“Just the wish that you may find in yourself enough patience to endure and enough simplicity to have faith,” wrote Rainer Maria Rilke in Letters to a Young Poet, “ that you may gain more and more confidence in what is difficult and in your solitude among other people.”
While Rilke’s advice specifically pertained to artistry, this embrace of solitude is also an ideal mantra for neophyte solo travelers.
Traveling solo provides numerous rewards, ranging from the satisfaction of exercising self-reliance in a foreign country to the freedom to see exactly what you want when you want to see it. But on the flip side, it also comes with several potential dangers. Fortunately for all you solo tourists, we’ve snatched together some solid advice to ensure you live your best life as safely as possible.
Pack your bags, we’re going on an adventure
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An Ounce of Prevention
The first step to being effective is being proactive. This means there is a lot a solo traveler can do to ensure a safe and pleasurable trip before they even Uber to the airport. Do a bit of research to familiarize yourself with your destination’s currency exchange against the dollar so you don’t get ripped off, especially in Middle Eastern countries where merchants haggle, like in Turkey or Egypt.
It is worth noting that Middle Eastern countries are notorious for homophobia. According to Kirstie Pike and Christine Diaz, the sapphic power couple behind the female-focused travel brand ‘On Airplane Mode, ‘ it’s prudent to do your homework before departing.
“While most destinations are becoming more inclusive, it’s essential to consider the safety and legal status of LGBTQ+ individuals,” they advised during a 2023 interview with Gaycities. “Research local laws and customs regarding LGBTQ+ rights to ensure you are aware of any potential challenges or risks.”
It’s a Beautiful Day in the Gayborhood
Similarly, familiarize yourself with a map of your destination city beforehand, and since every major city has its own gayborhood, be sure to know where that area is located. Being around other queer people in a strange place not only provides security, but it’s home to all the gay bars, safe spaces, and potential hookups.
App Sampler
Speaking of hookups, a solo traveler doesn’t need to be lonely. As in the US, finding a coital companion can be expedited through smartphone apps. While Grindr is popular in North America, European cities like Paris prefer the app Romeo, so be sure to download that before you land in Charles de Gaulle. Oh, and heads up: If you see a profile that says “chems,” their version of “PnP,” treat it as a red flag.
Say What?
Over 7,000 languages are spoken worldwide, and you may only know one fluently. Fortunately, several translation apps are available to help bridge any communication gaps. According to Wired, the most effective one is the Microsoft Translator app, available for both Android and iOS. As with most translation apps, it’s not flawless, but it’s often enough to help you flirt with a handsome local.
Polite to a Fault
Obviously, it’s best to be polite while traveling abroad, especially in countries where adhering to mores is paramount. (Do any 90s gaybies remember the American in Singapore who got caned for spitting his gum on the street?) However, travel expert Janice Waugh points out that sometimes politeness isn’t the best policy.
“If a person is bothering you, being polite can get you into trouble too,” said Waugh on the Solo Traveler blog. “For solo travel safety, know when and how to make a lot of noise and attract attention to yourself and the person bothering you.”
Choose Life
With all that marinading in your pre-travel brain, we’ll leave you with one last piece of advice from Rilke: “And as for the rest, let life happen to you. Believe me: life is in the right, always.”
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