Traveling alone is an excellent option because you can enjoy freedom during the trip. You can also roam freely whenever and wherever you want without any pressure. You will meet new people on a solo trip and sometimes make new friends. However, this is not always as glamorous as one might think.
Sometimes traveling solo can turn out to be dire due to the silly and awkward solo travel situations we face with those traveling alone.
Here are 10 awkward solo travel scenarios and how to deal with them
1. Miscommunication with taxi drivers:
When traveling alone, the best means of transportation is hiring a taxi. Taxis are more comfortable, quiet and private. But problems may arise when you hire a taxi and the driver doesn’t understand what you are babbling about. As a result, you can’t explain where you want them to drive.
This can result in a horrible situation where one might get lost somewhere else where you can’t find the correct location. Ultimately, you may need to seek help from the local police, which is tricky.
To avoid such situations, it’s a good idea to carry a map of the city you are traveling to. Also, have a local friend or family member’s emergency phone that you can call when you are in an awkward situation. Instead of hiring a taxi you can also rent a car and drive yourself.
2. Confusion at the train station:
Confusion at train stations is quite a common problem among solo travelers. travelers may encounter awkward solo travel situations, especially if it is their first solo trip. One of the best solo travel tips is always to think before you do something. This is important when you are traveling alone and have less knowledge of the city.
If the ticket teller doesn’t understand your language, Specify the destination and desired departure time in writing to ensure you are on the right platform at the right time for the right train.
3. Ordered the wrong food:
This is another common situation that people often face when traveling alone in a new city. The traveler did not know the local language of the city. So you may have to order unknown food that you cannot eat.
The problem arises when you are unaware of the city’s local cuisine and randomly order food from the menu. Many tourists will find themselves in this situation when ordering something simply because it looks attractive on the menu, and when the order arrives, it’s something you are unfamiliar with.
The situation can be awkward, especially if you are vegetarian and have over 50% meat; your best bet is to learn some keywords about recipes and ingredients in your destination’s mother tongue. You can always write it on paper and convey it to the chef.
4. An unexpected stranger:
When you travel alone to a place where you don’t know anyone, you should always be aware of strangers. Sometimes you meet strangers and find them quite kind and helpful. Then you start talking to them. But you don’t know if the stranger is genuine or if they will leave you and take your valuables.
This could put you in an awkward situation. You will have no choice but to contact the local police. The situation may ruin your experience in the city. You will always be alert and assertive to avoid such situations. Whenever you smell fishy, Get out of the situation immediately and keep your distance from strangers.
5. Miscommunication with the pharmacist:
This is undoubtedly a terrible and uncomfortable situation. Let’s say you are traveling alone. You go to the pharmacy to buy medicine, but the pharmacist gives you another drug instead of the one you need. And all of this is due to gaps in communication and a lack of understanding.
You are in an embarrassing situation when you can’t explain what kind of medication you need. The best solution to this problem is to always have a Phrasebook with you or bring your medications and medical supplies to avoid going to the doctor.
That way, you won’t have to be in an awkward situation where you start to feel embarrassed and angry. Such events occur daily in countries where the local language is not English.
6. Stalking problems:
This is another big problem faced by female solo travelers. In general, when a woman travels alone, it’s not uncommon to be stalked. This can start with men who go into the process of teasing before the day and gradually. This unwanted and uninvited attention turned a woman’s life into a living hell.
If you are alone, you can shout “police” or “fire” locally to attract attention and deter attackers. Women should also keep pepper spray in their purses to protect themselves from stalkers.
7. Being mocked from:
Most of these situations happen if you have trouble with the local language, disability, different dress code or even different skin tones. Such discrepancies can cause locals to start teasing you openly or covertly.
If you are traveling in a group or with family, this may not be a problem that bothers you. This can be uncomfortable when traveling alone, especially when you can’t find a solo traveler to talk to.
If you are traveling in a group or with family, this may not be a problem that bothers you. This can be uncomfortable when traveling alone, especially when you can’t find a solo traveler to talk to. To ignore this awkward situation you need not to consider the teasing words.
Alternatively, you can laugh at them harder. This can produce exciting results, including finding common ground amid laughter. In the end, other people’s words will hurt you.
8. Mixed feelings:
Unboundedly, traveling alone can’t be fun, especially when bad things happen. The feeling of having time for yourself without being asked why you made the decision but you are alone means being away from the people you love. And loneliness can creep in, making travel a nightmare. Your solo adventure might make your solo adventure uncomfortable.
Although you may yearn to travel alone, you may not be ready for the loneliness that awaits you. Sometimes you may want to cut your travel short while you want to go home to get that companionship. The solution here is straightforward. Travel with your better half or your partner or family.
9. You are a solo traveler at your destination:
Traveling alone is incredible. But you will undoubtedly feel uncomfortable when you are a solo traveler in a place full of families, groups and couples. Not only does this situation make you want your partner or friend to be close to you. But it may also make you feel jealous. It also makes meeting new people easier. You can relax and focus on your work if you are in this awkward situation.
10. Stuck alone in a remote area:
You always believe that solo travel is the best option for a perfect getaway where you have your own rules. But sometimes, doing so can be highly awkward, especially when traveling to distant destinations.
If you are in this situation, try to distract yourself and enjoy the tranquility. You can also make instant video calls to your loved ones to help you relax. Make sure you have emergency equipment, phone, solar charger, water, food and details to contact emergency services.
In a nutshell!
Solo travel is a trip on your terms and conditions. This means you are free to change plans without stress because you are alone in the journey. Solo travelers do things at their own pace. For example, no one tends to please or appease, and no one underestimates your idea or asks why you changed plans at the last minute. This is freedom!
There are quite a few advantages when traveling solo – cheaper for one person. But there are some disadvantages that you should be aware of before planning a solo travel adventure. For this reason, you should first do proper and detailed research on where you go alone. You should also carry essential items that may be hard to find.
