Traveling alone not only gives you a unique perspective on your goals, but also allows you to have a lot of freedom from any aspect. Here are five great ways to see the world as a single traveler.
Five ways to see the world as a single traveler
1. Live Like a Local
Big cities are one of the top places to visit when traveling, because it’s easy to immerse yourself in culture and blend seamlessly into everyday life. One of the best ways to start planning a vacation in the city is to find an apartment rental that suits your needs. There are several things to consider, including location (safe environment), proximity to shops and restaurants, type of kitchen, and price.
Apartments are usually cheaper than hotel rooms per night, and also allow you to experience city life firsthand. Plus, you can also save by shopping locally and cooking food in your flat. Most convention bureaus and city visitors offer advice on how to familiarize yourself with your environment, and some even offer discounts for major tourist attractions.
2. Traveling by Car
Land travel is about traveling as a primary destination, and traveling by car gives you the highest freedom, especially when driving alone. You have to decide where you go with every turn and the open road. When planning a trip alone, make sure your vehicle is in top condition, check the price of gasoline that suits your budget, pack additional supplies and first aid kit in case of an emergency, and identify the road you are going to take.
The next step is lodging. For those who want to be spontaneous, you can usually find motel chains along the road that offer specials for same-day arrivals. If you prefer to have a set schedule.
3. Return to Nature
If big cities, heavy traffic, and large crowds make you cringe, then it’s time to take a trip to nature. Maybe there is no better place to find peace and tranquility than in the open wilderness. However, outdoor vacations require a little more planning and safety precautions, especially when traveling alone.
First decide if you want to spend the night in a hotel or camping. Sleeping under the stars may be cheaper (most campsites are reasonably priced), but a hotel offers comfort and safety. This decision can help narrow down where you want to go, such as a National Park or a mountainous area. If you choose the first, be sure to budget the price of the entrance ticket.
There are some safety precautions that must also be considered when traveling to the wild. Research your destinations in advance, including weather, hiking trails, possible campsites, wildlife and terrain. Bring a map at any time. Plus, show some people around where you will be. Pack according to where you will stay, how long you will be gone, and the type of weather you might encounter.
4. Learn something new
If you are traveling to advance your knowledge of culture and destinations, then a vacation built by learning something new may be very suitable for you. With so many different things to experience in this world, it is worth to spend several days or even hours to get hands-on training in special cooking or craft techniques.
Some providers offer packages built around all types of classes, including culinary, cultural, historical and adventure. For example, International Kitchen offers one-day classes and tours, as well as whole holidays based on cooking in several different countries. Classes vary in price depending on duration and training, but can be very expensive too, because most offer one-on-one lessons with professional chefs.
To learn about topics other than food, Smithsonian Journeys offers classes, tours, and vacations in various subjects, including politics, history, sports, and wildlife. Vacation packages are available for educational trips, and most include lodging, meals, training and tours. However, you will most likely have to buy plane and transportation tickets separately. If you visit a large city, you might be able to save money by checking local schools for recreational classes or adult education.
5. Take a Walking Tour
One of the more affordable modes of transportation is to use your own feet, and walking is one of the best ways to learn about destinations. In addition, many cities offer a variety of tours, both independent and guided by a variety of subjects, including history, ghost stories, food and drink, shopping, and sightseeing.
Start planning by visiting the convention website and the visitor bureau, which usually offers maps, guides, free travel plans, and advice for walking tours. The visitor center is also a great place to stop in person to get tips on where to go to find the type of tour that interests you. Many communities provide free guided tours to visitors who are acquainted with the city’s past, so check their offers as well.
The number of walking tours in destinations such as New York City is enormous, and you will run fast if you try to continue even a quarter of them. However, this fierce competition means lower prices and more subject choices. For example, you can take Union Square 90 minutes: Crossroads of New York walking tour and Manhattan Melting Pot Eating Tour for three and a half hours for $ 40, all on the same day.