Over the past 10 years, I’ve taken multiple solo trips. These have ranged from long weekends to international getaways. One of the best parts of solo travel is that everything is truly up to you. You have the opportunity to make it exactly what you want, and that can be the most rewarding part of solo traveling.
It can be intimidating to take that first solo trip (especially if you are a woman); however, many find it such a rewarding experience. It is a great way to learn about yourself, push yourself out of your comfort zone, and gain experiences you might not otherwise have if you were waiting for someone else to be available to do it with you.
If you’re planning your first solo trip, I’ve created a list of 10 Tips For Your First Solo Trip.
1. Start with a Long Weekend
If you aren’t used to spending a great deal of time alone, starting with a long weekend is a really good entry point. When I took my first solo trip, I had lived alone for a few years and was working a 9-to-5 in an office, so I was very used to having people around most days. There is something different about spending 4-5 days in an unfamiliar location than living alone and taking a few days off work. For that reason, I always suggest starting around 4-5 days instead of a full week’s vacation. After years of solo travel, I’ve personally found that 5 days is my sweet spot for solo trips.
2. Pick a Location You Feel Comfortable
For my first solo trip, I picked New York City. It’s a city I’m very comfortable navigating alone. My second trip was a road trip just a few hours away from home. My first big solo trip was to Monterey Bay, California. It was a place on my bucket list to visit, and it is still one of my favorite trips I’ve taken.
3. Let Someone Know
I always make sure someone at home has my itinerary and all my travel information (such as where I’m staying and flight information). This is something I do regardless of whether I’m traveling alone.
4. Have a Plan
For me, it can be much more overwhelming to not have a plan on a solo trip than it is when you are traveling by yourself. It helps me feel confident when I have a loose plan and know what my next step is. This can be as simple as picking a few cafes ahead of time for a break from wandering the streets. This also prevents you from having to stand on a street corner and research.
5. Reserve Things in Advance
When I solo travel, I like to have at least one thing booked each day. Having a loose plan still allows plenty of flexibility, but it also gives you something to look forward to each day without spending the entire trip trying to figure out what is next.
6. Set Up Your Technology
One of the things I always do prior to a trip is download a Google map of the destination for offline use, even if I should have cell phone coverage. Depending on how remote the place you are traveling to is, your cell phone coverage may be spotty, so it’s always good to have an offline map. I also always make sure I have a backup charger and charging cord. I tend to use my phone a lot more on solo trips than when I’m with someone else. Whether I’m navigating, capturing photos & videos, or reading a book on my phone at a cafe, the battery seems to drain much faster than it does otherwise.
7. Check Schedules & Routes Before You Head Out
If you are traveling in a city with a public transport system, it is helpful to check the schedule and route before you leave your current location. This helps you make sure you are headed in the right direction, or at least know where you are headed, so you can be more aware of your surroundings instead of looking at your phone.
8. Be Confident & Friendly
One of the best ways to blend in be confident and friendly. This can make you appear more like a local, making you more approachable to the right people and less of an easy target for the wrong ones.
9. Don’t Be Afraid to Wander
While it is great to have a plan, build in time to simply explore. Some of the best moments come from wandering the streets. Europeans cities are especially great for this. In Carmel-by-the-Sea, I was tired from walking, so I rented an e-bike. It ended up being one of the highlights of the trip because I decided to take it on the 17-Mile Drive.
10. Relax
For me, it can be super easy to go-go-go on solo trips. So I have to be intentional in letting myself recharge. I try to build in time to sit and read a book during the day to give myself a little break. I especially love doing this on patios when the weather is nice.
Would you like help planning your first solo trip? If you do, I’m here to help. Just fill out this form to get started.
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