(*This is also in line of what we shared yesterday, a few travel planning facts that newbie solo travellers may want to consider).
Seasoned solo travellers will tell you that independent travel is an exciting and transformative experience. You step out of your comfort zone building your independence, self-discovery, and personal growth as a person.
Solo travel means having the freedom to explore the world at your own pace, according to your own planning without being influenced by others.
Perhaps you have heard about this form of travel and are considering your first solo adventure.
Our forum has plenty of useful tips top make solo travel safe and enjoyable in this forum, but in this guide we will go over everything step by step to help you plan a stress free enjoyable travel adventure:
1. It Starts by Choosing the Right Destination:
- Consider Your Interests: It’s all about you so you need to select a destination that aligns with your passions, whether it's adventure, culture, or relaxation. Maybe you have a bucket list of travel experiences you would like to fulfil?
- Safety and Security: The internet has a wealth of information about every country in the world so do patient and through research about the destination's safety record and any potential travel advisories. Read destination guides in our forum too: Click Here
- Language Barriers: When travelling abroad, then in most countries there may be language barriers. If you don't speak the local language, as a newbie solo traveller perhaps consider your first destinations where English is widely spoken, or where language barriers are minimal.
- Research Popular Attractions: You know what you want in activities and experiences. At your chosen destination, identify the must-see sights and activities in your destination, which you can also do by using the internet. (*See Itinerary planning sections in our forum too)
- Create a Flexible Itinerary: Don’t pack every day with something to do but leave some in between days where you are free. Allowing for spontaneity means having the chance for unexpected discoveries.
- Consider Off-Peak Seasons: Traveling out of holiday seasons saves you money on your travel budget during and you will definitely find better deals and fewer tourist crowds too allowing for a better travel adventure.
- Choose Your Accommodation Type: check our forum regarding all our recommended accommodation options, and consider hostels, budget hotels, guesthouses, or Airbnb for solo travellers.
- Read Reviews: It is very useful to check online reviews to get a sense of the accommodation's quality and location. Don’t be shy to interact with others on this forum for advice as well.
- Book in Advance: Book all your travel and transport and confirm it properly in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, and make sure to especially book your accommodations well in advance.
- Pack Light: Lots of packing guides in our forum to help you, but the key point here is to avoid over packing to make transportation and getting around so much easier.
- Essentials: Pack essentials like comfortable clothing, toiletries, and necessary medications.
- Consider Local Customs: As we recommend to every traveller and not just to solo travellers you must investigate the local customs and dress codes laws of countries, to avoid any cultural faux pas, which can result in fine s and even falling afoul of the law.
- Research Local Laws and Customs: As above, a point to stress again is to familiarize yourself with local laws and customs to avoid any legal issues, and the internet is a useful resource once again to find out.
- Inform Loved Ones: travelling alone means making sure that your family or friends know your travel plans and itinerary even day by day for the duration of your trip.
- Stay Connected: You should carry a reliable phone and consider purchasing a local SIM card for affordable communication. A cheap spare phone can be taken along in case your main phone gets stolen or damaged.
- Be Open-Minded: Your first solo adventure is scary and you can be anxious and excited all at the same time. However, embrace all these new experiences and step outside your comfort zone.
- Connect with Locals: have fun making new friends and acquaintances on your travel adventure and do so by engaging with locals to gain insights into the culture and way of life.
- Join Group Activities: There are times you will feel alone and maybe even a bit homesick, an in these times, consider joining group tours or activities to meet other likeminded travellers.
- Listen to Your Gut: it is not only women that have strong intuition when danger is being faced, but men have these instincts too. So when something feels strange and suspicious, trust these instincts and take necessary precautions to get away from these possibly dangerous situations.
- Be Confident, and Assertive: Don't hesitate to speak up if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Even while travelling and you have internet access, you can chat with others on this forum for friendly advice and tips.
With proper and careful detailed planning and preparation, you'll have a memorable and rewarding solo adventure.