People seem split up into two groups: those who just can’t wait to explore new places with longtime friends, who serve as a much-needed recharge from the 9 to 5 grind, and those who like to experiment with the nomadic lifestyle, working seasonal/rotational jobs. I don’t fit in anywhere. No trip is the same as any other, but I generally err on the more cautious side, even it means missing out on a few experiences along the way. You know those moments when someone says “There’s a good viewpoint 10 minutes from here.” I mean, you can’t even tell if it’s legit.
Everyone’s circumstances are different, so only you can figure out the right configuration for your life; you might have tons of questions, but it’ll become clear-cut when you start experimenting. Yes, it’s possible to travel without technology. But of course it’s more difficult – and why would you? – because there are many problems besides the unseen. I want to share my tips in hopes that it’ll help you (and others) avoid frustration, so don’t get carried away with the planning process to the point you can’t get anything done.
Have Spares Of All The Cables, Chargers, Etc. You Need To Stay Connected
Oh sure, people bring more than they need, but sometimes it really comes in handy, especially if you find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere, with no charging station in sight. There’s always the option of asking someone if they have some gear to spare, but I wouldn’t count on it. USB cables and chargers are rather small items to haul when you need a pinch, and you can leave them on your hotel room nightstand (or stash them in your luggage while you’re out during the day). When you put together your inventory, get a data blocker to prevent juice jacking.
Use An eSIM If You Don’t Want To Get Ripped Off By Exorbitant Roaming Fees
During your solo adventures, you’ll meet truly amazing people, and some of them even become real friends you remain in contact with. But don’t forget about the people back home, who are curious to know how it was because those Facebook photos you posted refuse to tell the whole story. In a week-long trip to Berlin, you can rack up over $300 in data charges. Your mobile contract doesn’t offer a good package on data roaming anyway, so think seriously about switching to a Holafly Europe eSIM, which lets you use WhatsApp (and other apps) to make calls.
Try as you might, you can’t log off completely while you’re far away, so ask your team to send you only urgent messages to take the sting out of your return. 5GB ought to be enough to make the most of your week-long vacation. However, if someone FaceTime calls you, you can say goodbye to your data allowance, so don’t head out on your next trip with endless data. Holafly doesn’t have any limit on hotspot, which is good for working online because you can tether your data to another device like a tablet in places with no Wi-Fi.
Make Sure No One Invades Your Personal Space With Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Sometimes you find yourself in incredible situations that make you say “WTF?”, but don’t let shame drag you down because you’re definitely not alone in this. So what if you step inside the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba at 10:20 AM wearing shorts and a sleeveless shirt, wondering around the building with people looking at you confused? Take a moment to laugh. Once you’ve learned your lesson, you can head back to your hotel and just relax for the rest of the day… you’ve earned it. My non-negotiable is a pair of over-the-ear headphones because I don’t want to be aware of my surroundings.
You try to ignore it, but as you snack on your granola bar, but the people next door are playing their Spotify list at full blast, and two hours later, the tunes are still going. Noise-cancelling headphones are light enough to bring in your hand baggage and powerful enough to block out those pesky sounds. You’ll want low-frequency suppression that can help reduce air conditioning hum. I would dare to say ANC is a good choice because it uses numerous microphones, but I’m not the most knowledgeable person when it comes to headphones.
Bring A Self-Cleaning Water Bottle If You’re Heading Off Into The Wilderness
Doing the typical backpacker route through major cities is fun, especially for the romantic aspect, but chances are good you don’t find yourself getting inspired anymore. People keep doing the same old same old every day. Whenever you head into the wilderness, have a relatively small water bottle so you’re always hydrated – finding a natural source of fresh water isn’t that simple I’m afraid. As the name obviously suggests, a self-cleaning water bottle eliminates 99.9% of bio-contaminants at the touch of a button. The cap doesn’t leak even if you shove it upside-down in your backpack.
Have An USB Flash For Those Moments When You Need To Quickly Transfer Files
If you applied for an electronic visa, you can get a copy directly from the government portal where you applied; it’ll be sent directly to your email address. Police officers have the right to ask for your travel documents, which is why it makes perfect sense to have your visa printed when you arrive at a new destination. Time really is limited. If you didn’t do this, the only thing left now is to go to a local copy shop; don’t use your personal USB because the computer could be infected with a virus or something.
Wrapping It Up
Solo traveling isn’t always easy – but that’s what makes it so worth doing – and if you’ll regret anything, that would be you weren’t able to enjoy it, not that you went at all. The right kit can make a huge difference, so don’t skimp on gear.
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