Solo travel: don´t be afraid to go alone !

So you have found a place you really want to see. And you have planned everything. The only problem is that nobody wants to go with you or they don´t have time right now. Sometimes it may be difficult to get along wit the people, but that´s ok. Just go alone. There´s a whole new perspective opening for you with solo travel. However, to enjoy solo travel, there are some things to watch out for. And these are ? 

Follow the good advices only 

Solo travel is no longer taboo. Many men and women alike travel alone nowadays and discovering amazing places all over the world. They are experiencing many different adventures - hiking various trails, riding a motorcycle, hitch-hiking, meeting new people and discovering new cultures to see how do locals live… Just see some travel vlogs and you will find many interesting projects, ideas, solo travel tips, etc. And if you find it interesting, just do it ! 

To have some doubts before your first solo trip is pretty normal. Moreover, there will be definitely some "clever" people telling you it is a stupid thing to do ( someone can rob you, rape you or even kill you - the news are full of this...)

The rule number one might be a bit cliche: do not believe gossip and rumours, but if you have a chance to get informations, tips, etc. from some experienced travelers ( especially from the place where you are going) then take advantage of it. 

And do not forget - people are everywhere. On your travels you will meet good people, bad people, interesting people, dumb people... just like back home. They are all normal people, just like you. Stay careful, but also stay open and be yourself. 

If you want to solo travel, just do it. 

The main advantages of solo travel 

Freedom. Travelling alone means having the ultimate freedom to do whatever you want. Solo travel means doing whatever you want, whether you want to plan everything out or set out spontaneously. It allows you to be flexible and change plans according to your current needs and situation. 

Self-confidence and stepping out of your comfort zone. When you solo travel it is completely different story. You are preparing and planning everything yourself, instead of relying on your friend or travel agency. You will learn how to organize, improvise, and react in unpredictable situations abroad and your confidence will get a definite boost! 

Communication with new people. When you travel as a pair or group of people, you communicate a lot with each other rather than with other people. In moments, where you are alone, you are more open to communicate with new people. These conversations sometimes give you interesting and even priceless tips which you wouldn´t find in any travel guide.

You will learn how to plan and improvise. 

How to prepare 

Start with shorter trips. Plan a trip that is easily accessible and not far from your home (max. couple of hours on a car, train, or bus). Take this as a preparation for your "bigger trips" and learn from your mistakes so you know how to do it better next time.

Save important contacts. Ambulance, police, embassy, insurance company, accommodation places, as well as your friends and relatives. Do not store them only in your mobile phone, but carry also a separate paper notebook (or at least list) in case you lose your phone. 

Be in touch with someone back home. Choose somebody who you can always rely on. Make sure to have „Actions On“, which means how you would react in situations that may occur. Be in touch with this person under the condition, that if he/she doesn´t hear from you for some time, they will try to contact you and if unsuccessful, they will make another steps.

Preparedness. Visit website of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where you can find another useful informations. Register in system "DROZD". Check out the current situation, ,culture and traditions, as well as bank holidays (you don´t want to be in the country when everything is closed). Try to learn some words of the country you are visiting. 

Check the reviews before you book accommodation. When you make a booking for your accommodation, for example AirBnB, check the reviews properly. Good host means (in addition to other things of course) that you can always contact them so you have an "emergency contact" in your destination. 

Insurance. Have the good travel insurance which is perfectly suited for your trip. 

Make copies of all your travel documents and keep them with you at all times. 

Pack light. Traveling light (with smaller and lighter luggage) will simply makes things easier.

First-aid kit. Do not underestimate this step. Sometimes pharmacy may be far away and to look for it when you just need it, is not the best thing at that very moment. That is why you should carry basic first-aid kit which should include items specific for your destination.

Check out the map. Do a little survey of your surroundings. What is within walking distance of your accommodation, where is the closest pharmacy, supermarket, bus/train station, etc. 

Download offline maps. Paper road maps will also come handy, especially in moments, when you are without your smartphone. Purchase new, updated version (your map from 1980s might not help you much). 

Paper maps are becoming popular again  

Actions-on. You don´t need to visualize the worst case scenarios. 90 % of what we worry about never happens. But it is good to be prepared for the situations you could come across.

Do you know anybody in the destination you are heading to ? Ask your friends if they know somebody there so they can give you contacts in case of emergency. It is always good to know somebody who know the area and can give you some interesting tips. Check social networks too. There might be Czech and Slovak community living in the place you are going to.

Solo travel trends and behavior  

Try to fit in. The image of inexperienced and confused tourist with backpack, camera and map in your hand works like magnet for different thieves, scammers or stalkers (especially in popular tourist destinations). And we definitely do not want that ! On the other hand, there might be some places where we will look like "strangers". It is different in the backcountry where we will always carry outdoor gear, however, in the urban area we don´t really need it so we can be more confident and act like that we know what we are doing. 

Be „streetwise“. This also means don´t be an easy target. Stay focused and watch what is happening around you. Don´t wear headphones and do not constantly check your smartphone. Be self-confident and keep calm. But mainly - trust your instincts.If you don´t feel confident in some situation, just leave. 

Wear clothing that is appropriate for the situation ( place, culture...). Learn something about local people, traditions, etc. Smile on your face and good manners are always good. Single women can put a ring on their finger to possibly get rid of some annoying men. 

Solo traveling will give you amazing freedom 

Good manners and respect are the basics anywhere and traveling is no exception. 

Divide your cash into the smaller amounts and store them in different places of your gear/clothing. Constantly check your personal items.

Share your travel itinerary with somebody you know as already mentioned before. You can even leave a note in a last place you have stayed in. However, there are different rules with social networks...

Do not share your live location on social networks. Especially when you have large number of followers you don´t know. You can share your stories later. 

Experience something new. Try something you have never done before. Have you always wanted to try new sport, visit some interesting places or culinary course for example ? Now it is a great time to do that... And perhaps you will even meet great new friends there.