One of the greatest activities one can engage in one’s lifetime is to explore the World. Exploring the World exposes one to nature, newer friends, and experiences. This can either be done together with loved ones or alone.
It is great to travel in groups as you won’t be lonely. However, traveling alone without feeling lonely is also very possible. It only becomes impossible if you have never done it and don’t know how to do it.
Who do you tell your tales after the long day? What would you be doing before your meal arrives in a restaurant? Understanding how one feels during these situations can detach the idea of traveling alone in the mind of any traveler.
Nevertheless, you should not follow the crowd of people fearing being alone while traveling. To be candid, traveling alone requires you to be adequately prepared. One of the key things to do is get your ESTA done on time especially if your destination is the United States.
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an automated system by the American government that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to their country under the Visa Waiver Program. As at December 2018 is was made compulsory for all travelers to get one 72hrs before embarking on the journey and failure to do so means you’ll be denied check-in.
You can research more on ESTA before embarking on your journey to the USA. This will, in turn, increase your confidence level and capability.
There are numerous activities you can engage in that will even make your tour more memorable. The following 6 tips will guide you on traveling alone, yet not feeling lonely:
- You Have To Travel Rather Than Tour
This is a sure bet to ensure you don’t feel lonely while traveling alone. Before traveling, you should endeavor to know more about the citizen of your preferred country or city. This will enable you to blend in a little.
You should not rather be someone with a camera hanging on the neck and holding multiple maps. This spells you as a tourist. Dress like them and even try to speak their language. They might later find out that you are not part of them. But, at least they will know you are someone ready to explore the World and make new experiences.
- Make Local Spots Your Second Home
Finding a local spot like bars, restaurants, etc. close to your hotel will assist you in knowing more about the people. You can even find a stranger with whom you can start a conversation. However, you should always look out for places that are not meant for tourists. Remember you are traveling alone and so you are a traveler and not a tourist.
You can even make these local spots your second home. Get familiarized with the usual customers and you will always have someone to tell your tales at the end of the day. You can even meet people who speak your language and that’s a double win for you.
- Communicate Properly
Communication is key to any relationship. You have to clearly communicate to your chosen local in order to enjoy your travel. You don’t want to talk quickly or in a thick accent or in slang, thereby scaring away your new friend. You will not be taken seriously.
You should also know that since you are a stranger in their locality, you have to exercise patience when having a conversation with them. Be a listener so you will understand what lies in their hearts. In fact, having a humble and reasonable conversation with the citizens can even strengthen your budding relationship.
- Make Books Your Second Friends
Books are a great way of suppressing the feeling of loneliness. When traveling alone, you can get yourself a book you have always wanted to read or about your destination. This will widen your knowledge about the subject matter. Additionally, you can become more creative and come along with a travel journal, for instance. You can write about your experiences or even draw your surroundings.
- Be A Lover Of Your Own Company
You don’t have to always be with people while traveling alone. You should also learn to enjoy your own company. This will enable you to meditate on the next thing to do, how to do it and when to do it. Additionally, you will not be disturbed by unnecessary conversation while alone.
- Work In Group
Yes, you are traveling alone. However, this doesn’t mean you have to shun everybody at all times. Look around and try to participate in group activities like walking tours, volunteer programs, language classes, sporting activities, etc. Even organizing a poker game is an option. Players are now playing 888 poker on mobile. This will increase your socializing power and makes you not feel lonely.
Traveling alone is a great way to increase one’s experience and meet new people. It, however, becomes awkward when the right actions are not being taken at the right time. You should always check out the country’s Traveler Checklist before going. You can access that of the United States.
Follow the above-mentioned tips in your next solo travel and you will never feel alone.