Traveling alone for the first time can be both exciting and scary. It’s a new experience, but with the tips in this blog post, you’ll be able to enjoy your trip while also feeling safe by taking actionable steps to prepare for any possible situation.
1. Get a good backpack and sturdy luggage. You’ll want to make sure you have enough space in your pack to hold souvenirs if you plan on buying any on the trip. A backpack is recommended over wheeled luggage because wheeled luggage can be more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
2. Have a notepad and pen with you at all times. It may seem like an unimportant thing, but having something on hand to write down important information or numbers can be very useful during your trip. Local emergency contact numbers, hotel location info, and even restaurant locations can come in handy later when you’re wandering around a new city.
3. Download offline maps before you go. This way, if you lose access to an internet connection, you’ll still be able to use your map apps to figure out where you are and where you need to go. In addition, this is a good idea for saving battery life on your phone or tablet.
4. If you’re traveling to a country where English is not the primary language, download offline dictionary apps and/or translators to ensure you can communicate with locals should the need arise. Doctors, pharmacies, restaurants and other places that serve customers may not speak your native tongue – so be prepared!
5. Make photocopies of important documents. This way, if something were to happen to your primary set of travel documents (i.e. you lose them), at least you would have a backup in case you need to make an emergency escape or seek help from authorities in another country.
