Every trip we take for leisure can be filled with love – love for your companion, love for the destination, love for the culture, love for the journey itself, and love for yourself!
There are two types of single travelers: those who find the thought of being tied to a partner for life appalling and those who long for someone to share their life and travels with. Whether you’re comfortable in your independence or hoping to change that status, traveling alone can be one of the most worthwhile and addictive ways to see the world.
Traveling solo doesn’t have to be scary or lonely. In fact, it’s a great way to get to know yourself. There are plenty of destinations for travelers who want to explore by themselves or just relax. Solo travel, like any other type of travel, can be geared towards a traveler’s specific wants and needs. Here are some tips for maximizing your alone time:
Blend it, exude confidence, and don’t draw attention to yourself. Simply put, don’t look like a tourist; walk with purpose (confident pedestrians are targeted much less than those who appear lost or concerned) and leave the expensive watch, purse, or earrings at home. You don’t know these people so there’s no one to impress!
Don’t go around in circles. Know the distance from the airport to your hotel and to/from any points of interest in advance. Use Google Maps or ask the concierge for help. Solo travelers are much more likely to be taken advantage of by a taxi driver so be sure to agree on a fee with the driver before he takes the car out of park!
Trust no one and go with your gut. Mulder and Scully had it right. When traveling alone, remember that scam artists can be some of the most confident and charismatic people you’ll ever meet. Don’t be fooled, but don’t be anti-social either. If something just doesn’t seem right or makes the little hairs on the back of your neck stand up, don’t do it! Keep this in mind when debating taking a shortcut down a littered alley, not when deciding if you should take advantage of that hot air balloon ride the concierge told you about. And just remember, bad things can happen at home too. Don’t let your mind trick you out of doing something just because you’re out of your comfort zone.
Carry ID in more than one place. Always keep identification with you. Try to have one form of ID in your backpack or purse, but keep a back-up ID on your person, in the unlikely event that your backpack or purse is lost or stolen. Keeping a copy in your hotel room safe is also advised.
Leave a copy of your itinerary with someone at home. It’s always a good idea to have someone you trust know where you are at all times. For certain destinations, it is also advised to register your trip with the Department of State, using their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This is simply an added layer of protection in the event of a natural disaster or other unforeseen circumstance.
Consider Boutique Hotels or B&Bs. Smaller properties will allow you to maximize your time socializing with locals.
Use your camera as an icebreaker. Offer to take a photo for someone – a great way to lead into a conversation about the destination!
TOKYO, JAPAN
Every traveler can find at least one neighborhood they love in the world’s largest city, Tokyo, which will keep them occupied with excitement. The most popular neighborhoods are Shibuya (similar to Times Square), Harajuku (home of some of the best street fashion in the world), Ebisu (called a “city within a city”), Shinjuku (140 acres of gardens), Ginza (Tokyo’s shopping mecca), Rappongi (Tokyo’s nightlife center), and Ueno (Tokyo’s cultural center).
COSTA RICA
Costa Rica is an adventurer’s paradise. You won’t ever feel lonely in Costa Rica with all of the activities to do and sights to see! Choose from activities like hiking, ziplining, snorkeling, and kayaking. Explore the rain forest in Monteverde or go surfing in Quepos; either way, you won’t be bored. If you’re interested in the relaxing and a restorative health route, there are plenty of resorts specifically geared towards wellness.
CHILE
Although Chile is over 3,000 miles long, solo travelers won’t feel lonely in the welcoming Chilean culture. Trek through the deserts, mountains, and endless coastline to your heart’s content. Or head back to civilization to Santiago, a city that’s easy to navigate. Either way, you’ll learn your limits, what you like, what you dislike, all while doing the things you want to do.
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