Traveling Tips for Your “Eat Pray Love” Era
Tips and tricks on how to stay safe and make the most out of traveling solo.
Jolie Money | Lifestyle Editor
Summer is in full swing and so is the busiest travel season of the year. Whether exploring European cities or relaxing on the beaches of Mexico, travelers are ready to break out of their bubble.
According to the New York Times, tourism in the United States is expected to reach pre-pandemic levels, and outbound travel from the United States is expected to rise as well.
While the pandemic has some people looking for social engagement, others are turning to traveling solo for their vacations. Traveling alone provides a sense of confidence and freedom that traveling with others limits.
However, when traveling alone, there are important things for travelers to know. Here are some tips for making the most out of solo trips:
Safety is #1.
While traveling solo can be incredibly freeing, it is vital that you keep yourself safe. Never tell people you’ve just met that you are traveling alone, and keep your hotel or Airbnb arrangements to yourself. Before traveling to your destination, research the local emergency number and keep it handy.
It is also important to keep your items safe. In popular tourist spots, pickpockets can be common, so make copies of your passport, vaccination cards, credit cards and other important documents. Leave copies with a friend or family member back home and bring copies with you. If you carry a bag or purse on your travels, make sure it has a flap and a zipper, and consider purchasing an RFID, or radio frequency identification, blocking wallet to protect against RFID skimming. RFID skimmers use a reading device to collect payment card information, so checking out Amazon for an affordable option to protect your belongings is a good idea.
Be mindful.
Traveling alone allows you to slow down and appreciate the little things. Try to take moments to really soak in your surroundings and the unique experiences you are having. Solo travel is also great for flexibility. While having a plan is great, keep an open mind to new possibilities and be spontaneous. Sometimes your plans might not work out, but another door might open to other amazing opportunities.
No matter if you are an introvert or extrovert, experienced traveler or newbie, planner or go-with-the-flow kind of person, solo travel is a unique adventure that offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Take these tips and make the most out of your travels.
Jolie Money currently serves as our Lifestyle Editor. She is a current senior, majoring in English with a minor in public relations. The Headland, Alabama native loves thrifting, yelling at reality TV shows and personality quizzes. She has previously served as a writing contributor.
