Traveling alone has become a hot trend right when we need it most. Most people start solo traveling to clear their minds and get out of their comfort zone because it is truly a transformative experience. Being alone on such a journey makes you aware of your surroundings, which can challenge you at times.

2024 could be the year of solo travel – here is what you should know about it

Traveling alone has become a hot trend right when we need it most. Most people start solo traveling to clear their minds and get out of their comfort zone because it is truly a transformative experience. Being alone on such a journey makes you aware of your surroundings, which can challenge you at times.

However, exploring a new place alone is dangerous, as the weather can be unpredictable, the citizens may not be that friendly, and you might feel lonely at times. Unfortunately, female travelers face numerous issues when they’re alone, according to Statista, from personal safety to the fear of getting lost as prominent obstacles.

Hence, traveling alone may not be for everyone. While it’s always recommended to bring someone along on a trip, you might feel the need to provoke yourself for self-discovery. So, here’s what you need to know before doing it.

Common fears and how to overcome them

As a first-time solo traveler, you might be fearful of some aspects. A prominent one is safety, as research will show that in particular places, some dangerous communities or individuals have been causing a lot of trouble to foreigners. That’s why it’s best to visit the safest locations first and, as you gain more experience, to explore unknown spots gradually.

Let’s assume you’re travelling to the UK. The best destinations for solo travelers are Eryri (Snowdania National Park), Lake District, Peak District, Scotland, London, and Oxfordshire.

You may also fear you won’t be prepared and get lost. For example, remote areas might lack a reliable internet connection, and without maps and guidance, you might be confused and scared. What you can do to prevent this situation is to use an eSIM for your United Kingdom trip that ensures a strong internet connection.

Hence, you can find a solution for every fear or uncertainty, but also be mindful and careful of your possibilities and capabilities.

Practical tips for engaging with people

While solo traveling is pretty lonely, you will find people along the way. Most are friendly or chill, so you can trust them for sharing a drink or helping you reach the destination. Still, not all are willing to do only good, and the easiest way to separate them is to see which are more likely to be pushy. That’s why it’s best to keep information to a minimum and try to shift the conversation or end it when it becomes too demanding.

If there’s someone who can drive you somewhere or offer you accommodation without you paying for it, something sketchy may be happening, and you must stay out of it. Of course, solo traveling is about pushing your boundaries, but avoid trying anything too forceful on your first trip and try to read the room.

Every experience will teach you something new, so be open to talking to people, as this will help you learn how much there is to share with a stranger, depending on the situation.

Honest call for budgeting

Budgeting might also be tricky when you’re solo traveling because having money is essential to get moving. Regardless of how much food and water you carry with you, money will still be helpful in many situations. Ideally, you should make financial plan before traveling and always have some cash to spare.

Since this are your first trip, it may be difficult to manage money. Finding new drink brands or exciting food, as well as souvenirs, can make you wasteful, but the goal is to push yourself and see how much you can live with scarce resources if you put your mind to it. So, on every trip, try to spend less and less until you can bargain the food and accommodation.

Still, we’re impulsive beings, so having a separate account for small and not-really-necessary spending is crucial.

Straightforward clothing

When traveling, it’s best to be prepared for unexpected weather, so choosing valuable clothing is essential. You mustn’t look for pretentious pieces, and you should never decide to travel in regular clothes and shoes because they can be uncomfortable.

A traveler’s wardrobe should include the following:

• Comfortable sneakers to avoid ankle injury and compression socks to maintain flowy blood circulation;
• A sleeping bag if you’re the adventurous type and some warm sleepwear;
• Thermal pants and shirts during colder temperatures and moisture-wicking clothes for the summer;
• A rain jacket and waterproof clothing for traveling in humid places;

Clothing for traveling should be straightforward and purposeful, so avoid denim, clothes with which you go out or jewelry, as they won’t help in finishing your trip.

Travel Insurance

Getting travel insurance is especially important as a beginner because it can protect you from being careless. So, if you find yourself stranded somewhere and can’t seem to work things out, there are ways for this mechanism to help you.

Travel insurance can help if you get sick or injured, have lost your luggage or have missed transport by covering the associated costs. You can buy these packages from insurance companies or travel agents, including medical expenses, personal injury and cover for lost or damaged items. Depending on how often you plan to travel solo, you can choose between a single or annual package to save money.

Make sure to check several companies before deciding on a package because some might cover more or less valuable aspects, so ensure it’ll pay off in case something happens. But as for the first time, there’s nothing wrong with taking all precautions and expanding your package. Stay safe!

Explore the World, Embrace Yourself

Solo traveling is one of the most liberating experiences because you can explore nature, humans and yourself by simply walking. You can push your boundaries and grow as a person only by experiencing various things, but they might pose certain dangers. Solo traveling must be done with care, as some individuals may not be too friendly, and being alone in nature exposes you to significant risks. Hence, you need to take care of yourself while enjoying their experience, so make sure to be prepared, wear proper clothing and get insurance, and you’ll be just fine!