10 tips for Solo Travelers in 2022

Solo traveling is more like a trend these days. Almost every second person you meet, whether a man or woman, seems to be in love with this concept. Many look forward to even exploring this realm. Although the idea of traveling alone may look fascinating, it has its own set of challenges.

Have you decided to put your emotional baggage aside and set out on a solo trip? Is it your first time? If so, then questions like these (below) are likely to plague your mind -

What if it goes the other way round?

What if it does not work as expected?

What if you lose your backpack?

What if you become ill or suffer an injury?

What if you need to go to the emergency room?

What if you need emergency medical evacuation?

What if burglars attack you?

What if you get stuck in a remote place during a natural calamity or political situation?

To put an end to all your ifs and buts surrounding solo travel, here we have rounded up some tips for traveling all by yourself in 2022.

Do the research and a lot of research.

Traveling solo gives you the freedom to be flexible with your plans. However, that does not mean you will hit the road with your backpack one fine morning with no plan in place like some fictional character. Life is not fiction. Life is real. And so are the problems. Therefore, make sure to do your homework about your destination well in advance.

Starting from the climatic to political conditions, from food, ways to commute to tourist attractions, take some time to learn about these. Read, search the internet, seek word-of-the-mouth recommendations, and everything in between to know more about the destination.

Understand your thought process.

Anxieties before a solo journey are apparent and depend on various factors. These include:

Where are you headed to?

What are your plans for the trip?

How much do you know about your strengths and weaknesses?

What describes you as a person - introvert or extrovert?

Are you excited or scared of solo traveling?

Once you have the answers to these questions clear in your head, perhaps you are good to go.

Get an adequate amount of travel medical insurance.

When traveling solo, you are all by yourself. There is no one to take care of you in case of a medical emergency. Right? Therefore, make sure to plan and buy a Travel Medical Insurance or Visitors Insurance plan before taking your flight, train, or maybe your two-wheeler. Travel health plans take care of your finances and health if you have had an accident or become sick in a foreign land. The cost of healthcare overseas, especially in countries like the USA, is way too expensive.

Having a travel medical insurance policy ensures that you have access to best-in-class medical care outside your home country that does not rip your savings apart. Moreover, a good travel medical insurance policy also covers various trip-related benefits, including trip interruption, baggage loss, emergency medical evacuation, expenses of cremation or burial, and repatriation of mortal remains, to mention some of them.

Try doing new things.

Most people, while traveling alone, almost always hesitate to try things they have not done before, thinking of the outcomes if things do not go as planned. If you also belong to this lot, forget about all barriers and enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Go places, hang out with the natives, party hard, and check everything that's on your bucket list. Do everything that you would not prefer doing otherwise.

Try learning the local language.

Understandably, you cannot learn a different language fluently just like that. However, learning a couple of common words, phrases, numbers, and basic conversation lingo is worth trying.

No matter how unaccustomed you are to a language, people appreciate your efforts. People love that you are at least trying to learn their language. Plus, when you have even a little knowledge of the local language, it will make your trip more comfortable.

Make sure to inform your family and friends about your travel itinerary.

You might be enjoying your solo trip. However, the people back home might be worried for you day and night. Isn't it? Do them a favor and inform them about your itinerary.

Make sure to include all the details, including hotel reservations, flight timing, sightseeing schedule, and food, among others. Also, before you start your trip, you may register it with a consulate or local embassy.

Keep all documents handy.

When traveling alone, make sure to keep all the crucial documents safe and handy. These documents include - your passport, visa, a copy of your Travel Medical Insurance plan, money, debit and credit cards, and identity cards.

It is advisable to keep soft copies of these documents. You would never want to be in a tormenting situation overseas, after all.

Your safety should be your top priority.

Solo trips enrich you with many life experiences. However, you should be aware of your safety in the first place. Watch out what all you are drinking, be watchful during nighttime, and keep your luggage and valuables safe. These things will make your trip even more hassle-free and enjoyable.

Be COVID-19-ready.

Owing to the pandemic ruling the world and wreaking havoc all over, especially international travel, make sure to be informed about all the safety protocols followed in your destination country. Wear face masks and keep hand sanitizers handy. Take your vaccination certificate wherever you go.

Many countries will ask you to take the COVID-19 test even if you are fully vaccinated. Do as the authorities ask. Also, practice social distancing as much as possible and avoid crowded places.

Pack properly. Not unnecessarily.

What kind of traveler are you? The one who can tour for weeks with a single backpack with all necessary items in it? Or the one who carries a world along in numbers of bags and suitcases? When it comes to solo traveling, you should follow a thumb rule, i.e., pack light, as light as possible.

Make sure to pack only those items that you will need for sure. Taking unnecessary things will end up being a burden on your solo shoulders. As far as clothes and shoes are concerned, make sure not to roam around with your entire wardrobe. Alas! This time, your wardrobe will not take you to the magical land of Narnia.

To sum up

If you are traveling solo for the first time, you would be delighted and fearful at the same time. Right? However, you should not be. Although traveling along with friends and family feels wow, solo traveling is a one-of-its-kind experience for sure. It will fill you with many experiences that you cannot feel otherwise. It will make you more self-dependent. All you need is - self-confidence, a positive attitude, and mindfulness, and you are good to go.

And, the most critical thing to remember here is - have a proper Travel Medical Insurance plan. It will be a savior for you during your international trip and protect your finances in cases of medical emergencies. To ensure that you get protection at the time of need, choose your insurance provider wisely.

Disclaimer: This content is just an overview of the plan benefits presented only as an example and does not replace the Insurance Certificate and other relevant policy documents in any way. The only presentation of the actual benefits of the policy is the Insurance Contract.