Solo traveler Farirai Sanyika provides her tips.

A sho’t left one Friday after work resulted in a life-altering detour that altered the course of her whole existence.

Many of us are apprehensive about the prospect of traveling alone. We are concerned about everything that may go wrong. However, Farirai Sanyika, the founder of Gophari travel platform, says that with proper planning, there is nothing to be afraid of. She says her passion for traveling was sparked one late Friday afternoon when she chose to drive to the Blyde River Canyon instead of driving the long commute back home to Joburg after work.

I write about travel on my own blog, Gophari, which I started in 2011. I began having to travel during the week to develop material for my blog around the middle of the month. When I travel alone, it makes it much simpler to plan my time. As a result, I made the decision to go ahead and do it. The fact that my motivation for traveling alone has evolved as a result of my extensive solo travel,” she observes, is rather noteworthy.

“I now actually love exploring on my own, even when there are others around to accompany me.” More and more, I’m discovering myself, my likes and dislikes, and I’ve discovered that I genuinely appreciate being in my own company. It has also pushed me to go out of my comfort zone in social situations.

When it comes to solo travel, one of the common fallacies is that you are constantly alone yourself. No, it is not the case in all cases. I’ve found that traveling alone has helped me have a more sociable travel experience.

While travelling alone, I’ve discovered that I’m more inclined to strike up a discussion with fellow travelers. “It’s wonderful that traveling alone has re-established my self-confidence.”

Naturally, she was apprehensive when she initially began her journey. much more so as a black lady traveling alone. “A lot of my concerns revolve on my safety as a female traveler on her own. As a result, while traveling alone, Farirai has always prioritized her own safety above all else.

“I do this by planning ahead of time and being well-prepared for every trip I take.” It’s also necessary to spend some time determining if your fears regarding solo travel are legitimate or whether they are the result of erroneous limiting ideas.

“Negative assertions regarding solo travel are often expressed that are completely untrue, and this should not discourage you from venturing out into the world on your own if that is what you want to do.”

“I educate people about these myths via my material on social media and on Gophari.com because I don’t want anybody to lose out on opportunities because of a misunderstanding.”

Many enterprises in the travel sector went out of business as a result of the pandemic, putting clients who had paid deposits or postponed visits as a result of the epidemic in a bind. As the travel and leisure industry progressively re-opens, consumers are becoming even more cautious about making vacation plans.

In the wake of the Covid [lockdowns], the travel entrepreneur adds, it’s even more crucial to read and understand the terms and conditions of whatever you pay for. “Now, more than ever, you must make certain that you are satisfied with the cancellation and refund procedures. The ability to schedule trips on short notice is essential.”

Her travels have taught her a great deal about being safe when traveling alone. “Communication is one of the most important instruments for being safe while traveling alone,” she says.

“Always share your travel plans with someone who is close to you, such as a family member or a close friend.” Keep your phone turned on to ensure that you always have airtime and data. It will be much easy for your family and friends to check on you and to recognize if anything is wrong if you do this.

“Another useful suggestion is to avoid posting pictures of your journey on social media while you are on the road. The people with whom you discuss your goals must be carefully chosen. “Social media may always and forever be put on hold.”

Here are some more suggestions for ladies who wish to travel on their own in the future.

Investigate the legal systems of the countries you want to visit.

For example, did you know that if you arrive in Dubai and they discover dildos or any other form of sex toy in your baggage, you will be detained and arrested? These are the sorts of rules that, in essence, advise you in determining whether or not you are really willing to give up certain advantages.

Always make sure you have a SIM card.

In order to stay connected with family and friends at all times and to be able to seek assistance should things go wrong, it is important to get a sim card as soon as possible after landing on your destination.

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Never disclose to anybody that you are traveling alone.

One should not put too much faith in anybody since you never know who you are speaking to, what they may do with the information you’ve provided them, or what their objectives are.

The technique of being inconspicuous

On your first day, pay attention to the people around you and how they move about, and then, as the expression goes, “do as the Romans do.”

Don’t bother asking for instructions.

It is preferable to get familiar with your instructions before leaving your hotel or Airbnb than it is to learn them on the fly while you go. You don’t want to make it known that you’re completely oblivious about your immediate surroundings.

Make a reservation at a hotel.

When you stay at a hotel that provides free car service, you won’t have to worry about things like who to ask for directions. Additionally, you will not feel alone since hotels are usually bustling with people, and if you get acquainted with the receptionists, you will at least have someone who is aware of your movements.

Resist the temptation to share anything on social media.

Once you’ve returned home, be sure to update your location. It is harmful to post while on the way or while you are still in a restaurant since it informs others of your location, which makes it simpler for them to hunt you down later.