St, 152, number 10, Maadi, Cairo, Egypt.
1) Plan your budget
Right, you want to explore the world and everything it has to offer, but your bank account does not feel the same? Well, you need to know that you can adapt a trip on any budget; it is possible.
What changes is your approach? If you don't have a lot of money, then you have to plan based on the money you actually have. Or if certain experiences are important to you, whether it is luxury, restaurants, etc., your planning starts with the trip's costs. There are plenty of things you can do to minimize costs, such as traveling off-season and researching budget destinations.
2) Pack light
Most solo travelers have a similar profile, and they are not going to the MET Gala. Sure, you might be traveling to a place where you'd like to be more fashionable, yet you must choose your clothes wisely. Think about the combinations, pieces that you can wear many times and that go well with nearly everything. Packing smart and light will make your life much easier.
3) Keep your identification safe
Keep important documents, such as passports, and money tucked away. For daily spending money, choose a theft-resistant purse instead of a money belt, as constantly reaching under your shirt for money might draw attention.
4) Choose accommodations that are trustworthy
See if the place has reviews, photos, location, etc. Take your time choosing the right places and think about your priorities before booking. For example, if you need to save money and prefer a cheaper place but there is a more expensive one located in the touristic area, you will do most of your visits; it compensates to pay a bit more and save your time and money for transportation.
5) Trust your instincts
Solo travellers count on their own, so many times you might find yourself in a situation in which you feel unsure about something. When this happens, always trust your guts. If it does not feel right, don't do it.
6) Be smart
To travel alone you need to be alert in many different ways. Sometimes you might need to lie, and it is fine. For example, if you are a female solo traveller you might feel safer saying that you are travelling with your boyfriend or going to meet a friend if a stranger ask questions. You don't want to look like a tourist either and become a target, so keeping low-profile (therefore 'no' for a "I love NY" shirt style) and showing confidence (even if you don't feel it) are important tips.
7) Directions: have many backups
When arriving at your destination, buying a SIM card is a practical way to have an internet connection.
However, sometimes this might not work, either because you are traveling around many countries and will not buy SIM cards for each or because you are in an isolated area with connection problems. Whatever the case, always have a plan B, C, D... Always carry a map with you and be attentive to the different stops or turns if you are traveling on a train, bus, etc. Another nice backup is to take screenshots of the directions on your phone; shops and other commercial establishments can work as a point of reference.
...
8) Do your research about the place
This goes without saying. If you are travelling somewhere you must know what expects for you there besides all the amazing places you want to visit. What transportation will you take? Are you taking taxis?
What is the distance from the airport to your hotel? How much does a meal cost? These are things you usually don't think about on a normal daily basis but are part of the routine of a solo traveler.
9) Trust but don't trust people
One of the magical experiences of traveling alone is meeting people and making new friends, which is great. But this also makes you more vulnerable. It is fine to hang out and travel with others, but maybe you would not trust your valuable belongings to them. There are a lot of cool and charming people who turn out to be scammers, so keep your guard up.
10) Wake up early
As a solo traveler, you don't want to waste your time sleeping until noon. Getting up early will allow you to make the most of your day, and you will avoid queues and crowds at famous attractions.
Extra: Do something unusual
One of the most incredible things about traveling alone is that it is the opportunity to do something that you normally would not do around others. You are by yourself, so no judgements. It is time to think outside the box, so why not?
*
*
*
Did you like our list? Now it is time to start planning your trip! with Nile Cruise Vacation! Is there anything else you would like us to add? Let us know!