“As you move outside of your comfort zone, what was once the unknown and frightening becomes your new normal.” – Robin S Sharma
For many people who want to venture into solo traveling, there’s usually some form of concern over their safety. However, the benefits from traveling solo are quite extensive and above all, you get to push yourself through your comfort zone. This helps to build up your confidence.
Many solo travellers today, in one way or the other, must have asked themselves some questions before setting out to travel solo. “Where will I go to?” “I won’t have anyone to talk to” “Will I be safe?” and many other questions due to fear of traveling alone.
The truth is you must have to believe in yourself and take away every fear before you can travel solo. Many people would have turned out to be a great solo traveler but fear has stopped them. Really I understand how fear can hold you back from doing something. One thing about fear is, it’s in your head and if you do not clear it off, it stays with you; FOREVER. Fear shouldn’t be seen as scary if you take good precautions.
Read some of the ways to have a good time while traveling alone.
TRAVEL TO A DESTINATION YOU FEEL SAFE AND COMFORTABLE
Do not let anyone choose your destination; take a decision yourself. Travel to a place you know you are comfortable visiting.
TRY NOT TO DRAW ATTENTION TO YOURSELF
Do not let anyone put fear in you. TRAVELING ALONE IS NOT DANGEROUS. Although you may be vulnerable when you do not mix with people at your destination or other travellers around. This will draw unnecessary attention to you. To avoid this, try to relate more with the indigenes and other people, respect their culture and don’t be too flashy.
GET LOST SOMETIMES, INTENTIONALLY!
It sounds crazy, lol! But this can be a fun and adventurous thing to do. I remember one of my friends who went solo to Dubai and got lost on one of her walking tours. She kept on asking for directions but was always getting it wrong. While still finding her way, she met a man who volunteered to lead her to her starting point. This man, who was also a tourist and was out to get some souvenirs, made her visit all the places he was going before finally taking her to where she could easily locate her ways. Though she wasn’t happy about the whole experience but she was glad she got lost and through that she was able to visit beautiful places she never thought she would visit.
You really do not have to panic when you lost your way (well, maybe you should some times. Lol!) just see it as an adventure.
TALK TO OTHER SOLO TRAVELLERS
You are never the only solo traveler at a destination. You will always find many travellers like you. When wandering around, you can look for other solo travelers or even couples to talk to. Engage in conversations with them and before you know it, you guys are already friends and they’ll make your stay enjoyable.
Now that you know some of the ways to enjoy traveling alone, why not go to that destination you have dreamt of going.
