How to travel alone — and love every minute.

Seeing the world as a solo traveler can be a thrilling experience. After all, you get to choose the destination, stay in whichever hotel you want, see your top wishlist attractions, dine in all your favorite restaurants, and generally do whatever you wish. Sounds like a dream, right? It is, but there are a few pitfalls everyone should avoid when booking a flight, hotel, and table for one. Here are tips for how to travel alone, and 10 common mistakes to avoid so you can have a solo getaway you’ll always remember.

Don’t overpack.

It’s important to remember you’ll be alone through most of your journey, without an airline crew member or a hotel staffer to help you with your bags every step of the way. That’s why it’s critical to only pack what you need as a solo traveler. Your luggage should be large enough to fit all your essentials without being so large that you can’t carry it yourself for long periods of time.

Don’t overschedule every minute.

Because you’re calling the shots, it can be tempting to fill your entire day with every single thing you want to see, do, eat, and experience. However, it’s best to make sure you leave yourself a little breathing room throughout your travels. That’s because delays can happen, journeys can take longer than expected, and you may find you want to spend a little extra time at a cafe, a museum, or in the spa. Just as you edited your luggage, make sure to edit your schedule before departure, too.

Don’t forget to have a plan B.

You’ve got your luggage and your schedule laid out. Now, it’s time to make another plan, or at the very least, part of another one. Having a plan B for your trip is a good idea to help you avoid any pitfalls (like canceled reservations or disappointing destinations), so you can enjoy every moment. Don’t feel like you need to plan an entirely separate trip, but do have an idea of other hotels and attractions nearby, just in case.

Don’t underestimate your travel costs.

With all this planning, you should have a pretty good idea of how much your travels will cost. But it’s a good idea to bring a little extra cash just in case. Prices for admission to local attractions could have increased, cab fares can add up, and tipping is always a wild variable. Make your budget, then build in a buffer so you’re never surprised on your travels.

Don’t be afraid to splurge a little.

Remember that budget above? Make sure to include something special just for you. A solo journey should be one filled with self-discovery and a little self-indulgence. Go ahead and book a night at the nicer hotel, book a spa treatment, reserve a spot at the restaurant you’ve been dreaming of, or go on that opulent VIP tour. Make it memorable. You deserve it.

Don’t feel obligated to fill the silence.

Traveling alone can be daunting for some. After all, we aren’t used to being alone. Between work or school, family and friends, and all our obligations in between, finding a little silence is a gift. That’s why it’s key to remember you don’t have to interact with people if you don’t want to on solo trips. You don’t have to go on a group tour. You can book a one-on-one experience or take a self-guided tour instead. You don’t have to sit at the bar just because you’re dining solo. You can book a whole table just for yourself. Spend time quietly getting to know yourself better on this journey. You’ll come away richer for it.

And don’t be afraid to make new friends.

On the flip side, if you’re craving a little company, that’s okay. The new friends you meet during your travels can easily turn into lifelong ones. The easiest way to meet others is through group tours, staying at hostels, or taking advantage of hotel happy hours. Use technology to connect with other travelers by checking out travel groups on Facebook or downloading apps like Bumble, which have “just friends” filters that allow you to connect with people looking to form new bonds all over the world, just like you.

Don’t forget to tell people where you’re going.

Traveling alone is great, but just in case something goes awry, it’s a good idea to have someone who can assist. That’s why it’s critical to share your plans with a trusted family member or friend. Make an itinerary for them so they have the names and phone numbers of your hotels. Give them updates when you move from one location to the next, and share any changes along your route. Though we like to believe the world is a generally safe place, it’s always a good idea to put your personal security first.

Don’t forgo those once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Some things can feel like they’re meant for couples or groups, but don’t let the marketing fool you. If you’ve been dreaming about booking an overwater bungalow in the Maldives, go ahead and do it. You don’t have to be on a honeymoon to enjoy turquoise waters and ocean breezes. Want to see the latest residency in Vegas? Snag your ticket and go, no bachelor or bachelorette party needed. Fun day at Disney? You don’t need to wait for your family’s permission. Life is short. Spend at least a little time doing exactly what you want all by yourself.

And don’t second guess yourself.

If there’s one thing you can trust, it’s your gut, especially on your travels. If something feels too good to be true or if it feels unsafe, it probably is. But also follow your intuition for the good things — if a restaurant looks amazing to you but doesn’t have a million five-star reviews, it’s okay. You could discover a hidden gem that you tell everyone about when you get back home. Trust your instincts. We bet they’re usually right.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is appearing on travel itineraries for the first time after lifting its curtain to the rest of the world. Saudi Arabia has recently taken a number of steps to open up Saudi society and empower women, putting it on the international stage. From corporate travellers partaking in the Kingdom’s economic recovery as it transitions away from oil dependency to adventurous travellers, all sights are on this hot spot.

Unknown to many, Saudi Arabia also has incredible unspoiled natural beauty. Consider misty mountains covered in winter snow, the Rub Al Khali with its endless desert and sand dunes of every colour, or blue and beautiful beaches with some of the most incredible coral reefs in the world. The capital of the nation is a massive city called Riyadh. Currently undergoing the transition from a quiet conservative desert capital to a lively, modern, and well-governed metropolis, it is a stunning city that is still under construction. It aims to establish itself as a metro with top-notch amenities.

Riyadh is situated on the eastern side of the mountainous Najd plateau at an altitude of around 600 metres, right in the middle of the Arabian Peninsula. The Tuwaiq Escarpment, an abrupt and striking rocky slope that forms the backbone of the plateau for nearly 800 miles, is dotted with a number of valleys known as wadis where communities have sprung up, including the nation’s capital Riyadh. The word Riyadh is an Arabic word that means “gardens,” and it refers to the lush oases that dot the plateau. So make reservations for a Saudi flight and embark on a journey to explore this mesmerising destination, If you’re thinking of visiting, you should be aware of the following:

Using local guides is the ideal way to see Riyadh

It’s usually a smart idea to collaborate with a native tour operator, even if we respect your decision and audacious attitude to explore the globe alone. Although Riyadh is generally a secure and friendly location, it is advised against going for a solo walk after dark in certain areas. So, rather than travelling alone during such times, it is preferable to be joined by a reliable local guide. Additionally, they may provide you with some insightful information on the lengthy history of Saudi Arabia.

Locate a secure hotel

When travelling alone, it’s recommended to think about staying at hotels with security screening at all entries and that is considered to be usually secure. In reality, there are a ton of three-star hotels around the nation that are cosy, family-run, and secure. After getting to know you, the employees at these establishments will not only be kind and friendly, but they will also watch out for you. They may end up becoming your second home.

Dress and behave like a native

When you’re a woman travelling alone, it’s important to blend in. Wearing the proper attire is the simplest approach to doing this. Don’t overdo it with bright or tight clothing; keep it modest and subtle.

Verify Your Travel Documents and Make Copies

It might be quite difficult to secure replacements for crucial travel papers, particularly your passport, or even to proceed with your trip. It might be quite helpful to have copies of the papers stored on your laptop or phone, or even just a screenshot of them.

Ensure your phone has emergency numbers

A pay-as-you-go Mobile network with an inexpensive unlocked phone might be quite useful even if having an international mobile contract while you are travelling is not absolutely necessary. Store the local emergency contact on your cell phone so that if you do need the services of the authorities or an ambulance, you can contact them as soon as possible.

Be a Sensible Traveller and research your locations

It is usually advisable for women travelling alone in Saudi Arabia to thoroughly investigate the locations they would be going to and have a sense of what it would be like to do so alone. Although the internet is unquestionably the finest starting point for your study, set aside some time to visit official websites, blog posts, and online forums to discover more about the relevant locations.

These safety recommendations for solo travellers call for applying rational thinking. Your chances of having a safe, enjoyable, and memorable journey increase if you are aware, knowledgeable, and well-prepared.

Although Shenaz Treasury has taken a hiatus from acting, she keeps creating a buzz on social media for her travel posts. From sharing tips on how to manage the budget effectively to suggesting ways for promoting the best travel experience, Shenaz’s Instagram is filled with effective travel hacks. Just a week ago, the former actress shared an interactive reel on how one can travel responsibly. “Let’s come together and leave a place a little better than we found it rather than leaving a mess behind when we leave,” said Treasury. Here are the hacks shared by Shenaz Treasury.

Tips to travel responsibly:

1. Pack Light: According to Shenaz Treasury packing light leads to a reduction in extra kg which can further reduce carbon emission in the atmosphere. So, the next time you travel only carry things that are required.
2. Public transport: Opt for public transport instead of private whenever possible. It isn’t only cost-effective but also reduces the possibility of carbon emissions.
3. Cloth bags: Say no to polythene bags. When shopping during travelling carry your own shopping bags, especially those made out of clothes to carry items.
4. Support local businesses: Along with trying the best brands, also find ways to support local businesses by purchasing goods from them. This also allows one to connect more with the ethnicity of the place.
5. Sustainable accommodations: “We’ve all heard about sustainable, green, ethical, and ecotourism. We are now finally hearing about destinations, hotels, airlines, and other tourism companies branding themselves as eco-friendly and sustainable,” says Shenaz Treasury. Hence, when choosing accommodation make sure they are sustainable.
6. Adapter: The actress-turned-travel blogger suggests, “Carry an all-in-one adapter to plug in your electronic devices.”
7. Carry Tiffin box: While exploring new restaurants and places make sure to carry a tiffin box for leftovers. It is better to take food home than to waste it.
8. Water bottle: Instead of purchasing plastic water bottles, carry your own. Refill it from time to time and reuse it. This also promotes self-hygiene.
9. No littering: Carry an extra bag for waste products during travelling, and collect it together instead of littering places. One can dispose of the waste when they find a garbage tin or dustbin.

Travelling is one of the most fruitful activities that people can do to spend a good time of fun and relaxation as well as enhance their knowledge.

However, people often faces health issues like sickness at the time of journeying or gut issues due to binging on unhealthy food.

It is of utmost importance to take care of your health while you are enjoying your holidays by travelling across scenic locations.

Celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar also feels that nothing expands your mind and warms your heart like travel does so you can follow her quick and easy health tips for travelling safely

The first rule to follow while travelling is to stay hydrated and the best way to do that is by carrying a water bottle with you and keep sipping on it at times during your journeys.

According to Diwekar, it is best to avoid chai and coffee on the flight and 60 minutes prior to boarding and post landing.

Moreover, the nutritionist also advises that one must avoid tea and coffee while on a road trip and when they are inside a moving vehicle.

While choosing hotels for your stay during travels, Diwekar advises to pick ones that offer gym access and can provide you with a yoga mat too.

“If you travel to smaller places, carry your own mat. Don’t forget to do five Suryanamaskars. Lie in Suptabaddhakonasana for 5 minutes during bedtime,“ advised Diwekar.

The nutritionist advised that you must try to order khichdi, dal chawal, pasta or risotto for dinner before leaving the hotel and ask the staff to send it at a particular time to your room.

“Carry peanuts, cashews, pistas, etc. Chew on them in between meetings and conferences,” she concluded.