Traveling opens up a world of opportunities for self-reflection and personal growth. As a result, it’s an excellent activity to try on your own. If you’ve never traveled alone, the prospect may seem daunting. However, a few simple tips to travel by yourself are all you need to stay safe and stress-free while enjoying a memorable getaway.
1. Plan Your Itinerary Ahead of Time
A successful solo trip begins long before your departure; it starts in the planning stage. Before you book tickets or make hotel reservations, sit down and determine where you want to go and what you want to do. Instead of simply highlighting ideas, create a full itinerary that outlines every single step of the trip. The plan needs to include a detailed timeline and important information, like phone numbers and websites, for each hotel, restaurant, and attraction you plan to visit.
2. Pack Light but Budget High
Packing is one of the biggest challenges for travelers. The simple thought of needing something and not having it is stressful enough for most individuals to overpack for the event, which actually makes travel more difficult. The whole point of planning a solo getaway is to recharge and unwind, but trying to keep track of multiple pieces of baggage or a heavy suitcase only makes the situation unnecessarily stressful. Skip the hassle by only packing clothing essentials that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits.
While you should pack light, you should have the opposite mindset when crafting your budget. Do as much research as possible to create realistic estimates of the activities on your itinerary, and then build your budget to accommodate those needs. For hotels, it’s important to include taxes and potential resort costs — common in popular tourist destinations — when calculating your budget. You should also allow for a financial safety net in the event of unexpected costs and expenses.
3. Stay Connected With Friends & Family
One of the many benefits of solo bus travel is taking a break from social responsibilities and allowing yourself to recharge. However, taking a momentary step back from the situation doesn’t mean you should cut off all communication with your family and friends. Including friends and family in your plans is a top tip for traveling by yourself.
Along with sharing your itinerary, choose one or two individuals to make regular check-ins with by phone or text. Additionally, provide them with contact details, including names and dates for where you’ll be staying, and feel free to provide your emergency contact information to the hotel staff as well. You can also take this a step further by using a tracking app that allows your selected confidants to double-check your location just in case.
4. Opt for Social Outings
Traveling solo doesn’t mean you have to experience activities alone. Many cities are home to sightseeing tours and excursions open to the public. From historic walking tours to brewery explorations, group activities with strangers allow you to experience must-see attractions in a safe and comfortable manner. Additionally, such outings allow you to meet new people in a secure setting without social obligations or expectations that could take away from the self-care focus of your trip.
5. Protect Your Finances & Belongings
The last thing you want to deal with on your trip is identity theft, so it’s vital that you take steps to protect your finances. Most travelers rely on debit and credit cards, but as with online shopping, any breach in a business’s system puts your accounts at risk. As such, it’s best to avoid using your debit card because it provides instant access to your money. Instead, make the bulk of transactions on a credit card, if possible — preferably one that provides instant spending notifications and real-time account updates online or through an app.
Cash poses another risk when traveling. Since some attractions only accept cash, carrying paper money is often a necessity. However, don’t keep a significant amount on your person to reduce the chances of dropping it or attracting unwanted attention from thieves. If you carry a purse or bag, opt for a cross-body arrangement because it’s more challenging to remove, and keep the satchel in front of you so that it’s always visible.
It’s also wise to avoid traveling with high-value objects, like electronics and jewelry. If you do bring a tablet or expensive watch with you, utilize your hotel’s in-room safe when you’re out and about. Be sure to check the contents as soon as you re-enter the room.
Find Affordable Rates for Your Solo Bus Travels
Now that you’re well versed in the top tips to travel by yourself, it’s time to plan your solo trip. Start by booking your travel with BusTickets.com. Our convenient service allows you to easily search for tickets, compare prices, and book the most affordable option quickly and efficiently. Your adventure is only a click away — buy your bus tickets today!
