It’s not my first time as I traveled alone for work often, and in between I did some exploration to local places.
I just came back from Prague yesterday 2D1N trip. It was quite last minute decision to just go there. I booked it like 2 days before the flying day. And the best part is, I didn’t do research about the place I’m visiting till D-1. (It’s so me!)
No, it’s just that after work I was so brain-tired and I just want to relax my brain or just go to bed.
Luckily some of my colleagues who had been there before told me not to worry, it’s safe place to travel alone (although I read in travel blog that has a lot of pickpockets, yikes!)
One of the reason I wasn’t able to decide quickly was due to swaying between taking overnight bus (10h) or take flight (1h30m). I was thinking it should be quite similar to SG >> KL, right?
But! Can’t find the picture of how the bus looks like, and based on the forums, the description doesn’t sound the same like the coach bus in Singapore.
So, I decided to take morning flight and to return with the late flight to Warsaw, but not too late as I want to sleep early for my Sunday run :p
Okay, enough the back story about the trip arrangement.
What I learned from this trip is
- I have to survive without internet 2/3 part of day 1 in Prague. My roaming didn’t work until I connected to chat support (which by right was only for Polish) and pleading to help me because I can’t get any signals. It bothers me A LOT! My colleague told me, don’t worry, there will be plenty of free WiFi spots in the city (which not 100% true) and Google Map works offline (but not able to help you finding transportation route). But to certain extent, it’s actually its kinda enjoyable, cos no notifications bothers me.
- I should have bought more SGD with me when I went initially. It’ll be easier for me to exchange the $$ to European countries from Poland. Not all of them are using Euro. I didn’t think I’ll travel around and I’m so used to with Warsaw or Poland being cashless! (Poland is PLN or Polish Złoty, Czech is CZK or Czech Koruna)
- Best way to explore the city is by walking. Of course I bought 1 day pass which can be used for Bus, Tram and Metro (train). And cable car to the hill (like The Peak in HK). The 1 Day pass gives me option to hop into public transport when I can’t take the cold anymore. Glad that I brought hand warmer and weather in day 2 was better.
- I wasn’t a history person, not like my brother. But after visiting the places, turned out there are so much story about the place. I skipped few too, because too many people and few on day 1 because I was concerned with the cash. I managed to do walkabout but not inside. (I’m on cheapo mode)
- I’m not that foodie either. I have mission to eat local dish when visiting a new country, but I miscalculated about the waiting time and all. Especially on day 1 eve, it was wet and cold (I can’t even feel my hand if not because of the hand warmer) so, I gave it a pass and just go with BK as dinner. Also, I’m less adventurous or more picky to choose what food to eat, because I don’t have partner to share.
- My mood depends on the weather. I like cold, but I don’t do well when it’s too cold. And wet. I’ll be grouchy.
- No one will bothers you about time. You arrange the time yourself, the route and all.
The reason why no internet connection bothers me is I usually post insta story along the way. Why? To save my phone space for videos, upload it as story, add stickers for places and all, and if I need it, I’ll download it. As a result, I recorded as normal video, which takes up more space in my phone. (Oh well, time to do clean up especially on those Whatsapp videos)
If you ask me, will I still travel alone? I’d say, yes! Go for it. It helps you to adapt, be independent and be more quick witted. As you need to think quickly when things happened.
Have you travel alone before? Do you like it?