How to take a solo trip: 3 unique tips

Do I want to travel alone? How will I travel alone? What will I do on my first solo trip? It’s common to get lost in a trail of questions before finally deciding to take that first step (or train). There are at least half a dozen people I know who have more questions about solo travel than they have reasons. But sometimes, the best way to find out the truth behind something is to go ahead and do it. If you decide to take that advice and head out on your own terms, here are three things that you can do during your “me time” that will without a doubt make it worth it:

Ask For Directions

Take the road less travelled, even if you’re in a populous city full of common attractions. Hit the road without a destination in mind, or head to a destination with your phone buried in your pocket. Yes. Instead of being glued to the screen, talk to locals to figure out the directions. Get lost, find a new way, and pat yourself when you reach where you wanted to reach. Maybe soak in some local culture on the way. Two things could come out of this. One, you could discover unexpected paths and have a great time learning about the city’s lifestyle. Two, you could learn to steer your way through unknown locations, which might just build confidence in your ability to steer through unknown situations in life!

 

Talk to a Stranger

We’ve grown up saying no to that candy from the uncle. While that is good advice, for once trust your instincts and be the one offering the candy. Roaming around alone means you can meet new companions and have new conversations. Make use of the opportunity and ask the lady on the bench if she likes the morning sun. Compliment the chaiwala on his cinnamon-spiked tea. Teach a kid how to fly a kite. Discover love in people and places. Your questions will soon stop being about where to travel solo and how to enjoy, and begin being about who can you meet, what can you learn and what can you give back to become a global citizen. 

 

Sit With Yourself

We are our own worst critics; In the daily race of life, pushing ourselves to work harder, be better comes easy. But when you’re vacationing alone, take some time to smile with yourself: soak in the sunset, take in your coffee’s aroma and snigger at the dogs mating among the bushes. Be a kid and trust that imaginary friend. That friend is your soul, your inner self. When you’re comfortable in your own company, the need for external company begins to seem overrated. You develop your own thoughts, perceptions and opinions. If nothing else, you begin to love yourself more!

Feature Image: David V Yeung | Flickr