traveling alone

This past week, I took a trip into Eastern Europe by myself. After a couple classes got cancelled, I found myself with 6 free days, and decided to take advantage of them. I planned the trip only a couple weeks in advance, and decided to travel by bus to Prague and Budapest. The trip was amazing--both cities are absolutely beautiful, with a lot of art and culture to see and experience. I also enjoyed the brief break from classes, although I did have to do some reading while I was traveling to prepare for the upcoming week. The most challenging aspect of the trip was traveling alone, something that I have never done before and especially not in foreign countries. Thankfully most everyone in Prague and Budapest speaks English, which is helpful when trying to navigate the city and eat at restaurants. And of course, the Internet makes it easy now to plan a trip and figure out where you want to go and what you want to see. It's also great to travel alone because you get to go at your own pace, spending as much or as little time at each destination as you want. While there were a couple hurdles (missing my bus from Prague to Budapest, getting locked in my hostel room when the door jammed and almost missing my train) the trip was phenomenal overall.

After returning from my weeklong adventure, I have compiled a list of tips for young people traveling alone:

1. Stay in hostels

     Hostels are great for young people because they are very inexpensive. They are also a great way to meet other people when you are traveling by yourself. In every hostel I stayed at, I met other students or recent graduates from all over the world, and enjoyed spending time with them. If you want to check out the nightlife in a new city, going out with people in your hostel is a great way to have fun and stay safe. Also, many hostels offer some sort of "family dinner," where you can pay a small amount to share a homemade dinner with your fellow guests. The people working at the hostel are a great resource if you have questions about the city you're staying in, or want tips on where to go.

2. Get a map

     While Google Maps is a great resource, if you're traveling internationally you'll likely not have service/data everywhere you go. Buying a good old-fashioned city map at a tourist center or train station is the safest way to avoid getting lost. Tourist maps also usually include public transportation routes as well.

3. Keep your valuables close

    Make sure your wallet, phone, camera, and other valuable items are safe at all times. Most hostels have lockers where you can keep you items safe during the day. When you're out and about, make sure you don't keep your phone in your back pocket or another place where it could easily be stolen. Be especially aware of where your valuables are when using public transportation or walking in a crowd.

4. Don't look like a tourist

    It's hard not to look out of place when you're exploring a foreign city. However, walking around with your map in front of your face is a surefire sign that you're not a local. Try not to call too much attention to yourself whenever possible, so you don't label yourself as a target for potential thieves or scammers.

5. Respect the locals

    While you may be on vacation, local residents of wherever you're visiting are not. So, especially when you're going out, make sure to be respectful. This means not being loud/drunk on the streets, following local laws, and being respectful of local culture and customs. Remember, you're a guest in another country, so act accordingly.

6. Don't panic when something goes wrong

   Traveling, especially long distances, doesn't often go off without a hitch. If and when you encounter a problem while traveling, it can be really stressful and nerve-wracking, especially if you're by yourself. However, try to stay calm and approach the problem in a constructive way. For example, when I missed my bus from Prague to Budapest, I was able to book another one that left only a couple hours later. Don't worry if not everything goes according to plan--it probably won't, and that's part of the adventure. Do make sure to carry cash in case of an emergency, and be willing to be flexible in case a change of plans is necessary.

~Photos from my trip~

View from the Charles Bridge, Prague

Old Town Square, Prague

Chain Bridge crossing the Danube, Budapest

Széchenyi Thermal Baths, Budapest

Heroes' Square, Budapest