Traveling solo doesn’t need to be limited to quick, local journeys. Vrbo provides the ultimate solo journey. Whether you’re travelling domestically or abroad, Vrbo offers a wide range of accommodations around the globe, from hostels and apartments to luxury hotels and villas. Luxury travel company Vrbo created the ultimate guide for travelling solo. Solo traveling doesn’t mean traveling alone all the time, either – you can connect with like-minded travelers in hostels or make friends at guesthouses when you travel on longer trips!
Keep your itinerary flexible
Solo traveling can be a great way to break out of your comfort zone, so don’t spend too much time planning. When you travel alone, it’s important that you keep your itinerary flexible, or else you may find yourself skipping destinations or making compromises if someone else is in charge of planning. And yes, things do come up and plans will have to change (that happens when you’re out there on your own), but it’s still good practice not to get too stressed about every detail of each day or each stop on your adventure. We can plan, but being able to adapt to what comes up will give us an even better time. If we’re more spontaneous, we’ll get to interact with people and discover more new places.
In other words, even if things change, don’t fret; take a break and have fun with what’s available to you in the present. Remember, life is always changing so don’t worry. In the end, you never know where it may lead you or who you might meet. Traveling alone can open up opportunities that aren’t possible when we’re surrounded by others. It can also help you gain confidence as a traveler and make lasting memories along the way. So go ahead, pack your bags, grab your passport, buy some plane tickets…and remember: go easy on yourself!
Tell people about your travel plans
As an example, if you’re traveling for business on your own, you probably don’t have time for luxuries like safaris or whale watching. Talk to your friends about your trip plans as early as possible to ask for advice—and have a potential co-traveller in the process. Travelers should not hesitate to reach out and ask those who have already been there before for their tips on what to do and see. In most cases, those people will be more than happy to share their knowledge with others with the same interests. On the other hand, lone travelers may consider joining a travel club which offers reduced rates on activities and accommodations. If you find yourself feeling lonely, go ahead and make some new friends! Solo travelers can get stuck in their own heads while they are away from home, so it’s important to remind yourself that you are doing something exciting by venturing out into new territory. You are bound to meet other individuals who are just as excited about exploring new places as you are!
There is no better way to truly experience another culture than by immersing yourself within it.
Use the buddy system
The safest way to travel is with a companion–preferably someone who you would entrust your life to. Traveling in pairs and groups not only gives you someone else to watch your back, but makes it more likely that you’ll meet up with people along your travels who are able and willing to help should things go south. Even when traveling alone, make sure you have at least one person’s contact information stored on your phone so you can call for help if needed. If you want, tell some friends or family where you’re going and what you hope to do, in case they happen to be around when you get in trouble.
On top of cash or a credit card, consider carrying around copies of your important documents like a passport and driver’s license, in case of emergencies. And don’t forget about health insurance! Make sure you know how to find quality medical care wherever you might end up while abroad. For example, if there aren’t any hospitals nearby, it may be worth packing some basic medicine like painkillers and antibiotics. Lastly, keep in mind that other travelers may look like they need help because they are lost or sick—but could actually be dangerous criminals looking to take advantage of naïve tourists. So never give anyone money just because they ask for it—and always trust your instincts when something doesn’t feel right!
Plan ahead for any unexpected events
Although traveling alone can be rewarding, it’s important to remember that you are not on your own. If you find yourself in a challenging or scary situation, reach out and meet some fellow travelers to travel with you on your journey. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from others if you need it; with its beautiful natural landscapes and friendly locals, every country is practically made for exploring with friends. You don’t have to go it alone on your next big adventure—and here at Vrbo, we don’t think you should. It’s not just our motto; It’s our life. We’ve built our company around one simple idea: That people shouldn’t have to travel alone.
No matter what their budget, schedule, or social life is like, we want everyone to experience everything that the destination has to offer. With Vrbo, you can plan your trip as a group with up to four people for less than half of what you’d pay individually! Our community-based approach means no more searching for other travelers on sites like Couchsurfing or Airbnb —we’ll do all of that work for you! All you have to do is show up and enjoy yourself! We’ve found great deals on hotels and hostels across the world, and they’re not just limited to what’s available in your neighborhood; we’ve got something special waiting for you, whether you’re staying close or travelling far from home.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help from others if you need it
You’re a human being and you’re going on vacation. Don’t be too proud to reach out to friends, family, or others if you need help with your luggage (and other things). No one expects you to go around handling everything by yourself – that would just be silly. So don’t think about it any other way but as asking for help when you need it. Solo travel can be a challenge if you’re going it alone, but don’t feel like you have to go at it alone. If that means using mobile apps, websites or social media to stay in touch with people back home, do it. People will be glad to help because they’ll want you enjoy your vacation. And more importantly, who wants a sour person for the holidays? The drawback to this approach is that nobody is having fun and you can still go to a place on your own and not hire a professional tour guide. No matter the trip, good friends will be there to support you every step of the way. And vacations are no exception. Take advantage of them!
