1. Explore With Confidence
If you’re strolling around with confidence, you’ll look approachable to the right people, while ensuring you don’t look like an easy target to the wrong people. If you’re lost, don’t panic. Instead, fake it until you make and wait before you’re in a safe place before taking out your map or asking for directions.
2. Smile
Even if you can’t speak the local lingo, a smile will go a long way. Simply smiling at locals or fellow travelers alike can lead to a friendly encounter or even a friend for life. Don’t be afraid to mingle as long as you’re sensible.
3. Lose The Unnecessary Baggage
Trust us; you don’t need four pairs of shoes and six different dresses. As well as traveling light, you should keep valuables in a safe place. If you need to head out with flashy gadgets, keep them concealed and be vigilant.
4. Stay In Touch With Home
Before heading off solo, share your itinerary with someone at home and stay in regular contact. This way, someone always knows where you are.
5. Always Have A Plan B
When you’re traveling to a foreign country, things don’t always go to plan. Whether a bus gets canceled, your phone dies, or your luggage gets lost, it pays to plan. Be savvy with your belongings, use old fashion pen and paper, and carry an emergency stash on you at all times.
6. Plan Ahead
Before heading out, take a minute to check schedules, routes, and maps. Nothing screams lost tourist more than someone that has no idea where they’re going. If you have an idea of where you’re going, the journey will be more enjoyable.
7. Book In Advance
Sure, sometimes you don’t want to stick to a rigid plan. However, for flights, hotels, and tours that are likely to sell out, you should book in advance. For example, if you’re on a remote island with just one boat a day, you’ll want to ensure you secure a ticket nice and early
8. Explore
If you’ve arrived at your destination and you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember you’re there to explore. Avoid heading to the same bar or restaurant day in day out; take a step into the unknown!
9. Relax
It can be somewhat stressful when you find yourself in a brand new place so, while you’ll want to see all of the sights and get from A to B safely, you should also relax; you’ll need it.
10. Blend In
If you prefer to immerse yourself into the local culture, try to blend in. Dress like a local, learn, and listen. It will be a trip to remember.
