Going on a solo adventure is a big step to take. However, it’s also the best way to get out and about when and where you want. You don’t have to wait on anyone else, you don’t have to adhere to someone else’s rules, and you can just get out there and be! And realising this, you might be in the middle of booking a solo trip to some incredible country right now!
But before you go off, let’s make sure you’re ready for the kind of experience you might have. Solo travel has a few unique risks associated with it, even with all the fun you can have along the way, and it’s best to prepare for them right now. With that in mind, here’s a little checklist to go through well before you step into the airport.
Pick a Popular Tourist Destination
If this is the first time you’re traveling by yourself, put yourself amongst a load of similar tourists who are all doing the same thing. Not only will this make you feel more confident in your adventure, but it’s a good way to make some firm and fast friends!
And when you’re in a popular tourist destination, you’re going to be much safer overall than trying to backpack through a country that doesn’t see many tourists each year – save a trip like that for your 6th or 7th try! In the meantime, go where the people are and get used to the experience.
Pack as Light as Possible
If you pack light, you can carry it all with you! As a solo traveler, it’s likely you’ll be on a reduced budget – you don’t have a partner or any friends to share the expenses with. As such, you may not be able to book accommodation in the usual haunts of hotels, and instead book rooms in hostels or couch surf on host sofas.
While these can be very safe places to stay, it’s always best to keep as many of your belongings on you as possible when you’re traveling alone. If you do, you can get up and go whenever you need to, always be certain your items are with you, and you won’t have to worry about forgetting things without anyone there to remind you!
Talk to Other Solo Travelers
It’s always best to get an inside scoop from those who know. So get online and start talking to other solo travelers and see what they have to say. Send a message to experts like Kimberly Anderberg or join a Facebook group or subreddit.
They’ll all have in depth advice to offer if you post a question about your trip. They may even be able to offer you some contacts to get in touch with that can help out on your journey. Even if you just need some general advice about what to pack, these are the people to ask.
If you’re solo traveling for the first time, do it in style!
