20 basic tips for traveling alone

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.

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, the
Couch 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 translation
to 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.

13. Talk to people

In hotels, restaurants, shops, markets, taxis ... wherever you are, have a chat. It may seem strange at first, but you never know what you might learn or who you might know.

14. Duplicate your documents

Boring but important. Photograph or scan all your documents, then email them both to yourself and to someone you can trust. In this way, in the event of unexpected events, all is not lost.

15. Safety first

This point is extremely important, if not for your safety, at least for the peace of mind of your loved ones. Send a message home every time you leave and arrive at a new destination, and have a trusted person have your complete itinerary. If you go out on an excursion, go canoeing or for any other activity on your own, tell someone (for example, you can inform the hotel, hostel or camping staff).

16. Make sure

To rest assured, get insurance. Serenity costs less than you think. You never know what can happen, so don't be caught unprepared by the unexpected, whatever they are (airlines that declare bankruptcy, accidents or any other problem).

17. Buy a GPS navigator

If you rent a car, check how much it costs to rent a navigator at the car rental and compare the price with that of a new navigator. If you plan to drive for more than a week, it may cost you less to buy one and bring it with you.

18. Bring something to read

You will surely have time to read. After a long day in the car, on the beach or on the move, there is nothing better than relaxing with a good book. An e-book reader is essential if you want to bring several books: you will have more space and less weight in your suitcase ... perfect, right?

19. Get away from the circuits of mass tourism

Don't always follow the crowd. Of course, a guided hike or the shortest route is sometimes essential but, when you can, try to choose the least known route.

20. Be respectful

Regardless of your destination, make sure you know local customs to avoid missteps that could compromise your trip. While some gaffes are forgivable, others are simply unacceptable. It will not take you long to find out what it is legitimate to do and what it is not, so inquire and always behave in respect for the host country.