Solo Trips
While visiting a small town on my last stretch home, I learned that a lot of the people in the town had never left their city limits. Some had never even gone to the grocery store alone.
Being alone is something that scares a lot of people even in their own country, let alone one across an ocean.
If you're planning a solo trip, here are a few ways to prepare!
Don't postpone being alone. There's a new movie out that you want to see? Single ticket, please! That restaurant you've always wanted to eat at? Table for one. Get used to being alone now! Why wait?
Act like you know what you're doing. If you act confident, people are less likely to bother you and they'll think you belong.
Don't be afraid to ask questions! If you do end up getting lost, don't be afraid to politely stop someone and ask how to get somewhere. If there's a language barrier, body language or offline translators work wonders. People are a lot nicer than the world thinks.
Headphones and Offline maps. I like to have my headphones in with walking directions talking in my ears so it looks like I know where I'm going, I can ignore people, I don't have to have my phone out while I search where I'm supposed to be going - it can be stored in my pocket or in my sports bra for safety.
You're never alone! I know I said it on my Travel Tips page, but never let anyone know you're actually alone. Someone is waiting for you, you're meeting up with someone, they're coming in later tonight, etc. Always have "somewhere to be and someone to meet," in case you have to get out of a sticky situation.
Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong, Hong Kong - My farthest solo trip!