Melanie DeCastro Are you ready to take the plunge into solo travel? Embarking on a journey alone can be both thrilling and daunting, but with the right preparation, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Whether you’re interested in a weekend getaway or a longer backpacking trip, this blog post will give you everything you need to know about planning your first solo travel adventure.
Solo Trip Destination
When planning a solo trip, the first step is to choose your destination.
With so many countries to go to, choosing a destination may be overwhelming. Here are a few questions to ask yourself to narrow down your perfect destination!
Question 1: During your solo trip do you want to lay under the sun and relax or do you want to fuel your adrenaline with something exciting?
For a relaxing trip consider going to an island or a coastal city! Adrenaline junkies you may want to look for places near mountains, national parks and large bodies of water.
Question 2: Do you want to eat everything you see in sight or go to exclusive high-end restaurants?
If you are looking for a unique cuisine experience, consider traveling to a country such as Thailand which is known for its street food. However, if you want exclusive experiences and high-end restaurants, look into resorts and villas that offer these types of services.
Question 3: Are you looking to make new friends or do you want to spend some time alone on your solo trip?
For example, if you want to make friends, a hostel in a big city might be the best option, whereas if you want some quiet time, you might consider an Airbnb in a country setting.
These questions may guide yo to determine what destination may accommodate most if not all your desires. Once you’ve narrowed down your destination it’s time to start planning the rest of your trip. If you are still stuck, check out our top 2023 destination for solo travelers!
Research Topics for Solo Trips
Once you’ve chosen your destination, it’s time to do your research.
Safety on Solo Trips
As a solo traveler, safety is the most important factor to consider. Read up on the area and get an understanding of any potential risks so you can stay safe. You may want to be aware of scams in the area so that you can avoid them. Researching potential scams and dangers in the area is not meant to scare you away from traveling alone, but rather to educate you about how to protect yourself.
Visas & Required Documents
Depending on the destination, you may also need to apply for visas and show proof of a negative COVID test or vaccination. Visas require an array of information depending on the country. When applying for visas be prepared to have your information available to you. All airlines and countries have different requirements in terms of COVID in 2023. Make sure that you are checking in on each to ensure you have all the required documents to travel.
Key Phrases
It’s also a good idea to learn a few key phrases in the local language, as well as know how much things cost and how to give directions. These simple phrases can get you far along on your trip. Locals love to connect, if you speak in their language even a little bit, locals tend to be appreciative.
Once you’ve got all the practical stuff out of the way, it’s time to start dreaming up your trip. Read up on travel blogs, search through social media platforms, and pin some inspiration for the trip!
Plan your Solo Trip
For solo travelers, planning a trip can be a daunting task, especially if it is your first time. Planning your trip does not have to have every single detail for every minute. You can have a few set things throughout the day that you can use as a point of reference. Remember, always give your time space to explore and shop.
Create a quick Itinerary within your budget to highlight the locations and activities you want to do on your trip.
Keeping your budget in mind will help you decide on what it is you are willing to spend your money on. You will have to pick and choose what it is that you are going to do on your solo trip. If you have $150 to spend on activities, you probably won’t be able to rent a jet ski, zipline, go to a spa, or take dancing lessons. Instead, you may choose to visit a spa one day and relax, then zipline to get an adrenaline rush.
Also, note that if you plan something it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to do it. Keep your plan flexible to enhance your experience once you are there. The only information you must have set in stone is:
- Destination
- Travel Dates
- Documents to travel
- Accommodation
- Travel Method (Car, Bus, Train, Plane, etc.)
Book Flight and Stay
Now that you have an overhead view of your travel plans you can move forward and book your flight and stay!
Booking a Flight
Use Google Flights to easily compare prices. Google Flights shows a variety of options for different budgets. You may want to consider booking through one airline to later accumulate points or simply use a third-party site to get the best price possible. You may also check out Skyscanner for the most affordable prices.
When choosing a flight make sure you read the fine print! Avoid having to pay for items at the airport by ensuring you have a carry-on and luggage in the ticket you buy. If you do not read the fine print, you may find yourself paying extra fees for your luggage.
Booking a Stay
Booking a stay you must keep your budget, the experience you desire and what you prefer in mind. If you are traveling alone as a woman, you may want to stay in an Airbnb or a female-only dorm. To make sure that you have your own space consider an Airbnb or hotel room. No matter which one you choose, make sure that you do your due diligence and read the reviews before you make a reservation. And if you get an odd intuition about anything, do not book it!
Have fun traveling solo and be sure to plan your stay wisely to create a trip you’ll never forget.
Tell Someone Your Plans
Regardless of whether you’re traveling alone or with a group, it is important to let your family and friends know your plans. Be sure to share your itinerary and contact information with two or three people you trust, so they know where you will be.
The people you leave behind can keep tabs on your activities and whereabouts in the event of an emergency while you are away.
Be sure to keep in touch with people who have your information when you are exploring, telling them when you have reached each location safely. You should also tell someone if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable at any time.
When there is an emergency, do not hesitate to contact local authorities or call 911.
Pack Light
Whether you’re a young traveler embarking on your first solo trip, or a seasoned solo traveler, packing is a critical step in any successful trip. When it comes to solo travel, it’s important to remember to pack light! As much as you may think you need it, you likely won’t end up using most of the items you bring, so try to bring only what is essential.
When it comes to clothing, stick to a few versatile pieces that can be easily mixed and matched with each other. Having fewer items also makes it easier and less stressful when navigating airports and getting to your accommodation.
Rule of Thumb for Packing
The only items you should bring extra are undergarments and socks – these are always good to have on hand. So when it comes to solo travel, don’t be tempted to overpack! Keep your luggage light and enjoy the adventure!
Enjoy your Solo trip!
As a solo traveler, you can fully immerse yourself in the experience and make your own decisions without any distractions. You will meet amazing people along the way, have time to reflect on yourself, and have an adventure of a lifetime. Whether you are a young traveler or an experienced one, solo travel is an incredible opportunity to learn about yourself and the world.
Take the time to plan your trip and always make sure you feel comfortable with what you are doing. Be sure to tell family and friends about your plans before leaving and make sure you know the safety protocols of your destination.
Once you arrive, take it all in and enjoy every moment. With a bit of planning and careful thought, your first solo trip is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Still haven’t decided on where to go? We got you covered, check out the top destinations for 2023!
