Some journeys take you farther from where you come from, but closer to where you
belong. – Ron Francsell
To travel is to journey and recently the world is all about travelling alone, it is the new talk of the town it’s like everybody is doing it, isn’t it? It is going alone to a foreign land, getting lost in a new place, gaining a local perspective, and figuring out who you are and what you want from your life. It is an overall holistic experience, kind of similar to meditation.
When I first went on a trip, it was quite scary and overwhelming, stepping into the unknown, facing the fears head first. Yet, there I was on my first solo trip, no guidance just winging it all, figuring out each day as it came. But I am writing this today because I wished somebody said this to me earlier, so I wouldn’t have to find out things the hard way, enough about me though, let’s dive into the treasure trove of advice before you embark on your journey of self-discovery.
1. Extra money never hurts
Always carry extra, you never know where you might be stranded. Hide your money in your luggage, or clothes. I sew a pocket on the inner lining of my vests to hide the money, maybe it could help you too! Also, buy travel insurance, you might hope your luggage doesn’t get stolen, or you might not want to get sick just before a trip but it happens, I am not being negative but precautions are better than cure!
2. Trust Your gut instincts
Solo travelling is all about meeting new people, and exploring places but it is also about learning to be more aware of yourself and your gut instincts, so if you think that place or person is sketchy, leave! Like a meerkat, always keep an eye out for predators, you cannot trust anybody but yourself.
3. Leave a copy of your itinerary with your friends and families
Prepare an itinerary and inform your family and friends about it. You may not stick to it, but it would help you feel a sense of security and provide a clear sense of direction. The itinerary could help you waste fewer days on researching places to visit and make the whole journey more fulfilling and exciting.
4. Memorise the list of your emergency contacts
Make a list of your emergency contacts, and then memorise it. As long as you have your cell phone you are never alone, but what if you don’t? Yes, for those panic-stricken moments this information could be like your superhero. Never hurts to keep your mom or dad on speed-dial, trust me!
5. Embrace being alone
You could be somebody who hates themselves, like me, or you could be somebody who loves yourself, embracing being alone never hurts. Solo travelling teaches us that even though sometimes we might have a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen, some battles in life are to be fought alone. A major part of travelling alone is being comfortable about yourself, it is to realise that you may not be beautiful like the
girl next door, or may not be as smart or successful as your colleague, you still deserve respect and love. Decide that you are enough and watch what happens.
6. Learn a local language
Learning a local language breaks the barrier, makes your travelling experience smooth and authentic. Talking to locals becomes easy, that way you could prevent being scammed, and also learn about a few local treasures that the place could offer. With languages, you are at home anywhere!
7. Gain a local perspective
Seeing new places from a locals eyes gives you a new vision. The locals give you a deeper insight about the life, culture, traditions, languages and cuisines that belong to the land. They could also provide information about the history of the place, and recommend a few places and restaurants that could visit.
8. Carry Essentials
Carry your essentials like passports, international credit cards, extra money, charged power banks and chargers, sustainable water bottles, and the most important your mobile phone. You must never leave your abode without these they are just like oxygen without them you could end up dead.
9. Get an early start
Getting an early start is rewarding in many ways, helps you avoid long lines and a crowd. It’s like the place is almost private to you and for that moment you can have it all to yourself. It could also help you get those Instagram worthy shots.
10. Educate yourself about the culture of the place
It is crucial to research about how you must behave in a particular place, what are the dos and the dont’s, often a times something that you do or say might be very offensive to the people living there. Therefore, you must always educate yourself.
These are the ten principle pieces of advice you should keep in mind. I know you are anxious, and it is okay, believe in yourself. I am sure you will figure it out, it is not going to be easy, you feel like that bird, that’s pushed from the nest, you are not sure if you could fly, but maybe it is time to take that leap of faith! Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and start being excited about what could go
right.
BY RASHIDA BORSADWALA
