5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Traveling alone

Traveling alone is a very rewarding decision that everyone should have the opportunity to experience. No matter if it is international or domestics.

Traveling has many benefits to our psychological being, this is where we learn who we are and educate ourselves on things we might not experience in any other hobby.

“Traveling alone will be the scariest, most liberating, life changing experience of your life. Try it at least once!”

5 questions to ask yourself before traveling alone

During school break, or just brain storming on using our vacation hours at work, don't waste it sitting on the couch binge watching Netflix. Utilize this time to self liberate and experience something you never would expect. When will be the next time you will have this opportunity?

I chose top 5 questions I asked myself before hopping on the plane, and flying to a destination of my choice.

Question #1

"Where can my budget take me?"

A budget can be a limiting factor in where you can go. If you have not traveled before, then you should start domestic. International traveling can raise your budget dramatically fast. Rather, don't let this detour you from internationally traveling alone. Sometimes you can find an international plane ticket for a very cheap price. Traveling during off peak season would be a money saver for budget travelers.

Question #2

"Do I have enough time to visit intonational countries?"

If you have least than 2 weeks to travel, I would not suggest traveling on a long flight across the world. You have to take in account the time you will lose adjusting to the time zone and to sleeping. Typically, You will have to take off about 1-3 days of your travel to account for time lost during your flight. If you want to visit Japan, it will take roughly 15-24 hours of just flight time one way, they are also ahead 12 hours depending on your location in the United States. When you reach your destination, you can either power though, or take a nap/sleep depending of time of arrival.

Question #3

"What do I want to experience or visit?"

Traveling alone could become a challenge with planning what you want to do. Sometimes this can actually be a good thing, because you can see everything you want without taking in account your travel partner. Do quite a bit of research of the destination you want to visit, and plan the location you want to stay in. This will save you a lot of time in transit, to and from the location. Especially in Tokyo, where the city is quite large and proper planning is required.

Question #4

"How safe is the location of Choice?"

Some of us take safety for granted, which is very important to make sure we can survive during a time of danger. There will always be danger not matter where you go and nothing is 100% safe. Rather, traveling alone could come with danger if caught in a situation that you are in a pickle with no one to help. Be mindful of your location of choice and do research of the crime rate, safety, food, animals, and diseases.

Question #5

"What is the common culture in the location of choice?"

One thing you don't want to do, is end up in a country and don't know how to communication with the locals. This can be dangerous if you need help, and no one speaks English. Learn a couple phrases or words that could possibly help you on your journey. Being culturally sensitive or understand would help you not stick out like a sore thumb in international countries. Just be mindful of your surrounds and take everything in that will enlighten your education.

These are just a few questioned I asked my self before I started traveling alone. Some of these can be used for domestic travel as well as international. We all have only one life, so use it to the fullest.