If you’ve never taken a solo trip before, our Newark Airport parking members highly recommend doing so. Solo travel can give you the opportunity to unwind, relax, and even learn more about yourself. Here are eight tips to help make your trip a great one:
Make Friends
While the idea of solo travel is to spend time by yourself, it’s never a bad idea to make some new friends. Strike up a conversation with a few locals, other solo travelers, or groups of friends. They may be able to give you good dining or attraction recommendations or simply offer some company if you’re feeling a little lonely.
Start Your Days Early
When you travel by yourself, doing late-night activities like bar hopping or hitting the clubs may not be the best idea, so do yourself a favor and start your days early. By packing in the fun during the day, you can avoid crowds at popular sights and save your evenings for unwinding and more “you” time.
Do Something Different
Is there something you’ve always wanted to do, but you know the rest of your group wouldn’t be interested in doing? Take the opportunity while you’re alone to tour an art museum, shop the boutiques, learn to surf, or partake in another activity. It can even be something you couldn’t do if you had brought your kids on vacation with you.
Do Your Research
Since it’s just you during your trip, you’ll likely be taking advantage of any available amenities. Because of this, it’s important to do your research. Choose a hotel, cruise line, Airbnb, and other travel elements that have positive rankings from fellow travelers. Try using websites like TripAdvisor or Yelp where you can read reviews and decide easily.
Tell Someone Your Itinerary
Before you go, make a list of your flight information, hotel information, and the places you’re planning to go to. Then, give it to a couple neighbors, friends, or family members so there are at least a few people who know where you are.
Be Aware of Single Supplements
Since it’s common to travel with at least one other companion, many tour operators, cruise lines, and hotels charge an extra fee for solo travelers. This fee can be anywhere from 25% – 100% of the reservation cost, which can put a damper on your plans. Before you book your trip, make sure you know if there’s a single supplement or not. If there is, try booking your trip through a company that offers roommate matching or a company that better accommodates single travelers.
Always Have a Book
Whether you’re relaxing on the beach, eating dinner at a nice restaurant, or grabbing a drink at a local brewery, it’s always a good idea to have a book on hand. This way, you can enjoy your alone time and not have to worry about chatting with people if chatting isn’t your thing.
Be Positive
If you’ve never traveled alone before, the idea of it can be daunting and there may be times where you feel more isolated than you want to be. That’s why it’s important to maintain a positive attitude during your trip. No matter what you do or where you go, have confidence and embrace your freedom. You’ll be sure to have a great time.
