Solo traveling for the first time
Sometimes, the people we usually travel with can't come with us and that's okay. Life gets in the way and we need to know how to manage traveling alone for the first time. It may seem uncomfortable or boring, but I gurantee you it's nothing like that.
Below you can find tips on activities for solo travelers, my own experiece and how to stay safe while traveling alone.
To be honest, my first time was filled with anxiety, but only at first. Anxiety turned to excitement really quick. I was anxious about the flight (I don't know why, as I flew many times before) and about what to do once I get there BUT I knew I was going to love this vacation.
I bought a 10€ two-way ticket from Bucharest to Genova in December 2021 from Wizz Air without even thinking. I didn't buy my seat and I left with just a backpack. I stayed in an apartment for 3 nights. The first day was lost as I arrived pretty late. The second day I traveled through the city, I went on a local's route to see their market and the surroundings as if I lived there my whole life. I visited a few museums, I drank a cappuccino and I admired the beauty that this city holds. On my third day things got interesting as I hopped on the train and went to Camogli (where the photo was taken), Recco and Genova Nervi. (I'll write a guide about Genova). I talked to stragers, relaxed on the beach (even though it was mid-december, I had a light tan), had breakfast and ate anything I wouldn't find back home. On my last day I had a flight back home at 8 AM, so I had to leave my apartment at 5 AM. Even though it was dark and walked around 15 minutes to get the Volabus to the airport, everything turned out to be quite alright. I was scared of being a foreigner in another country, even though I speak a little bit of italian. It's one thing to feel unsafe in your own country, speakig your language, but it is even more dangerous to be in a foreign country and people noticing that you are not from there.
What do I recommend for people to stay safe?
1. ALWAYS plan your route ahead of time, and never stray from the most popular ones.
That small alley that you heard is a shortcut? If people are using it, that's totally fine! But if you would be alone, try to see if it's really worth it. Usually shortcuts that are useful are densely populated.
2. If you are alone late at night or have to leave really early in the morning, I recommend trying to talk on the phone with someone.
It's less likely that someone will try anything if you are busy talking on the phone. Tested and approved.
3. Check reviews about the place you want to stay at before booking.
Even though that price may be tempting you to book, try to do some research. Is it in a nice neighbourhood? Did people have a good time there? Did any incidents occur? etc. People's opinion matters more than the price. Bonus: if there aren't any reviews, it's better not to go there. I know, support small businesses, but not when you are alone.
4. Never let your phone die.
I know that seems like common sense, but a lot of people simply forget to charge their phones. Carry an external battery with you just in case.
5. As a back-up, a paper map is useful.
Old-school style will never be old enough to not use a paper map while traveling. Just in case you can't respect no. 4 or something else happens. Plus, you'll look cool.
6. Never let your personal stuff unattended.
I saw a lot of tourists doing this mistake. Thieves are everywhere, and they developed such a skill that you can't even feel a thing if they are stealing from your pocket.
7. Always know the country's unique emergency number.
I know these tips may seem exaggerated but I learned the hard way that it's better to be safe than sorry, even though that means to be extra careful. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy your trip to the maximum. Just try to not be paranoid and simply admire the beautiful things around you, while paying attention to your surroundings.
Tips on what to do alone:
- treat yourself to a nice cafe or restaurant
- take the train to somewhere you consider a nice place close to the city (or further, you decide).
- attend a live concert. There are so many street artists, you won't even know where to go first!
- visit some museums. Theme? Whatever interests you or is your passion: aquatic, about aviation, trains, space, history, art. And the list goes on.
- if you went to the mountain, go hiking. It's such a nice activity. You can join a group, too!
- go to a social gathering and make friends. It's nothing more nice than to find other solo travelers and share experiences and cultures.
- go clubbing!
- try the country's most popular foods and recipes.
- join a walking tour
Whatever you choose to do, I wish you'll love your time there!
I hope you enjoyed this article and sometime in the future I'll do a follow up on safety tips and activities for solo travelers. Until then, have fun and enjoy the flight! ✈️
