Going on Your First Solo Trip: Tips for First-Time Travelers

Traveling alone is both empowering and scary!

Taking that first step and going on a trip by yourself can be terrifying, but it’s so worth it. Solo travel gives you a unique opportunity to explore the world on your own terms, teaching you how to be independent and self-reliant. If you’ve never done it before, I highly recommend trying it at least once.

This guide will help you make your first solo trip enjoyable, memorable, and safe! Keep reading:

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The Joys of Solo Travel

Traveling alone allows you to set your own pace, pursue your interests, and make spontaneous decisions without needing to accommodate others.

This is super exciting if you’ve only ever traveled as part of a unit. Where will you go? What will you do? YOU get to decide!

Whether you are an early riser eager to catch the sunrise or a night owl who enjoys late-night walks, solo travel gives you the freedom to create a personalized itinerary.

You can be flexible and decide what you’ll be doing each day on the fly if you want. Flexibility often leads to a deeper connection with your destination, as you can immerse yourself fully in the experience and not just go from point A to point B.

Moreover, solo travel is a fantastic opportunity for self-discovery.

Being alone in a totally new environment encourages introspection and personal growth. You’ll encounter many situations that’ll challenge you, even if it’s just “how do I get to my hotel from the airport.” Dealing with these things develops your problem-solving skills and resilience.

Plus, solo travel often leads to meaningful interactions with locals and fellow travelers. People are always interested in solo travelers because it’s comparatively unusual, so you’re more likely to be invited to join experiences that you might not get invited to if you’re traveling in a group.

Planning Your First Solo Trip

1. Choosing the Destination

For your first solo trip, select a destination that aligns with your interests and comfort level. Research places known for being safe and welcoming to solo travelers. Cities like Tokyo, Bangkok, and London are popular choices due to their safety, efficient public transportation, and abundant tourist-friendly amenities.

If you’re super nervous, start somehow more familiar to you, even if it’s a destination in your own country. My first international trip was to England, because a) I’d always wanted to go, b) I knew I spoke the language so that was one less thing to worry about and c) it’s very easy to travel around inside the country even as a solo traveler. I only had to worry about a few things instead of EVERYTHING, and that helped a lot.

If you need some ideas on where to start, I have some suggestions for the best first-time solo travel destinations here, built from my own experience as a solo traveler!

2. Research and Preparation

This is the fun part: researching your destination and figuring out where to go. Use travel blogs, TikTok, Youtube and other social media to see what kind of fun things you can do and get inspiration from other solo travelers.

You’ll also want to research about your destination’s culture, customs, and local laws. Sometimes it’s not always obvious and there might be some surprises. For instance, Singapore outlawed chewing gum and you’re not allowed to bring it into the country!

Check your own country’s travel advisories and health precautions as well. The US Department of State has travel advisories for every country, so be sure to check it before you book somewhere.

Familiarize yourself with key phrases in the local language if it’s different from your own, which can help in everyday situations and emergencies. At the very least, learn “hello,” “thank you” and “goodbye.” Even little things like that make interacting with locals a lot easier!

3. Booking Accommodations

Choose accommodations that prioritize safety and comfort. If you’re a cozy budget traveler like me, then you’ll probably want to book private rooms somewhere. That doesn’t necessarily mean a hotel!

Hostels, boutique hotels, and guesthouses often provide communal spaces where you can meet other travelers while also letting you have your own space. Bonus: they’re cheaper than regular hotels and usually do events and tours for guests.

Reading reviews and checking ratings on sites like TripAdvisor or Booking.com can give you insight into the security and atmosphere of the place. Be sure to check for info about the neighborhood your hotel is in, too!

4. Packing Wisely

Pack light and smart. You don’t want a bulging suitcase that you can’t lift yourself. Be as independent as possible and keep your luggage’s weight down so you can make it up and down stairs if needed.

Choose versatile clothing suitable for the weather in your destination. If you’re going somewhere tropical, you won’t need winter clothing!

Include essential items like a first-aid kit, a portable charger, and copies of important documents like your passport and ID. An anti-theft crossbody bag or money belt can be useful for keeping your valuables safe.

Going on a longer trip? Here’s what to pack for long-term travel.

Tips for Solo Female Travelers

Stay Connected

Make sure someone back home knows your itinerary, including which hostels you’re staying at. Check in with them regularly with updates. I always text my mom where I’m going, which hotel I’m staying at, my flight numbers, etc. etc.

Use technology to stay connected; apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Fb Messenger are invaluable for chatting with family. Plus you can use them to keep in touch with new travel friends!

Trust Your Instincts

Your intuition is a powerful tool. If a situation or place feels off, trust your gut and remove yourself.

Don’t worry about being rude– these people will never see you again! It’s more important to be safe than liked.

Solo travel requires having heightened awareness of your surroundings. If you’ve never been in a big city before, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and freak out. But the important part is to just be AWARE. That means paying attention to where you are, who’s near you, and not getting distracted by your phone.

One of the weirdest feelings is being alone in a busy city. You don’t know ANYONE, and nobody knows you. The first few times is really freaky, but eventually you’ll get used to it and be able to wander around anywhere no problem.

Related: Safety tips for solo female travelers

Be Friendly, But Not TOO Friendly

Avoid sharing too much information about yourself and your travel plans with strangers.

While it’s great to socialize, be cautious about who you trust. Not every person needs to know your itinerary as soon as you meet them. Even if they seem super friendly, they don’t need to know your day-by-day schedule.

If you’re joining someone on a sightseeing excursion, take the time to talk to them a bit before heading off alone with them. Get their contact info and send it to a family member or friend and let them know you’re going out. You don’t need to be paranoid, but don’t be overly trusting either. Stay safe!

Related: How to make friends while traveling solo

Join Groups and Tours

Joining day tours or group activities can be a fantastic way to meet people while exploring new places. Every major tourist destination will have SOMETHING you can join, even as a solo traveler.

I always try to find a walking tour whenever I get to a new city. They’re great for getting the lay of the land and figuring out where I want to go next, and they usually don’t have a minimum pax requirement.

Sites like GuruWalk have listings for free walking tours in every major city, or else you can check Get Your Guide for more specialized paid tours.

Related: How to Book a Group Day Tour as a Solo Traveler

Keep Emergency Contacts Handy

Have a list of emergency contacts, including local emergency services, your country’s embassy or consulate, and contacts back home. This list should be easily accessible, both in digital and printed form.

It’s the sort of thing you don’t need until you NEED it, so it’s better to have it ready to go, just in case.

Making the Most of Your Experience

Embrace Freedom

Enjoy the luxury of deciding your own schedule. Take time to explore hidden gems, savor local cuisine, and engage in activities that genuinely interest you. Without the need to compromise, you can fully immerse yourself in the experience.

Maybe you want to go to all the major tourist sites in one day. Maybe you want to skip them and go somewhere else entirely! Spend the whole day sitting in cafes and people watch? Go to used bookstores and browse? Whatever you want to do, do it!

Document Your Journey

Keep a travel journal or start a blog to document your experiences. Not only are journals a great creative outlet, but writing down your experiences helps you reflect on your journey and share your stories with others. Plus it’s always nice to look back on what you were doing a few years from now.

At the very least, get some good photos of yourself!

Related: How to Get Great Photos of Yourself While Traveling Solo

Connect with Locals

Engaging with locals can enrich your travel experience. Learn about their customs, traditions, and daily life by attending local events, visiting markets, or joining cultural workshops.

Check Facebook events for local events, and Meetup for group activities. If you do a hobby, see if there’s a hobby event or meetup you can join in on.

Be Open to New Experiences

Solo travel offers countless opportunities for spontaneity. Be open to trying new things, whether it’s tasting an unfamiliar food, learning a few dance steps, or exploring an off-the-beaten-path attraction. Get recommendations from locals and other travelers on where to go and what they enjoyed the most.

These experiences often become the highlights of your trip, even more than if you just follow a touring plan step-by-step.

Take Care of Yourself

Traveling alone means being responsible for your well-being. Stay hydrated, eat well, and get enough rest. Listen to your body and take breaks when needed. It’s tempting to go-go-go, but self-care is crucial.

Final Thoughts

Your first solo trip is a significant milestone. Traveling alone means a trip filled with opportunities for adventure, learning, and personal growth. By planning carefully and staying mindful of your surroundings, you can make the most of your journey.

Remember, the world is full of incredible places just waiting to be explored. And your solo adventure is just the beginning! Embrace the journey and enjoy the freedom it brings.

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