Tips for Taking Your First Solo Trip

One of the greatest joys in life is going on a trip all by ourselves. No matter how terrifying it seems at first, most solo travelers have found it to be an exhilarating adventure—one that helped them understand themselves a little better and develop unshakable confidence.

Solo trips are not everyone’s cup of tea, and we understand that. After all, it can be overwhelming to plan the trip from start to end and ensure you’re safe the whole time. And that’s what we’re here to do—provide all the tips you need to make your first solo trip a success.

Without further ado, here’s everything you need to consider to make your journey a memorable one!

Proper Preparation

Start doing your homework as soon as possible. Search for destinations that attract you, don’t just pick destinations that your friends have enjoyed because some of those destinations are great for couples, but not that much for solo travelers. Check hotel listings and reviews to see if they are safe for solo travelers, and only then consider making a reservation. Even if you have to pay a little more, remember that your safety is paramount.

Acquaint yourself with the dos and don’ts of your destination, including cultural norms and traditions. If you’re visiting a destination where English is not a local language, do make an effort to learn basic phrases in the local dialect. Look for the easiest, inexpensive and trouble-free routes to get to all your sightseeing and tourist stops in advance.

Don’t forget to research and make a note of all emergency numbers you ought to have when visiting a new destination, like your embassy’s local branch, the nearest police station, hospital, etc.

Plan Your Budget

Money is an essential factor to consider when you are planning a trip all by yourself. Why? Because no one is on a limitless budget, and the last thing you want is to be stranded in a strange city without money.

So when you have to bear all the expenses for yourself, by yourself, you must determine how you’re going to spend it so that it lasts the duration of your trip. Whether it is the mode of commute you pick to travel to your destination, your accommodation, food expenses, the money necessary for sightseeing, the cost of traveling around the city, indulging in a bit of shopping, or any other miscellaneous expenses, ensure you allocate a budget for everything in advance.

*Tip: Exchange your currency before you leave the country and use a reliable money exchange company to maximize the sum you get in the new currency. Exchanging at the airport or random places is a sure way to put a dent in your budgets.

Avoid Overplanning

For most parts, it is vital to plan your trip so that you feel comfortable and safe. But avoid overplanning if you are looking forward to experiencing moments of freedom and adrenaline rushes on your first solo trip.

The feeling of wandering off in an unknown direction and stumbling upon a museum, a park, or a quaint little cafe that you had no idea existed in the first place is unmatched. There are plenty of obscure gems you can discover in a place even without knowing about it in advance.

Pack Smart

Traveling light but still having everything you need is essential. Make sure to create a checklist of things you would want to carry with you to your destination. If you think a particular item is necessary (like a camera, phone charger, power bank, vitamins, or other medication, etc.), pack it. Otherwise, leave it behind.

Refrain from carrying expensive items with you. Whether it is jewelry, heirlooms, items of sentimental value, or anything else that is irreplaceable is best left at home. Don’t plan on wearing flashy jewelry (even wristwatches!) or carrying branded items (handbags, wallets, shoes, etc.) that can attract unsavory characters. Yes, the local pickpocketers and con artists are experts at identifying easy targets such as first-time tourists.

As for attire, check the weather forecast for your destination and pack your clothes accordingly.

Wrapping Up

Solo trips can be a lot of fun if done right. One of the most significant advantages of traveling alone is the spontaneity that you get to experience. And while it may feel a little intimidating at first, you can easily have the best time of your life with proper planning.

So stop looking for the right company to accompany you on your excursions. Instead, take the plunge, keep the tips mentioned above in mind, and get ready to experience freedom and bask in the joy of your own company like never before.