Tips for Travelling Solo in 2022

Travelling solo is an amazing adventure and an indulgent one at that! If you do it right, the experience can be amazing. But do it wrong, and things can turn sour very quickly! It is always a good idea to go through travel tips when travelling alone, especially related to the country you’re planning on visiting.

WHY TRAVEL ALONE?

Are you still on the fence about travelling solo? There is a reason why searches for the keyword ‘solo travel’ increased by 131 percent on Google recently.

One of the most attractive factors about solo travel is how uncomplicated everything is. You can do whatever you want, whenever you want! The pitfalls and triumphs are your own to cherish or beat yourself up about later.

So why not get help from a seasoned solo traveller? Below you will find tips on how to maneveur when solo travelling.

ESSENTIAL TIPS WHEN TRAVELLING ALONE 

CHECK ELECTRONIC D​EVICES

The chances of leaving behind an electronic component like a phone charger, laptop or a camera battery would be high if you were dependent on someone else to pack all the electronic devices and gadgets for you before.

If possible, utilise a checklist of all the essential electronic devices you will need during your trip. For instance, if you plan on continuing remote work, you might need your laptop and all its associated components.

A powerbank is highly recommended. I personally would not travel (whether abroad or at home) without one. You never want to be stuck in a situation where you cannot access your phone or a map in a time of need. Make sure to purchase one with a battery 30,000mAh or less if you don’t want to end up like with dead gadgets.

RESEARCH ABOUT ANY POTENTIAL OUTBREAKS 

Given the current pandemic scenario in the world, it is quite impossible to predict if the borders will remain porous or blocked at the time of your arrival. But even if the borders remain open, make sure you conduct thorough research into the present condition of your destination. Here are some factors to contemplate beforehand: 

• What is the rate of spread of Covid-19 infections?
• How are governments responding to the pandemic? 
• Is there any quarantine requirements?
• If there is a curfew, what are its specific timings and regulations? 
• What type of vaccination is considered valid in the region?
• Is there any other disease outbreak that you should worry about? ​

MEDICINES AND DRUGS

You don’t want to get caught off guard when a sudden bout of food poisoning takes hold of your body. Always carry the requisite medication prescribed for a Healthy Trip. If you suffer from an affliction like asthma that requires specific drugs or inhalers, make sure to pack them first. 

Also, it is a good idea to ascertain if there are any limitations to the type and amount of medication you can carry to your destination. Many countries, especially throughout Asia, have rather small limits on the amount of medication you can enter with, which is not an issue if travelling for a week or two, but if you have your sights set on staying longer research if your required medications are available at your new destination.

IF IT FEELS DODGY, IT PROBABLY IS

Always trust your gut instinct and learn to go with the flow, keeping your safety in mind. If you find yourself in a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable at any time, you should immediately exit.

REGISTER YOUR TRAVEL

When travelling solo internationally, it is a really good idea to sign up with your countries travel registry (if they have it – for example the UK does not have one). Placing yourself on this registry helps relevant  government bodies be able to locate and assist you in times of an emergency.

For UK Citizens, I have an iPhone and I share my location with 5 people at all times they can see where I am. Obviously these are my trusted friends and family members who know I will book a flight in the evening and be off the next day so it helps. Also, check out the government website for up to date travel advice.

US citizens – State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

Lastly, wherever you go; keep the nearest location of your country’s consulate saved on your phone.

Solo travelling can be so exhilarating when it is done well; always remember when you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.

Love and Hugs,

Tillyah x