't be shy to show your real personality and just be yourself when talking to someone new. Of course, there are some situations you have to be careful, but don't let your self-control take part of what could lead you to a great experience of life. People are always interested in new things and being the new guy/girl is not that bad if you see it in the right way.

Get To Know And Be Safe.

Alright now let's tackle the safety aspect of my post. Along with the topic number 3, get to know what are the local people used to do or eat, getting to know the hidden treasures of a place that you've never been before can be an incredible experience, so simply be a normal 'human being' and do what we are supposed to do, socialize and laugh. (This is my motto)

But with socializing there's always a chance you could meet the wrong people, right? I know not everything is perfect, so with my safety tip I refer to keeping your documents in a safe place. If you're the kind of person who was everything in a wallet, well think twice before you go out so fresh. Think beyond and use another thing to keep your most precious stuff, for example; If I travel, my credit card would be usually in my wallet, so that's an easy access to thieves, but what I i put in another place? socks, shoes, secret pockets, butth#le? ok...that last one definitely not, but think outside the box. Good tip:Make copies of your most important documents aka passport, national id, etc. And give them to someone you trust in your country or send copies to yourself by email. Always have a copy of your documents in the suitcase, separate from the originals. Carry important documents with you in a safe place, such as a belt under your pants or in an inside pocket. As well as for money.

Keep Yourself Secure.

When you plan the arrival to a new place early - before sunset. Always go to public places. And pay attention to who you ask directions, I always ask people wearing a uniform, you know what I mean. Remember material things aren't so important as your own life, as long as you have your life you can always get things again. SO think twice before taking any risk especially if you're alone. With this I don't mean you should be afraid to speak up your mind with random people, simply pay attention to the people you address depending on the moment and what you need.

So if you are planning to travel alone, these ideas will give you a better way on handling things and make the most of your incoming journey.

So there you go, my 5 things that I always keep in mind before or while traveling, you can use these tips as a good resource of what I consider a well travel-planning.

And never forget this! ''Life is short so enjoy it to the fullest.''💡

Hope you enjoyed this article.

Let me know your thoughts on this on the comment section below: More post about this city on my personal Instagram

Best regards,

Jaime S