Solo Travelling: Benefits, Recommendations and Tips
Solo travelling has really found favour among people off late. With proper safety precautions, solo travelling can be extremely enlightening, educating and entertaining. Countries like India in Asia are particularly popular as solo holiday destination. Date : Thursday, January 13, 2011
For all of those who like to travel alone, holidays are more than just vacations. For them it is a journey of liberation, fulfilment and self-indulgence. It is about getting acquainted with new surroundings unadulterated by the preferences, tastes and biasness of a travelling companion. Solo travelling gives you a chance to completely indulge yourself – be it meeting new people or learning new cultures!
Benefits of Solo Travel
Going on a solo trip enables the travellers to leave their lives behind – business, family and friends. The thought may be scary for some but it is this very aspect of single travel that makes them so interesting. There is no familiarity around you as go deeper and deeper into a journey that is surely going to introduce yourself to you! These kinds of solo excursions really help people in connecting with their inner selves. Another benefit of solo holidaying is the confidence you gain and the inhibitions you loose. Travellers become more adept at dealing with different people across different cultures as conversing with locals become more of a necessity rather than a whim! Backpackers on solo holidays also have the liberty to do whatever they desire. Go on a biking trip, explore jungles, take up fashion designing, research religions or do anything you have always wanted to do!
Asia as a Top Choice for Solo Holidays
With its incredible diversity, Asia is one the regions that appeals highly to the solo travellers. Be it ultra luxurious hotels, dense green forests, majestically imposing mountains or places of religious or spiritual enlightenment – Asia scores every time and everywhere with solo tourists. Little wonder that cheap tickets on flights to different Asian destinations sell like hot cakes.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is truly a fun place for globe trotters. Unlimited fun, everlasting parties and incredible locals welcome those who set a foot on the mesmerising Bali beaches. Beautifully-designed temples, monkey jungles and yoga retreats are other attractions that charm solo tourists.
Bangkok, Thailand
With all its glitter and shimmer, Bangkok is an exciting avenue for individuals. Tourists from almost every part of the world can be traced here having a good time. Bangkok is the place to make friends, the place to get pampered and the place to enjoy life!
Rishikesh, India
The incredible popularity for flights to India is a testament of the fact that the country is one of the biggest attractions in Asia and for solo travellers who seek some introspection Rishikesh is perhaps the ideal city. Great religious fervour defines the existence of the place. Highly popular among European tourists, Rishikesh enchants many with its daily Vedic hymns, innumerable oil lamps and loud clinking bells. A myriad of ashrams long-favoured by solo tourists are lined near the Ganges River in this Himalayan retreat.
Dharamsala, India
Another destination that makes cheap flights to India popular among solo travellers is Dharamsala. The city is home to the Dalai Lama, Yoga training centres, Reiki and Buddhist studies. Travellers who are all alone can visit the place to experience some peace of mind and soul.
Solo Safety Travelling Tips
Safety is and should be the primary concern of solo travellers in Asia. Without anyone to watch your back, you are more susceptible to tricksters, criminals as well as health issues. However, basic precautions and some logical thinking will go a long way in ensuring your safety and health.
- One of the foremost things that a traveller can do to ensure his/her safety on holidays in Asia is to leave a copy of the travel itinerary with family or friend. Information about airlines, flight timings, hotels and other relevant and related things can also be included. It is also not a bad idea to regularly call up your family so they are assured of your well-being and safety in the foreign land.
- While on holidays in Asia, it is very important for you to have all your documents and necessary paperwork. Single travellers are also recommended to get copies of passports, tickets, visas, and every other vital document.
- It is advisable to not to carry a lot of valuables with you. It is certainly not a good idea to wear flashy jewellery and flaunt expensive items. This could be an open invitation to criminals in still largely underdeveloped Asian countries. Solo travellers are also advised to not to carry too much cash with them. Use travellers’ check or credit cards.
- When you are all alone it becomes highly imperative for you to take utmost care of your health. Eat at places that maintain high standards of hygiene and cleanliness. Do not eat at restaurants where no one else is having food. Solo travellers must also avoid street food in areas like Delhi, India.
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