Dos
- Fake It ‘Til You Make It: Always give off the vibe that you’re never truly alone. Especially when hopping into rides or cabs, pretend you’re in the middle of a riveting phone conversation with someone who’s eagerly awaiting your arrival. I’m sure you’ve heard or seen this on social media but truly, it helps! Your safety is top-notch, no matter where you are.
- Plan Like a Pro: Do your homework and craft a solid itinerary. Know the lay of the land: how’s the commute? What’s the safest travel option? Be aware of popular local scams. Unfortunately, as a black female traveler, this prep is crucial. Understand local norms—like whether you should cover your hair or legs.
- Hotel over Airbnb/Shortlet Apartments: Opt for a hotel instead of an Airbnb or serviced apartment. Here’s the scoop: Airbnb means staying in someone’s house, which could lead to awkwardness or safety concerns. Imagine being mistaken for a burglar because you’re hunting for your apartment in a block of apartment building where neighbors might not know you’re a legit guest. Someone I know has been mistaken in thin instance solo travelling and I can say it is not worth it – the hassle trying to ‘vindicate’ yourself. Hotels, especially well-known chains, offer that ‘I’m-not-alone’ vibe and better security.
- Stick to Big Names: When choosing hotels, go for established hotel chains rather than family-run mini-hotels. Supporting family businesses is great, but bigger hotels usually have better security measures and are more invested in your safety.
- Share Your Whereabouts: Always let someone know where you are. This could be a friend, family member, or even a fellow traveller.
- Join a Walking Tour: This is your chance to mingle with other solo travellers and get a local’s perspective on the city. Be social, engage with your group, and you might just find lifelong friends!
Don’ts
- Don’t Disrespect Local Culture: Be mindful of cultural norms. If you’re visiting a mosque in the Middle East or Turkey, cover your hair and dress modestly. The definition of ‘appropriate’ varies, so do a little research to avoid faux pas.
- Don’t Stay Out Late: Keep your evenings in check. Enjoy the local culture, but be back at your hotel in good time. It’s all about balance!
- Avoid Nighttime Public Transport: Skip public transport and random taxis after dark. Your peace of mind is worth more.
- Skip the Private Invites: If you’ve made new friends on your trip, meet up in public places like restaurants or cafes. Don’t venture into private residences.
- Don’t Overstay Your Welcome: A few days or a couple of weeks is ideal. Extend your stay only if it feels right and safe.
And there you have it! With these tips in your travel toolkit, you’re all set for a solo adventure. Drop a comment if you found these tips helpful or if you’ve got your own travel wisdom to share.
Bon voyage! 🌍✈️
A Solo Traveller’s Guide To Embracing the Journey – Marie Okorie, Heirs Insurance Group
Hello, aspiring solo traveller!
If you’ve ever wanted to have a different travel experience without the interruptions of other travellers (sorry to group tours and group travels), you’re in the right place.
I’m certain that every time you think about going on a solo trip, all the negative thoughts (including your mother’s bad dreams) start to pop up out of nowhere.
See ehn, solo travelling is not easy, even if it’s in a familiar place. It takes courage and bravery to go on a solo trip, but as someone who has had the privilege of exploring diverse destinations, I’ve come to appreciate the unique freedom and self-discovery that solo travel offers. I’ve learned a thing or two about solo travel, and these tips have made my adventures smoother and more enjoyable.
Here are my top dos and don’ts for anyone considering their own solo adventure.
Dos
- Research Thoroughly: Please, do your research! Once you have decided where you want to travel to, do thorough research about the place—the people, the customs, tourist attractions, transportation style, type of clothes to wear, EVERYTHING!
Something I always do is search for my travel location on Pinterest. You’d be amazed at the amount of information on that app. Researching your location helps you avoid feeling confused or overwhelmed.
- Plan Ahead but Be Flexible: Once you’ve gotten all the information you need about your travel destination, start planning your itinerary. You want to identify places that are near each other and places that are far. Basically, planning allows you to fit activities into your timeline without feeling overwhelmed. However, while planning is very important, please be open to spontaneity. Allow yourself to deviate from your plan if you encounter something interesting or unexpected.
- Plan Your Accommodation Wisely: Choose accommodation in safe, central locations. This not only gives you easy access to major attractions but also provides a sense of security, especially when returning late.
- Embrace the Freedom: One of the greatest joys of traveling solo is the freedom it offers. You get to set your own pace, decide your itinerary, and change your plans on a whim. Want to spend an entire day soaking up art in a museum? Go for it! Feel like lounging in a café and people-watching? Your choice. When I visited Ibadan, I loved wandering through the city at my own pace, discovering hidden gems without any time constraints. Trust me, there’s nothing like the sense of liberation that comes with solo travel.
- Connect with Locals: Interact with the locals to gain a deeper understanding of the culture and discover hidden gems. If you are a shy person or have social anxiety, this might be a little difficult. Still, push your boundaries and strike up those conversations. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations—locals often know the best spots that aren’t listed in guidebooks. Ask about the places you are visiting, ask about their local cuisine, and if you can, participate in community activities.
- Embrace Solo Dining: Is it a solo trip if there isn’t lots of solo dining? While solo traveling comes with eating on the go, don’t be afraid to dine alone. Actually, I encourage you to do this at the end of a very active day. It’s a great opportunity to soak up your experience while observing your surroundings and enjoying your meal without distractions.
- Document Your Journey: Hehehehehe… You cannot take it easy on your haterssssss! Lol. Please, CAPTURE YOUR EXPERIENCES! Take pictures, make videos, and journal as much as you can. If you are a memory hoarder like me, these mementos will come in handy on tough days. I found journaling in the UK really helped me appreciate the experience even more. Plus, it’s always fun to look back and see how far you’ve come. Documenting your journey is a good way to relive your adventures and share them with others. Carry a tripod. If there’s one thing I know, it’s that shame leaves your body when you travel. Please bring out that tripod and make memories.
- Trust Your Instincts: Your gut feeling is often a reliable guide. If something feels off, don’t hesitate to trust your instincts and reassess your situation.
Don’ts
- Overpack: As a Nigerian, this is hard o! It can be tempting to bring everything you might need, but overpacking can be a major hassle. Pack light by sticking to essentials to avoid unnecessary baggage. Remember, you can always purchase essentials at your destination. Packing light makes navigating airports, bus stations, and taxis much easier. Plus, it leaves room for souvenirs from the amazing places you’ll visit.
- Isolate Yourself: Avoid staying confined in your hotel room. Seek out opportunities to interact with people and explore the local attractions. What’s the point of traveling if you’re just going to stay isolated? Get up and go!
- Overspend: If you perish, you perish abi? Please, no. Set a budget and stick to it. Avoid impulsive purchases that can strain your finances. Better to have extra than to be low on funds.
- Ignore Self-Care: Traveling solo doesn’t mean you have to be on the go all the time. It’s okay to take breaks and have some downtime. Whether it’s a quiet evening in your hotel room or a relaxing day at the beach, listen to your body and mind. Solo travel can be overwhelming at times, so make sure you’re taking care of yourself. In the Republic of Benin, I found joy in waking up early to watch the sunrise by the ocean, reflecting on my journey and enjoying the peace and quiet.
- Skip Health Precautions: Ensure you’re up-to-date with necessary vaccinations and carry a basic first-aid kit. Additionally, travel insurance is a must—it’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Compare Your Experience: Everyone’s solo travel experience is unique. Avoid comparing your journey to others.
Solo travel is a transformative experience that allows you to discover yourself and the world around you. You’ll create unforgettable memories and gain a newfound sense of independence.
Extra tip: If you are a single pringle, get on dating or friendship apps and go on dates. Meet new people and see the world through the eyes of another. There should always be room for new human connections!
Pack your bags, step outside your comfort zone, and embark on your own solo adventure!
Stay Jiggy!
