Solo Travelling Tips

Everyone knows that travelling alone can be stressful and intimidating, so here are some tips to hopefully get you through your first solo adventure!

Kayak floating on the Columbia River in Hood River, Oregon. June 23, 2016. 

1. Know your Destination

Before I travel anywhere, I heavily research my destination and surrounding areas.  This not only allows me to be safer while I'm travelling, but it allows me to know what the climate, weather, and locals do as well.  I feel much safer if I have prior knowledge of my destination.  This knowledge helps keep me on the "right-side-of-the-tracks" because nothing is more scary than being in a foreign place and finding yourself in a sticky situation.  Knowing where you are at all times helps you to exude confidence, and being a solo FEMALE traveller, confidence is key.  I have never felt intimidated by a situation while travelling because I am smart about where I travel. 

2. When in Rome...

Although cliché, this quote has fueled my travels and lead me to some very memorable experiences.  Speaking from experience, there is NOTHING worse than looking and acting like a tourist.  Looking out of place draws the attention of pick-pockets, thieves, and people looking to take advantage of you.  That being said, if you act like you belong, I guarantee that you will have some of the best experiences of your life.  I always say, "Act like you belong, and no one will question you."  So on your next travel, research some great hole-in-the-wall restaurants, (make sure they are well reviewed and loved by locals!) go off the beaten path and veer away from "touristy" destinations, (Unless you're totally into that sort of thing) and most importantly, HAVE FUN.

3. Pack Accordingly

I cannot begin to express my hatred towards people who over pack.  There is absolutely NOTHING worse than over packing (except, maybe, under-packing.)  Taking too much "stuff" on your trip can cause you to loose out on some great adventures.  Travelling heavy with several suitcases increases your dependency on other people.   Let me explain....

You arrive at an  airport hauling two suitcases behind you and you must walk three city blocks to catch the nearest train.  It's rush hour and you are forced to swim upstream through busy men and women on their lunch breaks.  You receive glaring looks of "hatred" as you take up the space of two people.  Once you get to the train station, you must now find two empty seats next to each other as your huge suitcases won't fit in the above head storage compartments.  (You obviously aren't going to leave your suitcase unattended and a whole train car away in the "designated floor storage" since that is just asking to be stolen)

Although this is just one example of heavy packing and one of the worst scenarios, you still catch my drift.  Now on the other side of this, under packing can be almost as detrimental as over packing.  Always, always, ALWAYS pack the essentials and a few extra; however, packing extra of things does not mean packing unnecessary items.  Necessary items are items that you absolutely MUST have to get through your travel.  The best rule of thumb to rule if an item is necessary or unnecessary is: If you have to ask if an item is necessary, it probably isn't.  

Now heed my advice and set sail on your next adventure!