Solo Travel Secrets: Key Tips for Exploring the World on Your Own

Before the trip

Here are a few tips that can help you turn your solo trip into a memorable experience:

Plan Ahead

Before your trip, thoroughly research your destination. Gather information about tourist attractions, culture, food, and public transportation.

Book Your Accommodation

Before traveling, make sure to book your accommodation. Choosing the right destination is very important. If it’s your first time traveling solo, it might be a good idea to start with places you are already familiar with. Being in a familiar location can prevent unnecessary stress. When you arrive in a city you already know, you are less likely to feel lonely or worried.

If you don’t want to visit a place you’ve already been to, choose a destination that excites you—like a city you’ve always wanted to see and frequently searched about. This motivation and positive feeling toward the destination will help you experience fewer negative emotions and allow positive feelings to outweigh stress and anxiety.

Set Your Budget

The cost of travel is another important aspect of pre-trip planning that requires careful attention and planning. The two main expenses of any trip are accommodation and transportation, which includes travel to your destination and local transport within the city.

You need to be prepared for all these expenses. Another key decision is choosing the type of accommodation. If you plan to spend your days out exploring attractions, there’s no need to book a luxury hotel. A clean and safe room for resting at night is sufficient, and this can be found in budget-friendly hotels. Before booking, be sure to read reviews from other travelers, look at hotel photos, and carefully check the available amenities. The hotel's distance from tourist attractions is another important factor to consider.

In addition to these, you should also set aside money for food, drinks, entertainment, entrance tickets, souvenirs, and travel insurance.

Pack Your Essentials

Gather your essential items and try to travel light. People generally fall into two categories when it comes to packing: those who can travel for weeks with just a backpack, and those who bring a suitcase, a handbag, and a backpack for just one night at a friend’s house.

When traveling solo, and especially since you’ll be carrying all your luggage by yourself, it’s important to pack light and smart. Take only the essentials and arrange them properly in your backpack. Bring items that can serve multiple purposes, such as multi-use containers or clothing that can be worn in various situations.

For a solo trip, it’s better to travel with a single backpack and have a small handbag for essentials and travel documents. Backpacks are much easier to carry when using public transportation.

Only take what you truly need. For example, if the hotel provides toiletries and towels, there’s no need to pack your own.

Stay in Touch with Your Family

Always stay in touch with your family. Let them know where you’re going, when you’re leaving, your destination, and approximately when you’ll return. Reassure them that you’re safe and enjoying your trip. Additionally, when your family knows your plans and destination, it will be easier for them to locate you if needed.