Tips For Traveling Solo: Don’t Leave Home Without It!
Published in Action & Fitness Magazine 2009 issue
While it’s fun to travel in packs (herd mentality, anyone?), you might be surprised to find that flying solo can be as twice as exhilarating. But before you grab your trusty old’ Voyager and jump on the next flight to wherever, browse through these get smart tips for the not-so-lonely traveler. Here’s how to have a good time when flying solo.
Do tell someone where you’re going. Unless you want to disappear from the face of the planet or you’re part of witness protection program, do tell a family member or a close friend where you’re headed. Give them the name of the city and hotel you’ll be staying; who you’re seeing; your agenda for the trip; and when you’ll be flying home. While traveling solo is a great time for you to “get away from it all”, do check in at home once in a while.
Dress appropriately. How do you spot a tourist? They’re usually the ones with the “I [heart] [destination here]” shirts, Bermuda shorts, white loafers (with white socks), a nondescript camera, a dozen brochures, and the “Yippee! I can’t believe I’m here” look. Ditch the tourist garb and try to blend in the crowd as you go. Look smart too. Even if you’re damn nervous being in a strange new city, try to look vigilant at all times. You don’t want to end up looking like an exotic lost sheep, don’t you?
Taking a cab. Ask the hotel how much taxi rides usually cost to avoid being “taken for a ride” by greedy drivers who hit on tourists. Then ask the driver beforehand how much the ride would cost. If the rate is significantly higher compared to what you’ve been told, take the next cab.
Easy on the liquor. Traveling means exploring new horizons, you don’t want to be stuck in your hotel room nursing a hangover. Drink moderately. Don’t accept drinks from that stranger on the next table either. If you really need to load up on alcohol, do it when you get home.
Come prepared. You’ve packed enough clothes to last a year, but where the heck is your mobile charger? Make sure your gadgets will work abroad, otherwise they’re useless. Research on your destination; you don’t want to chew gum in Singapore and end up paying a fine, don’t you? Tasers, pepper sprays, alarms, and self-defense classes may also come handy. There’s nothing wrong in making sure of your safety.
Secure your papers (and money). Carry a small—and perhaps, waterproof—bag for your essentials: passport, money, plane ticket, and IDs. Take this bag with you everywhere or carry your money inside your bra or shoe.
Keep in public places. Even if you want to immerse yourself in the local culture, try to avoid the shadier places in town. Explore the more public places in your destination and do keep enough money for a cab ride back to your hotel in case you get lost on foot.
Create an alter ego and an imaginary friend. We don’t mean you should travel with a fake name and a fake identification. You’ll end up in jail for that. Even when you’re traveling alone, you are bound to meet strangers abroad who will chat you up. If you feel awkward talking to this person, give him a fake name or a fake mobile number. Don’t give him the name of the hotel you’re staying or your agenda for the rest of the day either. When asking for directions, don’t say you’re traveling alone and just say you’re meeting a friend. Trust your instincts. They’re usually correct.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, here are a few more tips on how to enjoy your solo adventure:
Enjoy your own company. Traveling solo is a great way leave everything behind—your work and your worries— and discover new things about you. You might even rekindle old pastimes or enjoy new ones without having to consult anyone. You can stare at the sunset, spend half the day in the museum, and explore new sites without worrying if your companion will get bored and leave. So just go, try new things and make new experiences. This trip is all about you.
Travel light. Literally and figuratively speaking, leave the heavy baggage at home. You don’t have to every techie thing you have, just the ones that will keep you connected. Don’t over pack either. You can always buy local clothes if you run out of shirts. Save more space for what you want to take home with you.
Get a taste of the local culture. What is it they say about traveling to California? “Leave the New Yorker attitude at home.” You are in a strange new place and it’s time to learn a new culture. Instead of looking for the nearest McDonald’s, try the local cuisine. It’s a great way to give your palette a shot at something exotic.
Learn a new language. While English is your ticket to survival, it’s important to learn a few phrases of the new language. In the Philippines, the locals wouldn’t mind having their tongues tied just to communicate in English. But in other places, in Japan, for instance, you’re a tourist in their country. Learning their language—a few conversational phrases at least— is a sign of respect.
Invest in a good guide book. Travel packages are good for one thing: you won’t have to worry about transportation. However, tourist guides only cover the places you may already know about the country. Also, you have to function within their timetable: 20 minutes here, 10 minutes there, hurry up and take your pictures people, we’re on a schedule here. If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to bask in the new experience, opt for a good guide book and explore the new country at your own leisure.
Make new friends. Chances are, you’re not the only one traveling solo and you’ll probably bump into a fellow Filipino on the road. Make friends with the hotel staff or at least be polite and courteous. You don’t want to be labeled as the “stuck-up tourist on room #211”. Exuding a friendly persona will help you get around town easily.
Bring a new “you” home. Travel not only broadens your horizon but it also changes the way you think through the sights and experiences. Make sure you bring a piece of your latest adventure home, not only the stories and pictures but also the mindset of the people from whence you came.
