Whilst the world is getting to be a smaller place for people to travel to, many more are deciding to travel alone for their holidays or take short trips to cities they wish they had always visited. Some say you really need to get out there and see the world for yourself to truly discover it, but whilst it may seem like a truly inspirational and liberating experience, there are a few tips you should always think of as a solo traveller.
1. Choose a Smaller Hotel or Resort
As you might well know, hotels are the perfect place to get a single room with a single bed for a reasonable amount of cash, but you don’t want to just have a boring holiday alone! The best way to have fun and meet new people is to get a little friendlier with the locals and stay at some of the best off the beaten track locations possible. Apollo Bay is a great choice to start with, as even though there are many tourist locations there, the local population will be able to point you toward the best places to wine and dine.
2. Keep All of Your Valuables Safe
It is wise to keep all of your valuables in a single location and to regularly perform a simple check. Keeping as few valuables as possible is a great way to ensure safety, as well as being able to your hands on them when you need them most. This includes money, your passport and travel documents such as plane tickets, bus passes and itinerary and hotel information. And don’t forget your mobile phone!
3. Unlock Your Phone!
If travelling solo, it is always wise to keep in touch with people you know such as family and friends and to keep them informed of your location and what you are up to. If your phone isn’t unlocked already, get it unlocked so you will be able to purchase a local SIM card and use it right away. The cost of international calls may be massive, but if you have a local SIM you won’t have to worry about them at all.
4. Decide On Your Cash Situation Ahead Of Your Trip
Many people forget to exchange their cash for the local currency until the very last minute and end up spending a fortune on high exchange rates and fees that the local exchange bureau charge at airports and ferry terminals. If you plan your trip well in advance, you will be able to order foreign currencies at a great rate, and save yourself the costs of all of those sneaky fees involved.
5. Have Fun And Explore The World!
One of the best things about being a solo traveller is that it gives you the freedom to do what you want and go where you want. You won’t have to drag someone else around with you or visit a boring spot just because a friend or family member would love to see a certain monument. You can meet new people, experience different cultures and come back home with a world of stories to tell.
Travelling alone doesn’t have to be a daunting experience, as many people who travel solo will tell you, it is a liberating experience as long as you plan ahead, stay safe and know your limits. Learn the local culture to your best abilities, get a taste of each city you travel to and you will have the time of your life travelling by yourself!
