Tell Your Family Your Itinerary. I often tease my parents that they never should have let me leave home by myself but these days, I have become quite the travel expert. When I travel alone I often think about the fact that no one knows what Im doing or where Im going in a destination generally. Have one confidant back home to check in with. Your local insurance at home will not cover you when you are traveling overseas. Fostering self-reflection and personal growth Want more reasons to go explore the world by yourself? When You Are Lonely, Take a Tour 4. Make sure you can pay for a taxi, train ticket or whatever else may be necessary as soon as you get off the plane. See Itinerary, 15 Days in Colombia. Data in foreign countries (read: outside of the US) tends to be very affordable, and in most cities around the world, you can have a local SIM working before you even leave the airport! Mysteries of the Universe / Time Travel | Coast to Coast AM My first time traveling alone I had no data, no idea how to read a map and didn't know left from right, let alone north from south. 26. Save yourself some hassle and try to avoid night-buses and red-eye flights until you feel more confident navigating on your own. Got interested? Dont keep your cash and credit cards all in the same place. Plan a simple getaway nearby first and see how you do and gradually go bigger! Traveling solo will teach you to stay open and try new things, and also when to respect your boundaries. When Im traveling alone I cut back my alcohol consumption to 1 drink or nothing. Are there days when many attractions will be closed? One of the biggest concerns of first-time solo travellers (aside from safety) is eating alone in restaurants. You should plan to take it easy your first few days in the country to get your bearings. It really is perfect for the solo traveler. However, in the end they are reminders that you can do whatever it is you set your mind to. Join the community and get access to exclusive travel discounts! Thank you for the great piece of encouragement for solo travel. THANK YOU!! In addition to having some instant interaction, you get to learn about the city you are staying in, make new travel friends, and get some recommendations for where to eat and go! Here's a picture of my face in front of a museum today". 1. If you just cant stomach the idea of hostels, then another option is to stay in an Airbnb. And you deserve to know what it feels like to be out exploring the world alone. Look into international phones. Register with the STEP Program (US Only), 5. Figure out what's possible for your budget and start crafting an agenda. 1. I know it seems uncomfortable to share a room with a stranger for some people; however, I have also made some incredible friendships with random roommates throughout my travels and its worth it to try it! Where to travel alone for the first time Even if youre nervous. This may mean that you need to take on a roommate for a trip. Pack for passing the time. That way the option to cancel is always on the table. If youre travelling somewhere famed for its trekking, Peru for example, you should try to make friends and hike as a group. After that I made an effort to pick countries around Europe where people spoke more English (until I felt comfortable enough to handle a language barrier anywhere). They say that 50% of the people who sign up for their trips are solo travelers. Few things in life empower us more than blazing that first solo travel trail! I've listed a few of each below. Ummmno, we are designed to carry and push out babies. Drinking will of course impair your ability to do those things and puts you at more risk. Staying connected and having access to being connected through a local SIM will ease your anxiety considerably and make your overall travel experience easier. 25 Important Tips For Flying Alone For The First Time - Jessie on a Journey A great way to see a city is to challenge yourself to achieve a certain amount of walking each day or a visit a certain set of places each day. JUST THE THOUGHT of dining alone in a restaurant used to stress me out. 2. >> How about getting a 10% discount on Pax Assistance international travel insurance? Travel Solo With a Group 9. 17. Its good to know the emergency number of the country you are traveling in. Choose your plan to travel with Worldpackers as many times as you like. These commissions help reduce the costs of running this site. Essential tips for traveling alone: advice from experience, Not all cities, places, or countries are created equal for solo travelers! Both have their pros and cons. However, there are some companies that wave the single fee. Visitors need to stay aware of their belongings, as pickpocketing can be an issue in crowded areas. Study maps of the country and learn the city names. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Travel-Alone-for-the-First-Time-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Travel-Alone-for-the-First-Time-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Travel-Alone-for-the-First-Time-Step-1.jpg\/aid10799494-v4-728px-Travel-Alone-for-the-First-Time-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Think of all the places you want to see, food you want to eat and activities you'd like to do. 1. Especially for the very first time. Do Your Research When you're planning a solo trip it's important to do a lot of research. Approached safely and intelligently, solo travel becomes an adventure that can make you new friends the world over. If your current phone plan won't work where you're traveling, it might be beneficial to get a burner (or temporary) phone with international minutes. Here are some examples: 1. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Traveling Alone for the First Time? 15 Essential Tips You NEED to Know! 20+ Useful Tips for Traveling Alone for the First Time - Every Steph *Valid for all nationalities, except for United States and Canadian citizens. When choosing a destination for traveling alone, there are plenty of places you can go where English isn't the first language but you can still get along just fine. I've visited over 55 countries and love sharing my adventures with basically anyone willing to listen. brillaint blog, very helpful for a female solo traveller! In this guide I will give you my toptips for traveling alone for the first time. In the meantime Im traveling domestically in the US. And regardless of the culture, you should try to be modest all the time. Traveling alone can be an incredibly rewarding and fun experience. Its great peace of mind for the solo traveler. 2023-03-17. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Another thing that my friend did on her solo trip was wear a cheap wedding band to give the impression she was married. Where are the cities I plan to visit located in the country? Yes I I know that walking isnt hard. Once you know where you're going, you have to figure out how you are going to get thereandhow you're going to get aroundonce you've arrived. Ottsworld is a blog Im following since 2years. Make sure you know the country code for calls and how to contact the authorities by phone. Home Blog Travel Solo Travel How to Travel Alone for the First Time: 20 Tips from 12 Years on the Road. Its really easy to do know with all of the phone apps that work over wifi these days. In the event of any medical emergencies, make sure you know where the nearest hospital is located. Even experienced outdoors people can find themselves in over their head if they sprain an ankle in a remote area. References. This prevents you from getting stranded without cash on hand to help yourself out of sticky situations. No matter where you go in the world, stay connected and always let someone know where you are. This makes it so much easier to navigate and feel comfortable in a new city or country. The single most important task for soon to be solo-travelers is to research your destination. Overly romanticising destinations will only lead to disappointment. Among them are the safest neighborhoods for first-time visitors. If youre looking for companionship opt to stay in hostels, join walking tours, or sign up for a cooking class. 7 Essential Solo Travel Tips for Moms: Your Ultimate Guide - Momtastic We all need to talk to other people. First Things First: Get Your Passport Well in Advance The most important of all tips for first-time international travelers? Embrace serendipity and allow yourself to wander off the beaten path you might discover hidden gems you'd never find in a guidebook. Check out our article about the TOP 25 best places for a solo trip around the world. Gaining a new perspective on life 4. I wasn't born a solo traveler and I was trapped in one hell of a comfort zone. Learn about and research the trail. I need help so that I know how to travel to Italy again. What is the conversion rate? Tips for travelling alone - A1 Reading test - Test-English Required fields are marked *, By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our. The single most difficult part of solo travel is deciding to go. Prioritize your well-being, even if it means declining an invitation or changing your plans. If you need some encouragement to step out of your comfort zone and start your solo travels, think of the benefits that you'll get from traveling alone. Fortunately, many travellers find that they actually prefer solo travel. Its a true vacation to just have to worry about you. You are alone, but you dont have to act like it. How to travel Solo for the First Time (20 top tips) Download Maps for Offline Use 7. If you choose to purchase items through these links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. While solo travel encourages independence, it's wise to keep in touch with friends and family back home. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Plus, they even have special solo only departures for some of their most popular destinations (Vietnam, Bali, and Morocco in 2019)! In addition, try not to wear any flashy jewelry or show your electronics. 6. Many credit cards have hefty international fees, so be sure to have at least one card set up for foreign transactions. Its always a good idea when traveling alone for the first time (or any time really) to have a family member or friend back home to check in with. Control the itinerary. If you choose to stay in social accommodations, you'll likely find travel buddies without making much of an effort. My first solo international trip was to England. Private rooms normally are about the same cost as a hotel, but the social benefits greatly outweigh the few extra hotel benefits you get. 1. To get this issue out of the way, read about the why of solo travel here. Have a Budget and Stick to it 2. AS if you neeed more work! Meeting people on the road as a solo traveler is easy. Solo travel: Why more people are doing it and tips for first timers - BBC Also, before any solo excursions, let the hotel staff . I have made lifelong friendships with people Ive met while traveling solo on small group trips. Although you can find these items in any country in the world it can be beneficial to have them on hand. Price at time of publish: $249. Often described as liberation at its purest, if and when you get an opportunity to take off on your own, you must without second thoughts. Safety first One of the top concerns for people planning a solo trip is safety. But youll never know until you try it. Now, let's get on to the how. Finally, don't expect to get your money back if you ask to cancel an already booked trip or excursion. And sometimes those worries can stop people from trying this wonderfully enriching form of travel. Even if youre not planning on sticking to a strict budget during your trip its beneficial to know the ins and outs of the local currency. If a situation seems unsafe leave it. Often people find themselves first travelling solo because their friends and partners dont share the same desire to travel the world. Do your research on your destination and create a list of must-see attractions . Solo journeys are the ultimate tests. Tips For Flying Alone For The First Time 1. Download offline maps or get a SIM card. It is very empowering travelling solo. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This will save you the pressure of figuring out shuttles, buses, and taxis while likely experiencing a bit of jet lag and culture shock. When you return, write reviews of your experience for fellow travelers. Your columns continue to be full of insightful, and indispensable advice. Back. You may consider special weather items like a bathing suit or rain jacket. You'll find work exchange positions in several different kinds of hosts, from hostels and holistic centers to ecovillages and NGOs, all around the world. This way youll be prepared if you ever are confronted with an emergency. T. to countries with less tourism can be more challenging, but no less rewarding. Here are a few important questions to research before you go: Do I need a visa? It's always reassuring to know that traveling solo can be a social experience, and that you canmake friends while traveling alone. Taste the finest Caribbean rum. That's great! Give yourself challenges. That year traveling around the world solo turned into 12 years and 70+ countries. Travel must. Plus youll get great ideas for other places to eat during your stay. 18. especially when you are traveling alone for the first time! If you're going on a multi-destination trip, create an itinerary for each destination. Ive read SO MANY female solo travel tip blog posts that say essentially the same thing. Speak the language. If you are traveling alone and dont want to be isolated, then hostels are a great option. We're going to go over picking the perfect destination, flying alone for the first time, safety concerns, and other essential things to ensure you have the most amazing first solo trip. Keep Alcohol to a Minimum When You're Traveling Alone 6. Its best to arrive early so youre not rushing in at the very last moment. Yesterday you said 15 years of travel dear friend. 1: Don't over pack It always causes many rolls of the eyes and smirks when someone walks into the hostel with a giant backpack that is taller than them and probably just as heavy. Apply to as many positions as you like, and get in contact with hosts. Solo Travel Tip # 1: The Most Important Question When traveling alone for the first time, the key question you have to ask yourself is: How alone do you want to be? Picking the right destination can make all the difference, with some places more suited to solo travel than others. When you travel alone, you really do need to make smart decisions and be aware of whats happening around you. Read our articles about how to travel alone with Worldpackers. Even still, I bring too much and end up donating things along the way! I know that from personal experience traveling along in rural China, India, Egypt, Russia and more. Yours is the first Ive read in a LONG time with great new tips I havent heard of, with great resources.