How do you plan solo travelling ?
Hey guys I’ve never travelled solo in my entire life. Where and How should I start? There are few questions I’ve like: 1. How to handle accommodations? 2. Concern about the safety and security. 3. How to decide which places to visit. I mean can’t roam around uselessly, must have a list of places to visit. 4. Whom to believe, in the sense that, a lot of people are ready scam you when they find you are new here, how to handle that. If you travel solo very often, then suggest some pointers to keep in mind. So, guide me here plzz. Thanks 🫡
ScaredBlow
Stealth
3 months ago
Accommodation hostels
Safety, i usually travel with friends. But find correct people group up with them. Make atleast 2 friends. These two folks should not know each other.
Place slightly off beat but not totally secluded.
Whom to believe. No one, keep shuffling. Look for vibes
ScaredBlow
Stealth
3 months ago
Also carry small things like knife, pepper spray, maps. Be very observant.
ScaredBlow
Stealth
3 months ago
Always carry some ready to eat meals. Be aware of routes taken.
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BiryaniEnthu
Stealth
3 months ago
Your gender will also impact how you travel esp solo
BiryaniEnthu
Stealth
3 months ago
Girls need to be extra cautious, plus public toilets are shit. Going alone in secluded areas can be a concern, etc etc
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BlickCait
Stealth
3 months ago
1. I usually book hostels on Hostelworld for both Indian and International trips. Helps to meet people, it also creates a group for people at the same hostel and also for solo travellers in the same city. I’ve met a lot of people on these groups to make plans in Thailand and Bali, but in India it’s not as useful. I just chat up people in the common area. Most other solo travelers are pretty friendly.
2. As a woman solo traveler, I don’t go out alone after 8. When I do, it’s with at least 10 other people. I always navigate and walk by main roads, no alleyways. Only Uber/Grab/Careem or whatever is the cab booking app in the country to book cabs, no taxis on the run. Pick your place closer to the city center even if it costs some extra money. These roads and paths are mostly crowded and are safe. Don’t get drunk, or if you do stay in limit, always watch your drinks and don’t do drugs (even smoking up) outside your hostel with strangers. I also carry a backup phone in case my phone gets stolen in some touristy places (mostly happens international, never heard of it in India). Have at least three cards and cash stored in multiple places. Carry a small lock for your locker in the hostel. Don’t do expeditions or day tours or scuba or snorkeling trips alone. Always always go for a group trip. Unless you’re visiting an extremely dangerous place, you should be okay if you stick to these things.
3. Do your own research based on what interests you the most. I usually find more cool things to do when I talk to people in hostels tbh. So keep your itinerary dynamic so that you can change it if you find something more interesting than your original itinerary. I’d actually suggest you roam around aimlessly, I’ve found a lot of nice places like that.
4. Don’t chat up anyone who walks up to you and talks to you. Keep moving. Aka don’t believe anyone. Tourists are usually the scapegoats for these people to extract money from.
Hope this helps! Have the time of your life.
BlickCait
Stealth
3 months ago
No. 4 applies to only public places btw
Sorry but the idea of solo traveling sounds so lame to me. Just hoping you would make friends in random places is just so weird to me as a concept
I get that point. But I want to travel not to make friends but for experience. I don’t travel very often and I do WFH. So my life has become monotonous now. I need a change in my life.
Whenever I ask my friends they always say they don’t have time or they have other plans.
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Traveling solo for the first time can be both exciting and daunting, but with the right preparation, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Here are some tips and answers to your questions to help you get started:
1. How to Handle Accommodations
●Research and Book in Advance: Start by researching accommodation options in your destination. Websites like Booking.com, Airbnb, and Hostelworld offer a wide range of options from hotels to hostels and vacation rentals. Reading reviews can help you gauge the safety and quality of the place.
●Consider Hostels and Guesthouses: These are great for solo travelers as they often provide a social environment where you can meet other travelers. Many hostels offer private rooms if you prefer some privacy.
●Check Location: Ensure your accommodation is in a safe area, close to public transportation, and within walking distance to major attractions if possible.
2. Concern About Safety and Security
●Research Your Destination: Understand the safety levels of your destination. Travel forums, blogs, and government travel advisories can provide valuable information.
●Keep Valuables Safe: Use a money belt or hidden pouch to store your passport, extra cash, and credit cards. Lock your valuables in your accommodation's safe if available.
●Stay Connected: Share your travel itinerary with a trusted friend or family member and check in regularly. Having a local SIM card or an international phone plan can help you stay connected.
●Blend In: Avoid standing out as a tourist. Dress modestly and be aware of local customs and laws.
●Trust Your Instincts(ALWAYS): If something feels off, trust your gut and remove yourself from the situation.
3. How to Decide Which Places to Visit
●Create a List: Start by listing the must-see attractions and activities in your destination. Travel blogs, guidebooks, and social media can be great sources of inspiration.
Continued....
●Prioritize: Prioritize based on your interests and the amount of time you have. Don't try to see everything; it's better to have meaningful experiences at fewer places.
●Plan Flexibility: Have a rough itinerary but allow for spontaneity. Some of the best travel experiences come from unplanned adventures.
●Local Tours: Consider joining local tours or activities. They can be a great way to see the highlights and meet other travelers.
4. Whom to Believe and How to Handle Scams: ●Beware of Common Scams: Familiarize yourself with common scams in your destination. Websites like TripAdvisor forums and travel blogs often highlight scams specific to certain areas.
●Ask for Recommendations: Trust recommendations from fellow travelers or reputable sources rather than random strangers. Hotel staff and official tourism offices are usually reliable.
●Be Cautious with Money: Only carry the cash you need for the day and keep the rest secure. Use ATMs located in safe, well-lit areas, preferably inside banks or shopping centers.
●Use Official Services: Use official taxi services or ride-sharing apps. For tours and excursions, book through reputable agencies or directly through your accommodation.
Joydeath
Stealth
3 months ago
Did you paste this verbatim from chatgpt
1) I prefer to book hostels online (own website/goibibo/booking.com)
2) As a guy I didn't ever think too much about it just didn't carry expensive stuff, jwellery etc.
(never got robbed yet, neither any physical harm)
3) ease to reach, weather, crowd probability.
4) I've found genuine info from cleaning staff/watchmen/other guests who've already spent few days.
(Somehow I don't trust the cab drivers, shop keepers)
I'll share my first solo trip story, I started finding destination which is minimum hops from my home and not full peak season.
Decided Bir in Himachal as I could take a morning flight to Delhi and a overnight bus that drops there itself.
For stay booked hostel for 10 days ( the hosteller own website they had post covid workation offers)
Had nothing else planned except wanted to experience paragliding.
My first day went uneventful, i just slept and had food.
The next day met a guy who was also alone, our agenda aligned so we went to do stuff together for couple of days, then he left.
As luck would have it, while having pizza I saw someone seculded from his group went to talk to him, turns out he wanted to visit some waterfall which required mild hiking, we went together.
Rest of days flew by, eventually did paragliding.
In numerous other trips, from getting lost on the way reaching different village, to just lazing around for a week straight, nothing was planned and predictable.
Being sceptical aside, people at non touristy places are generally good and won't fleece you.
At popular destinations higher chances one can have bad experience also as one of my friend was sold a dhupbatti for ₹2000 in kasol (iykyk scam) so need to be careful.
Instead of setting up perfect itinerary i just fix a destination and book stay, travel, now I've stopped even booking return journey also as had to cancel flights twice because extended the trip on the last day.
One thing is don't book budget hotel at places where hostels are not available (less likely to find solo travelling people) instead try to find homestays.
Knowing driving a 2 wheeler would be plus, as rentals be cheaper than cabs.
yolo it, have fun, you're not likely to get killed.
NaiveHammock
Student
3 months ago
I am a solo traveller, I usually try to book a room before starting my journey and always pay attention on every movements around me. I usually wont speak to strangers except when i dont know the direction. I will make plan earlier about routes. Before travelling to a place for first time i always watch youtube travelers they give a good information. I always check my phone and my valuable thing regularly. If anyone tries to scam me i first vacent the place and won't believe in anyone when I am travelling anywhere.
Travelled a fair bit as a single woman.
Top advice is not to stinge on stay - at the end of the day you want to come back to a place you feel entirely secure and you can have a sound sleep. Go for the best you can afford as per overall budget in a central area of town.
If you’re travelling internationally, most cities have city cards - which get you entry to most of the tourist places, some walks, public transport, and discounts to food and shopping. These are very useful to generally set up your itinerary and then you can always improvise on it basis discovery of new things to do.
If you’re in cities where things get slightly sketchy at night, plan your meals in such a way that you’re back in your room/hotel with a packed meal by 8/9 pm. You can then relax and enjoy a meal without worrying too much about how you’re going to get back.
Inversely, plan your breakfast early, and lunch out so you get the full day.
If you’re planning to have a drink, have a meal with it. You’re less likely to be bothered by guys if they see you set up quite happily for a meal on your own rather than if they see you with just a drink in your hand.
Hope these help! And happy travels.
Also no compromises on connectivity for safety - get roaming and carry a charger always.
If you need a partner count mee in... I am also looking to explore places....
Share your profile @MrBlunt . We have linkedin group in place for travelers from this chat
Will telegram do... You can ping me there... I will share my LinkedIn Id..my telegram Id is @trueliar001
You have to strong enough mentally. Ignore everyrhing that bothers you. I am a solo traveller. Travelling since 2014. Its a feeling no one can describe. Safety and security you never know its india. Look for vibe instead of thinking what should i do alone. Carry reqdy to eat means and download offline maps. Girls needs to be extra cautious due to arey akeli aagai kaise. Isko aane kisne diya wali mentality bahot milegi. You just have to travel. This is utmost thing a solo traveller understands. Keep travelling. I am travelling solo again next month.
whatthenepotism
Stealth
3 months ago
Hostels
Carry your toiletries in small amounts and buy accordingly
Don’t shy out to talk
Talk to locals for attractions
Don’t be afraid to take risks for adventures
Try hiring your own vehicle if you’re staying for a long time
thriver652
Student
3 months ago
I would recommend some of the travel groups. You can checkout instagram handles namely Hyderabad adventure club. I prefer it because its safe my elder sister recommended it for me she has travelled solo through this club.
Travelling solo is the best thing you can do. Start small like if you are in Bangalore nothing better than Hampi. Research on accomo and list of places to visit. Once you like traveling solo there is no stopping. All the best traveller.
Went on my first solo trip to Kanyakumari last year, here are some suggestions:
Stay:
1. Prefer hostels. Cheap and convenient.
2. Use booking.com, hostelworld, makemytrip to search for stay and call the stay directly to book.
Safety:
1. Don't step outside of your stay at night
2. Book a good hostel or hotel at the city center / crowded area.
3. Befriend receptionist/manager at the stay
Itinerary:
1. If you don't have anything in mind, use YouTube, first page of Google and Gemini (helps a lot)
2. Use Wanderlog to plan your itinerary properly. Works like a charm. 10/10 recommend.
LokiPen
Stealth
3 months ago
I believe here you will find answers of most of your questions:
https://framedventures.com/solo-travel-in-india/
@SDEXO @SatisfiedAuthor @wholesomebruh @NinjaHatori please DM or share ID’s. We are 3 now
I usually travel alone as it avoids cancellation due to friends. I use any travel agency they charge 20-30% premium but no headache on us to plan or avoid any travel issue
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