Planning a little solo jaunt across the land? If this is your first time planning your virgin solo adventure, I understand completely how excited and nervous you are. I was once in your shoes.
Before you slap on your backpack and march out that door, here’s a small checklist of things you might want to do to ensure a better trip.
Image courtesy of bluetidalwave.com
Research, Research, Research
It doesn’t matter if you’re headed into uncharted territory or a bustling metropolis, it only helps if you already know what to expect when you set foot in your destination. A quick google search should give you enough information on things like the local culture, geography, weather and political climate to start with. Oh, and do not forget to check out the local laws, either-written and unwritten. People have in the past gotten into trouble for using the wrong gesture or for looking the wrong person in the eye. Did you also know that shaking your head can be interpreted as ‘yes’ in India?
“Hi, would you like to buy some drugs?
– Nervously shakes head –
“Great! Here’s two kilograms of cocaine!”
Kuh-Myoo-Nick-Ashion
Learn a few words and phrases from the local language and the appropriate situations to use them in. You would be surprised at how much a ‘Yallah’ or a ‘Habibi’ can get people to warm up to you in the Middle East. Also, knowing the language makes ordering food that much easier. Just saying.
Who Ya’ Gonna Call?
It’s very useful to have in hand a bunch of contacts that you can get in touch with if-knock on wood- you should ever find yourself in trouble, eg: Your home country’s Embassy/Consulate(stolen passports are a thing in some countries you know?), local emergency numbers etc. If you have friends or relatives in the country/area, make sure you have their numbers as well. There’s no telling what kind of emergency you might encounter on the road.
Link Up With Other Travellers And Locals!
This is for many people, the single greatest reward of solo travel-meeting new people. There’s so much you discover from engaging with people from different cultures and backgrounds. Yes, I’m being captain obvious here, but it’s a point that just had to be reiterated. Being alive in the internet age has its perks.
A slew of apps and websites have made it that much easier for travelers to get in touch with people at their destinations. It doesn’t matter if you’re just hanging out with your host from ‘AirBnB’ and ‘Couchsurfing’ or finding fellow travelers to share in your adventure from ‘Penroads’, you’re guaranteed to meet some cool people on your journey. As a matter of fact, Penroads is the best way for you to connect with international travellers coming in from all over the world, so it’s definitely a useful tool to have (It’s a shameless plug. I am so sorry. But it really works!).
Stay Healthy!
Last but never the least, take care of your body. Stay hydrated. It’s no good if your mind yells “Onward!” and your body groans “Hell no!”. Find out if you need to get vaccinated before setting off. Carry some basic medicines and bandages if you can, especially if you’re venturing into the wilderness. On occasion you might have to be careful about where and what you eat as well. Talk to someone who has travelled to India and you just might hear the story about how the delicious chicken Tikka from a street vendor gave them a bad case of ‘Delhi Belly’.
Happy tripping!
Parag Murali is the Marketing & Happiness Manager at penroads.com. He combines his love for travelling and people into a daily passion for bringing travellers together. You can contact him at parag@penroads.com for just about anything, so feel free!
AD: Top Rated Inca Trail, Lares Trail, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Rainforest Tours
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Hey Adam, I am a Senior at Ithaca College majoring in Environmental Studies. Last Spring I stdeuid abroad in Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica working with amazing nonprofits that focused on environmental and social justice issues. My trip was life changing for me and helped me get direction in life. However, ever since my return in early April I’ve been battling with Leishmaniasis. Luckily, it is the cutaneous kind and the lesion is on leg but it’s still been difficult. Things are looking up though, I finished my second round of treatment last week and it looks a lot better already! Hopefully this is the last round. I just wanted to let you know that I found your story consoling and I agree that although you take a risk while traveling it’s totally worth it! Good luck on your adventures!Your fellow leish buddy,Juliet
This gives an extra ordinary information about Solo traveling.Thank you so much for your effort
I think it is true and you explained it nicely.thank you very much for this informative article
I totally agree with you on this, especially this: “A slew of apps and websites have made it that much easier for travelers to get in touch with people at their destinations.”
Great article. I am a solo traveler because I’m a solo person. I will be sociable when I want to be, not when somebody else things I should be.
Nice info and clear explanation.Thanks for sharing such a informative content.
it was very helpful.Regards,
Nagarkottrekking
Great article .Thanks for sharing such a informative content.it was very helpful
I”ve recently ended a longer relationship, and I long to go on a trip by myself. But I’m also a bit scared. However, reading your post and also Dervi’s comment above strenghtens me. There’s a lot of women traveling on their own, so why wouldn’t I?
I’ve been fascinated with Peru for as long as I can remember, so your site is precious for me! It will be such an adventure, and I’m beginning to look forward to it so much 🙂
Thank you for your post. It’s so helpful for me because I am also interested in solo trips.
Simple and Relevant information.Really happy about this article thank you
I also love solo travelling. I want to explore the destinations alone because it will give me the opportunity to explore myself too. I really admire your posts. Keep going, bro!!
Solo travelling always gives a unique kind of experience. I would also love to explore some places alone, without anyone’s company….
Great post , thank you for sharing the blog.
Thanks a lot for such a helpful article. Great work. Keep doing
Great Information about Solo traveling. Thank you for sharing
Hi there, thanks for your helful sharing anout solo travelling. The thing which i impress most is stay healthy. Cause if i stay healthy, i will have good body status to travel to every where i want to visit. So, thanks for your article.
Wow! Incredible beautiful site with great informative content. thanks for sharing this…………post………..
Thanks a lot for sharing this perfect article.I really, really appreciate your time and efforts for writing such a quality article.
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Greate Info , thank you for sharing the blog and would definitely let my friends also know.
Ooooh, I really want to go here. It has been on my bucket list for awhile now!
good sharing for tour packages