“What’s your thought on travelling alone?”, “What are some suggestions that you got for a solo traveller?”, “Have you ever travelled alone, is it really tough?”, “What are a few places to travel alone?”.
After each of my previous blog articles, I received a number of questions asking about solo travelling, so I thought why not write about it! I will try to write from my experiences, and sure you are welcome to give any ideas you like.
Solo Travelling - A Challenge?
Solo travelling is always a challenge. A lot of things come to mind if you just think of travelling alone, like how it would feel to travel alone, would you get bored, what if you got into some trouble, etc. Anyway, getting these questions are genuine but that doesn’t mean that travelling alone is non-pragmatic. It has its own perks that surely can not be enjoyed when travelling with someone. A lot of folks prefer to travel alone. Even when I get a chance, I don’t let it go.!
Well, there can be different reasons for everyone to go solo. Someone just wants to travel that way or for someone, no one is ready to go like them, or perhaps your friend ducked you at the last moment. These things can not stop you from having your journey! Eventually, the heart wants what it wants! Pack your bag and let's get ready for some adventure!
Basics
The first thing that you definitely want is to have a positive mindset as I have discussed in my previous blog “Want to go on an adventure? Let’s start it!” (Of course, other suggestions mentioned in this article will also be a tremendous weapon for your adventure). You should have a plan for your journey (must for starters, later you can be wild). It doesn’t matter if you are a girl or a guy or what your physique (as long as you can walk a good distance and ready to accept new challenges) is, you can go out anywhere.
Before getting out, make sure to have an outline of your map in your mind, if you have it physically (other than your phone) then that is great.
Choose the major thing to do and while travelling keep this as a priority, because sometimes doing other stuff, you might get deviated from your plan.
It is obvious some things will come instantaneously, but I am just suggesting to have a road-map of what you are going to do (don’t go too specifically).
Things to Carry
I have written this properly for adventures in my previous article. For solo, you can use some additional things. The things that you must carry are
A bag
A water bottle
A towel
An extra pair of dress
A lighter or a matchbox
A knife
Some packaged food
A mobile
Weather specific materials
A diary and a pen (Especially for solo-travellers)
I have already recommended most of the things earlier, but for a lone traveller, nothing is a better companion than keeping a diary (It doesn’t mean not to carry if you are travelling with someone). Writing the things you watched really makes you feel them. And most important, it won’t let you feel alone! Moreover, this is something that will remain with you forever. And of course, you can share those stories with The Adventure Traveller too😅. Try to travel light, the fewer things you carry, the faster you travel.
While Travelling
This is the most important thing to be taken care of. Solo travelling has its own thrill. What you should mainly have is the talent to interact with people, because travelling alone will become really boring if you don’t do so. Writing all the time will also seem a bit too much, so do this whenever you feel it, like for the place where you are alone write down everything you see and feel. Giving your feelings a physical form will give you joy that you can not imagine.
“Happiness is only real when shared” - Christopher McCandless
Moreover, interacting with people is not so hard as it seems. You can start to ask people about places like - “Excuse me, do you know about this place or can you please tell me how to reach this place?”. It may happen that some people will discourage you, but believe me, you will meet more people who will pleasantly like to tell you about the places and will help you to guide. You should also talk about their food, their culture, politics, their lives, and everything that comes to your mind (Obviously be friendly and try not to offend them).
Many a time they will offer to be a host too if you are friendly as well as lucky enough. This is the thing that I appreciate the most. This is the closest way that you can know about their culture. Basically, travelling is not only about going to some places and taking photos, but it is about knowing and feeling that place. And that you can do only by interacting and knowing their culture.The other important thing, in my view, when travelling alone, is that don't just be a tourist, try to get involved with them. Otherwise, they will think about you the same, as some guy who came to pay a visit. They will not connect with you, and the saddest part, they will start to treat you .commercially.
Where to Go
It is always the most confusing thing that comes to mind. Well, it is, but analyzing properly can give you a pretty good result! So, ask yourself what kind of person you are, a beach person or a mountain person. Whatever it is, pick a place which is near to a famous place. Of Course, you can go to famous places for a day or two but focus more on the nearby places where you won’t find much of a crowd. For example, if you are heading to Himachal Pradesh (India), look for villages located in the valley (or a beach which is a little away from the famous one). The best thing about those places is the people living there. They will welcome you with such joy and from open hearts that you can never see in the commercialized places.
So, Pack Your Bag!
Now, what are you waiting for! Yes, Covid is not over yet, but with proper precautions, you can start your journey! What happened if your plans continued to drop off because one of your friends backed off, what if no one is ready to go with you, what if no one is wild and adventurous like you!! It's time to pick a place (which you have wished to visit for years), pack your bag, and hell yes, LET'S HAVE SOME ADVENTURE!
Please share your views on the article. If you have any suggestions you can drop them in the comment box. You can also send your suggestions here. If you want to share your experience, click here and let the world know your story!