There are plenty of places to visit. These are just a few of my favourites:
1. First from my bucket list was undoubtedly the gigantic Colosseum. I decided to take a tour guide and skipped the queue. When you go through the dark underground chambers where the fearless gladiators prepared for their greatest battles ever, it’s sure to leave you mesmerized. I ended my day walking up to the Villa Borghese Gardens and watched a beautiful sunset.
2. I spend the next day walking through the food streets and talking to locals. I visited the Spanish steps and watched the live performances from local artists. There is also a romantic feel to that place and I spotted a hand full of new married couples posing for their wedding albums.
3. Like any other excited tourist, I flipped a coin at Trevi Fountain and made a wish. Alas, my wish did not come true, but it was worth a try!
4. Explored the Vatican city on a Sunday with a new hostel friend. This magnificent place is one of the most visited places in Rome. Make sure you get there early, if you wish to visit the museum and the cathedral. I stood in a 4 hour queue and finally made it inside and witnessed its greatness.
I stayed in a lively hostel and met wonderful travellers around the globe. There were girls from South America touring Europe over 6 months with one backpack and lifetime full of stories. There were young couple celebrating their love and exploring new cities, heartbroken lovers travelling to escape their tragic love stories and friends making new memories. I would not have met these wonderful people if I was not on a solo trip.
However, there are couple of things to consider:
1. Go by your instincts at all times. When you travel alone, it's highly important you keep your guards up and stay alert. If your heart tells you not to walk through a deserted route at night, don’t walk.
2. Stay connected. Ensure that you connected to mobile data or Wi-Fi whenever possible. You could lose your way wandering around.
3. In an ideal situation, do not lie and take off. Keep your friend or family updated on your whereabouts.
4. Needless to say, do not invite trouble. Definitely a big no to accepting drinks from strangers.
5. Relax and take it slow. You are doing a solo trip to reconnect with yourself and to relax. Make sure you take time out and buy yourself some good food and wine.
There is a notion that solo travellers are for lonely souls or when you are out of options. Let me tell you, that is absolutely wrong!
You appreciate a place much more when you are on your own. I believe it’s very essential for everyone to connect with your inner self. How are you going to enjoy someone's company if you do not enjoy your own? I came back feeling fresh, high on self confidence and totally loving the experience .
Melvin Shaju is a young, fun loving and adventurous travel enthusiast based in Qatar. Ever since she caught the travel bug, she travelled to over 12 destinations around the globe within two year span and has a handful planned for this year. Some of her favorite memories include scuba diving at Bali, cannoning at phi phi islands and watching penguins in Melbourne. She is a marketeer by profession and aspires to be a successful entrepreneur soon.
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