Travelling on your own part 2

• Introduction
• Budget Travel Basics
  • Budget Travel Basics Part 2
  • Budget Travel Basics Part 3
• Accomodation
• Budget Destinations
  • Budget Destinations Part 2
  • Budget Destinations Part 3
• Party Hotspots
• Low Cost Tips
  • Low Cost Tips Part 2
  • Low Cost Tips Part 3
• Travelling Light
  • Travelling Light Part 2
  • Travelling Light Part 3
• Travelling Alone
  • Travelling Alone Part 2
  • Travelling Alone Part 3
• Group Travel
• Gap Year
  • Gap Year Part 2
• Volunteering
• Spring or summer break
• What to do
• Conclusion
• Expert Advice
  • Expert Advice Part 2
  • Expert Advice Part 3
  • Expert Advice Part 4
  • Expert Advice Part 5
  • Expert Advice Part 6
  • Expert Advice Part 7

Travel Rants editor, Darren Cronian writes about his travels with a wealth of knowledge. Winning best consumer blog in the Travoloution Awards, his controversial words are that to be listened to and duly noted. He knows all about the potential dangers when travelling alone, noting that preparation is the best medicine to avoid anything happening: "Being prepared and aware of these dangers can make your holiday much more pleasant and more importantly, safe."

Of course travelling alone can make you more likely to be hit by the many thieves around the world. Darren suggests: "When putting your bag down on the floor to take a photo or sitting in a caf�, remember to put your foot through the strap. Not only will it be impossible to snatch, you also won't forget it, criminals are always on the lookout for tourists who are distracted.

Beware of groups of people crowding around you, it could be that a group of criminals are trying to pock picket you or other tourists around you. Stay clear of crowds or make sure you are aware of the people around you."

Kirsty Wilson of Travel tips plus shares with us some of her tips regarding female travels: "As a young women who'd just finished three years of University, my desire was to travel. In less than 12 months, I put a plan in place to get myself overseas. Here are 7 budget tips to do the same":

• 1. Work a few extra hours wherever you can. That may mean taking a second part-time job and working after hours or on weekends.
• 2. Ensure you attract minimal fees with your banking institution.
• 3. Excess savings should be in an account earning higher interest.
• 4. Prior to purchasing items ask yourself "Do I really need this?". You'll be surprised how much you'll save by not spending on purchasing items you can do without.
• 5. If you must purchase those 'I can't live without' items, shop for the best value and this may not mean the 'cheapest'!
• 6. Try to survive without a credit card and if you can't, pay off the debt when it's due and avoiding heavy interest charges.
• 7. The best tip and most obvious tip - don't spend more than what you earn! You will 'never' get anywhere with your finances, let-alone that life experience of travelling abroad!

When traveling solo, the best thing you could possibly do is make yourself known to the hostel staff, leave them with phone numbers just in case of an emergency. You will also want to get to know your surrounding areas, where to go, where not to go etc. Respecting other cultures is key to travelers, this includes your dress sense, flashing the body may be all well and good when on vacation but traveling means that you have to ooze another persona. Bearing this in mind, confidence will do you wonders when exploring the world. Being shy is going to stand out a mile away compared to simply fitting in. Of course when going out, have fun by all means; however if you hardly know anyone, it may be worth your while avoiding getting drunk and to instead concentrate on having fun.

Some have suggesting that bringing home-comforts would be an idea for those who feel the loss of their family after the first day of being a grown up. It is okay to miss your loved ones; in fact we may be a little worried if you didn't. Writing letters home and keeping some keepsakes around you can help, whilst keeping yourself busy and speaking to others can keep your mind of your loved ones missing you back home.

A few quick tips for solo travels:

• Keep your family in the know about where you are going and what you are doing, not just for their interest but for your safety as well.
• Keep your valuables safe; don't go waving the newest cell phone in front of locals and likewise wearing your very expensive necklaces, rings and earrings could actually make you the prime target for thieves and robbers. Do not carry large amounts of money, keep it all split it up.
• Always be aware. Unfortunately there are people in the world who wouldn't think twice about robbing, hurting you or worse, so be vigilant at all times.
• Try to fit in. Looking like a tourist may be all well and good in the likes of Florida, however asking for directions in the middle of a foreign country can prompt a scare alert; take a map with you to be on the safe side.

Travel expert, Richard Jeong has given you travelers the basic need to know about traveling alone. A Wonderfully Rich World is the blog of Richard Jeong, an IT guy gone abroad. Currently in Eastern Africa, he's a world traveler at home on the move. His blog is a collection of ideas, notes, and projects that have struck him over the last 10 years.