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15 lessons I learned while exploring a foreign city solo

I've done this a few times. 

  1. Download offline maps beforehand
  2. Take screenshots of important addresses and directions
  3. Learn a few key phrases in the local language
  4. Have a list of must-sees and then some would-be-nice-to-sees
  5. Leave a day to just explore (if the timing works out)
  6. Consider an Airbnb so you can do laundry before coming home (trust me, coming home with a suitcase full of clean clothes feels so much better)
  7. Carry a list of souvenirs you want to buy (specific local things you want to get and/or people you want to shop for)
  8. Bring a nice camera if you can
  9. Don't be afraid to ask for directions
  10. Check out Atlas Obscura as well as the main tour guides
  11. Look into local tours (walking, bus, ghost, etc.)
  12. Make sure you have the means to charge your phone and other important technology
  13. Research tipping and other norms you may encounter
  14. Forget any pressure to see the most things possible, vacation can also be an important time to rest
  15. Enjoy going at your own pace

(Prompt mostly by ChatGPT)

"Person holding a Phone with Google Maps checking the location at Zuccotti Park in New York City" by Marco Verch. Attribution 2.0 Generic.


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