Traveling solo can be a bit challenging, but traveling solo as an introvert is no piece of cake and is far more difficult than your average solo trip. Let us begin by busting a myth – we humans thrive in company and introverts are no exception! Sure, solo travel and introverts complement each other in many ways. But where solo travel is an out-of-a-dream experience for some, it can also be a major nightmare for others. When you feel a little too lonely and find no one in sight to rely on, it could land you in unforeseen sticky situations.

We understand how combating such situations can affect your introverted peace of mind. While there’s no particular fix to it, we’ve come up with distinct but super easy tips on solo travel for introverts. So, gear up your anti-social side and go YOLO on your first solo!

1. Start With A Plan

When we say plan a trip, we literally mean “plan it like a maniac!” Yes, a solid plan will never fail to help you out with your first solo trip. From deciding the destination to booking a stay, there’s a lot on your plate while planning a solo trip. A strategic blueprint on how to go about managing your travels will help lessen your travel anxiety.

Pro tip: Begin by planning a short trip to a nearby, known place rather than going to a place which you aren’t familiar with at all. A weekend getaway to a nearby location would make a great first solo trip to begin with. Taking baby steps towards your solo expedition and devising it well will definitely help you open up to new experiences and give you a sense of confidence to carry on further journeys.

2. Choose An Easy Accommodation

Deciding on accommodation is an extremely crucial step as the place always decides the vibe. Your accommodation will eventually make your trip either a great one or an unpleasant experience. And we’re sure nobody wishes to be stuck in a boring, cramped stop on their first solo trip. So, try and make it easy for the introvert inside you and choose a hostel/homestay for your trip.

This is the best way to meet new people and make new friends in a new place. Hostels will treat you with people from all across the world, with diverse cultures but a common love for travel. You could choose either a dorm for a legit hostel experience while sharing a space with others or just get a private room for some privacy – the mingling doesn’t change!

3. Break The Ice By Initiating Interactions

Now, this may sound like we’re asking you to step out of your comfort zone and initiate an awkward conversation. But trust us, once you break the ice in the room you will feel more connected to the people around you.

Don’t worry about starting a conversation with a clever joke or remark; a simple question about directions, the weather, or even trip recommendations would lead to great conversations. We swear, there are tons of like-minded people you’ll bond with along the way who’ll make you forget all about your fears and solo anxiety.

4. Indulge In Self Entertainment

While traveling solo, your journey can become a bit boring if you don’t keep yourself entertained. Long hours of sitting on a bus or a train can be irritating as well as tedious. So, try and fill in this free time with self-entertainment like listening to your favorite playlist, reading a book, or downloading a good Netflix series on your mobile before starting your trip to watch it later. This will keep you engaged and help you recede into a soothing space of your favorite sounds and stories.

5. Consider Signing For Group Tours

Solo travel isn’t truly solo unless you want it to be. Traveling is all about growing and taking in new experiences at every step. Plus, traveling alone doesn’t mean you should isolate yourself completely!

Always consider signing up for a group tour or trek when in a new destination. Because chances are, you will enjoy yourself that much more when exploring under trained guidance and being accompanied by like-minded people. Try splitting your time between solo and group exploration to find a balance between ‘me time’ and social interactions.

6. Embrace Your Time Alone With Nature

Traveling is all fun and adventures, but pause and rewind to the idea with which you began this trip – SOLO TRAVELING! So, pick every opportunity you get to spend some time alone with nature and refresh your soul. Do not miss the lovely views of the mighty hills and fresh air amidst the lush green nature trails around.

Recharging in your own space allows you to get a grip while traveling. You can always find people to interact with in the hustle-bustle of cities. But when your main company is the company of nature, you have to give some time to yourself to rejuvenate and recharge your batteries to continue the journey.

7. Befriend The Locals

Spending some time and making friends with locals can be very fruitful during your solo journey. Locals tend to have a great sense of recommendations as they are aptly aware of every nook and corner, unknown route, and the best things to try out in their town. Interacting with them can be a unique experience. They won’t just entertain you with fascinating stories about the destination but also suggest the best local experiences to try out.

8. Carry A Journal

We understand how overwhelming solo traveling can be, especially for an introvert on a long arduous journey. It’s okay to feel a little weary or develop a need to share your thoughts and mind-boggling experiences while traveling solo. So, in this case, carrying a journal could become your great companion to express your mind. Writing things down can help regulate your emotions and anxiety triggers. Keep releasing your worries as you write and it will definitely help you feel better.

9. Equip Yourself

Last but not least, equip yourself! This is very important for all solo travelers to avoid any unforeseen situations that might lead to a mess. Make sure to equip yourself with all the necessary travel accessories to be self-reliant while on a solo journey. Solo travel for introverts is challenging by itself, which is why preparedness goes a long way.

Few things you should be equipped with to avoid any travel woes – Torch, power bank, cash, sanitary napkins, pepper spray, light backpack, raincoat, medical kit, water bottle, padlock, any necessary documents, and something to munch on (in case it’s a remote area.)

Conclusion

Solo traveling is compelling, but is also that one decision that requires strong guts and high spirits. It does require you to make the first step and it gets tough and cumbersome sometimes. But always trust your instincts and you’ll meet with some amazing people and experiences outside of your comfort zone which will open your mind in ways you’ll never imagine!

Whether you identify as an extrovert or an introvert, there is nothing like embarking on your first (or tenth!) solo trip. Making your own plan without having to adhere to anyone else’s schedule or preferences has a certain appeal. Being on the road by yourself opens up opportunities and accidental meetings that might not occur if you were travelling with a buddy, loved one, or a group. As fun as solo travelling can be, keeping some small tips in mind can make the trip even more worthwhile.

Do your research

Before jetting off to parts unknown, it is essential to do some research. Familiarise yourself with your destination’s culture, customs, and local laws. Knowing what to expect can ease any pre-trip jitters. Plus, it helps you blend in and respect the local way of life, ensuring a smoother experience.

Stay connected

Safety is a top priority when travelling alone. Keep your family and friends in the loop about your whereabouts. Share your itinerary, flight details, and accommodation information with someone you trust. In the age of technology, staying connected is easier than ever, so make use of apps like WhatsApp, Google Maps, and local emergency numbers for added security.

Pack wisely

Do not bring your entire closet, that’s what shopping abroad is for! Lighten your load with versatile, mix-and-match clothing that complements the weather of the country you are visiting. Do not forget the essentials like a universal adapter, a portable charger, and a first-aid kit.

Trust your instincts

Your gut feeling is your best travel companion. Trust your gut feelings, and if something does not feel right, do not be afraid to adjust your plans. Always prioritise safety.

Dine solo

Eating alone can be a delicious adventure in itself. Do not be shy about dining solo. Try local cuisine, savour the flavours, and strike up conversations with fellow diners or the waitstaff. Food is a universal language that brings people together.

Accommodation

Choose accommodations that offer a balance of comfort and security. Hostels, guesthouses, and well-rated hotels are great options. Read reviews and trust the wisdom of your local solo female traveller community when making your selection.

Document your journey

Capture the moments that take your breath away, and not just for the ‘Gram. Keep a travel journal to record your thoughts, experiences, and personal growth. It’s an incredible way to reflect on your solo journey and cherish the memories for years to come.
Learn from challenges

Challenges are an integral part of any journey, and solo travel is no exception. Embrace them as opportunities for personal growth. Whether it’s a missed train, a language barrier, or getting lost in a maze of streets, every challenge is a lesson in disguise.

Remember, solo travel for women is not about being fearless, it’s about feeling the fear and doing it anyway. With the right preparation and a dash of courage, your solo adventure will be an unforgettable, empowering experience. So, pack your bags and go conquer the world, one adventure at a time.

Any award-winning travel photographer will tell you the best way to improve your skills is to practice, practice, practice.

You might not be able to travel far right now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t perfect the art of photography at home. In fact, while we’re all unable to move far, there’s never been a better time to work on improving your creative skillset.

Here’s how you can work on your photography while maintaining social distancing:

•Look around your home for interesting items to photograph and place them in different parts of your house to practice with various lighting options

•Explore your own literal backyard, or a park, and find interesting patterns or colours in nature to capture

•Walk down the road to practice street photography (while maintaining at least a two-metre distance from anyone else, of course), capturing unique angles of buildings or houses

•Photograph your pets or birds in the trees

•Watch online tutorial videos for both photography and photo editing

•Enrol in an online photography class

•Re-edit old photos to try out different styles

If you start working now on brushing up your photography skills, when we eventually are able to return to travelling, you’ll be able to capture all the glory of that first trip abroad.

Here are some of our best photography tips from professional photographers.

3 Reasons Why Entrepreneurs Should Travel More If done wisely, a little travel can be a huge benefit to your business.

Travel has had an unimaginably large impact on my career, and I’m sure it will do the same for many of you too (that is, if it hasn’t already). I’m writing this after being in China for the first time and despite having traveled so much before, I’m still in shock at how different things can be. Here’s how travel can help you in your business based on what I’ve seen and experienced.

The contacts

This one is pretty straightforward. When you travel, you’re exposed to a lot of new people, and some can be of benefit to your business. It might sound crude when I word it like that, but it’s not a case of Machiavellian tactics at all, it’s just the way it tends to pan out. As you travel, you collect shared experiences with a wide variety of people. Plus, your pool of potential people to meet is significantly larger. And if you do find yourself far away from home, you’ll often find that those who are in the same situation tend to band together. All of this means that the opportunity to network afforded by travel is second to none.

I didn’t even mention the in-person conferences and other networking events. These can be worth their weight in gold.

All in all, travel gives you access to a lot of people, which is a real benefit.

The insights

In some industries, it’s of practical benefit to travel (a few obvious examples being working in transport or tourism). But even if you aren’t in an industry that lends itself so directly towards travel, there is still a lot of knowledge to be gained.

As said above, it’s the people who can give so much value to your business when traveling. But being specific, it’s the insights that you’ll get. Some directly from those you meet, and some from your own ideas based on your new experiences. Diverse opinions and ideas mean the chance for new, fresh perspectives and unique opportunities for growth. Undoubtedly one of the most valuable parts of travel is the exposure to different methods of getting things done.

The opportunity to reset

This is something I come back to often, but that’s because it’s so true. Travel is the perfect chance to audit the parts of your work that aren’t serving you. If you’re moving away from problematic people who aren’t helping you and your business, then travel will physically put distance between you and them. If you need a chance to make decisions without being influenced, it’ll give you that space. Travel is great for empowering you to solve problems.

Related to this, I also find that travel keeps you in the mindset of constant renewal and reinvention when it comes to work. This is even more common in those remote entrepreneurs living a lifestyle that doesn’t have a firm base. You’re kept on your toes, and your environment serves as a constant reminder of the need for positive forward motion.