TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Solo traveling can be the best experience for oneself. However, it can sometimes feel lonely, and for women, it can be more dangerous. Experienced solo travelers share some tips to overcome loneliness and ensure personal safety and security.
Experienced solo traveler Lydia Swinscone has explored more than 30 countries on her own. She shares that no two trips are the same. Some unfold smoothly from beginning to end, while others demand patience and careful planning.
Seeking Cultural Information
The first thing Lydia recommends after choosing a destination is learning about its history and culture.
“This will not only help you better understand the nuances of the places you visit but will also serve as endless conversation starters when chatting with the locals and making friends along the way,” she said, quoted from Marie Claire.
For those venturing out alone for the first time, feelings of loneliness can arise—especially when visiting places that differ greatly from one’s home country. Lydia advises travelers to be kind to themselves, stay calm, and embrace those emotions, as they are only temporary.
Booking Accommodation
One of her non-negotiables when traveling solo is to never arrive at a destination without a booked place to stay. “When traveling alone, you have to be smarter. I will never arrive at a new destination without booking accommodation first, and I will always plan my arrival time during the day,” she explained.
Delays in flights, buses, or trains are sometimes unavoidable and may result in late-night arrivals. In such cases, Lydia recommends using only registered taxis to get to your accommodation safely.
“Wandering alone on unfamiliar streets at night with a backpack or luggage is not a good idea, no matter which country you are in,” she added.
Securing Belongings
Sometimes, solo travelers find themselves in tricky situations, such as wanting to enjoy the beach but feeling uneasy about leaving personal belongings unattended. Lydia admits to having felt frustrated when she couldn’t relax at the beach due to concerns over theft.
To avoid this, she now prefers visiting quieter, less crowded beaches. “Besides being more beautiful, I also feel safer on these beaches and will often ask other women or families traveling alone to watch over my belongings while I’m in the water,” she said.
Another experienced solo traveler, Fiona Spinks, the founder of Following Fiona, says there are certain things she will always leave behind when traveling alone. "Expensive jewelry is one of the things I always leave. Losing or worrying about it being stolen is not worth it," she told Express.co.uk.
She also ensures she is prepared for anything that might happen by packing a small first aid kit for her journey. "Nothing special, just basic things like pain relievers and band-aids. You never know when you'll need them," she said.
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