If you’re nervous about your first solo trip, start small. Plan an afternoon, day or weekend alone and see how you feel.
Alternatively, you can also try making friends on a pub crawl or joining hostel-sponsored tours for solo travellers. These are great ways to meet people and learn the basics of travelling solo.
1. Make a plan
Many people have dreams of sipping wine in France, temple hopping in Cambodia or surfing in Australia but never make these epic trips happen because their partner can’t get time off work, friends don’t want to join them or they feel nervous about travelling alone. Solo travel is an empowering experience that you can enjoy when you’re well-prepared and informed.
There are countless resources online where you can find helpful solo travel tips and advice. You can also join online travel groups or communities where you can meet other travellers who can motivate and support you on your journey. You may even be able to find a travel buddy or two who can join you on your trip!
Announcing your plans on social media can also help keep you accountable. However, be careful not to post too much about your travels before you leave — your safety is always the top priority. You can also practice planning and booking your own adventures at home by going out to eat, to a movie or a museum by yourself.
2. Book your flight
Many people put off travel dreams because they don’t want to go it alone, but solo traveling can be a lot more fun than you might think. It can be intensely introspective, and it provides the opportunity to discover more about yourself while immersing you in a new culture.
The key is to be prepared and to start small. You don’t want to dive into a massive, international trip as your first solo adventure because it could scare you away from travel altogether. Instead, find a local destination that’s close to home and easy to get to, like Iceland or Australia. These destinations offer a wide variety of activities and accommodations, are incredibly safe, and have great travel infrastructure.
Whether you’re flying solo for the first time or taking your kids on their first flight without you, there are lots of things that can go wrong during the process. But with a little bit of preparation and these first-time solo travelling tips, you’ll be on your way in no time! (For tips on how to handle the airport experience, read our guide:)). Having a plan will help alleviate stress and make your journey easier.
3. Find a place to stay
Many people dream of travelling the world but never do because their spouse can’t get the time off, friends are flakey or their budget doesn’t allow for an epic trip. Travelling solo doesn’t have to mean epic hikes in the mountains without seeing another person or sleeping on the ground in a remote village. You can find great deals on hostels and cheap hotel rooms in places that are rated safe and have walkable city centers that make getting around at night much easier. Plus, booking with a credit card or loyalty program can unlock free stays and upgrades. You might even qualify for lounge access and free meals.
4. Keep in touch with friends and family
It’s natural to feel worried about your safety on a solo trip. The good news is that you can greatly reduce these concerns by preparing well and staying vigilant on the road. Follow essential solo travel safety tips and expert advice to enjoy a rewarding journey filled with experiences you will never forget.
When you’re travelling alone, it’s important to keep in touch with friends and family back home so that they know where you are at all times. You can also use ride share apps to track your location and communicate with locals when there’s a language barrier. Having a local SIM card that provides calling, texting and data is also a must. I recommend the Sim Local eSIM, which comes with plans for over 100 countries and has great 24/7 customer support.
If you’re nervous about trying solo travel for the first time, start small by planning a day, weekend or week of independent travel within a larger trip with your partner. You can even arrange to meet up with friends or family members for some of your itinerary and mix solo travel with group tours.
5. Stay safe
There are a few ways to stay safe while solo travelling. One is to be cautious and not take risks that could put you in danger. It is also important to know how to navigate a new place. This can be done by reading guidebooks or websites, and learning a few words of the local language. A belt bag is another way to keep your money and valuables safe while you are out and about.
It is also a good idea to watch the news for the area you are visiting. This will give you an idea of the political climate and if there is any potential for unrest. Also, try not to show too much skin and wear revealing clothes.
Finally, it is important to remember that solo travel can be scary but so incredibly rewarding. It is a great way to get out of your comfort zone and learn about yourself in the process. So, don’t let fear stop you from taking your first trip. Just be smart and follow these tips to make it as enjoyable as possible!
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