A lot of the time, reaching a destination in the morning is a great idea. However, in some cases you may have to travel overnight without any other option at hand. While that does not sound alarming when travelling in a group, it does seem intimidating when you are travelling solo. Problems inflate if you travel to a place you have not visited before or where the language is different. However, there are times when you may not be able to find an alternative to overnight journeys. For such instances, we've listed down a few things you must keep in mind, especially if it is your first time:
Staying connected with your loved ones or sharing your location with them is a given, but there's something that can come in the way, and you must prepare for it in advance: insufficient data. When travelling solo, we tend to overuse our phones and, as a result, exhaust our data usage limits or calling limits. This is especially a problem if you are travelling internationally. Therefore, it is a great idea to ensure that you have sufficient data available, and if you are travelling internationally, pick up an E-Sim to keep your friends and family updated about your whereabouts.
While it may not sound like a great idea if you are travelling overnight as you will reach your destination exhausted, it is a good idea not to fall asleep when you are travelling alone at night. Not only is it important to ensure your personal safety, but also to be aware of your immediate surroundings and your belongings. Since travelling solo means that essentially you would have to depend on yourself for your well-being, it is a smart choice to get some shut-eye before your overnight journey so that you can stay alert during it. To make it easier, remember to download a movie, a few episodes of your favourite show, or even a podcast. More importantly, before your trip, avoid consuming alcohol and high-carb meals so that you don't feel sleepy.
Travelling via the right mode of transport can make a whole lot of difference in your overnight journey. As a solo female traveller, it is best to choose air travel instead of opting for the road or train due to safety concerns. Since airports and airlines have strict security guidelines in place, compared to trains or buses, you have to worry a lot less about whether you have all your personal belongings or are in a safe environment. Moreover, if you have a connecting flight that departs late at night, there are always enough things to do in the airport that can fill up your time.
Travelling overnight can mean that you may not always have access to things you may need. Even worse, it gets significantly harder to spot an open shop where you can buy them from. Therefore, make a checklist of the things you absolutely need and put it all in a small carry-on bag that you can keep with you at all times. When it comes to the things you must carry, think emergency medicines for any stomach-related issues, band-aids, extra sanitary napkins or tampons, protein bars, electral powder sachets, mini-sized toiletries, a refillable water bottle, extra chargers or power bank, multi-socket adapter and, if possible, even extra pair of clothes.
Travelling solo, especially at night, can get exhausting, and there may come a time when your attention is diverted. In such cases, attaching a bag tracker to your suitcase, especially if you are travelling by road or train, is handy. With the bag tracker installed and connected to your phone, you can check the location of your bag anytime you wish, ensuring another layer of safety and a stress-free mind.
It is common to strike up a conversation with fellow passengers when travelling by air, bus or train. However, when you are travelling solo at night, it may not be a wise idea to disclose everything about yourself to a complete stranger you meet on your journey. While you can definitely chat about your interests, be mindful of how much information you share about your personal life, the destination you are headed to, and where you plan to be put up.
