My first solo trip was to Patagonia in Argentina. There is no better region on earth to travel alone as a female traveler. However, there are some things I wish I had known before departing on my own:
1. The Lonely Planet Cliché
Apart from all the great tips, you can use the Lonely Planet for different things: while having dinner alone, a flight delay, or if you need company! You can basically read and use it everywhere!
2. To have a Sim Card or not? That is the question
The fastest answer: do NOT get a sim card! What's the point of being online 24/7?
Send your messages in the morning when you leave the hostel and use YOUR day to explore everything around you and, most importantly, how YOU feel about what you are experiencing.
I think I enjoyed my time alone because I was not alone. I was the whole time connected 24/7 with the only person I needed to be connected with, myself.
Get lost, ask people for directions, forget google maps, force yourself to talk to people! And most importantly, you are on holiday, give your brain a break!
3. Define what type of traveler you are
Before choosing a destination, instead of looking at Influencer´s Instagram or Blogs, really ask yourself: What type of person am I? Which activities or things make me the happiest?
Is it shopping? Mountains? The beach? Cold weather? Snowball fights? Scuba diving? Surfing? Reading? Eating? Drinking? Dogs? Tacos?
I am happy when I think to myself: "Is this even real? do these places actually exist? Somebody pinch me! This planet earth is amazing! Beyond comparison!"
Find what you love the most, and then go explore!
4. Check your finances (and the economic situation of the country you will visit)
I went to Argentina. At least, until October 2019, all places accepted credit, debit cards, and American Express. A plus of Argentina is that with the economic crisis, even I, as a Mexican, felt rich there.
5. Get an adaptor!
No explanation needed
6. Don't leave home without a selfie stick (solo traveler's BFF)
7. Be cautious of your drink
Yes, that goes for alcoholic beverages but also non-alcoholic ones. I love trying new things, but in Argentina, I did not know Mate Tea can have some interesting ""I need to go to the Toilet ASAP"" effects on some people. So try everything but always with caution. You don't want to spend your holidays in the toilet! And if you end up in the bathroom for weeks, make sure you have international health insurance ALWAYS!
8. Clever packing
We girls like to pack unnecessary things. Travel light so you can buy more!
9. Earplugs
They will get you sleeping even if your neighbors are snoring.
10. L.C was so right!
Remember Lauren Conrad from Laguna Beach and her show The Hills? Well, she was right:
"Like everyone and trust no one".
There is no better advice when traveling alone. Be friendly to everyone but have common sense. Take care of yourself. No one else will. Enjoy but keep an eye out!
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