Planning your first solo trip can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. I’ve listed out some steps that I personally take that might help you as you try to plan your first solo trip. You don’t have to follow the list step by step, but this may help you slowly get more comfortable traveling alone. Here are a few tips and how to pick your next solo travel destination:
Best Tips for Picking Your First Adventure Alone:
1. Pick somewhere local to you.
If you’ve never gone anywhere alone, I suggest the first location be somewhere a little bit closer to home. Your maiden voyage is going to be memorable, but it isn’t going to be perfect so being close to home gives you that comfort & security of knowing that familiar isn’t that far away if need be.
2. Expand your radius and your comfort zone.
Always remember to expand your comfort zone just a little bit before every trip. There’s nothing wrong with doing the same thing over and over, but there’s so much excitement in finding something new that you love. Your first trip can be on the other side of town, then you can progress to a road trip about a few hours away and then you can progress to airplane trip depending on your preferred travel style – you make your own rules! Expanding just a little bit outside of your comfort zone allows you to manage this added stress in easier ways.
3. Be open minded.
Being open minded is super important when you’re traveling alone. If this is unfamiliar territory the idea of doing these things alone might seem a little bit weird to you, but I assure you that it isn’t. So many solo travelers have issues with sitting down and enjoying a meal alone because they’re so caught up in this judgment that others may have of them. If everyone is having a great time, no one is noticing you sitting alone also having a great time enjoying your meal. Relax a bit.
4. Plan some activities & leave time to find some.
I am 100% the planner type. I look up the menu beforehand, I’ll look up directions beforehand, I’ll look up any photos to see the type of seating inside beforehand; any information that I can get from the internet – I will. The problem with this mindset is when I don’t find enough information I get a little weary with my plans and that’s my issue. The best approach is to plan main attractions that you would like to see and have enough time off to discover things along the way.
5. Share your travel plans with someone & backup your documents.
Designate someone you trust with your travel information in case of emergency. This travel accountability partner will be someone you communicate with daily or every few days (depending on your agreed schedule) as well as possibly have back up documents (I use Google Drive) of your travel information. This relationship can come in handy for small travel incidents like losing your documentation or up to more grave situations like being out of contact for longer than expected.
I personally give my travel accountability partner a PDF copy of my travel plans with contact information of any other travelers I may be with and locations I may stay at. I also have an online platform that I use to schedule my travel (I said I was a planner!) that my travel accountability partner has access to, this gives them a live version of my itinerary for them to view if need be.
6. Have fun!
Last one at least, have fun! I do forget to sit down and appreciate the moment sometimes. When you’re on this trip you are at the point in your life that you were looking forward to, remember to take a few moments and reflect how grateful you are to be in this position.
Any other tips for New Solo Travelers?
Are there any tips that helped you finally take the plunge and book your first trip? I’d love to hear all about it! Connecting with other travelers is always such a pleasure I am as love to hear about all of your first adventures in the comments below.
Remember to check out all of my other travel planning tips, including my USA free travel guides. I enjoy sharing budget travel options for women travelers so use these blog post for inspiration on your next trip.
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