Solo travel is an incredible way to get out and explore, all while building confidence and enjoying the freedom of discovering new places. However, we understand that it can be a bit overwhelming to plan your first solo adventure. From logistics to safety, there’s a lot to consider, but with the right preparation, you can turn your uncertainty into excitement.
In this blog we’ll share some helpful tips that will assist you in planning your first solo adventure, so that you can feel more confident and ready for the journey ahead. Whether you’re heading on a relaxing island getaway or a busy city adventure, we hope that these tips help you feel prepared and ready for what’s to come.
1. Carefully Choose a Destination
You need to be very careful when choosing a destination for your solo trip. Traveling by yourself is very different from traveling with a group, and you need to ensure that your safety is your top priority. There are certain places that are better suited for solo travel than others, and you need to visit somewhere that you feel safe walking around alone. This is of the utmost importance, so please, take your time and choose somewhere that you’ll feel comfortable.
2. Research Your Accommodation Options
When you travel alone, you have more flexibility, and may be able to get away with reserving cheaper accommodation options than you would when going on vacation with a group. For example, many solo travelers choose to stay in hostels, as they provide cheap accommodation and sometimes even food for you to enjoy. Other options you may want to consider include a vacation rental, hotel, or you could even splurge and stay at an all-inclusive resort.
3. Pack Light
The last thing that you want to do is carry around a bunch of luggage with you. Instead, pack light and really think about what you need to bring. The best thing about traveling solo is that you don’t have to worry about taking a lot of clothing. You can pack whatever makes you the most comfortable and put it all into a carry-on bag. If you’ll be traveling to a cold weather destination and need to bring a coat and boots, wear them onto the plane if possible to save yourself some room.
4. Prepare Your Travel Documents
Checking that you have the correct travel documents (and that those documents are valid) is essential. International destinations will require you to have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity, and some may even ask that you obtain a visa, too. If you need to get a new passport, passport renewal, or visa for your trip, please visit our website to get the application process started.
Additionally, we suggest that you make copies of your travel documents before leaving so that you have all of your important information on hand if you ever need it. When traveling to your destination, keep your documents close by so that you can reach them if necessary, and when you leave your hotel, place them in the provided safe.
5. Set a Budget
It can be very easy to spend too much money when planning your first solo adventure, which is why you should do your best to set a budget and stick to it. While making your travel plans, write down everything you want to do, where you’re going to stay, and consider how much you’ll be dining out versus cooking in. Then, make an educated guess as to how much you’ll need to spend, and try to stay within that spending limit.
6. Familiarize Yourself With Local Emergency Contacts
Ensuring that you’re safe while traveling alone is crucial. Unfortunately, things can go wrong from time to time, and if you find yourself in a sticky situation, you need to do everything you can to ensure you’re able to get help. To do so, familiarize yourself with the local emergency contacts. This way, you’ll be able to easily contact them if needed. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially when going somewhere by yourself.
7. Don’t Overplan
Though it’s important to make some plans for your trip, you don’t want to overplan. Leave some time open in your itinerary to be spontaneous. Ask the locals for suggestions, walk around town, or try something that you’ve always wanted to do. Some of the best parts of traveling come when you least expect it, which is why it’s always a good idea to go with the flow from time to time.
8. Share Your Itinerary With Friends and Family
Again, you need to ensure that you’re being safe when traveling solo. A good way to do this is to share your travel plans with your friends and family. This way, they’ll know exactly where you’re staying and what you’re supposed to be doing, and can look out for your wellbeing. Be sure to contact your loved ones occasionally while away too so that they can stay updated with your plans and know that you’re safe.
9. Trust Your Instincts
When traveling alone, it’s crucial that you trust your gut instincts. They are almost always going to be right, and can help you stay alert with what’s going on around you. Your instincts are your greatest and most important tool, and can keep you safe and secure. If something seems out of place, off, or doesn’t feel right, trust your gut, and do what you think is best.
10. Enjoy the Journey
Solo travel is truly an unforgettable experience, and if you’re anything like us, you’re going to fall in love with it. There’s something about visiting destinations by yourself that is so special and you’re going to remember the amazing feeling it brings for the rest of your life. It will change you in ways you never thought possible. You’ll meet incredible new people, experience wonderful things, and come home feeling refreshed and with a whole new outlook. Be safe, be prepared, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.
We hope these tips will help you plan your first solo trip with ease. If you need any help obtaining documents for your upcoming travels, visit our website – we would love to assist you! Our team of professionals has been helping solo travelers procure documents for many years, and look forward to working with you to help get you to your destination. No matter where you’re going, we’ll get you there.
