24 Hours In

Even after reading Part One of Going It Alone, where we tried to nut out why exactly people travel solo, we were left with a bunch of good advice and tips from our interviews that were just too good to pass on. At 24 Hours In, we believe that although you may not have much time in one place, you should do it well, so here’s some great tips on how to get the most out of your travel journey.

Thanks to Jenna, Chris, Holly, Kate, Julie and Alicia for their great advice!

1. Meet People!

Julie believes it’s essential to get out and make some friends along the way.

“When you get somewhere, even if you don’t feel like it …socialise. Find where people are, and go meet them, talk, find out who’s staying at your ho(s)tel, who is going to be there for a few days, etc.  Most people are really friendly and happy to get to know new people, so even if you feel like you’re intruding, you probably aren’t (I’ve definitely thought I was intruding on groups of friends travelling together, and found out they only met each other hours ago, or maybe days).”

“This way, even if you haven’t made lifelong friends or anything, you’ll feel less lonely. You’ll know that you know someone around, and even if you spend the next day out by yourself, or catching up on some rest, you’ll probably feel less isolated.”

2. Ask a tour guide or local what the standard prices of taxis are

“Many cabbies will see that you’re a tourist and try and rip you off! Try to keep most cash on international cash cards, not in notes.” (From Jenna)

3. Don’t let opportunities sail by

It’s sometimes easy when you’re travelling by yourself to hesitate and not take risks, but Chris believes this only leaves you with one thing- regrets.

“Never, ever pass an opportunity to do something no matter how scary, gross or challenging it may seem. The only things I regret from my time overseas are the occasions where I chickened out and passed on trying something different. You’ll kick yourself. Especially if you don’t do things because you don’t think you can afford them. Don’t worry about money, as it’ll cost you a lot more to go back overseas and have the opportunity again. Plus, having a mouthful of maggots makes for a great profile picture on Facebook!”

4. Be aware and informed

Kate believes it is important to know as much as possible about your destination before you leave home.

“Other than spending hours on the godsend that is Google, I would recommend that prospective travellers get some advise from either a local or someone whom has travelled to your destination before. All the guidebooks give you generic safety advice, when what you really need is someone to tell you not to stay at this hostel because you have to walk through the cities crime hub to get anywhere or to be careful of what you drink in certain places it might be local custom to make your drinks (much) stronger than what you are used to.”

She also advises female travellers to exercise greater caution if travelling alone.

“Girls, to put it bluntly, be aware of local practice in terms of men and bars. From an Aussie perspective, it is a bit shocking as to the lack of respect foreigners showed towards solo travelling women. Just as you wouldn’t at home, don’t go out drinking alone.”

5.  Endless takeout and tequilas will eventually take a toll

Especially important if you’re doing an extended stint of travel abroad, Chris says it’s important to look after the body as well as the mind.

“You have to remember that a ‘gap year’ of volunteering and traveling can’t be treated like a holiday just because it’s too long. Call it whatever you like, but remember that having a year of holidays lazing around, drinking and eating Thai curries will affect your health more than schoolies ever could. It takes a lot of trekking across the Himalayas to get back into shape.”

6. Resist the urge- pack lightly

Everyone aims to follow this rule but few do, and Kate says it’s especially important for the solo traveler.

“Just think… you have no one to pick up your slack, so if you can’t carry it yourself then you’ll be in deep trouble. And think about how far you’ll be able to lug your stuff… as an individual (or a budget traveler in general) you will walk a long way with that back pack, so be sure you can manage it.”

7. ‘Wakarimasen?’ Learn a little of the local language.

Holly believes knowing a few local phrases can get you a long way when travelling alone.

“I know it’s clichéd but learn the basics of the language, even if that’s just hello thank you, excuse me and sorry. It’ll make public transport trips a lot less embarrassing.”

8. Live on the edge! Be flexible with plans.

Holly also believes it’s essential to have a bit of flexibility in your itinerary.

“Be prepared to just let yourself wander, plans are good but you might meet people and want to change them. Don’t be too set in your ways.”

Got your own tips and advice for other solo travellers? Leave us a comment below!