10 TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL SOLO TRAVEL TRIP
So you want to take a solo trip? Your partner and friends are busy. Or you just simple want to carve some me time and go on a solo trip all by yourself where you make the rules and you don’t have to listen or follow to anyone travel agenda.
Well I am sure you are aware that there are lots of travelers who are taking solo trips actually over the years solo traveling had growed immensely. As Travelers wants that me time, the time to do what they please and go to the palaces that they secretly wanted to go and do things that they wanted to do on their own,
I started traveling solo when I was fresh out of High school. My First trip was to Saba in the Dutch Antilles granted I was staying with friends on the island however I was there by myself. Another memorable solo trip was my college days traveling solo from upstate Ithaca New York to Toronto Canada those were fun days
From those early trips I caught the travel bug and to be honest I enjoy traveling solo for lots of reasons to include. I get to relax and be by myself. I go where I want to go no one makes the choices, I can shop as long as I want (my husband hates shopping) I also get to meet a lot of interesting people, where I learn a great deal about their culture and make some great friends in the process. And I can spend hours in my room reading without anyone distracting me. I could list much more reasons why I enjoy solo travel. However I refuse to bore you my readers. So here goes my 10 tips if you are planning to travel solo.
1) Do your Research: After choosing your destination research the Internet for information on vacation packages. I find that packages offer you more bangs for your bucks. Especially one that includes accommodations, meals, local excursions.
2) Bread and Breakfast and AirB&B are Money Savers Look into booking a room at a bread and breakfast or local AirB&B . I booked a room at a bread and breakfast on the beach on the island of Barbados a few years ago and the cost was about $ 61.00 per night including daily breakfast.
3) Inquire about your hotel or lodging neighborhoods: So that you are comfortable going out alone. Are they centrally located, safe areas? Is there a shuttle bus service so that you can explore on your own? Is it walker friendly?
4) Groups Works: If you are worried to go solo its okay to join a group, just make sure to choose one with a maximum of 25 people, who travel in one bus and stay at the same hotel. It’s also a great way to connect with other travelers
5) Check your Itinerary Carefully: If joining a group analyze the itinerary carefully. How much free time will you have, do the guides carry a mobile phone just in case of emergency, Ask about Meal seating, is there assigned seating for solo travelers.
6) Don’t’ forget Free Wi-Fi: Its always best and a great perk to stay in a hotel with Free Wi-Fi you just never know when you are doing to need to contact friends, or family,
7) Try new things and Take plenty of pictures: Do something you will not normally do explore the local culture, dine at some local restaurants make sure they are located in safe areas, Take lots of picture to chronicle your travel adventure
8) Dress Appropriately &Pack light: With the cost of airline baggage fees you have to find creative ways to make your packing not be over the top costing you excessive baggage fees, Depending on the trip you are taking you have to find clothing they are light and travel friendly, clothes that are versatile and can be combined to create different outfits with limited pieces
9) Buy Travel insurance: Travel Insurance is a must when traveling. If anything goes wrong while on your trip you are responsible, Travel insurance makes it possible for you to claim many unforeseen travel expenses and receive the money you spent back
10) Ask for Help: Be proactive its okay to ask for help if you are lost, or facing any situations. In most destinations its safe to ask someone for help, cab drivers, restaurant and bar owners, hotel lobby staff, Maps are still in style its okay to pick up a local map at the place you are staying
As the travel season get’s in high gear. I wish you my readers a safe and enjoyable travel season.
By Freda Gore
Tour Host Caribbean Culinary Tours
Email caribbeanculinarytours@gmail.com
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