Some people are scared of solo travel. Most of my trips are half “on my own” and half joining up or meeting a friend. For safety and for having friends tag along on destinations they maybe wouldn’t consider otherwise. Also, when I worked in international education in the past, international conferences always granted me a few days to be alone, or an evening to be on my own. Solo travel is empowering. It has sparked my curiosity unlike anything else. Never would I be on busy streets alone in my home city at night. Or eat by myself. Or sit in a park by myself.
When I’m alone abroad, honestly, I love walking around and just being in the moment. Find a new section of the city and just walk down a street because it looks enticing. A little cafe and sit with a magazine I brought along, or write in my journal while I eat lunch. Enjoying the calm, the quiet, being comfortable in my own company. Wander through a cathedral and stare at the beautiful architecture. Pause in a bookstore and browse copies. New sites, smells, sounds. I find it more exhilarating than stressful. Maybe in my early years of travel, I was more go-go-go-seeeverythingatonce. Over the years, I shifted my priorities, mentally and financially, to invest in travel. This meant I returned to places multiple times to destinations to try new things and go do different cities. I like to think I’m a low-maintence lady with high maintenance hobbies.
Here’s also what I do as safety precautions as well:
+Text someone my plans, whether it’s family or a friend who’s local or abroad.
+I actually do post where I’m at on social media (as in tag the location). While my personal profiles are private, it’s a digital footprint in case anything happens to me.
+I also DO NOT assume the worst will happen and all people will be dangerous. If I see families or couples out and about, I can assume the location is just fine and I’ll be ok.
+That said, self-awareness in your surroundings cannot be ignored. If I’m in a high tourist place, I look around for any scammers before using my phone for directions or taking photos. Know where your wallet/phone/hotel card all are on yourself. Since I travel with a crossbody bag, I usually have my hand on my purse, covering the zipper while walking through crowds.
These are my truths about solo travel and habits I’ve acquired over the years. I hope you also find them useful for your next adventure! Have fun and be safe!
