Many people do not even consider options for hiking alone, but there are many fans of wandering alone. There are some advantages even. First of all, you do not have to coordinate your route with all the participants of the hike, if you go alone. Complete freedom to choose where to go and what to do. Many people think that traveling alone is dangerous and just boring. However, it is a good way to test yourself and with the right preparation, will not be a threat to your life. Here are nine basic tips for solo travelers.
Get a map or GPS
You may know like the back of your hand, the route and the territory, but there is always the possibility of getting lost. In fact, this is one of the reasons why people disappear on hikes. Even a seasoned hiker can panic if they stray off a familiar trail. So if you’re walking alone, take a map or GPS and mark the route, or check with the correct direction of your movement. A map is usually sufficient, but if the terrain is monotonous and it is difficult to choose landmarks, take a GPS to set control points directly from the path coordinates.
Take all the equipment you need
When you go camping in a large group of people, it is a definite advantage to be able to spread out the common equipment for several people. It’s easier to carry, at least, and you don’t have to take the same things, like a kettle for cooking. Single tourist must take and carry everything you need by yourself. If you forget something, there is no one to ask. So before you go out, carefully check your equipment for everything you need during the hike.
Do not travel in the off-season
Many solo travelers like to travel in the off-season, the reason is simple, there are fewer vacationers on the intended route of travel. A kind of romance of complete solitude and removal from civilization. The downside is that if you have any kind of emergency, it will be very difficult to attract attention and to call for help. Bo the tourist season, in theory, somewhere near you may be groups of people who are vacationing or traveling, just like you. So if anything happens, you can count on someone to help you. Also, the off-season varies from region to region of the world, too. For example, the rains. Getting injured traveling in the mountains during a downpour is pretty easy.
Check in with the Rangers or at a checkpoint
Most hiking trails around the world have ranger posts or checkpoints that are distributed along the route. In some countries you are even required to check in at these points and checkpoints, especially if the route is long. The point is simple: by marking a checkpoint, you indicate the direction in which you will proceed. In case of an emergency, help services will know where to look for you. If you don’t show up at the next checkpoint by the specified time, they will probably send a search party.
Familiarize yourself in detail with the proposed itinerary
A very important tip for solo travelers. If you are going to travel in an unfamiliar area or in another country, study in detail all the features of those places. At least so you know what to take with you. It also helps to avoid unpleasant surprises during the trip. It can be as impassable trails, rivers, mountains, and wildlife.
Keep an eye on the weather
Weather – one of the important factors for hiking in general, and for single tourists – even more so. Before you set off, check the weather forecast for a day or two to see if you have time to go where you are going, or to adjust the route. Of course, weather forecasts are not ideal and may not coincide with reality, so, being already in a campaign, keep an eye on the horizon and the sky. To find yourself in an open field during a severe thunderstorm is not a pleasant experience.
Keep in touch with family or friends
The danger of traveling alone is that no one knows exactly where you are at any given time. If something happens, no one will be able to find you. If you are traveling in areas not too far from civilization, an ordinary cell phone will more than suffice. Perhaps a walkie-talkie. If you’re going camping in remote areas of our planet, do not consider it a waste to buy a satellite phone. Just indicate your approximate location and the fact that you are all right.
Take pictures
Seemingly strange advice. It is relevant for those who want to share their experiences with friends from hiking alone. At least you will have something to remember for yourself. Take photos of everything: the nature, your camp, yourself, against the background of something interesting.
Enjoy the trip
You are going to travel alone, told your loved ones about it and you began to dissuade them. Surely there will be those. Will tell you that it is dangerous, to tell you horror stories. You can even begin to doubt your plans, maybe do not go anywhere in fact? So, listen to yourself first of all and set up to get the maximum pleasure from the trip. If you prepare carefully, check everything and plan, then the trip will not cause you problems.
Travelling alone will be one of the most memorable experiences of your life and will be an invaluable experience. You will test yourself, your stamina and willpower. For those who are enticed by the road and thirst for adventure, the opportunity to be a lone hiker will be a source of heaps of positive emotions. Follow these simple nine tips and your hike will be unforgettable.