Tips for the Solo Traveler
When it comes to traveling, sometimes taking a journey alone can be great. Traveling solo allows for a time of introspection (内省), relaxation and self-discovery, when you can take the time to soak in the finer things the world has to offer. The independence gained by going alone allows for the opportunity to experience your choice destination exactly the way you want.
Planning Your Trip
(1) Where to stay
So you’ve finally decided to take advantage of some well-earned vacation time and visit Prague, the city of your dreams. Because you’ll be all by yourself, the planning of your trip is automatically different. One of the first questions worth addressing is how you’re going to spend your time in the beautiful Czech Republic capital. Are you going on a shoestring (用钱极少的) budget, or would you rather go all-out and book a room in a fancy hotel
Because traveling alone means your money is funding the trip, a wise choice would be to stay in youth hostels. Cast away the misconception that these places are unaccommodating and dirty, and accept the fact that hostels provide safe, clean, comfortable, and most importantly, cheap housing that millions of students and thrifty travelers take advantage of every year. It is relatively easy to book a room at a hostel via the Internet, and plenty of information is available about each one. On the other hand, if you can’t wait to take advantage of room service and a nice bath tub, opt for a hotel.
(2) Have a plan
Along with securing your accommodations, prepare an itinerary (行程表) for each day before you leave. This plan should include everything from visiting ’all the famous landmarks to some relaxation time, which is essential since you’ll likely be walking for miles in your comfortable shoes(invest in a good pair, it will pay off).
As great as organization is, however, you may. at times, not be able to follow your plan to leave room for some spontaneity (自发性) on your trip. Herein lies the beauty of traveling alone: You are your own , and while preparation is key, there is always room for a change.
Important Info Prior to Takeoff
One of the hardest parts of traveling in general is coming up with a list of what you’ll need to bring with you (or leave behind). Thinking of these all-important items becomes all the more difficult (and necessary) when you have no one else to rely on.
(1) Carry a dictionary
If you’re heading for a foreign country, don’t leave home without a bilingual (双语的) dictionary. Although a strong grasp of Czech will prove quite difficult, it is still important to learn phrases like "thank you", "hello", "please" and "I don’t know she charged money for her time", in case you’re in a disadvantageous situation.
(2) Make copies of documents
Make a copy of all essential travel documents such as your passport and health insurance to leave behind with someone you trust, in the of an emergency.
(3) Bring a credit card
Along with cash, bring a credit card as an emergency method of payment and make sure to take note of your credit card company’s customer service line in case of loss or theft. That way, you can cancel your card immediately and have a new one delivered to you while on your trip (if possible).
(4) Pack pleasure items
A book to enjoy on a train ride or on the beach, a journal to record your experiences, and maps to educate yourself on the layout of the land (you can get these from a tourism bureau), can make a world of a difference.
With these things in mind and a positive mindset, you are now officially ready to set out on your own.
Enjoy the Trip
(1) Finally There
You’ve taken the big step, said goodbye to family and friends, endured a long plane ride, and are finally in the place you dreamed of visiting.., until now. You might be quite overwhelmed by our new surroundings, but there are ways to control these feelings of over-stimulation.
Instead of being an outsider looking in, try to transform yourself into a relaxed traveler who is not deterred by minor setbacks, such as long lines at the train station or delays in visiting hours of certain landmarks. If you planned accordingly, then you can afford to "waste" time at the busy tourist hotspots. Besides, you’re on vacation, and have nowhere to be!
Another benefit of traveling alone is the ability to explore museums and engage in other time-consuming activities. There is no pressure to rush through exhibits or cut the visit short; pace yourself and take in the pieces, whether you’re an art lover or just an admirer.
(2) Getting around
Make an effort to walk everywhere--within reason, of course. This will help you get in touch with the area (so to speak) and observe the locals in their element. Using your legs also allows you to find attractively old-fashioned shops and cafes more easily than if you were on some splendid tour bus. Your goal should be to blend in, something a planned (and perhaps overpriced) tour won’t likely offer. Wear loose, light clothing because the more comfortable you feel, the more willing you will be to stay out an extra hour to explore a section you might have overlooked.
Remain enthusiastic, relaxed and prepared, and the stories you will have to share upon your return will be priceless.
Extra Tips:
Bring along a camera with lots of films.
Leave your itinerary with someone at home, along with the numbers of each place you’re staying at. It’s okay if your plans are not so detailed, but if there is a big change in your plans, you might want to email the new information to your "in case of emergency" person back home.
Stay safe and keep an eye out when it comes to money or your belongings; you don’t have a companion to catch the pickpocket creeping up from behind.
While "carpe diem (及时行乐)" is important, so is safety. Be carefree, but don’t throw caution to the wind.
Invest a good pair of shoes and make sure the shoes are______.