So you have decided to embark on your solo trip and it can be pretty nerve wrecking if this is your first time. Even for seasoned solo travelers, there is no guarantee that they will not meet with challenges along the way.

An issue that is prominent but not talked about often is the loneliness one feels when traveling alone. Oh, you will be surprised how lonely people actually feel at times on their solo trip behind all those glamorous Instagram pictures you see on their feed.

Still, this should not stop you from going after your dream to see the world. Whether you are reading this as a form of preparation before you go for your trip or are currently traveling, here are 8 Ways To Have Fun On A Solo Trip.

#1 A SMILE GOES A LONG WAY

Do not underestimate how much a friendly smile can do for you. Even if you are not familiar or completely clueless about the native language there, strangers are more receptive towards you and tend to help if you look friendly.

It is likely that you would need to reach out for help from the locals along the way so give them your best smile!

#2 BE OPEN TO MEETING NEW PEOPLE

Join activity groups organised by the locals which you can find from social media sites. This is a great way to meet more people who are able to show you the city from a local’s point of view.

Furthermore, you get to find out the best places for food and hidden gems around the neighbourhood not known to tourists.

#3 STAY AT HOSTELS OR GUESTHOUSES

By staying in a hostel, you are able to make friends with other travelers and hosts. You are able to broaden your perspectives by making international friends. Some of them may also be experienced travelers and are able to share valuable information that is helpful for you.

If you happen to meet people whom you can get along well with, it can be plenty of fun even during times when you are in the hostel. Suggest to hold a potluck party or sharing sessions!

#4 GO ON DAY TOURS

It may be better to join group tours if you wish to explore certain areas. Sometimes a tour guide is able to share and answer all your queries better than you can do so when you are alone.

Being stuck in a group with other travelers also meant that you are likely to strike up a conversation with a few of them.

#5 VOLUNTEER

Want to meet like-minded people who share a similar compassion for a cause? Volunteering is the best way to do that. Not only will you get to make more friends, you may even be able to save on accommodation if you stay with the locals.

A volunteering experience in a new country will leave a much deeper impression on you and the memories forged with the locals and fellow volunteers will never be forgotten.

#6 GO TO A PUB

Those who love a good party ought to head down to a bar for a chill night. People that you meet at a bar are most likely to be there for a good time. Enjoy the music and end your night with a beer or a glass of champagne.

#7 PLAN ACTIVITIES THAT YOU CAN DO ALONE

Since you are going to be alone for most of the trip, take into consideration activities such as visiting the museum, going for a movie, explore off beaten tracks and cycling as part of your itinerary.

This is the time to do everything you have always wanted to or have an interest in without having to compromise with others.

#8 EMBRACE ALONE TIME

Learn to feel comfortable being alone because it does your soul wonders. Also, traveling alone teaches you to be independent and not to rely on others too much.

Sometimes, being surrounded by a group of people can drain our energy. Take this chance to recharge and find out more about yourself.

Those who have taken a solo trip often describe it as a life-changing experience that they will never forget. When you are alone, you get to discover not just new cultures and traditions but more about yourself too. You might find yourself picking up a new language or hobby that is not common in your home country.

Of course, things can be very different when you are out there alone without your family and friends to fall back on. It takes plenty of courage to blend into a completely new environment that you are not familiar with.

Going solo means that there are also many opportunities for things to go wrong but with some preparations done beforehand, you minimise the chances of getting into an unexpected and unnecessary predicament. If you have been thinking of planning a solo trip for yourself, here are 8 Tips For Planning Your First Solo Trip.

Read: 5 Ways A Solo Trip Can CHANGE YOUR LIFE.

#1 DECIDE ON THE DESTINATION OF YOUR TRAVEL

If this is your first solo trip, chances are you may feel uncomfortable to step out of your comfort zone. It helps if you choose a destination where you are able to speak the native language of the people there. Not only will you be able to understand what is happening around you, you can also ask for help from the locals directly.

#2 CONVINCE YOUR PARENTS WITH A PLAN

It’s great if your parents are supportive of your decision to travel alone! Female travelers may face the issue of parents who are unwilling to let their daughters travel alone. Understand that your parents are concerned about your safety and you should share your plan with them to assure them that you know what you are doing.

Give them a rough idea of your route, have the emergency contact numbers of the host country saved into your phone and let them know who you will be meeting up with over there.

#3 PLANNING FOR YOUR ACCOMMODATION

We cannot emphasise how important it is to choose your accommodations wisely. With plenty of options from hotels to Airbnb and guest rooms, you may find it a trouble to read through the reviews. However, it is a necessary procedure if you do not want to end up staying in a shady place located in a dark alley, or with questionable hosts.

Do not simply go for the cheapest hotel you can find as the location may not be ideal. Instead, choose to stay somewhere near the main road where it is safer and closer to eateries.

#4 PACK LIGHT

It is going to be a hassle to bring your luggage around if you are travelling to more than one city during the trip. If possible, carry just a backpack on your shoulder. Otherwise, choose to pack only light weight clothes and do not bring unnecessary valuable items such as jewellery as they add weight.

You should look for travel-size toiletries to bring along.

#5 SIGN UP FOR GROUP ACTIVITIES

There are plenty of interest groups you can take part in or one-day tours that you can sign up for. Check out their social media accounts or web pages which will provide you with all the information you need.

This is how you get to meet like-minded travellers along the way who can share more about their experience and journey with you. Also, it may be safer for you to travel in groups in certain places you are not familiar with.

Be confident to strike up a conversation and introduce yourself as most people will be delighted to make a new friend.

“A solo trip doesn’t necessarily mean a lonely trip. You may be traveling by yourself, but there will be a whole bunch of fellow globetrotters and locals you can hang out with if you just put yourself out there and be open to whoever comes across your path.”

#6 KEEPING IN TOUCH

Always make it a point to call or drop a text to your family from time to time. It is only natural for your parents to worry when they are not able to receive a response from you to indicate that you are safe.

It can be something simple like snapping a photograph of the food that you are enjoying at the moment and sending it to your parents or letting them know that you are back in the hotel at the end of the day.

#7 DRESS APPROPRIATELY

Places of worship are deemed as holy grounds that are very much respected by the locals. It is offensive to wear revealing clothes in these places or generally in countries that hold deep religious views. Always be sure to research on the appropriate dressing you should be wearing so you wouldn’t stand out like a sore thumb. When in doubt, go for long pants and skirts with tops that cover your shoulders.

A key to staying safe is also in your dressing. One way to blend in with the locals is to dress like them to avoid the attention of thieves or even rapists.

#8 STAY STREET SMART

Stay vigilant throughout your trip and be well-informed about the place. Carry your guide book with you so you can refer to it in times of doubt; or even better if your phone has data so that you stay connected.

If you need to ask for help from a stranger, seek from a family or people working in a restaurant. This is also the time to trust your gut feeling. If you have a bad feeling towards someone or a place, walk away to a crowded street. Be smart and don’t fall for tourist scams.

Ready for a new year of travels and adventures? Here is the list of Singapore’s Long Weekends in 2017 should you want a break without utilising your annual leave.

About the writer:
Julee is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She is an advocate of travel and hopes to visit Iceland someday. She enjoys having a good conversation over tea and a slice of cake. There are two things in the world she cannot live without—food and humour.

For me, travelling has always been all about the experiences. I may be visiting the same places and sampling the same food as my friends, but because we view the world through different lenses, what’s significant to me may not have as profound an impact on someone else.

Of course, traveling in a group has its perks, but it’s a completely different ballgame when you’re on your own. Loneliness is a feeling we all abhor. No one wants to be isolated and all alone, especially while overseas, when you don’t know a single soul.

But get this: a solo trip doesn’t necessarily mean a lonely trip – that’s a misconception we’ve got to tear down. You may be traveling by yourself, but there will be a whole bunch of fellow globetrotters and locals you can hang out with if you just put yourself out there and be open to whoever comes across your path. Don’t worry about people perceiving you as a ‘loner’ just because you’re dining by yourself. I admit, it can be pretty daunting at first. But you’re in an exciting new country – just shake it off, let loose and enjoy yourself.

If that isn’t convincing enough, here are 5 reasons how a solo trip can change your life.

It’s exhilarating to experience that feeling of complete and utter freedom on a solo trip. You are your own person; only you yourself can dictate where you go and what you do… and guess what? There’s nothing stopping you from unleashing your inner adventurer. Always wanted to bungee jump off a cliff with the wind in your face and your life solely in the hands of a rope? Strap on. Got hunger pangs in the middle of the night? Go ahead and pig out at the nearest hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Never had the chance to swim with the sharks (or crocs… or any other deadly creature)? Dive in. You’re in charge, you’re holding the reins, and you’ve got the final say.

1. THE REVELATIONS YOU DISCOVER ABOUT YOURSELF ARE NOTHING SHORT OF AMAZING

It goes without saying that, since you’re on your own in a foreign land, you’ll probably spend a good deal of time alone – and that’s nothing to be afraid or ashamed of. Ditch technology and learn to rely on yourself.

Do a bit of self-introspection, roam around with no agenda and strike up conversations with strangers. Basically, take a step out of your comfort zone to do what you normally wouldn’t do (unless it’s, well, life-threatening) and even take time to reflect on your life back home – it might just strike you that your troubles pale in comparison to what’s going on around the world. Or you might surprise yourself with newfound social skills. Just don’t stand by the sidelines – challenge every single one of your fears, insecurities and misconceptions.

On my trip to the UK, I realized I had all these assumptions and false impressions of the people there. So I forced myself to let it go and start on a clean slate, keeping an open mind when meeting new people (with my surprising new sociable nature). Long story short, I ended up with friends from all over Europe, who happily gave me a glimpse into their fascinating culture and brought out the inner thrill-seeker in me.

2. IT’S ONE OF THE FEW TIMES IN LIFE WHEN THE SKY’S THE LIMIT

You’re not constrained by deadlines, time restrictions, rules or travel companions whining about everything under the sun. The scent of freedom is absolutely intoxicating. No one’s breathing down your neck about eating your veggies or going to bed before the sun rises.

Munch on chocolate for breakfast or wear crazy mismatched clothes – just because you can. Jot down your bucket list and start checking boxes. If you’ve got even the slightest amount of interest in something, as long as it’s within the realm of basic common sense, just do it. Because no good travel story ever started out with: ‘that one time I stayed in the hotel room…’

3. YOU’LL COME ACROSS ALL KINDS OF PEOPLE, WHO JUST MIGHT SURPRISE YOU BY BECOMING LIFELONG FRIENDS

But first you’ve got to toughen up and resist the temptation to hide out in your room. Who cares about the stares of judgment you might get? You’re probably just imagining them, anyway. The only way you’ll meet new people is if you make an effort to reach out and open up. Don’t be too quick to turn down an invitation to hang out, or better yet, do the inviting.

You may not speak the language, but a smile is a universal greeting – just take it from there. This might surprise you, but people will actually strike up conversations with you more often because you’re by yourself – you’re not as intimidating as tourists in pairs or groups. Some of my closest friends now are ones I’ve randomly met while traveling alone, so you really never know what might happen.

4. THERE’S A WORLD FULL OF BREATHTAKING CULTURE AND LIFE-ALTERING EXPERIENCES THAT LIES AHEAD.

So you prefer to trek through off-the-beaten-path locations instead of the latest hotspot that everyone’s heading to? Hop on a plane and go for it. Don’t let the lack of a travel companion or others’ hectic time schedules distract you from your own fulfilment.

Explore gorgeous ancient ruins, scale the heights of great mountains, admire iconic landmarks across the globe, or attempt adventurous stunts for an adrenaline rush. There’s nothing stopping you from holding all these stunning memories except yourself.

5. YOU WILL RETURN HOME A WHOLE NEW YOU

When you muster up the courage to undertake a solo trip despite your friends’ confused looks and your parents’ (or other half’s) worry, you leave home one person and come back another. It’s pretty much guaranteed.

Confidence is one of the great things you’ll gain – because not many people can say they’ve navigated the intimidating waters of the unknown and come back (mostly) unscathed and even rejuvenated. There’s so much to learn: fresh perspectives, boldness in the face of failure, a new love for solitude, recognition of your inner strength, greater appreciation for the little things, feeling more than comfortable in your own skin… It sounds clichéd to say this, but it’s honestly truly rewarding.

About the writer:
Alicia Lee is a dessert junkie with a serious (and probably incurable) case of wanderlust. Never one to pass up on retail therapy, she loves a great bargain and can usually be spotted on weekends browsing through quirky shops or chillaxing at a quiet cafe.

I recently travelled to New York City and it was my second time travelling by myself. I’m more of an outgoing person, so I wasn’t that apprehensive about it. But I know that for most people, travelling alone can be a really anxious thing, especially if one had to travel by herself, for example, if she was on a business trip and have some free time alone to wander about the city.

However, the good news is that travelling solo is not a bad thing at all; there are several advantages for it and further below are tips for travelling alone.

If you are planning to go on an adventure soon, you should also read this post on important things to know for solo travellers.

Advantages of travelling alone:

1. Me time

Spending a few days by yourself (and for yourself) in a foreign city where no one knows you is probably one of the best ways to focus on yourself and enjoy what life has in store for you. We got too caught up in our busy daily routines sometimes that we neglect on treating ourselves well. Travelling solo is a good way to have some “me time” to treat yourself with the new environment, atmosphere, food, and vibe.

2. Flexibility

When you are travelling alone, you can afford to be very flexible with your own schedule. You can go to anywhere at anytime you want, or make any last minute changes to your itinerary if there is a need to without being concerned if your friends would mind. Happen to pass by that cute little café down the corner of the street on the way to the museum? Just stop by, walk in, and try it.

3. Courage and independence

One of the greatest takeaways from travelling solo is probably learning on how to get out of our little comfort zones to just be out there in new places. Finding your way around the city by yourself, trying hard to speak a new language, meeting with new people along the way, and the list goes on. I guess it’s also fair to say that you will find courage from all these and take these little steps to learn to be more independent – at least in a foreign land.

Tips for travelling alone:

1. Be “thick skinned”

Definitely the most important tip – I find that we have to “thicken” our skins when we are travelling by ourselves. If you want your photo to be taken in front of that historical landmark, you have to ask other people to help you (be careful though, to make sure that they do not run away with your camera). When you’re eating alone at the bar, do not think that other people are looking at you; just think and look as if you’re a food critic so that’s why you’re eating there by yourself. When you make mistakes while trying to speak the foreign language, do not be afraid! At the end of the day, you’ll just laugh it off and have fun with it.

2. Be wise

By being wise here, I mean that you can choose to go to places that are more suitable for solo travellers. Join a group walking tour of the city to get a lively introduction of your new surroundings and meet with other solo travelers. Or view exhibitions at the museum since you have no one to distract you now while immersing yourself in those art pieces. Choose to dine at restaurants with bar seating where they are tailored for solo diners.

3. Smile

And always be friendly to the locals. People are generally nice at the core, so if you’re nice to them, they’ll be happy to talk to you too and help you if you need directions or recommendations. Remember to smile as and when you can. And you can never go wrong.

While travelling in general gives you new experiences and touches the soul, travelling solo additionally allows you to meet more new people along the way, which has got to be one of the ultimate joys of the journey. And it’s up to you to make the connections on route. You are traveling solo, but definitely not alone.

About the writer
Anlin Melina is a Business Administration and Economics student at the University of California, Berkeley, who likes travelling and writing during her free time. Melina has recently completed writing her first book, titled “Once Upon A Blue Sky”, which is a travel guide book on cities in the United States.