Solo travel; It’s one of those experiences that seems a lot more daunting than it is. Many people who venture on their first solo trip are soon hooked on the experience and can’t wait to go out on their next adventure.
If you’ve been thinking about going solo this post is for you. We’re going to share our best advice on how to prepare for your first solo travel trip.
Read this guide and you can go out feeling confident you’ve got your bases covered.
Let’s get right to it!
Start Easy
First, let’s talk about your destination. Some people might want to jump right into the deep end and go to an exotic bucket list post. If that still feels a bit overwhelming, that’s ok. Try starting in a place where you’ll feel comfortable or know the language.
Set a General Schedule
This doesn’t mean you have to plan out every minute of the day, but it does help to have a solid idea of where you’re going to be and what you’d like to see in each of your destinations.
Know the Basics
It’s a really good idea to have at least the first few nights of your trip set regarding where you’re staying and how you’re getting there. Also, make sure you have solid directions to get you to and from your destination, especially if you’re getting a rental car from the airport or using any public transportation along the way.
Plan a Budget
Typically, traveling solo will cost a little bit more than going with a group or even one other person. So get your budget set and know how much you can afford to spend on lodging and transportation. Then put aside some extra funds for sightseeing and special treats.
Pack Light
When you travel solo, there’s no one else around to carry your luggage if it gets too heavy, so learn how to pack light! Depending on how long your trip is, try bringing just the essentials, wear layers, and don’t forget your most comfortable shoes.
Get Out and Explore
It can be really easy to spend all your time in your comfy hotel room while you’re on a solo trip, but be sure you get out and explore. If you’re unsure of cool things to do or a great place to eat, don’t be afraid to ask. Hotel staff, especially at the front desk, can often be wonderful sources of local information.
Practice at Home
Need an excuse to get out of the house? Now you have one! Practice your solo traveling skills before you head out. Go to the movies, grab dinner, spend some time in a coffee shop, or treat yourself to a cocktail. The more comfortable you are doing these by yourself now, the easier they will be on the road.
Most of All, Have Fun!
You’ve gone through all of the effort to prepare for your first solo trip, now is the time to enjoy it. Expand your comfort zone a little bit, act like a tourist, and enjoy this quality time you can spend with yourself. In a busy world, you don’t get much of it!
