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.

When you think of Japan, what comes to mind? Tokyo, Osaka and Hokkaido, right? These major tourist towns attract the highest number of traffic every year. However, Japan has many gorgeous islands and panoramic scenery in other cities too that is for sure, worth travelling to.

Countries such as India have over-populated cities that some may find too claustrophobic. What most leave out are the smaller suburban areas and the mountains that can be found away from the city that holds the same rich culture. If you have always been the adventurous type, why not take the road less travelled (literally)?

Here are 5 Unique Travel Destinations in Asia You Never Knew About – Treat Yourself To Asia’s Most Well-Kept Secrets.

Source: Foreigner CN

#1 HOH XIL, TIBET

Hoh Xil in Tibet is China’s largest and the world’s third largest uninhabited area and it home to massive wildlife.

This beautiful area is made up of the most beautiful mountainous landscapes and is one of the main sources of the Yangtze River. Get in touch with the very primal part of life, where you free yourself of worries and take in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Photo Credit: ecns

Average price of accommodation: Below S$40 a night for an Airnb apartment Cheapest flight price: S$950 return (excluding visa, compulsory to obtain) Average cost of food a day: S$20 (all meals) Total for 5 days (all expenses): Approx. S$1200

Source: Japan Guide

#2 SHODOSHIMA, JAPAN

As the second largest island in the Sento Inland Sea, this “Mediterranean-style” Japanese island is home to beaches, resorts and lovely coastal sceneries.

Check out soy sauce factories, olive farms and Monkey Park when you visit this island.

Photo Credit: therealjapan

Average price of accommodation: S$30 a night for AirBnb apartment, S$250 (hotel) Cheapest flight price: S$650 return, including two-way transfer from Tokyo Average cost of food a day: S$50 for all meals Total for 5 days (all expenses): S$1050 (Airbnb apartment), S$1900 (hotel)

Source: Garden of Dreams

#3 GARDEN OF DREAMS, NEPAL

This neo-classical historic garden, is a nice respite from the bustling city of Kathmandu and provides a very lovely and tranquil atmosphere.

Although Garden of Dreams is not a full city, it is a must-visit when you venture to Kathmandu to appreciate the historical monuments and the flora & fauna.

Photo Credit: tripadvisor

Average price of accommodation: S$50 a night (3-star hotel), $25 a night (AirBnb apartment) Cheapest flight price: S$600 return Average cost of food a day: S$25 for all meals Total for 5 days (all expenses): Approx S$885

Source: Danum Valley

#4 DANUM VALLEY, SABAH

This is for all the nature lovers out there. Danum Valley is situated in a rainforest where you can have a full-on experience learning about nature and going for nature walks.

You can choose to stay in the rainforest lodges where you will be treated to a very quintessential experience.

Photo Credit: borneo holidays

Average price of accommodation: S$40 per night for an AirBnb apartment (Rainforest lodge recommended but is much pricier) Cheapest flight price: S$130 Average cost of food a day: S$20 for all meals Total for 3 days (all expenses): S$270

Source: Kerala Tourism

#5 MUNNAR, INDIA

If you are a tea fan, look no further than Munnar, a fairly unknown part of the mountainous regions in India.

Despite this, Munnar houses beautiful tea plantations that span over large areas and has luxurious hotels and lodges where you can stay in, with mountain views.

Photo Credit: kerala tourism

Average price of accommodation: S$50 per night (Airbnb apartment), S$200 a night (luxurious mountain view hotel) Cheapest flight price: S$182 return Average cost of food a day: S$20 all meals Total for 5 days (all expenses): S$1000 (hotel), S$462 (AirBnb apartment)

Travel Tips for Solo Travellers

I vividly remember my first experience of travelling to a foreign city alone. A few years ago, I went to Kuala Lumper to visit my food blogger friends. While it was a relatively short trip, it was enough to get me hooked on the idea of travelling alone.

I was intoxicated by the idea of venturing out to see the world by myself. A few months after my Kuala Lumpur trip, I took the plunge and went on an solo adventure to Sydney. Ever since then, I never looked back.

I like travelling alone because I feel that it gives us the opportunity to rediscover and find out more about ourselves.

If you’ve always wanted to travel alone, plan a trip and go for it! I promise you will be rewarded by the experience. But before you go, let me share some tips on travelling alone.

Be comfortable with yourself.

For people who are new to traveling alone, they may find the challenge daunting. There are many people who are uncomfortable being alone. I have no problem with that as I actually like to be alone sometimes. I like catching a movie by myself, I like to eat alone; I appreciate having ‘me time’ as I can get away from people. If you are afraid of being lonely, you can always read a book, or play games on your phone during the journey.

Always keep your valuables out of sight.

This is the basic rule of travelling. Always keep your valuables from sight, don’t attract the wrong attention. For women travelling alone, avoid being too flashy, and learn to blend in with the local crowd.

Talk to other travellers and make friends.

When you travel alone, it is easier to talk to other travellers and make friends. Not that you can’t do that while travelling with companions, but most of the time it is just so much easier to stick in a group. Pick up your courage and talk to people.

Write down a list of things that you want to accomplish on the trip.

Experience dining alone in a restaurant. Check. Chat with people from five different countries. Check. Learn a new skill during the trip. Check. There are so many things that you can do.

The best part about travelling alone is that you have the freedom to do whatever you like; there’s no need to accommodate anyone. So enjoy the ‘me time‘ and do things that you’ve always wanted to do.

Plan your itinerary ahead.

For me, the biggest problem when travelling alone is food. It is difficult because I can’t order more to share. I always try to plan my itinerary ahead by researching on food places to eat. I’d usually have a list of cheap eats, and another list of restaurants to splurge on.

Another challenge of travelling alone is definitely accommodation. There’s no one to share the cost with, so it is important for solo travellers to plan ahead.

Check out hostels or apartments for rental. They are generally cheaper than staying in hotels. For female travellers, safety and cleanliness of accommodation are the most important factors – read reviews and ask your friends if they have any recommendations.

Know the important numbers

It is also important to note down important details like emergency numbers to call: local embassy in the city (they will be helpful if you get into any trouble), banks hotline (to report credit card cancellation if your wallet is lost), family and friends’ contact details (in case your phone is stolen).

I know it is not an easy thing to step out of your comfort zone and travel alone, especially for women because of safety concerns.

But if you take the necessary precautions, everyone can experience the beauty of travelling alone. In fact, I have met many female solo travellers, and a few of my good friends also travel alone frequently.

Travelling is food for the soul. Plan your next trip; go out and see the world!