If you find yourself with restless feet, don’t let let the fact that there is no travel buddy available stop you from exploring the world. Whether you are planning to go somewhere overseas or somewhere close to home, take a leap and experience travelling solo for the first time. First decide whether you’re getting on a plane or loading up your roof box and driving to your destination, as many travellers say it’s always difficult at first but once you’ve committed to your decision the rest comes more easily. There are more people out there who are travelling solo nowadays then one would think and the vast majority of these travellers would recommend that people travel at least once in their life without anybody else accompanying them. This aloneness allows you to try and experience new things, as well as create memories you’d never have if you travelled with someone else. And so, why not experience travelling alone for yourself and then you can appreciate how the initial fear dissolves into courage that stays with you after your travels.

There are many more reasons to travel alone these days than perhaps some would not even think of. For one, the act of doing anything alone especially in a unfamiliar place, pushes you to be more open and friendly with new acquaintances, so that you gain new friends around the world and can now take this new openness and apply it to everyday life. A solo traveller learns more about themselves and who they are as a person, as there is no one else with them to rely on. Also, many travellers have discovered that travelling alone puts aspects of life into perspective, so you return to your everyday world clear headed and with direction. Another reason is that it teaches independence and influences the need to experience all your location has to offer before you leave, so you can happily say you conquered everything you set out to do. As a solo traveller, you become liberated being alone and learn to appreciate your own company and the company of others more than you did before. Although travelling alone is a risk, it is safe to say that the benefits deeply outweigh any cons. In saying this, even if it is for a week or a month, it is not easy to travel alone and few are brave enough to do so. So here are a few tips to help navigate your time as a solo traveller.

1. Pack light

There is no reason to pack a full suitcase when the majority of your provisions can be bought while you are at your destination. Depending on where it is you are travelling to, pack some lightweight clothes that you can wear more than once and negate any forms of technology that can weigh you down. Also, it makes it easier to travel when you’re not weighed down carrying a heavy suitcase, making it more mobile for you to travel from place to place without all of the annoying stops to pick up your luggage along the way. Another reason for packing light is that it makes it easier to take home any new purchases and mementos from your time away.

2. Check in

Even though you’re travelling alone it’s always a good idea to stay safe by checking in with people from home and letting them know your plans. Not only will it put your families mind at ease knowing your whereabouts but it will also reassure yourself that someone knows where you should be if anything happens. Go one step further and inform the front desk of your itinerary so that there is always someone who is aware of your location. Even if you already feel completely safe where you are, there’s no trouble with guaranteeing your safety.

3. Be open

Get proactive and explore your location as soon as you arrive so that you are aware of your surroundings. Even if you are unsure of where to go, be friendly and ask someone for directions or advice, you never know they may be able to provide some suggestions for you to explore. Alternatively, if asking strangers for advice makes you uncomfortable, there is always the front desk at the hotel or perhaps the owner of the home you are staying in. Take a map and ask for their recommendations for places to explore and even what restaurants to try for some local cuisine. Starting a conversation will increase the chance of them remembering you and being more friendly in future interactions.

4. Be social

If you are looking to travel alone but want an easy way to meet people, staying at a hostel is ideal. There is usually a great communal area where people can go and socialise with fellow travellers, this is an easy way to make friends and even future travel buddies. As the majority of people staying at hostels are travelling alone, there is a greater chance that a few of you are looking to do the same things meaning you can organise a day where you can go exploring together. Hostels also provide the perfect way to meet people you would never normally meet, have conversations you can only have with people you’ve just met and encounter unique individuals from all walks of life.

5. Take a book

Sounds simple, but reading a book in a public place like a coffee shop is a sure way to relax, pass the time and even start a conversation with a stranger. It’s definitely a sure way to help you feel more like a local and less like a tourist running around trying to fit everything into one day. Especially if you are in a foreign country, your book will signal to others that you are a tourist and incite the curiosity of any locals close to you into starting up a conversation. Also, reading is a good way to keep yourself company during times when you have little to do planned. Enjoy a book with plenty of humor and lose yourself in the story.

6. Be safe

Of course there is always the risk of something happening to your belongings or person, but there are simple ways to help ensure your safety. Firstly keep your wits about you, if you are starting a conversation with a stranger, make sure to only say your first name and refrain from telling them where you are staying, unless you feel safe enough with them to do so. Keep a close eye on any belongings you are carrying with you and make sure to lock up any important documents, such as your passport and any spare money. Let the front desk know where you are going and what time you expect to be back, at least then there is someone close who is aware of your whereabouts. Finally, most especially at night even if your lodgings are close it is better to take a taxi home, as public transportation and walking may be too risky at night for a solo traveller.

Travelling alone may be a daunting notion, but if you are aware and prepared enough it can also be one of the best experiences you ever have. Appreciating cultures, meeting new people and simply being with yourself can teach you many things. The courage required to travel alone to unknown places is sure to follow you through life and help you take risks and do thing you always wanted to do but never previously would. Get in the right mindset and use the tips above to ensure your safety and put yourself and family at ease in regards to your upcoming travels. Enjoy the sense of pride and self satisfaction that you took the jump and followed through with your goal to travel solo. In all, whatever your intentions are for travelling solo, keep aware of your surroundings and take advantage of every opportunity to fully experience your destination.