Travelling solo to a foreign country can seem quite intimidating, especially when visiting the motherland for the first time ever. A pre-planned trip with a friend or family or co-worker to Africa can turn sour quickly when your fellow travel buddy has to cancel, leaving you with the thought of being a solo traveller. This circumstance dissuade many from having this blissful experience but it does not always have to be if well thought-out and planned accordingly. See below for some 5 tips our foodie travellers whom find themselves on solo trips many times. We know many friends can not share always share in our wonderful experiences for many reasons such as partners, children, careers, mortgages, or just about any of the many reasons under the sun. So we advise to embrace solo travelling, and enjoy a good meal while at it using these tips:

  • Learn to enjoy the freedom and independence. Solo travel always means you are in charge of the decisions during the trip, the budget and time spent on excursions and sightseeing. It means no arguments about money, you determine the rhythm of the trip. The one thing that sets most back is the perception of others, and the truth is no one ever dies from embarrassment.
  • Loneliness is an opportunity to self-introspect. There will be times during your trip when you are alone, and may feel lonely. This is a chance to self-reflect and discover yourself. Learn to understand yourself, your preferences, and the things that give you internalized joy. Also resist the urge to be busy at all times during your trip.
  • Make some local friends. When on a solo trip, you appear more approachable than when in groups. It could be an opportunity for perfect strangers to become more. Learn to get out of your comfort zone and be more receptive to new people and experiences. Also sign up for small tours, day trips and small group events or excursions.
  • When abroad, take the chance to network for the benefit of your career. New places always offer an opportunity to see things differently. It is when you travel you may discover a service or product offered at a cheaper or more expensive price and that in itself may present an opportunity to collaborated with a local.
  • Learn to understand the world is (mostly) good. There is the good, the bad and the ugly everywhere and you must learn to develop a sense of judgment. Learn to take precaution as necessary, read about the place you are visiting, and know how to proceed with your gut feelings. You cannot live in a bubble, you just need to learn how to take the necessary safety precaution while still attempting to enjoy a new experience without totally shutting down the window to it.