Embarking on your first solo trip can feel daunting — especially if you’re used to traveling in groups. 

That reaction is totally normal. The most seasoned of solo travelers will tell you they felt pretty nervous before their first solo trip. But that doesn’t mean avoid taking the plunge. 

In fact, there are plenty of benefits that solo travel has that is hard to get in a group setting. You can slow down, pick and choose the things you want to see, and dig in with the locals. Plus, one of the fantastic things about solo travel is you can learn a lot about yourself along the way.

If you’ve been thinking about taking your first solo trip but aren’t quite sure how to start, this post is for you. We’re going to give you all the basic info you need to get ready to start traveling solo. 

Ready to take a look?

Start Simple

You don’t need to fly all the way across the world to take a solo trip. You can get your feet wet with something as simple as an overnight or a weekend someplace local. That can help you get used to traveling on your own, packing for one, and dining or checking out activities as one person. 

As you build up your comfort level, start exploring places further afield. 

Pre-Plan Your Trip

A lot of what makes solo travel seem nervewracking for people is you don’t have that comfort of being around another person to make sure things go smoothly. You can help avoid that by taking a bit of extra time to plan out more of your trip. 

Pre-book your hotel, rental car, and a chunk of your activities before you go. That way you can stick to your schedule and know things are set, but you’ll also have the flexibility to wander when you feel more comfortable with your surroundings.

Find Fellow Travelers

One benefit of solo travel for many is they can pick and choose when they want to socialize with others. It can also help you stave off a bit of loneliness, especially if you’re out on the road for a long time. 

A great way to get more social is to find fellow travelers. One option is going on a tour or day trip through a company or a local tourist organization. You’ll likely meet other travelers who might want to grab a meal or a drink. And you can also get excellent insights and tips into the area from the tour guides too.

Pack Light

Remember, it’s just you so there’s no one to pass your luggage off to if your arms get tired. That’s why most solo travelers have become pros at packing light. If you can get everything you need in a carry-on, it’s going to make for a better overall travel experience. 

Check in at Home

Since you’re by yourself, it’s always a good idea to check in with the people at home every few days. You should also leave copies of your travel documents with someone you trust at home who can email them to you in case of an emergency. More often than not, you’ll never need them, but better to be prepared!

Enjoy Yourself

The biggest tip we can offer is to have fun. You’re off exploring some new corner of the world, enjoy it!