But there is one surefire way you can make sure no one gets on your nerves: Go alone. Solo travel can be a unique and rewarding experience that everyone should try at least once, even if you're on a budget. Not only do you get to steer your own ship, but you might learn a lot about yourself along the way.
With that said, traveling alone can be intimidating and even scary if you've never done it before. Here are five tips for crafting a great trip that you - and only you - will never forget:
Make flying as painless as possible.
Traveling solo means you're responsible for your belongings and getting to your flight on time; in this case, there's no one to lean on. And there's nothing worse than losing luggage or missing your flight. To avoid these mishaps, pack only what you need, try not to bring anything valuable, and leave room for items you plan on bringing home with you.
Double-check your flight information before you go. The Fly Delta app lets you can track your bag and flight status - and even rebook a missed flight - all from your smartphone.
Pick a place that suits you.
When you're planning a solo jaunt, location is key. Whether you're an outdoor adventurer or a city seeker who loves culture and art, go somewhere that fits your personality and needs. After all, traveling alone means you don't have to compromise.
If you want to relax on a beach, you may want to explore a tropical island like Aruba. Foodies, on the other hand, will be enthralled with Tokyo. For music lovers who don't want to venture too far from home, a quick weekend getaway to Nashville, the country-music capital of the world might do the trick. If you're unsure of where to go, see if any of these Delta destinations pique your interest.
Plan ahead (to the degree you want).
If it's your first time traveling alone, doing research is a must. It might be tempting to go without any plans set in stone, but you should at least know a little bit about your destination, including the customs, currency, weather conditions, and which neighborhoods to avoid.
You don't have to have it all figured out, but deciding the important things ahead of time - where you'll stay or the must-see tourist attractions - will save you a lot of headaches while you're there. It never hurts to reach out to your network of friends and family. You never know who might be able to point you to a great hole-in-the-wall restaurant or introduce you to a friend who lives there.
Treat yourself.
Your definition of "treating yourself" might include a hot-stone massage or a fantastic meal. For someone else, it might mean flying in the best class - like Delta One, the airline's newest and most luxurious cabin (which includes 180-degree flat-bed seats and chef-curated meals paired with wines). Either way, you decide where you get to splurge (and save) on when you travel alone.
Socialize as much (or as little) as you want to.
One common complaint about traveling alone is that it gets lonely, but the reality is that you can meet people pretty much anywhere you go. You could, for example, stay at a hostel, which is usually buzzing with people - and not just recent college grads; travelers of all ages stay there. If the thought of sleeping in a hostel makes you shudder, then sign up for a tour so you can hang out with other travelers all day but still go back to your hotel to unwind. Plus, there's a good chance you will come across people who are also traveling alone. And then it's up to you whether you befriend them or just embrace the solitude.
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