Hello again, everyone! This blog is written for individuals who have been thinking about how to plan their first solo trip! Regardless of your reasons, going solo on a trip is one of the most enjoyable travel experiences, and you probably won’t regret it. Including tried-and-true solo travel ways, tips, and helpful information, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to plan your first solo trip.
Table of Contents
ToggleI gotchu! Let’s begin to plan your first solo trip!
Step 1: Decide your Destination
Decide on your destination; it doesn’t have to be far away. Rather, choose a destination you believe you could feel at ease going.
Choosing a destination that isn’t entirely outside of your everyday life is the best plan of action if you want to step outside of your comfort zone but are still a bit scared.
Step 2: Make Every Effort to Research
Knowing what to expect will help you feel less overwhelmed and more prepared. Look through books, blogs, articles, and Facebook groups to find the “need to know” information on the destination you plan to visit.
When planning the trip, consider the following:
- Passport, visa, and travel documents
- Directions to and from the airport
- What to do upon arrival!
- The finest and safest places to stay
- Clothes that are suited to the destination’s cultural background
- Common Scams
- Safe travel tips for solo travellers
Not that I’m trying to discourage you from having your first trip, but it’s important to research a destination extensively before you travel to find out any potential risks or scams.
Step 3: Set Up a Budget
The most important part is now here: the money! Your budget for a single trip is largely determined by two factors: transportation and accommodation. The expense of getting around the destination, including sightseeing, pickup and drop, etc., should be included when discussing transportation.
The most difficult aspect, though, is accommodation. Each capital or small town has both high-end accommodations and affordable boarding houses. Which one should you choose? A clean, secure place to sleep is all you need if you plan to wander out and explore the area from morning to evening.
Step 4: Book Your Tickets and Accommodation in Advance
Make sure when you book your onward tickets that you don’t arrive at your destination too early in the morning or very late at night. Also, you should think about the check-in time; you don’t want to arrive at the hotel several hours late on schedule due to a delayed flight.
When planning a long-term trip, it’s wise to include some leeway for unforeseen circumstances. This way, you may adjust your plans if you make new acquaintances or discover that your travel companions will take you to unanticipated destinations.
Step 5: Take Some Time to Arrange Everything
Prepare as much as you can ahead of time, including your luggage, your itinerary for once you arrive, and any reservations you might need to make.
Keep in mind whatever would make you feel more assured and help you to travel in peace and comfort. But, be careful when making extensive advance plans to avoid disappointment upon travelling.
Step 6: Pack As Lightly as Possible
Pack light—you might even want to bring only hand luggage—and make sure you can easily transfer your belongings around by yourself. Take only what you need, and leave everything behind except your basic needs.
To ensure that you dress like a local and fit in as much as possible, research clothing recommendations online before packing (Pinterest and search engines are wonderful places to start).
In case your phone dies, breaks down, or whatever else, think about buying a phrasebook in the local dialect and printing off some maps of the area you plan to visit.
Step 7: Make a Backup Plan
Not every aspect of your trip needs to have a backup plan, but I do urge that you consider the itinerary specifically.
One way to prevent excessive stress in the event of unforeseen events is to prepare a backup plan, such as a backup B or C. By doing this, you’ll know what to do to eventually arrive at your destination and will be less shocked if your first option doesn’t work out.
Bid farewell to anxiety; neither it nor a strike will hinder the enjoyment of your first solo trip!
Step 8: Think About Going on a Group Tour
If you’re still unsure about doing it alone, a group tour is an excellent option to go solo with all of the specifics arranged. To meet people and cut costs, think about signing up for a group tour for your activities!
Step 9: Purchase Travel Insurance
You can escape possibly hundreds of thousands of dollars in trouble by purchasing travel insurance, which also guarantees peace of mind. You never know when an accident will happen, even to the healthiest of people.
All things considered, travelling alone can be a lot of fun, but your safety comes first. As long as we’re talking about safety, be sure you have travel insurance!
Step 10: Have Copies of All Important Documents
If your phone is stolen, save many backup copies of important information, such as the numbers of your friends and family and the local emergency numbers, in a little booklet.
Also, in case your belongings are stolen or lost, I advise keeping a photocopy of your passport and travel insurance on hand to leave with a relative back home.
Tips When Travelling Alone
And that’s all about how to plan your first solo trip. It is now important for you to be aware of a few things while travelling. Keep in mind the following:
- Start your day early
- Be careful
- Use the bus or train
- Stay in contact
- Don’t drink too much
- Make friends, but never invest your trust in anyone
- Never keep all of your money in one place
- Never store all of your ID in one place
- Trust your Gut always
Catch the chance to have your first solo trip, and you’ll have a lot less touristic view of your destination and your trip will be much more unforgettable. Realistically speaking, there will always be someone who can help you in case of any problems; travelling alone does not mean that you will be by yourself the entire time. Unexpected incidents frequently happen when you tour the world.
Have fun on your first trip solo! Don’t think twice about exploring the world!