photo by Ciara Johnson
Weddings
5 Ways to Make Traveling by Yourself a Breeze
The travel-minded millennial has taken over Instagram by storm. You've seen all of those couples and groups of friends jetting off to the far reaches of the globe, all while staying in bucket list-worthy accommodations however,...
photo by Ciara Johnson
The travel-minded millennial has taken over Instagram by storm. You've seen all of those couples and groups of friends jetting off to the far reaches of the globe, all while staying in bucket list-worthy accommodations however, one group is beginning to make a larger impact and is looking to have a more dominant force in the ever-changing digital world, the solo traveler.
As more and more people are quitting their day jobs and dropping everything for the chance to travel the world, there is one question that is always top of mind - "How can I travel by myself?" We asked Ciara Johnson, a solo travel connoisseur, about her top tips to traveling alone and how others can be a part of this exciting and adventurous lifestyle.
As more and more people are quitting their day jobs and dropping everything for the chance to travel the world, there is one question that is always top of mind - "How can I travel by myself?" We asked Ciara Johnson, a solo travel connoisseur, about her top tips to traveling alone and how others can be a part of this exciting and adventurous lifestyle.
This is a rare opportunity to do exactly what you want when you want and you should take advantage of it. If you want to spend the entire day in one museum, do that. If you don't want to spend hours at the pool, do that. You can spend as long as you want in that cozy coffee shop and you don't have to do a single thing you don't want to do. You don't have to compromise on your desires, so why not embrace that freedom? Solo travel is all about you, so do you, boo! Get Ciara's essential tips for your first solo trip →
It can be intimidating to arrive in a foreign destination alone. How will you entertain yourself? What should you eat? Where should you go? How do you prevent boredom? It's best to prebook your accommodation and activities so that you have a sense of direction and purpose in your trip. You'll much more prepared and a lot less overwhelmed if you arrange some day trips and tours before you arrive. Check out Airbnb Experiences, Urban Adventures, and Viator to discover interesting things to do.
It’s easy to think about what could go wrong on your first solo trip, but try your best to focus on everything that could go right. Instead of worrying about getting lost, think of beauty you could discover when you give yourself the freedom to explore. Instead of worrying about talking to strangers, think of the beautiful souls you may meet along the way. Instead of worrying about loneliness, think of the precious time you’ll have to nurture yourself. Try to refocus your thoughts on positive possibilities instead of potential negatives. Things will inevitably go wrong, but you’ll cross that bridge when you get there. You have so much to look forward to!
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You can register your trip with the US Department of State, which is a free program that will register you with the nearest U.S embassy in case of emergency. It also helps to send any important documents (passport copies, visa, etc.) and hotel bookings to loved ones. Apps like Uber and Google Maps allow you to send your location to family and friends in real time, which can be extremely useful. Be careful about posting in real time on social media. I do my best to wait until I've left the hotel, restaurant, etc. before tagging a location when I'm on the road.
Verified reviews and property photos can help you to ensure the legitimacy of any place you're thinking about booking. They'll give you an idea of what to expect in terms of location, customer service, safety, and so much more. Some sites will even allow you to filter reviews from users who have traveled solo. I'd recommend paying close attention to reviews written by women who were also traveling alone, whether you're staying at a hostel, hotel, or guesthouse. Get Ciara's full guide to booking solo accommodations →
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