Solo travelling: Things to keep in mind

Call it wanderlust, call it your quest for self-discovery, call it whatever-it-means-to-you when it comes to solo travelling. Just the image in your head of a person backpacking and doing what you want to do is enough for flipping your keyboard and sulking. Here are 5 things to keep in mind if you’re planning on solo travelling:

Discuss your itinerary

There’s a certain thrill to going off-grid and not telling anyone where you are. But if you’re a first-time solo traveller especially, it’s ideal to share where you’re going with someone who’s close to you; your tell-all person.

Safe travels!

Personal safety tops everything when it comes to travelling solo. If you’ve taken a flight that lands at night, for instance, then go for a stay that offers a pick-up facility. Figuring out a bus or local transport facility in wee hours when you’re new to a city can be stressful.

Packing

Since you’ll be carrying all your stuff, you’ll be well aware of the fact that the lighter you pack, the better. Utilise every possible space. Rolling clothes is better than folding them. Wear your heaviest footwear. Take multi-purpose items whenever possible. Take a bottle you can refill instead of taking many of them.

Things to know

Some of you might not actively study about a place because you want the mystery to stay intact, but solo travelling calls for some exception. Know details and specific rules about your place of accommodation, the food, culture, everything. The best tips are given by those who have travelled solo in the place.

Instinct

If you get a weird feeling about an area, avoid going there. If you feel threatened or vulnerable, trust people to smell your fears. Look around and seek help from someone you find reliable. A little acting might be required: pretend you know where you’re going even if you don’t.