HOW TO TRAVEL ALONE FOR THE FIRST TIME: SOLO TRIP PLANNING
When you think about how to travel alone for the first time, it can be thrilling but also intimidating. So where exactly do you start? And which steps should you follow to make it happen? It is my hope that this planning guide will offer some answers and helpful insight. While solo travel enables you to live out an adventure according to your desires, the benefits are much more impactful than that. It's about self-empowerment, and embodying the best version of yourself. To grow through the joyful moments and challenges you experience. And to expand your world view and life perspective. So, let's bring your travel dream to life...
Envisioning Your Ideal Trip
What kind of travel experience do you want to have?
Think about the trip as a whole. Is there something that you’ve always wanted to try? Or somewhere you've dreamed of exploring? Consider the activities and the setting in which you would have this experience. And if you prefer to travel alone for the first time on a smaller scale, you can go domestic. Otherwise, go for that big international trip!
Example: A hiking expedition in the mountains, a solo exploration of a new city, a relaxing beach vacation
How do you want to feel in this travel experience?
Start to build awareness around how various factors of your trip will make you feel. Envision doing the different activities and being in a certain environment. And while you may encounter others on your trip, you will spend a majority of the time on your own.
If you feel nervous about being by yourself, gain clarity on the reason why you want to pursue this solo trip. And this way, it will serve as a reminder during moments of self-consciousness, doubt or stress.
Example: Gain confidence in navigating a big city, test your limits through physical/mental challenges, reconnect with yourself through rest and escapism
How do you want to feel after living this travel experience?
What kind of growth do you want to have afterwards? Would the benefits that you will gain outweigh the discomfort of challenges endured?
Example: More confident in taking care of yourself and navigating new places, free and inspired to pursue more solo travels, well-rested and clear-minded when you return to your life responsibilities
Choosing Your Destination
If you don't already have a place in mind, list places you like where it is possible to pursue your ideal trip. Then consider what the trip would be like in each potential destination. Also be aware of factors like season, weather, and climate during the time of your visit.
Example: Italy (Europe, mediterranean); Philippines (Asia, tropical); Puerto Rico (Latin America, caribbean)
Next, determine the length of your stay. If you don't already know yet, start with a shorter time frame. This way, it will be easier to add things to your itinerary later, instead of going over budget and having to work backwards. So ask yourself, how many days are sufficient to see and do what you want?
After, brainstorm all the activities you want to do. Depending on your style of travel, you may like to inform yourself thoroughly before your trip. Or you might prefer to simply be open to a new place with no expectations. So it is up to you to decide how much planning to do beforehand. When I began to travel alone for the first time, I researched so much prior to arriving in a place. And then during the trip, I decided the day's plans in the moment.
What to Plan
Sites to See - Do you like witnessing popular sites first hand, or do you prefer seeking out the hidden gems? Should you buy tickets in advance or are they free attractions?
Activities to Do - What are the activities to do as part of your ideal trip? How do you immerse yourself in the cultural traditions? How can you meet and connect with locals?
Food to Try - What is the cuisine like, and which local dishes will you try? Do you have any dietary preferences/concerns to take into account? If you choose to cook your own meals, are markets/grocery stores accessible?
Uncommon Experiences - Lesser-known places/activities nearby your destination can give a more authentic local perspective. Will there be any local events, holidays or festivals happening during your stay?
Calculating Expenses
Determine the various costs of your trip and form a general budget, which doesn't need to be exact right now. As you research, you might add or remove things as necessary to stay within budget. And once you move to the detailed itinerary stage, you will calculate more accurate numbers.
Tips
Divide your expenses into two sections: destination-related and supplemental. Destination-related costs include an amount for daily spending, emergency fund, and everything else that requires you to spend that money during your stay. Supplemental costs include things to pay for mostly prior to the trip.
Research the general cost of things like flights, accommodation, transportation, food, activities, etc. I like to use numbeo.com as a reference for the daily cost of living in a certain city.
If there is a range of prices for a certain item (example: flights from $200-$250), use the highest number when calculating your budget ($250). It is always better to over-budget.
Always set aside money for an emergency fund, to serve as a financial cushion for unexpected situations.
What Expenses to Include
Destination-Related
Daily spending amount
Emergency fund
Transportation within destination - To/from airport and around your destination (example: train, metro, bus, rental car). Decide whether to purchase relevant tickets/passes in advance or upon arrival.
Activities - Tourist attractions (purchase either individual site tickets or an all-inclusive city pass for the sites, if available)
Food - eating out and groceries (Eating healthy and affordably while traveling is possible!)
Toiletries/personal items - In case your travel size items run out
General number for shopping/souvenirs
Supplemental
Flight/transportation - All prices and fees related to arriving to your destination (example: plane ticket and flight-related fees; rental car and gas)
Accommodation - Initial booking price, any tourist taxes/fees if applicable
Travel insurance - If relevant
Money-related fees - (Example: ATM surcharges, credit/debit card foreign transaction fees)
Phone - Decide whether to purchase an international SIM card or use an international plan from your current phone carrier
Bills/at-home expenses - Set aside enough funds to cover your finances back home while you are traveling
Refining Your Budget
Once you have your general budget, determine whether that amount will last you the entire duration of your trip. If over budget, what expenses can you remove or find cheaper alternatives to? If under, use the money to add another activity to your itinerary, or put in your emergency fund. Or perhaps all this learning how to travel alone for the first time will inspire you to start saving for another trip!
Next, determine which methods of payment to use. What is the local currency and the exchange rate? Will you be using cash, credit/debit cards, or a combination? Also, what are the money-related fees to be aware of?
Currency Exchange
Consider doing currency exchange before your departure. Order the foreign currency in advance from your bank if available. Also research currency exchange places in your destination and their rates. And while the airport offers these services, it is usually more expensive. Furthermore, if you withdraw money from an ATM abroad, research beforehand a safe and secure place to do so (example: a machine inside a local bank). Be aware there might be an ATM surcharge. I personally do not use stand alone machines. There is no way to know whether they have been tampered with, or who could be around while you withdraw your money.
Curating a More Detailed Itinerary
Create a more refined list of things to do from your initial brainstorm. Which experiences would be unmissable for you? What would contribute to the vision of your ideal trip? Make sure those things fit within your timeframe and budget. Also, it’s okay if you can’t do it all this time around. You can always visit again in the future.
Tips
Write the general details of the sites and activities. (Example: names, addresses, prices, and other useful information)
Double check that the attractions will be open during the time of your stay. Sometimes businesses close for holidays, vacations or construction.
Check for relevant discounts on bookings/purchases. (Example: student discounts for bus passes, city tours, or museum visits)
Allow your schedule to be flexible. You don't need to form a strict plan of exactly when to do things.
Be open to spontaneity. It's one of the most magical parts about travel, especially when traveling alone for the first time.
Finding Your Accommodation
Things to Consider
Which type of place would you like to stay in? (Example: hotel, hostel, rental property, resort, camping)
What are your essentials in an accommodation? - Make sure it has whatever will make you feel most comfortable, safe, and at ease. Keep in mind that you will spend a lot of time here when you are not out exploring. (Example: A super clean apartment, with a well-designed interior, wifi, washing machine, and kitchen essentials to cook for yourself.) Looking back on my first time to travel alone, this is the expense that I wish I didn't compromise on.
Does it fit with the vision of your ideal trip? - Does it contribute to the experience you want to have, and how you want to feel during your trip?
Is it available for the entire length of your stay and within budget? - If not, try splitting your stay between two places.
How do you arrive to the accommodation from the airport and vice versa? (Example: private airport transfer by a hotel shuttle, train or metro to/from city center, rental car)
Is it located in a safe area of the city?
Where is it located in relation to the sites/activities? - Is it close enough to walk everywhere, or take public transportation? If not, plan a schedule and the transportation beforehand. This will ensure you have enough time to explore and arrive back home at a safe hour.
Booking Your Flight
Begin researching flights as soon as possible to determine a general price range. Tracking months in advance would be helpful for international trips. And prices vary depending on the time of year (example: off-season/shoulder-season prices are lower than in high season). Compare multiple airlines for various prices and dates, both departure and return. After booking, save the itinerary to your phone, preferably on the airline mobile app for easy access when checking in at the airport.
Google Flights, Skyscanner: Websites I Use to Track and Book Flights
For Google Flights, I search my destination and scan prices by month. Then it shows a calendar view of each month and the lowest price offered each day. After, I start clicking on dates to compare trip durations, layovers, and ticket prices from different airlines. Prices fluctuate periodically, even depending on the time of day that you search. So I sign up for email alerts that track a specific flight and notify me of price changes.
For Skyscanner, I can compare prices across an entire month as well. I can even select the "cheapest month" option if I don’t have a specific date in mind yet. And once the flights load, I can also filter my search and receive price alerts.
Things to Consider
Departure/arrival times - Always try to arrive during the day since it is safer. Also, public transportation is more available and affordable during daylight hours instead of late at night.
Trip duration and layovers - Is the length of the overall flight plus layovers worth enduring for the price? Sometimes it’s worth spending the extra money for the most convenient journey.
Cancellation/refund policies - Is your ticket eligible for any kind of refund (full, partial, travel voucher, etc.)? Can you reschedule your flight if you or the airline cancels?
Baggage policies - Be aware of potential extra fees for oversized/overweight luggage.
Flight amenities - These are details like your seat, in-flight entertainment, food and drinks, and even electrical outlets for devices.
Packing
On your first time to travel alone, you may be uncertain about what to bring. And you may be surprised as to how little you actually need to get by on a trip. So hopefully these tips will help you avoid dragging around items that won't end up serving you.
Tips
Think about what you need to have access to in the flight. Place those things in your carry-on. And the rest can stay in your check-in luggage.
Also think about how much you are able (and willing) to physically carry.
Consider the time of year, weather, and cultural dress codes (if applicable) when choosing the type of clothing to bring.
Follow a color scheme to easily match and re-wear outfits. This will save so much space in your luggage. And this will be easy to manage if you have access to a washing machine.
Decide which toiletries to bring in travel sized containers, and what you could buy in your destination.
A General Packing List
Clothing - Tops, bottoms, dresses, undergarments, pajamas, layers/outerwear, shoes, accessories
Toiletries - Skincare, shower items, period products, make-up, hair accessories, vitamins and dietary supplements, medicines (prescription or OTC)
Electronics - Universal adapter, phone and accessories, camera and accessories
Carry-on items - flight itinerary, passport and relevant visas, wallet with IDs, cards and cash, reusable water bottle, airplane snacks, and any other items you want to access during the flight
Miscellaneous Preparations
Pre-Travel Details to Take Care Of
If traveling abroad, register with the STEP Program online - As written on the website, "STEP is a free service to allow U.S. citizens/nationals traveling abroad to enroll with the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate.”
Decide how you will use your phone abroad - Purchase a SIM card at your destination or use an international plan from your phone carrier. Communication is essential in any kind of travel, but especially when traveling alone for the first time. Save yourself the stress later and sort this out prior to your departure.
Notify banks of your travel dates - You can do this on your bank’s website. List your departure and return dates. And then list the country you will be using your card in. If you have a layover in another country, list that one too just in case.
Do currency exchange - Order in advance from your bank if available. Research currency exchange places in your destination and their rates.
Prepare paper and digital copies of travel information - Store them in your phone and in your luggage. Include cards like your passport, ID cards, health insurance card, and credit/debit cards. Also list your emergency contact numbers, accommodation address and phone number, and your bank's phone number.
Back up your electronic devices beforehand and travel with the most available space on your devices. This means having a backup of your phone saved to a cloud storage. And also archiving the photos on your camera's memory cards and then formatting them.
Supplemental Things to Improve Your Trip
Learn some of the native language - Memorize at least a few basic words & phrases. As a result, this will help you get a grasp of your surroundings and show respect to the culture. Utilize free resources such as language learning apps and YouTube videos.
Download travel apps - Airline, credit card/banking, maps/navigation (Google Maps, Moovit, CityMapper), and language translation (Reverso).
Think about how you want to document your travels - (I have a blog post about this topic coming soon!) Physical medium such as a journal, sketchbook, camera, etc. or a digital medium on your phone like photos, videos, audio recordings, etc.
What to Do on the Day You Leave
Check over your packing list one more time to make sure you have everything.
Pack food and snacks in your carry-on bag to avoid buying expensive and low-quality airport food.
Arrive early to the airport - Give yourself a few hours in advance to check in, pass through security, and then find your gate.
Connecting with Locals
To travel alone for the first time doesn't mean you need to be by yourself constantly. So this is the perfect opportunity to interact with people from this new culture. You can learn so much and connect with others in ways that you might not be able to otherwise.
Tips
Inform yourself about cultural traditions and customs - What are the typical greetings, meal times and tipping norms? What are business opening hours? (Example: do stores close in the middle of the day?)
Research the prominent languages spoken - Is English common? Also, learn some basic words and phrases in the native language.
Ask for suggestions about the sites, food, or cultural activities - Get recommendations from your rental property host, the hotel staff, or online bloggers who write about your destination.
Sign up for a tour with a local - A native can share their knowledge and personal perspective of their hometown. You can also book a tour that focuses on your interests, such as art, food, or history.
Safety
What to Research Before Leaving
What is the typical style of dress? (Example: more formal/sophisticated, casual, conservative, etc.)
What is considered respectful/disrespectful in this particular culture?
Are there food spots that accommodate dietary preferences/concerns?
Is the water safe to drink?
Where are the nearest pharmacies, hospitals, and police stations? What are the local emergency numbers?
What are the interactions like among strangers vs. familiar people, and among the genders?
While You Are Traveling
Choose a family member or friend to regularly communicate with - Update them about your daily plans, check in when moving from place to place, and let them know when you arrive home safely.
As always, practice common sense - The first time to travel alone is when to be the most mindful and street smart. So be aware of your surroundings, and always watch your belongings as well.
Do what you can to blend in - Dress similarly to the locals and practice the language whenever possible.
Project confidence - In general, the only person who knows you're in a foreign place is you. Use this to your advantage. And carry yourself in a way that displays self-assurance. So this can be in the way you walk or verbally communicate. As a result, you will be less of a target for potentially risky situations. And more importantly, you will feel more independent and capable in this new travel experience.