If you want to try to make solo trip, there are some things you can do to prepare, especially for trips abroad. The most important concern is safety, but there are also other things that you should add to your list of considerations.
1. Mentality
You should be confident and believe in yourself, make sure that it is safe to visit your destination alone. Start by reading articles or books about traveling solo and destination you want to visit. Try to go to area alone, like going to the movies or restaurants or just join the crowd without a friend and see how what you feel. Make sure that you prepare all the essentials for a trip to help yourself feel safe on the way.
2. Listen to your instincts
The hardest part of the mental preparation is to make your own decision. You have to trust yourself and listen to your instincts because it is the best defense system. Do not worry about the opinions of others, do not be affraid. You only have yourself to rely on all the way, so you have to know yourself well.
3. One step at a time
Start your solo trip by visiting a close destinations, and take further one step at a time. Avoid dangerous and complex country. Better go to a place where you have a colleague or friend, untill you are more confidence to travel alone.
4. Prepare required documents
Print a copy of your identification, insurance, air tickets, hotel reservations and emergency contacts then put them in seperate place (suitcases or other bags). I recommend to save the file on the online drive. You must bring a copy of identification with you at all times as well as a hotel addresses and emergency contacts. Keep your passport in the hotel safety box or store them in a cabinet with your own key.
5. Emergency contacts
Always have an emergency contacts and update him/her every time you move and tell them what happens. You may not realize that danger is near, but a friend who listen to your story probably can feel it. Please note the number plates of vehicles that you use while traveling and share them with your contacs.
6. Extensive research
Wherever you go, always do extensive research first. learn not just about the location of your accommodation, but also the current situation of the surrounding area as well as tourist sites you want. Learn also about local frauds and precautions.
7. Emergency exit
It is very important to plan an emergency exit strategy. You should note your country's embassy or consulate addresses and telephone numbers. Find out where the best hospitals in your destination and whether it will accept your health insurance or did not. Find out about the scenario for medical evacuation also, just in case.
8. Extra cash
You must have a plan for extra money, just in case you get robbed or lose your suitcase. If necessary, you can ask a friend to send emergency cash through Western Union or MoneyGram and agree on a secret passcode. Try to divide your money and keep in seperate place (luggage, secret pockets, shoes, etc).
9. Safety mechanism
Plan your safety mechanism and always carry one item that can be used as weapon, such as wooden sticks. Don't forget to bring a padlock, extra batteries for your gadgets, conventional clothing to blend in with the locals and clothing with hidden pockets to hide the hotel key and important notes. It is recommended to wear a ring that looks like a wedding ring, and if a stranger asks, say you're married and your husband is waiting at the hotel. It's also important to bring a simple first aid supplies and medications with you at all times.
10. Printed map
Maybe old-fashioned, but your GPS will be useless if the battery is flat. That's when you realize that the printed map is important.
11. Carry less
You might want to look chic, but there is no point packing wedges or things do not need more. Just bring the basics, such as T-shirt, a dress, flip flops and simple make-up. It may be hard to find someone to help carry your luggage, but when you arrive you can always buy cheap clothes instead of carrying a heavy bag.
source:
TheJakartaPost
4. Prepare required documents
Print a copy of your identification, insurance, air tickets, hotel reservations and emergency contacts then put them in seperate place (suitcases or other bags). I recommend to save the file on the online drive. You must bring a copy of identification with you at all times as well as a hotel addresses and emergency contacts. Keep your passport in the hotel safety box or store them in a cabinet with your own key.
5. Emergency contacts
Always have an emergency contacts and update him/her every time you move and tell them what happens. You may not realize that danger is near, but a friend who listen to your story probably can feel it. Please note the number plates of vehicles that you use while traveling and share them with your contacs.
6. Extensive research
Wherever you go, always do extensive research first. learn not just about the location of your accommodation, but also the current situation of the surrounding area as well as tourist sites you want. Learn also about local frauds and precautions.
7. Emergency exit
It is very important to plan an emergency exit strategy. You should note your country's embassy or consulate addresses and telephone numbers. Find out where the best hospitals in your destination and whether it will accept your health insurance or did not. Find out about the scenario for medical evacuation also, just in case.
8. Extra cash
You must have a plan for extra money, just in case you get robbed or lose your suitcase. If necessary, you can ask a friend to send emergency cash through Western Union or MoneyGram and agree on a secret passcode. Try to divide your money and keep in seperate place (luggage, secret pockets, shoes, etc).
9. Safety mechanism
Plan your safety mechanism and always carry one item that can be used as weapon, such as wooden sticks. Don't forget to bring a padlock, extra batteries for your gadgets, conventional clothing to blend in with the locals and clothing with hidden pockets to hide the hotel key and important notes. It is recommended to wear a ring that looks like a wedding ring, and if a stranger asks, say you're married and your husband is waiting at the hotel. It's also important to bring a simple first aid supplies and medications with you at all times.
10. Printed map
Maybe old-fashioned, but your GPS will be useless if the battery is flat. That's when you realize that the printed map is important.
11. Carry less
You might want to look chic, but there is no point packing wedges or things do not need more. Just bring the basics, such as T-shirt, a dress, flip flops and simple make-up. It may be hard to find someone to help carry your luggage, but when you arrive you can always buy cheap clothes instead of carrying a heavy bag.
source:
TheJakartaPost
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