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There are many reasons to travel solo. You get to challenge yourself to tread out of your comfort zone. There will be complete freedom and flexibility to decide where to stay and what you do with your time. You also get to plan within your budget and make new friends.
Of course, traveling alone for the first time could be an overwhelming experience for anyone. But when you know what to anticipate, things could get much easier. Here are six essential tips every first-time solo traveler must know.
Prepare a Budget
For many people, the budget is the starting point of travel planning. Whether visiting another state or going overseas, setting a budget is important to understand how much you should spend. It will be a key deciding factor when you are selecting the mode of travel, accommodation, activities, and duration of your stay.
So, start by deciding how much you want to spend for the entire trip. Consider airfare, rentals and gas, food, lodging, activities, tips, souvenirs, and unexpected expenses.
Determine What to Pack
Smart traveling is all about planning, and that includes deciding in advance what to take with you. Traveling light is always recommended—you don’t want to carry too much luggage when globetrotting solo. However, you may need to pack certain items depending on where you intend to visit, what you plan to do there, and specific personal requirements.
For instance, when you are visiting a remote location, carrying basic first aid items would certainly be worthwhile. If you want to rent a vehicle, take your driver’s license and any other documents the rental companies may require.
Moreover, consider the time of the year and the weather conditions at your destination. Pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses in summer, and take enough clothes to keep yourself warm during winter.
Also, list the documents you need to carry, including your passport, ID, and insurance. If you are going overseas, check ahead for any visa requirements. Take printouts of essential travel documents and carry copies with you in case of loss or theft of the originals.
Create an Itinerary
A basic itinerary can save valuable time and ensure you don’t miss out on the must-see attractions. But avoid including too many activities. Remember, solo travel is all about having fun and immersing yourself in experiences, not checking off items on a list.
Include enough time to get some rest, savor local dishes, and make new friends. These are just as important as exploring popular tourist hotspots.
Consider Payment Methods
Determining in advance how you should pay for travel expenses has several advantages.
For instance, your credit card company may provide discounts, air miles, insurance, and various other benefits for travelers. These could allow you to enjoy savings and keep a tighter grip on your budget.
How you pay for expenses once you get to your destination is equally important to minimize extra fees and unnecessary hassle. When you visit another state, for example, using your credit card is likely the best option to avoid carrying too much cash. However, when you are traveling abroad, you will often incur additional charges for credit card payments and ATM withdrawals. So, using cash could be cheaper.
But a word of caution—avoid exchanging all your money for local currency at the airport as soon as you arrive. You can usually get better rates at approved money exchangers located in tourist areas. Travel reviews and hotel staff can help you find them.
Also, keep in mind that carrying too much cash, whether in USD or local currency, could be risky, too. Therefore, take a credit or debit card as a backup and inform your bank and credit card company about your travel itinerary before you set off.
Ensure Your Safety
As a solo traveler, personal safety should be your number one priority. Here are a few essential measures to keep in mind:
- Inform a close friend about your travel plans. Share the itinerary, flight details, and accommodation information.
- Never post travel details on social media until you get back. For instance, avoid posting your solo travel pictures or info about where you are staying.
- Keep a list of emergency contact numbers of the destination country or state you intend to visit.
- Avoid divulging personal details and your travel itinerary with strangers.
- When you make new friends, search for their details on Google for a quick background check. If you are traveling within the US, find information about them on PhoneHistory.
- Never carry valuables apart from the absolute essentials.
- Blend in as much as possible and act like a local, even when you are in an unfamiliar environment.
- Consume alcohol in moderation.
- Carry a map and ensure you can access Google Maps to verify directions you receive from strangers or find your way by yourself.
- Note down license plate numbers before getting into a cab.
- Never lose sight of your belongings, whether you are waiting at the airport or traveling in a cab.
- Avoid Airbnb or Couchsurfing and choose a hotel or hostel instead.
- Familiarize yourself with your surroundings when you get to your destination.
- Arrange for airport pickup if possible so your first encounter in a new country is not with an unknown cab driver.
- Read travel reviews to learn about common local scams.
Study the Local Culture
Researching your travel destination will help you understand and appreciate the local traditions, customs, and values to avoid disrespecting or offending anyone. For instance, some cultures require a conservative dress code. You can prepare with appropriate clothing when you know this in advance.
Pre-work is also useful for avoiding culture shock and understanding what to expect when you arrive in a foreign land.
To Sum Up
Traveling alone for the first time could be quite challenging. You will be in an entirely new environment with no one to lean on but yourself. However, you can set sail like a pro with adequate planning. Start with a budget and create an itinerary. Determine the essentials to pack and your payment options. And don’t forget to research the local culture and ensure your safety.
Image Credit: Photo by Ivana Cajina on Unsplash