You don't need to be a particularly brave person to go travelling alone. If you're tired of the restrictions of travelling in a group or can't find a suitable travel partner, you can discover many exciting things in our beautiful world. It is often better to travel on your own than with the wrong person.

 

 

Whether you're a man or a woman, anyone can travel alone and enjoy the journey; in fact, it's very liberating not to have to make arrangements with other people. You just need to follow a few tips to ensure your own safety.

 

Thanks to the internet, it is now very easy to get an overview of a holiday destination. Of course, you will only find positive things on official tourism websites, because they don't want to scare off visitors. That's why you should search travel forums and ask others who have already been there. This will give you more information about the safety and culture of the destination and answer many questions. As a solo traveller, you should not travel to a completely unknown country on a whim without having informed yourself beforehand.

 

Stay in touch! Not only is it important for your family to know where you are, they should also be able to keep you informed about crises at home. This doesn't have to restrict your freedom to travel, check your emails from time to time and get in touch.

 

 

If you are travelling alone, you need to pack wisely. All important items should be in your hand luggage in case your suitcase gets lost. In addition to travel documents and money or credit cards, this also includes medication, a mobile phone and a change of clothes. You should not carry cash and credit cards in one place. If you lose one part, you will still have the other. Always carry some cash on your person for emergencies.

Comfortable clothes are more important than looks. And of course you don't want to look like someone who can afford to lose their belongings. Choose simple, casual clothes that harmonise with your surroundings.

 

Your own safety is an important concern, but it shouldn't make you paranoid. Try not to look like a typical tourist with a camera around your neck and a fanny pack on your stomach. Keep jewellery and expensive electronics hidden. Always stay alert in your surroundings, only travel on main routes and don't go to dark places. Wherever you go, however, appear purposeful and confident. It is important for women travelling alone not to dress too provocatively.

 

Don't let strangers know that you are travelling alone. Small lies are allowed if you tell someone that you are meeting up with friends.

 

If you have to leave your things unattended for a short time, for example on the beach, try to find creative hiding places.

 

Hotel or campsite staff or taxi drivers are very useful for insider tips. To endear yourself to them, give them generous tips. Take your meals at the bar so that you can chat to the barman.

 

Travelling alone gives you a lot of freedom, but can be lonely after a while. For the purpose of brief company, join other tourists in a group. This way you don't have to feel restricted in your freedom and can still socialise with like-minded people.

 

Make the most of your holiday alone and dare to do things you would never do at home, because after all, no one you know is watching. Of course, you shouldn't overdo it, it's not about doing something as dangerous as possible, it's just about getting out of your comfort zone.

 

Be helpful and polite. Open the door for others, offer someone your seat or take a photo for someone. If you are friendly and open, you will receive a friendly and open welcome and your overall experience will be much more enjoyable.

 

Be realistic: if you already don't like travelling alone at home, you may need some practice for a solo holiday. The first step, for example, could be travelling in a group without anyone you know, so you learn more about yourself and find out whether a solo trip is for you. Don't just throw yourself into the unknown if you have doubts.