Traveling alone is becoming an increasingly popular practice, also favored by low cost travel that inspires more and more people to try this experience.
Whether you have been traveling alone for years, or whether this is your first travel experience without a company, discover our 20 tips on how to travel alone. Some of these suggestions may seem obvious, others may make you shiver; in any case, trust us: it is good to take them all into consideration.
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it's what you need. "Couch surfing", literally "surfing on sofas", allows you to be hosted for free at the home of strangers. Being a constantly growing phenomenon, it is safer than it might seem. If you are not convinced, you can try it for just one or two nights. If it works, you can do it again. If not ... well, you have already tried the number 1 item on this list, so be proud of yourself!
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Whether you have been traveling alone for years, or whether this is your first travel experience without a company, discover our 20 tips on how to travel alone. Some of these suggestions may seem obvious, others may make you shiver; in any case, trust us: it is good to take them all into consideration.
1. Exit your comfort zone
Traveling alone offers the possibility to do what you want, when and how you want it. The risk, however, is that of never leaving your comfort zone, being trapped in your habits. It is good to know your strengths and proceed at your own pace, but don't forget to challenge your limits! Whether it's talking to perfect strangers or turning off the navigator for a day, the important thing is to do something that will make you shiver at the thought of trying!2. Taste the local food
Food is a fundamental component of any trip. Venture to the market, watch street food ... in plain language, find out what the locals eat. Although some argue that certain "specialties" are not suitable for tourists, it is usually worth the risk. Be adventurous and taste something you don't recognize.3. Try couch surfing
Not everyone appreciates it, but if you want to meet locals or look for free accommodation, theCouch Surfing
it's what you need. "Couch surfing", literally "surfing on sofas", allows you to be hosted for free at the home of strangers. Being a constantly growing phenomenon, it is safer than it might seem. If you are not convinced, you can try it for just one or two nights. If it works, you can do it again. If not ... well, you have already tried the number 1 item on this list, so be proud of yourself!
4. Learn a few words in the local language
It is not necessary to learn complex sentences, but "please", "thank you", "yes", "no" and the name of your country of origin can always be useful. If your accent is not perfect, don't worry: at the limit, you will get an amused smile from the locals!5. Make the most of your contacts on the spot
Contact any friends of friends and try to get as much information as possible: a good knowledge of the place is invaluable for those traveling alone. It's easy to follow the crowd when traveling alone but, knowing someone from the place, you will surely come back with some original anecdote to tell.6. Follow your instincts
Trust your instincts! If it seems a little suspicious, don't go into a dark alley. If an individual seems a little shady, get away. If a bridge seems a bit wobbly to you, don't cross it. Traveling alone is certainly not the ideal opportunity to be a hero.7. Tell some lies
Not everyone needs to know that you are traveling alone. If in doubt, say that you are about to meet friends or spouse. In some countries, it may be helpful to have a fake wedding ring on hand to wear when needed.8. Eat alone and sit at the counter
Eating alone can be an excellent opportunity to break the ice. If possible, sit at the counter and chat with the staff or those seated next to you. By doing so, you may find new friends or, at the very least, receive valuable advice from those who know the area well.9. Prepare your luggage intelligently
It doesn't matter if you stay in the same place for several weeks or if you move continuously: in any case, don't go overboard with your bags. It's an obvious piece of advice, but it's really important when traveling alone. Having to drag a huge suitcase around is never pleasant, even if it is just a matter of bringing it from the car to the hotel and vice versa.10. Take part in organized tours
Sometimes, an organized tour is the ideal solution: if you have limited time or just want to visit the local monuments with an expert, there is nothing to be ashamed of. These tours allow you to meet other travelers, to get information that you would otherwise have missed and to take a break from your role as organizers.11. Buy a local SIM
If you are traveling for a while, you should invest in a local SIM card. Enter it on the phone, give your new number to those who may need it and forget about it. If you want to keep social media up to date while you travel, having a local SIM is essential!12. Download useful applications
Nowadays, there are tons of amazing travel apps. From applications to the translationto those for i local emergency numbers, do not leave before having a look on the web. Take advantage of the guide momondo places. They are available for 14 cities, all free and available offline, so you don't have to worry about data traffic while abroad.
