How to Prep for Solo Traveling?
Solo traveling for many sounds very scary and intimidating. I had a few family members and friends turn up their noses at the idea of me traveling solo, let alone to Las Vegas, NV. I get it too! I am a young beautiful woman and people are crazy, no doubt. However, as we all know 2020 has reared its ugly head and proven to all of us that life is short, life is unpredictable and life is meant to be lived. We are on borrowed time and I personally want to do what it is in my heart and see as much as I can of this beautiful world. There are so many articles, YouTube videos, Instagram post/videos, and blogs on how solo traveling can be very scary and dangerous. While that is true, solo travel can be empowering, exhilarating, a religious/spiritual journey, a time to fully get away to be yourself, a breathe of fresh air, or whatever it is you need or want it to be for you.
How to prep for solo traveling? Let’s talk about it.
Be/Get Comfortable with Being Alone.
A lot of people I know or have spoken to cannot imagine being on a trip alone and that is because they do not do anything alone ever, even in their own town they live in. I have been single for 5 years and I have been living alone in the same timeframe. I am comfortable with myself and being alone. It honestly takes some getting use to at first but I love my time and space by myself. I am very much a social butterfly and I love being around people but time myself is important and key to my mental survival. A lot of people are afraid to be alone but I have always believed that in loneliness or moments of quiet you can think better and clearly, hear that little voice inside of you and discover your best self. I believe when you spend the time with yourself and you get to know who it is you truly are and in that discovery you find your power and self worth that no one can ever take from you. You are not trying to fit a mold or be someone or something you’re not destined to be. Being able to be comfortable alone is a major key for solo travel.
Do an Activity by Yourself Where You Live.
It always amazes me when people say they have never been out to eat or drink, to the park or to the movies alone. This can be self-care for a lot of people, it is for me. I get that it seems very lonely and loser like but you learn the most about yourself when you are alone. No one influences your decisions and you get to do exactly what you want to do on your own time. A major key in doing an activity alone is, you have to not worry about how you look to people you don’t even know and probably will never see again. Plus, honestly who cares what anyone else thinks. You are the leader in your army. Do whatever is you love and be safe.
Pick a Vacation Spot Where You Will Feel Comfortable.
You can start off with a staycation right in your local town or city. Stay for a weekend or a few nights just to test it out. You do not have to take a huge leap of faith and take a solo trip to India or something wild. Start off in baby steps. An island in the Caribbean is also a good option as well. A hotel or resort that is all inclusive so you do not have to leave the hotel unless you want to.
Talk to Strangers
Traveling solo gets very lonely indeed. Being able to talk to strangers can be weird and uncomfortable but I learned on my trip to Las Vegas that people are actually willing to talk to you. As strange as the world may seem right now, there are still very friendly people in the world. Another reason to talk to strangers is to ask them to take your pictures. I am a person who loves pictures and I was not going to let the fact I was alone stop me from a good photo-op. Whether strangers wanted to take my photos or not they all said yes. I also met a few other solo travelers who had really good suggestions on my trip and other trips. I am the kind of person who talks to anyone while away and my friends laugh because I always make a friend or meet someone. It is something I know for a fact I get from my mother, she is even more friendlier than I am. If you are not the kind of person who speaks to strangers this is something you will have to ease into because it will be absolutely necessary at some point in your solo travels.
Let Someone Know
Without a doubt you want to make sure someone back home, family or friend, knows where you are going and what you plan to do. If you want to share you itinerary and let them know the hotels or AirBnBs you will be staying at it is a great idea. This way you and someone close to you feel comfortable about where you are going and what you are doing. Also, giving a copy of your passport to someone maybe a good idea if you are traveling solo internationally.
Last helpful tip, if you are a US citizen, you can also sign up with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, which assists travelers in case of emergency.
Pack What You Need
I have become a really good packer over the years. My friends and I have been able to commit to a carry and a personal bag by the definition of airline rules for all of our trips. Traveling solo it is important that you do not take more things than you need. If you are lugging around a lot of bags you can easily become a target. Pack light as possible, it is only you on this trip.
Be Confident
Being confident in your solo travels is key. You do not want to appear confused, weak or incompetent because let’s be honest you really do not know who is watching you. Exude confidence and try not appear confused or unsure of yourself or what you are doing. If you want to or have to lie to people you encounter. You can easily say, you are meeting up or waiting for someone, your friend/significant other is waiting for you somewhere or whatever you have to do to make yourself feel comfortable and ensure your safety, do it or say it. Also, turning on your location for someone you know back home is good too just in case. Just turn the location back off once you get home again.
Explore
Do not stay in the room or hotel while you are on you solo journey. Take chances, do something you been wanting to do, do a dare devil activity, find the best restaurants or museums, or take a safe walk around the town. This is YOUR time to be brave and step out on faith to do you and fully be yourself. Take advantage of this time you have to get to know yourself and explore the beautiful world God has given us.
I learned before, during and after this trip to never let the thought of something or the opinion of someone scare you to the point you talk yourself out of doing something YOU want to do. The power of the mind is a very powerful thing and I am learning that more and more this year than ever before in my entire life. If you can think you can do it. If solo traveling is on your to-do list or a desire on your heart, I encourage you to do it. You have to take the leap of faith and believe that all things are indeed possible.
Book the trip and think about everything and everyone else later.
