Michelle Hara No Comments

Tips for Solo Travellers 

 



Why miss out on the trip of a lifetime just because you don’t have anyone to go with? Solo travel is on the rise – a record 24% of people traveled alone on their most recent overseas vacation1. From gap year students to retirees, people in all stages of life are taking advantage of the benefits of solo travel. With the right planning, a solo trip could be your next great adventure! 

Tell others where you’ll be
Before you leave on your trip, make copies of your itinerary to leave with friends or family back home. Even if all your plans aren’t set in stone, you can leave important information like flight details and any hotel reservations. Check in throughout your trip as well to let those back home know you’re okay. 

Tap into your network
You never know whose sister, cousin, or college roommate is living in an area you’ll be traveling to. Before you leave, put a call out to your friends to see if they have any local connections where you’re traveling. You just might find someone willing to show you around their home town. 

Pack light
Don’t overload yourself with luggage to carry during your trip. Pack light so you can manage to carry everything by yourself. With the right planning, one carry-on and a suitcase or backpack should suffice. 

Arrive during the day
It can be hard to get your bearings in a new city. Arrive during the day so you’re not trying to figure out an unfamiliar city at night. 

Mingle with others
Be open to chatting with new people. You meet a lot of new and interesting people when traveling. Starting conversations can lead to new friends around the world. 

Don’t be afraid to dine alone
Dining alone can be intimidating, but you’ll miss out on some delicious local foods if you just stick with grab and go options. Bring a book to read while you eat or simply sit and enjoy people watching. Take the plunge and try eating out by yourself, your taste buds will thank you! 

Trust your instincts
When traveling, particularly alone, always trust your instincts. Whether saying no to a dinner invite or avoiding a particular part of town – if it doesn’t feel right, just remove yourself from the situation. Be aware of your surroundings and use your intuition. 

Purchase Travel Insurance
For the unexpected travel mishaps that can occur, be sure to pack a travel insurance plan from Bridges International Insurance Services.A travel insurance plan with 24/7 assistance may help to take some of that stress off your mind so you can concentrate on enjoying your vacation. Plus a travel insurance plan can cover you for things like travel delays due to inclement weather, trip cancellation/interruption and medical expenses so you can book your vacation with confidence. To find out more simply ask your insurance broker, call Bridges International at 888.298.652or visit biis.ca

Sources
1: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/17/travel/travel-industry-responds-to-rise-in-solo-sojourners.html?_r=0