Let's just say I had no idea what I was doing when it came to arranging a successful solo vacation. Thankfully, throughout the years, I've learned a few tricks that make my solo trips a lot easier! If you're ready to take the plunge, here are 7 must-know guidelines for your first solo trip:
Jump to:
1. Make a schedule for the first few days
It will be difficult for you to take your first alone vacation. It's one thing to arrive in a strange nation, but it's quite another to arrive alone in a foreign country. What do you do first? Where do you think you should go? Who should you contact?
It'll be daunting at first, so make sure you plan your first few days ahead of time. Book your lodging, plan a few excursions, organize your airport pickup, do lots of research, and take the essential measures to make things as simple as possible for yourself at first.
2. Make Technology a Part of Your First Solo Trip
Solo travel is all about independence, but it doesn't mean you shouldn't use all of your resources. When technology is required, don't be scared to use it. There's nothing wrong with reaching for your phone in an emergency.
Use Google Maps if you have trouble with directions (like I do). When you don't have access to the internet or service, you may use these maps offline. Use Google Translate if you have trouble understanding the local language. You may get the offline version here!
Use XE Currency if you have trouble changing currencies. This software is also available in an offline version. Taking use of every resource available to you will save you a lot of time and worry!
3. Do as much research as possible
It's not easy to travel alone, so do your homework before you leave. If you know what to anticipate, you'll feel better prepared and less overwhelmed. Examine blogs, articles, books, and Facebook group’s foremost known information on your next trip. When you're arranging everything on your own, it's easy to miss important things. Here are a few things to look into before your trip:
- Requirements for passports, visas, and travel documents
- What is the best way to travel to and from the airport?
- What to wear, including clothing that is culturally suitable
- The best and safest areas to stay in
How can a lone female traveler remain safe?
When you get there, here's what you should do!
Lonely Planet, Culture Trip, Trip Advisor, destination-specific websites, Instagram, and personal blogs are all excellent sources of information. My go-to resource is Google! Inquire about travel-related advice. Girls Love Travel, Women Who Travel, and Solo Female Traveler Network are all excellent sites for first-hand information on Facebook.
4. Establish Goals
To be honest, anything might happen on your first solo vacation. Set objectives or goals in order to make the most of it. Consider what you want to get out of the encounter. What do you want to gain knowledge about? What are your travel plans? What kind of person do you wish to meet? What kind of challenges would you want to take on? What are your plans? What do you want to experience?
Setting intentions determines the speed and direction of your journey. You'll have a better sense of direction and purpose as you begin your journey. As a consequence, you'll have a better chance of having a good first solo vacation, whatever that means to you.
5. Sleep in a social setting
It's no secret that the most terrifying element of solo travel is being alone. When you're out having fun during the day, it's easy to feel alone, but the world appears to calm down at night. Consider renting a hostel or a private room from an Airbnb service company if you want to meet people, go out, and be in a social environment.
Hostels aren't for everyone, but as a single traveler, they're the most convenient way to meet people. To maintain a social environment, hostels often organize day excursions, bar crawls, family dinners, and other activities.
You'll have a local host if you rent a private room at an Airbnb. Although you will have privacy, you will not be totally alone. In many instances, your host may be happy to tour you around their hometown! Make sure to read the reviews!
If hostels or Airbnbs aren't your style, try staying at a hotel with a communal atmosphere. Look for hotels with pools, common areas, and activities!
6. Make an informed decision about where you want to go
It is critical that you choose the appropriate place for YOU. If you go to a place that appeals to your interests, you're more likely to be satisfied. If you become bored after a few days of lying on the sand, stay away from beaches. You can easily overwhelmed by crowds, stay away from large cities. For first-time solo travelers, here are a few pointers:
Choose a place where you can communicate in the native language; otherwise, expect a language barrier (download Google Translate)
Select a place with a well-developed tourist infrastructure.
Choose a popular backpacking destination where you'll be able to meet a lot of other people.
To prevent loneliness and lengthy trips, select a central location.
7. Let Go Of Expectations
Anything may happen on your first solo vacation, as I said before. ANYTHING! Try to walk in with no expectations and remain as cheerful as possible. There's no way to know what will happen or how a certain location will be, so keeping a good attitude is essential.
Leave a Reply