In a few weeks, I will take my first international trip alone. Gulp! Christopher and I will fly to London where he will take a train on to Birmingham, England, for a business trip. I will stay behind for three glorious days of sightseeing and diving into the culture of The Old Smoke.
I’ve taken trips alone before in the U.S., but this is a whole new ballgame. I wanted to start out safe, so I’ve chosen London for my first solo international trip due to (primarily) the language, similarities to American culture, ease of public transportation and world-famous sights. This is also my first trip to England (countless hours of layovers at Heathrow International Airport not included), and my first time staying by myself in a hostel. I’m a bit nervous, but more than anything, I’m really excited to tackle some more firsts.
Solo traveling like a pro
In preparation for the big trip, I’ve been reading up on blog posts and articles about solo traveling. Sites such as Oneika the Traveller and Solo Traveler have provided some great information. Here are some tips for solo traveling I’ve gleaned.
1. Know your surroundings
Safety is always a top-of-mind issue when traveling alone. I won’t have Christopher to watch my back, ward off unwelcome attention or follow aimlessly. I’m going to have to put on what I call my “city face” and know what’s going on around me. There will be no mindless strolling as I will need to keep an eye out for myself.
2. Be prepared
I’ve been working on an itenarery for the past few weeks and researching the layout of London. I’m looking forward to visiting Buckingham Palace, The Eye, Westminster Abbey and other great locations. I will gather public transporation maps and other tourist information brochures when I arrive. Having a plan in place will not only keep me busy but it will also keep the loneliness at bay and help me look like I know what I’m doing.
3. Be open to meeting new people
I know up until now, it sounds like I’ve been completely warning against speaking to strangers. Absolutely not! I look forward to meeting other solo travelers and new people. I also believe it will be a different dynamic as Christopher won’t be with me to lean on in the conversation, so it will all be up to me to engage. Of course, I will be smart about it and enact some of the basic safety rules I learned as a child, but I don’t want to be scared of an opportunity to meet some interesting folks.
4. Take a book to meals
Though I’ve never felt too uncomfortable eating alone, I also don’t want to stare into space too much. Taking a book to meals can help avoid unwanted attention, signal to other solo travelers you’re also on a trip alone, and make great conversation starters. I’ll be reading Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman.
5. Embrace the solo
As solo traveling builds confidence and decisiveness, I’m looking forward to learning more about myself through this trip. How will I do without a partner to share decisions with? Will I enjoy being alone or do I need constant company? Good or bad, this experience will teach me a lot about traveling and myself.
Do you have any tips for solo traveling or what I should see in London?
-Monica