Top 10 tips to know before your first solo trip

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Travel is the one thing to makes me feel free, happy, and in my element. I love nothing more than experiencing new places, seeing new sights, and creating exciting memories. I had the opportunity to travel solo for the first time this year and it's an experience I'm incredibly grateful for and one, I've learnt a lot from.

If you're planning a solo trip for the first time and looking for some advice, here are my top 10 tips to know before your first solo trip.

This post contains affiliate links but all thoughts are my own.

Top 10 tips to know before your first solo trip

Pick a destination that'll suit you

The world is beautiful and wide with plenty of destinations to choose from. We all have preferences on what we want from travel, whether that's an adventure, sightseeing, relaxation, or immersing ourselves in something new. When deciding on a destination, you need to choose which type of trip you're looking to book and what type of place will suit you. Then, you can have a search on prices, dates and what you can do in your desitnaion.

Map out a rough itinerary

Getting lost is all part of the adventure. However, when planning a trip, especially a solo one, it's best to have a rough itinerary. This is so you're able to do a bit of research beforehand on what to expect in terms of what there is to see, how to get around, and any must-see attractions. I would advise writing out a rough itinerary with your must-do things and the way you set out in doing those things, to make it easier for yourself when navigating a new place.

Research useful apps for your new destination

Technology is a winner and is what makes solo travel a lot easier and safer for many these days. There are plenty of apps I would advise having on your trip such as Google Maps to help you navigate around, the airline app to check in your flights, Hostel World or Booking.com to book and check-in accommodation, and Uber (or relevant transport apps to that city) to get around. Apps are a handy way to stay organised but also help you with your bearings.

Plan how to get to and from the airport

Travelling to and from the airport can be simpler than you may think. You can get a taxi if you want to go directly to your accommodation. However, at each destination, there are airport shuttles or public transport options to pick from. Research yours so you have that assured feeling when landing at the destination and setting foot back home.

Research the rules and etiquette of the new destination

Every destination has different laws to the land, whether they're to do with culture or limitations of what you can do. When you're on your own, it's even more important to be aware of them as you don't want to get caught out. Do your research and note the most relevant ones down to be aware of.

Tell people at home where you're going

Travelling solo is incredibly exciting and even though for the most part it can be safe, it's better to be safe than sorry - and this is why I'd advise keeping people in the loop of where you are going and what you're doing. This could mean sharing your location with family and friends or just sending them an update or two back home to keep them in the know.

Book accommodation in a safe and secure spot

The accommodation comes in variations from hotels, hotels to apartments. Travelling solo, to feel the safest I would always suggest picking a shared hostel or social accommodation. This is because it can give you more of an opportunity to meet people to travel around with or even get dinner/drinks in the evening with. Travel is all about meeting new people after all. If you don't fancy shared hostels, there are plenty of safer apartments and hotels to choose from - again, just be wary of your safety at all times.

Set intentions and expectations

Every trip can vary from person to person and we all have different intentions and expectations for our travels. When setting off on your trip, lay out the intentions of what you'd like from your trip and have a to-do list of the things you want to see and experiences to have. Also, set expectations that are realistic. Don't be too overly eager and pack as many things in as possible. Be aware that even though you're travelling solo, you still need time for relaxation and rest - and the opportunity to mooch off the beaten path.

Arrive during the day

For safety purposes, I would advise, arriving at your destination in the day. This is because you can find your accommodation in the light and get your bearings before you begin to explore your newfound location.

Know that you can do it

I think the biggest thing limiting people from travelling solo is the lack of belief in themselves that they can do it. Trust me when I say this, you can and you will do it. I was so hesitant to go alone but it was the biggest eye-opener and I felt so proud of myself when I returned home. You can enjoy your own company, you can navigate yourself around and you can make friends along the way.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What other tips do you have?

Thank you for reading <3

1 comment

  1. Thanks for sharing you tips for your first solo trip, I did some of these when I went to Singapore on my own, booking the hotel advance, having some options for dinner and activities to do, but what also to do if I was not well which does happen to me, it's always good to do your research :)

    Nic | Nic's Adventures

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