Buzz
Solo travel is currently a trend embraced by many young enthusiasts. However, for an exciting solo trip, especially for first-timers, these essential hacks are a must.
1. Plan Your Destination Thoroughly
When embarking on your first solo travel, ensure meticulous planning of your destination and accommodation. Avoid night arrivals and desolate places. Careful planning allows you to take control of your itinerary and avoid wasting time.
2. Explore Everything During Solo Travel
Don't spend the majority of your time resting in hotels or guesthouses, and don't waste too much time on social media. Remember, you're traveling for yourself for the first time, so new lands are places for you to explore freely without any inhibitions. Venture out and experience everything—walk, cycle, take the bus, train…immerse yourself in as much as possible.
3. Say “Yes” to Everything
Embrace the spirit of saying “yes” everywhere, accepting the challenges and novelties your journey brings. During your travels, you might be invited for lunch, attend a local wedding, join a party, or taste a local delicacy. Saying “yes” to exciting propositions will immediately lead you to memorable experiences.
4. Never “Save” a Smile
It's not an exaggeration to say that a smile is the universal language and cultural bridge. A smile helps you connect with complete strangers, kickstarting interesting conversations. Besides, a smile signals confidence and a warm heart. So, never skimp on your smile for anyone you meet on the road!
5. Express Gratitude for Kindness from Strangers
At certain travel destinations, you'll undoubtedly receive kindness and warmth from locals or new acquaintances, often unexpected. Show your gratitude when receiving even the smallest help, by learning to say thank you in the local language.
6. Look Beyond the Lens
When facing landmarks, historical buildings, gardens, waterfalls, or any breathtaking scenery, use your own eyes, not just the lens of your camera. Many travelers focus too much on capturing moments, taking photos everywhere, unaware that life's priceless moments are rarely captured through the lens.
7. Safeguard Important Documents
Ensure you always carry a copy of your passport and essential documents when traveling abroad or domestically, anticipating unforeseen circumstances.
8. Avoid Overbuying Souvenirs
Stay conscious; don't be tempted by locally acclaimed 'unique' souvenirs. Many tourists end up buying more souvenirs than necessary, often at inflated tourist prices. Purchase items that genuinely impress you or support local craftsmanship in traditional villages, helping to preserve local crafts. Alternatively, buy items you know you won't find elsewhere.
9. Embrace Open-Mindedness
If you crave a McDonald's burger or any familiar local dish in an unfamiliar place, don't be deterred by stereotypes—indulge in it. Ignore advice from countless other travelers claiming these foods lack authentic flavor or are mere imitations. What truly matters is enjoying what you like and doing what you genuinely want.
10. Always Be True to Yourself
An integral part of solo travel is being comfortable with yourself, doing what you love, and living authentically. You don't have to strive to please anyone; you can leave societal norms behind and live according to your passions. Solo travel provides the opportunity to understand your true self and allows others to understand and accept the real you. Solo travelers often exude joy, openness, and are likely to meet like-minded people.
By San San/Lifehack.org
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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour
MytourOctober 10, 2014
