There are so many things to feel excited about when traveling solo. It is a unique experience that not everyone might be able to accomplish. Most envision trying it, while others remain on the fence about the decision. There are so many unpredictable factors to make you feel worried, which is why only the bravest attempt it. There is nothing wrong with backing out of the plan, especially when you lack the proper preparations.
However, the benefits of solo travel might convince you to do it. Stories of solo travelers sell that it can push you out of your comfort zone, helping you grow spiritually and mentally significantly. What they might fail to tell you is that it comes with potential risks. You are traveling to unfamiliar territory alone, exposing yourself to unknown threats. Solo travel preparations should include emergency scenarios, and arming yourself with these could help you survive and enjoy your planned trip.
Location Research
Solo travelers must identify the location of their adventure. They will rely on the information on the internet to create an itinerary. The list includes travel bloggers and tourism websites, all of which could help you identify the ideal plan for your upcoming trip. However, the issue is that most people look at the positive side of it. Traveling in a group might let you get away with it because each member can look out for each other.
Solo travelers, on the other hand, might feel vulnerable to the dangers of travel. Scams and kidnappings will become more threatening if you are going to unfamiliar territory by yourself. While you might not enjoy it, searching for potential crimes in your preferred destination should be part of your location research. Preparing yourself for the tells and situations that could lead to those threats can help you be more alert and safe, making it an essential part of the process.
Survival Knowledge
Preparing yourself for threats is essential during solo travels, allowing you to anticipate them and make your entire adventure feel safer. However, there are unfortunate situations that might happen out of the blue. Getting involved in an accident, losing your belongings, and getting lost could happen to you. Those emergencies can be an unpleasant experience, and there is no one you know to help you. It might not help that locals cannot speak your language, making it more challenging to seek help.
The film 127 Hours is an excellent example of those kinds of situations. The main character managed to get out of the incident alive, but not without the help of survival knowledge. While it is rare to find yourself in those situations, there is nothing wrong with figuring out what you should do to save yourself. As a result, self-defense and first-aid kits must be part of your travel bag. It can be terrifying to think about, especially when traveling solo. However, it is necessary to prepare should you find yourself in the same situation.
Remote Communication Tools
Part of the benefits of solo travel is that it gives you the ultimate version of alone time. The hassles and stress of daily life will not be present for a few days, allowing you to spiritually and mentally recover from overwhelming responsibilities. However, it also means that you are taking a break from the good things as well. Your friends and loved ones are out of reach, which might make you feel isolated. In case of emergencies, locals might not be helpful because of communication struggles.
Fortunately, you can stay connected with your loved ones through your mobile phone. If you feel the need to reach out to them, you can contact them at any time you want. When stuck in a remote area without a signal, a satellite Internet connection might save your life. Solo travelers must take on the risk of isolation, but digital advancements make communication with the people you love possible regardless of distance.
Financial Safety Nets
Solo traveling can be a pleasant experience that takes your mind away from all your worries. However, it is necessary to remain responsible. An itinerary is a vital tool for that, especially when it comes to budgeting. However, wrong estimations or overspending might become a problem.
The worst-case scenario is that you might not return home because you do not have a cab fare to the airport. Fortunately, you can rely on your bank to create a financial safety net. If you have emergency funds or a savings account, your solo travel adventure becomes more convenient to plan.
Solo travels can do wonders for you in every aspect of your life. However, it is essential to prepare for emergency scenarios to prevent an unpleasant or traumatic experience.
