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Traveling solo has become something of a bucket list item over the years, but there’s no denying that solo travel can be daunting. Traveling solo makes it look so easy, but if you’ve never traveled solo before, you’re probably wondering where to start and how to travel solo for the first time?
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I started traveling alone when I was 16, some people think it’s young, others started traveling alone even younger. The important thing is that there is no right or wrong time to start. Traveling alone is an adventure and a thrill, but it can also be a challenge, especially the first time.
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The key to traveling solo for the first time is building your confidence outside your comfort zone. The more you do this, the farther you can push yourself next time, and the more confident you’ll be traveling alone. And this post offers tips and tricks on how to prepare for your first trip.
This might seem silly at first, but if you’re not used to doing things alone at home, chances are you’ll find it even harder to do things alone abroad.
So, at home, in your own country, step out of your comfort zone a little by going to a cafe, bar or restaurant on your own. Or go to the movies. It doesn’t have to be something huge, just try to get to a bar or restaurant half an hour before you meet your friends, buy a drink or snack and sit down by yourself.
It sounds daunting at first, but it’s something you’ll have to do when traveling alone, so getting used to it in your home zone is helpful. You’ll find that people don’t even pay much attention to you, so there’s no need to feel embarrassed. Just enjoy your drink and people watching!
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One of the scariest parts of traveling alone is knowing that you might have to deal with a new language, a new currency, a new transportation system, a completely different culture, and the lack of wifi or mobile data to back you up.
Make yourself a little more comfortable and eliminate these variables by taking a trip on your own. There are probably several places you’ve put on your list to visit one day in your home country, and that’s a great reason to visit them. I’ve always loved doing little solo weekend trips back home in the UK, it’s given me the excuse to explore places like the Peak District, Cornwall, York and Wales on my own.
If you’re lucky enough to live somewhere like the US or Canada, you’ll have a vast country to explore and different climates, cultures, activities and sights to see without having to show your passport.
Traveling alone in your own country is also a great opportunity to get used to taking buses, trains or planes alone. Feeling confident when negotiating transport yourself is very helpful when traveling alone.
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If getting on a plane, negotiating a new city, finding accommodation and eating at a restaurant alone is still too daunting, break it down into smaller steps.
At 16 I took my first solo flight. I flew to Spain but met my family there for a week’s vacation.
When I was 19, I flew to Canada alone, traveled solo for a week, then met up with a friend for a second week of travel.
Sometimes it’s more comfortable to do these things in stages until you’re comfortable traveling alone. Each of them is an achievement in itself.
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This may seem obvious, but it’s important to choose a place you’re comfortable with and looking forward to visiting – let the excitement overcome the nervousness.
Perhaps you choose a country where you already know a little bit of the language, even simple ‘where is it…’, ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ will help you feel more confident if you are visiting somewhere with a different language.
Or maybe you have friends or family in another country and it’s more comforting to visit them and know you have a friendly face nearby if you need them.
Countries like China or Japan, while amazing, can be difficult for first-time solo travelers with China’s lack of internet access or lack of English speakers. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go there! Just make sure you’re comfortable with where you’re going.
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Planning ahead will make you feel much more confident and prepared for your trip. Knowing your route, accommodation and what you want to see each day will also help you keep busy and not dwell on any worries you have, especially if you are worried about feeling lonely or homesick.
While it’s not necessarily true that you’ll plan less when traveling alone more often, the more you get used to traveling alone, the more likely you’ll feel comfortable without a rigid plan or less worried if you plan your accommodation each night. Although I do it much more often now, I always meticulously planned my solo trips in the early years of traveling solo and I still try now.
Some people might think this is better suited for women traveling alone, but I think it’s good practice for anyone – always make sure someone knows where you are – even if it’s just a general itinerary!
This is not to make you scared but just to put your mind at ease as well as your family members or friends. Make sure you let someone know what your plan is and which route you are taking. I will always send my mom my itinerary so she knows more or less where I am when I travel alone. Also let people know if you expect to be out of touch for a while due to your location.
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As I mentioned above, you might get more comfortable with ‘improvising’ as time goes on, but if you’re traveling alone for the first time, it makes sense to do your research, stay somewhere you’re comfortable with, and make sure Make sure you know how to get there when you arrive – even without the internet to help you.
This might not be for everyone, but there’s nothing worse than feeling alone in a hotel room on your first solo trip. Hostels are a great place to meet other solo travelers and you’ll find a lot of people in the same boat as you.
Just hang out in the common space and chat, it’s a great way to get out of your comfort zone and you’ll feel amazing meeting new people and having human interaction too. You might even learn some food tips or recommendations from people who have been there for a while.
You don’t even have to stay in dorms if you don’t like shared spaces, most hostels also offer private rooms for a good price.
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You may often find that getting wifi isn’t always as easy as it is at home and you can’t use your mobile data. Of course, you can always buy a local SIM card, but if you’re only there for a short trip, it might not be worth it.
Instead, download offline maps from google or maps.me so you can find your way without the internet. Your accommodation may also have local map leaflets that you may find useful.
Sometimes it can be hard to know where to start in a new place. You may prefer to book an organized tour or Airbnb experience to get the full experience or if you’re feeling overwhelmed with all the things to see and do.
I usually avoid expensive organized tours, but I like to go on a free walking tour of a new city. It’s nice to be part of a group and be surrounded by the same people for a few hours while you learn something about the place you’re visiting. Plus, you might also meet some new friends on your tour!
Tips For Travelling Alone
This is not just a tip for first time solo travelers, this should be something everyone does and it has saved me on more than one occasion.
Whether you’re traveling with cash, credit or debit cards, keep your money supplies in at least two separate places. I tend to keep some cash (a small amount) and a credit card on me/easily accessible, and the rest in my main travel bag, where I restock my small bag each day. Sometimes I split that amount so I have half in my main bag and half in my daypack.
This happens for a few reasons. If your purse is lost or stolen, you’ll still have another bank card or other source of money available. Also, if you are robbed or
