10 Tips for Solo Adventurers
I am very fortunate and can say I have travelled to a few places on this globe but I still have a lot left on my bucket list. I am always looking for the best way to make my trip more organized, more fun and definately easier. Along the way I have picked up a few tips and I continue to refine my travel Mojo each time I am out for new adventure. I offer 10 of my best tips for fun travel.
Tip#1 Need vs Want: Pack light and only take what you need. Comfort and versatility is the key. Try to pack for the things you will use for 7 days even if you are planning a longer trip. A pair of good jeans, a good hiking/walking shoes, rain/wind jacket, and warm wool pullover, 1 sandal for summer /shower, 3-4 t-shirts, 1 dress shirt, 1 skirt, 3 pairs of socks, 3-5 pairs of underwear,1-2 light weight exercise/hiking pants or leggings, anew a good scarf that can double as a travel blanket as an example. You can hand wash, launder and re-use or buy anything else you need. Include items you cannot live without like medicines special makeup etc. Consider a backpack vs a suitcase and a day pack. Many destinations around the world have cobblestone streets, stairs without elevators, dirt roads etc, better to carry on your back than trying to drag a 500 pound suitcase up 10 flights of stairs. Consider light weight marino wool clothing items they are versatile warm/cool depending on the temperature, do not smell and can be reworn a couple times before washing. Odd tip: Spray your bag with premathin if you plan to hike and stay in hostels to guard agains bedbugs or other critters. .
Tip#2 Be adventurous: Get away from the crowds and explore, be adventurous but be safe. The hop on hop bus offer city tours and will give you the best of both worlds, minimal guided tourist information and you still have all time to explore on your own with transportation included. You can usually purchase tickets on line ahead of your visit. If you want to see more outside a specific area then I would suggest booking with a local tour operator once you reach your destination… you can book ahead but you may find there are additional tours not advertised on line and local operators will work with you based on your individual needs. If you are interested in more local travel beyond the usual tourist destinations a quick tip is to not to be afraid to ask the locals at your hotel or bed and breakfast/rental about what is worth seeing in the area along with the best places to eat and quick ideas on how to get about. Channel your sense of adventure and do not be afraid to be friendly, most local people are very helpful and very friendly if you are polite and respect local cultural norms.
Tip#3 Safety: Know the local emergency access# or download a country specific safety app, be aware of your surroundings, invest in a local SIM card for secure connections, secure your valuables and documents and have a good emergency plan which may include emergency phone numbers for credit cards and family, back-up copies of important documents, credit cards and photos stored in a secure location (on or offline ) for easy access and a secret stash of emergency cash/extra credit card… remember you are not in your home country so a good plan is invaluable especially for solo travelers. let someone know where you will be and your itinerary. Invest in travel insurance with the medical as a primary payer…I use squaremouth.com to compare plans.
Tip#4 Getting around: Utilize local tourist office, usually centrally located in the heart of any city, when available to get maps and useful information and I rely on local train/tram/bus to get around with the optional rental car/tours if you wish to venture further outside the main city. I personally use Rentalcars.com. You can also buy a local transportation day pass at the train/bus station or at the tourist office. Book tours either on line on at your hotel. Some cities also have rental bicycles, scooters and the like available and centrally located for tourists. I believe the most important tips is , you can walk, creating your own tour…free of charge.
Tip# 5 Must haves: Bring your most comfortable shoes and invest in a good rain/wind jacket as weather can sometimes change drastically.
Tip#6 Language: Learn some words in the local language and be mindful of local culture norms.
Tip#7. Souvenirs : While touring I also try to have a good idea of the type of gifts I may buy for friends and family. I try to keep in mind upcoming birthdays/Christmas and usually buy small useful gifts that will not weigh down my hiking backpack or suitcase. I will often wait until I am in the airport going back home and want to spend left over local currency so I visit the duty free store after I get thru security. Consider buying local wines and gifts a in the duty free store. Do not forget to ask the clerk what the allowance is for alcohol so you do not get charged extra duty on your purchases. .
Tip#8: Stay: Consider staying outside the city in a smaller town to save on hotel cost, but try to stay close to a transportation hub. For instance ,staying in a hotel in Geneva maybe $350 per night but staying in a smaller village in a boutique hotel or bed /breakfast a short a train ride away from the city may cost $60 per night. Do your homework, consider safety, cost and convenience.
Tip#9 Cultural awareness: Remember you are not in your home country, follow local rules, norms, laws and be aware of local etiquette and restrictions .
Tip#10 Plan: Expect the unexpected, plan as best as you can, be adventurous within reason and most of all expect to have fun.