Traveling by yourself is one of the most exciting and fulfilling things you can do. The people you’ll meet, the places you go, it’s all down to you!
While there are some serious adventure times ahead, as a lone traveler there are some things you should be aware. From making sure you’re that bit more cautious to tips for meeting like minded travelers, here’s how to survive travelling solo.
Getting around
Taxi beware
There are few tips to keep in mind to make sure you’re taxi safe...
It’s worth forking out for the more expensive taxis to ensure your taxi driver has official identification.
Take the taxi company recommended by your hotel; at least you know you can trust them.
No matter how close your hotel is, if you’re coming home late at night make sure you jump in a taxi. Again, it’s important to get a trusted company so ask someone from a shop or bar.
As a lone traveler, don’t let a taxi driver take advantage of you. When you arrive in town, stick to your original plan and head to the accommodation you have already booked into (always book in at least for your first night!). In some countries, a taxi driver may try convince you your hostel is fully booked and that he knows a cheaper or better one. Don’t listen, he is likely to be commissioned by the hostel and it may not be in a safe place in town.
Public Transport
Usual travel rules apply here - keep your day pack close to you at all times and don’t carry too much cash on you or valuables. On buses your backpack will normally go outside, either on the roof or in a travel compartment so...
For long journeys, ask for a bag receipt.
For short, keep an eye on it at all times.
Don’t forget to make sure your baggage is securely locked!
Meeting people
When you travel alone, you open yourself up to meeting new and exciting people. Whether you’re outgoing or a little shy, there are a number of little things you can do to make that initial contact a little easier.
Take a pack of cards – this is a great icebreaker and a great source of entertainment in a hostel with no entertainment facilities!
Go off the beaten path – if you’ve made the journey to an obscure place rather than the city’s tourist hotspots, you’re more likely to talk to other travelers you bump into.
Stay in shared accommodation – it’s the most effective way to meet fellow travelers!
Look out for trips and short packages – another easy way to meet people, by seeing the sights in a group, you’ve automatically broken the ice. Learning new activities in your chosen destination is another great idea.
Check out Lonely Planet’s Guide for the Single Traveler – this will fill you in on the local single traveler hotspots – places to stay, hang out and dine.
Safety
As a lone, female traveler make sure you’re careful in the areas you go. Take the time to head to the local information centre and suss out the city...
Book at least your first night’s accommodation in a new city; you don’t want to end up somewhere dodge.
Try not to arrive in a new place late at night.
Carry your hotel’s card with you in case you get lost.
Keep your hotel’s number in your phone, even if you’re phone isn’t in range, sometimes merely the act of appearing to dial a number can distill a situation.
Telephone for breakfast and house-keeping rather than using the door knob hangers – these practically invite people into your room and often give away you’re alone.
If you’re feeling like you’re being followed, go into a hotel or store and tell someone you’re feeling unsafe and ask them to help you.
Above all, trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, get out.
Other Handy Hints
Take a sarong: A sarong has many uses. It can be a tablecloth during a picnic, a wrap, a belt or a blanket to sit on at the park. Perhaps most conveniently, if you score the bottom bunk at a hostel, pin it into the mattress above for some added privacy.
Keep a journal - diary your adventures to reminisce on in your later years!
If you’re staying in a hostel and feeling strapped for cash, there’s usually a shelf where travelers have left food they don’t want to carry around with them. It’s cleared out weekly, so make the most of the freebies!
Take an old pair of jandles to wear in the shower.
Shop around for international phone cards. If you’re ringing home always pay for the local call rather than the free phone number on the card – you’re charged a fortune for this.
Getting around
Safety
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