I truly believe that travel is a highlight of living in this world. Being able to see the world, learn about different cultures, try new foods and just lavish in the beauty that is God’s creation is the epitome of living a life well crafted. While I’ve been out of the country a couple of times, I hope to be able to do more international travel in the years coming up. One of the furthest places I’ve gone solo was Bali and yes it is everything that the pictures show. It was a feast of beauty and I was there to take in all of it. If it were a hop, skip and a jump away I would go annually, unfortunately for me, it’s a 24-hour plane ride! Here are five things that I did for that trip and any other when I’m traveling solo.
PLAN OUT MY ADVENTURES
I do this especially if I’m going out of the country and it’s not a cruise. I’ll make sure I know all the hot spots, best places to eat and even book excursions prior to arrival. You can book excursions through websites like Trip Advisor and get a review on them as well, directly through the website or via Facebook. If you go directly to the person doing the tour (say on social media) it sometimes turns out to be cheaper, but then you don’t always have the assurance that the person is going to show if there is not company backing them. I did a lot of my excursion and tour planning through Facebook, WhatsApp and TripAdvisor if you want to know more about what I do prior to travel out of the country read here. If I’m traveling solo within my country I’ll usually look at sites like Ticketmaster that sell tickets to large events or even the city event website prior to arriving.
KEEP PEOPLE INFORMED
Even though I’m traveling alone, I keep at least one person up to date on my whereabouts. this includes forwarding them my flight and hotel itinerary. I also make sure to share my Uber or Lyft rides with someone as well. It’s better to be safe than sorry
MEET OTHER SOLO TRAVELERS
The best part about traveling solo to Bali was getting to meet new people from all over the world! I met people from Australia, London, and the US. You may not want to take the routes I did but it’s always exciting to meet new people. I met a woman, Nam, via Facebook and we are still friends on the app until this day. She was also a solo traveler and we met on a group for people going to Bali. She wound up being an awesome photographer and I helped save her from a monkey (long story lol). But we agreed prior to traveling that we would split a day tour once we got arrived. I already had the majority of the tour planned (also through Facebook) and she just came along for the ride. Now when I visit Vietnam I know someone that can show me around!
BOOK WITH A TRAVEL AGENT
When I travel domestically, I usually make all my plans myself. But I like booking through a travel agent or travel group for long-distance trips, it’s just easier. Bali was no different and I booked through a woman that specialized in solo travel. There were also other women that booked the trip through her and we were able to meet each other and have a couple of dinners together. I’m glad that while the trip started off as a solo trip it didn’t end that way!
RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH
I researched every part of Bali that I was going to prior to my arrival! I knew all about Bali Belly (if you don’t know what that is read here) and how to prevent it, I knew about the shops and culture. I would definitely take the time to research for an hour or two about your location and things to do even if you are going through a travel agent. Once you touch down you will regret now planning out your trip if you’re anything like me.
Where is your next big vacation?
Happy Travels!
Just an FYI: this post does contain affiliate adds 🙂
Court
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