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30 November 2016

Travel Inspiration for the First-time Solo Traveller

Your bags are packed and you’re ready to embark on your first solo adventure for a little bit of soul searching but the one thing you’ve yet to decide is where to go. Do you take on the backpacker rite of passage better known as the pancake trail, do a full 360 degree jaunt around the world, crossing continents as you go or navigate your path via a motorcycling route? The beauty of backpacking solo is that there’s no clear cut way to do it and regardless of time, mode of transportation and everything else in between, the journey you choose is purely personal and you’re bound to make memories that you’ll carry with you for a lifetime.





But just in case you need a little inspiration on where or how to start, here are five ideas to help you map out your journey and for the savvy traveller, remember to think of Saleduck for the best deals on accommodation, tours, travel tickets,and more to help you save smart while you travel.

Do a food trail

Eating is a global pastime and if you’re a foodie who loves discovering unique cuisines, why not build your trip around food? Southeast Asia’s street food scene alone is enough to keep you on your toes as you wander from bazaar to market, sampling everything from khao soy in Thailand to char koay teow in Malaysia. Want to learn how to whip up some of the dishes you’ve fallen in love with along the way? Take a cooking class from local cooks and learn how to do it yourself for when you’ve returned home and are aching for the flavours you’ve sampled during your travels.


Get involved with volunteer work


Teach English to young children in Namibia, rebuild homes for disaster victims in Ecuador - volunteering is a great way to see the world that exists beyond your comfort zone and gain new perspectives while making a positive difference to the lives of others. Volunteers typically dedicate a few hours of their day helping out with projects and are often encouraged to socialise and explore during their downtime.Whether it's through education, eco-regeneration, disaster relief of community uplift, there are plenty of organisations that you can work with to get you started on your first volunteering trip depending on your interests, abilities, travel period and etc.


Opt for shorter journeys


There’s no rule to how short or long your travels should be so if the thought of having to leave home for a long time is still a little intimidating or if you cannot afford to take extended leaves of absence due to commitments, shorter journeys can make just as much of an impact and are often great teasers for bigger adventures yet to come. Try a week or two exploring a neighbouring country or spend a few days going on a roadtrip to cities that are close to home. Shorter breaks can help you test the waters and get a feel of solo travel without having to dive right into the deep end.


Stick to overland travel


Buses, bicycles, trains, cars and the list goes on. The only rule at hand is to avoid flying at all costs! A plane ticket can have you whizzing between continents with only hours to spare and while it is convenient, it can also be pretty expensive and you might just be missing out on some great stories that only land travel can offer. Aside from helping you cut back on your budget, taking the scenic route is often a great way to interact with the cultures and locals whose paths you’re bound to cross as you make your way from point A to B. You’ll make stops, meet new faces, exchange stories and maybe even change your route as you go. All in all, land travel is an immersive experience that lets you get up close and personal with everything you encounter.

Follow your hobbies

If you have a love for diving and marine life, plan your trip around some of the world’s most beautiful dive spots; for lovers of nature, let your journey take you to national parks and hiking trails. Mapping out your travel itinerary around the things you love allows you to have a clearer idea of where to go while travelling with purpose plus it also allows you to cross some incredible spots off your bucket list. There’s always a chance of stumbling upon places you’ve never heard off as you go along and this element of discovery is always reason enough to keep on going.



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