Where Should You Go If You’re a Solo Traveler?
The best international destination for solo travel depends on your personal preferences and goals, but in general you should consider the following criteria.
- The country is safe and comfortable for women to travel alone.
- The country has a well-developed public transportation system or inexpensive taxis.
- The country has a lot of content that matches your interests, such as sightseeing or food.
- The country is affordable and fits your budget.
- The country is easily accessible and has little time difference.
Some examples of international destinations that meet these criteria are:
- Singapore: A leading country in Asia that is safe and clean. It has many attractions such as Marina Bay Sands and Botanic Gardens, and you can also enjoy dining and shopping.
- Portugal: A European country that is cheap and has beautiful scenery and historic buildings. You can travel by train or tram in major cities like Lisbon and Porto. You can get there by connecting flights from other European countries.
- Morocco: A popular tourist destination in Africa with many photogenic spots such as the blue city of Chefchaouen and the World Heritage Site of Sigiriya Rock. You can hire a tourist taxi at a reasonable price and it is convenient. You can get there by connecting flights from the Middle East or Europe.
- Sri Lanka: An island nation in the Indian Ocean, rich in nature and culture. You can see wildlife and Buddhist ruins, or relax with Ayurveda.
- Malta: A small island nation in the Mediterranean with beautiful streets and beaches that are World Heritage Sites. The bus routes are also well developed, so you won’t have any trouble getting around. You can get there by connecting flights from other European countries.
As you can see, there are many foreign destinations suitable for solo travel. Choose one that suits your taste and budget.
How to Stay Safe While Traveling Alone
Traveling alone overseas can be fun because you can travel at your own pace, but it can also put you at risk of getting into trouble or feeling lonely. So keep the following points in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable solo trip.
1. Gather information about your destination in advance
When traveling alone, you often have no one to turn to if you get into trouble, so it is important to research the safety, climate, culture, and customs of your destination in advance. Check the Overseas Safety website or the embassy website for the latest information. Also, don’t forget to take care of the necessary documents and procedures such as passport, visa, vaccinations, etc. Be aware that some countries require a passport with more than 6 months validity.
2. Overseas Travel Insurance
When traveling alone, you have to deal with problems such as injury, illness, theft or accident by yourself. Therefore, taking out overseas travel insurance is essential. Overseas travel insurance not only covers medical expenses and liability costs, but also has a support center where you can get advice 24 hours a day. Overseas travel insurance can be attached to credit cards or airline tickets, but there may be limitations on coverage and duration, so be sure to check. You can also purchase individual coverage as needed.
3.Check transportation and routes in advance
When traveling alone, it is important to check transportation and routes in advance to save time and money. In case you can’t use Wi-Fi or your battery runs out, it’s handy to print out maps and schedules and take them with you. There are also some websites and apps that are useful for checking transportation and routes. For example, “Rome2rio” is a website that tells you all the possible transportation options and the shortest routes by land, sea, and air, just by entering your departure and destination. “Eurail Planner” is an app that allows you to plan routes by train and can be used offline.
4. Don’t casually tell people you’re traveling alone
Interacting with locals or other travelers is one of the joys of traveling alone, but it is important not to casually tell people that you are traveling alone. If people know you are traveling alone, you may be targeted by unscrupulous people or become a victim of fraud or theft. So if someone asks you if you’re traveling alone, tell them you’re separated from your friends or family, and don’t give them your hotel name or room number. Also, avoid posting your location or actions in real-time on social networking sites.
5. Don’t check your smartphone while eating or moving
When traveling alone, it can be tempting to check your smartphone while eating or moving, but this is a dangerous behavior. When you are preoccupied with your smartphone, you may not be aware of your surroundings and increase the risk of having your smartphone stolen, bumping into someone, or getting lost.
Don’t use your smartphone while eating or walking, and focus on your destination or the scenery around you. If you must use your smartphone, use it in a safe and inconspicuous place. It is also better to keep your smartphone in a pouch that hangs around your neck rather than in your bag or pocket.
6. Avoid crowded times and places
When traveling alone, it is also important to avoid crowded times and places. At crowded times and places, problems such as theft or fraud are more likely to occur in the crowd. Also, you won’t be able to fully enjoy sightseeing or gourmet food at crowded times and places.
Therefore, check the crowded times and places in advance. For example, avoid crowded times when using the hotel breakfast buffet, visit sightseeing places right after they open or just before they close, etc. Also, take care of your valuables and luggage in crowded places.
