Daring to travel solo may be a dream for many of us, but it can be more difficult than expected, especially if you’ve never done it before. Many questions come to mind, and with them, the apprehension (or even fear) of embarking on this adventure! If you’re a woman and you’re new to this, it can be even more of a source of anxiety. So, how do you embark on a solo trip? How do you take the plunge and travel alone to the other side of the world? How do you avoid feeling unsafe when traveling alone? And how do you organize yourself while exploring the country you’re visiting? So many questions that are certainly bothering you (and that’s perfectly normal) and which we will try to answer in this article, so that you can prepare for your solo adventure in the best possible way. Tips, advice, and prevention are all part of it! So stay tuned and set aside your next ten minutes for a reading that will enlighten you on many points!
1. WHEN TRAVELING: DON’T FEEL OBLIGED TO MAKE FRIENDS
Every travel expert talks about how you’ll meet amazing people and make lifelong friends during your travels, but sometimes that’s just not true. While locals are usually friendly, surprising, revealing, and charming, sometimes your travel companions aren’t the ones you expect to travel with. I recently boarded a plane and chose a seat next to two young women, thinking it might be enriching to wander around with them. As it turned out, I was mistaken because almost immediately after landing, they began chatting about uninteresting fashion trivia. My eyes were popping out of my head. Boring. Needless to say, I quickly moved away from it. Thus, I was able to give part of the answer to a basic question I had asked myself before leaving on my trip: Why travel alone?
I made a few acquaintances during my travels, but in reality very few were enriching and turned into real and sincere friendships. If the same thing happens to you, don’t worry, it’s commonplace when you go on an adventure in a foreign country.
2. BE BY WHERE YOU ARE
If you’re in a big, party-oriented city, go ahead and let loose. After all, you’re traveling to discover local customs and relax, right? If you’re in a peaceful retreat, away from all the hustle and bustle and civilization, try Pilates or yoga. There’s nothing wrong with connecting with the place you’re in and recharging your batteries a little! Relax on a beach, in the forest, or elsewhere; you’ll be delighted! A few years ago, I was on the beach in Miami when a tiny woman with emerald eyes approached me (green eyes and dimples are my two biggest weaknesses in life, so understand). After a short conversation, she asked me if I wanted to go swimming. But my natural reserve (and the fact that I felt a little tired and not very toned next to her) pushed me to kindly decline her invitation. Finally, she looked at me with amusement and said, “Come on! You’re in Miami!” Those words triggered something in me. She was right. I was in Miami, for God’s sake! Although I wasn’t about to go swimming and have a good time swimming with a model, I finally took the plunge. However, I was able to make this decision because nothing could harm me. But be careful! It all depends on the country and the place you are in. Yes, traveling is about letting go of your inhibitions and having fun, but keep your head on your shoulders and don’t do anything you won’t regret.
3. STILL KEEP AN OPEN MIND
That said, it’s worth adding that you should keep an open mind (without compromising your safety). Women, in particular, resort to all sorts of mechanisms to avoid being approached. Some walk around with a permanent scowl, others with headphones and a newspaper. Most women are well-trained to avoid eye contact when a man desperately tries to talk to them. All this armor can form an impregnable barrier when you’re traveling, so strike up a conversation and be open and approachable. If you’re worried about someone being too forthcoming with you, mention a boyfriend or girlfriend early on in the conversation (even if you have to make it up). It won’t always be a deterrent, but at least you’re making your intentions clear.
One thing traveling will teach you is that people usually have more depth than you think. 4. WATCH YOUR SNACKS
Maybe it’s just me, but despite having company, my stomach often feels empty and I must admit that I’m never against the idea of having a nice fat and sugary donut in the morning for breakfast, followed by a coffee mid-morning, then a crepe mid-afternoon and of course a last drink before calling it a day. Traveling alone means having your own schedule Stopping for a snack is a great way to break up the day, but don’t overdo it. Traveling means being organized and disciplined, of course, but don’t overdo it. It’s not good for your health, and you’ll feel worse for it. Staying organized also means having a checklist of your travel essentials. This is important and allows you to keep in mind (or keep an eye on) what you need for your trip.
5. TRAVEL LIGHT LIGHTER
I never wear watches, rings, or jewelry of any kind,.I hate shopping, but I am known to take four types of shoes on vacation (sandals or flip-flops for the beach, walking shoes for hiking, city sneakers for parties, and shoes for the travel part). Streamline as much as possible. I was recently in Cambodia for a few weeks and wore about 10% of the clothes I packed. Wash and wear them if you have to, especially if you’re traveling long-term. Opt for a bag instead of a suitcase if possible. Traveling alone means there won’t be anyone to watch your luggage, and trust me, trying to maneuver a plane cabin with a suitcase is no fun. If you have a place to keep the bulk of your belongings, equip yourself with a secondary, lightweight backpack (preferably waterproof). Today’s vintage canvas backpack models seem to be an excellent compromise and will offer you storage volume and comfort!
6. LEARN THE LOCAL LANGUAGE, YES, EVEN IF EVERYONE SPEAKS ENGLISH!)
I was in Tiergarten Park in Berlin, watching the Italians lose 4-0 to Spain, when it started pouring. The foreigner next to me kindly (and bravely) offered me his umbrella. I thanked him, after which he asked me a question (in German). I responded with, “I’m sorry, I speak English.” He tried again, and I shook my head. He said, “Tourist?” I nodded in embarrassment. Usually, I try to pick up a few phrases of the local language, but in this case, I hadn’t bothered because apparently “everyone speaks English in Berlin,” so I figured it would be fine. The German gentleman managed to ask me if I supported Italy or Spain. When I mentioned Italy, he pretended to take off the umbrella (since they had beaten Germany in the previous match) and we laughed: a short exchange that didn’t need words, but beyond that, conversation was impossible. I was ashamed that I couldn’t even say “I don’t speak German.” So the moral of the story is: learn some of the local language even if yours is widely spoken!
7. AND OF COURSE DON’T FORGET THE PRACTICAL DETAILS
Let someone know where you’re frequently abroad, and don’t forgo the boring, redundant things like making copies of your passport, buying travel insurance, and using protection. Traveling is supposed to be liberating, a way to let go, to run free, but people back home are taking care of you, so be sure to let them know where you are and where you’ll be. Likewise, to ensure you never run out of money, I advise you to create an account with an online bank specifically for travelers, such as N26, Boursorama Bank, or Revolut.
To conclude on the subject of solo travel, l
Overall, seeing the world is one of the most exhilarating things you can do. It can change your perspective on how you approach things and how you experience them (this will happen if you do it right. So if you really want to go somewhere or just need some time off, but you can’t find someone to go with… just go for it, you won’t regret it! But remember, always keep a trusty travel bag by your side that can support you, even in the most critical moments!
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