Solo Domestic Travel: Foolproof Preparation and Returning Home Safely

Pack 'Lightly' Above All, But Don't Forget These

The biggest mistake people make when traveling alone for the first time is packing their bags full 'just in case.' I once packed two books and extra clothes for a trip to Gangneung(강릉) and felt like my shoulders were going to fall off.

• Clothing: Pack mostly thin layers, even more so than the weather forecast suggests. Many accommodations have washing machines these days, so for a 4-day trip, only pack enough for 2 days.
• Chargers: A power bank is essential. When traveling solo, you'll have your map apps open constantly, which drains the battery twice as fast as usual.
• Emergency medicine: Besides your regular medication, be sure to pack digestive medicine, bandages, and eye drops. It is truly miserable to be sick when you're alone.

Keep Routes 'Flexible' and Itineraries Focused

The beauty of solo travel is freedom, but without a plan, you'll likely end up wandering around cafes near the station.

• Don't try to do everything near your accommodation. Considering public transport times, picking only 2-3 key spots per day is better for your mental health.
• In unfamiliar places, return to your accommodation before sunset. Everyone has had that experience where a street you saw during the day looks strangely unrecognizable at night.
• Use the 'Favorite' feature on KakaoMap(카카오맵) or Naver Map(네이버 지도). If you save the restaurants and cafes you want to visit in advance, it becomes much easier to plan your route on the spot.

Safety: Be Even More Vigilant When Alone

No one is watching out for you, so you must protect yourself. Here are a few of my own rules.

• Accommodation: Always choose the 2nd floor or higher. The ground floor feels insecure because outsiders can easily approach it. Make sure to specify a request for the 2nd floor or above when booking.
• Share your location: Share your real-time location with at least one family member or friend, or send a text message whenever you move to a new place.
• Pretend you're not alone: If someone talks to you at a restaurant or hotel, don't feel pressured to honestly say you're alone. Saying "My friend is coming soon" or "I'm waiting for my party" makes things much more comfortable.

Restaurants and Cafes: Techniques to Lower the 'Solo Dining' Hurdle

For places where you feel awkward going in alone, try visiting right after the break time or just outside of peak meal hours.

• Look for places with wide table spacing: If they are too packed together, you'll feel people staring at you the entire time you're eating.
• Use kiosks or delivery apps: If you are uncomfortable in unfamiliar places, target local markets or restaurants that offer takeout. Delivery food enjoyed while watching the sunset at your accommodation is delicious.
• Use earphones: When I eat alone, I always wear earphones and listen to podcasts or watch videos. It creates a personal barrier that frees you from other people's conversations.

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