6 Tips for Traveling Alone for the First Time 

Have you decided it’s time to take a solo vacation? What an exciting idea! Solo traveling is an excellent way to grow, destress, and learn more about the world and life outside your personal bubble. Before you pack your suitcase and head off on your adventure, there are vital tips for traveling alone for the first time.  

Your safety and well-being are the most important things to consider, and much more goes into it than you may assume. In this blog, you’ll discover how to best prepare for your thrilling solo trip. That way, you can indulge in relaxation, memorable experiences, and more! 

Is it Safe to Travel Alone? 

The measure of safety when traveling alone for the first time depends on several factors. While we’d love to think it’s perfectly safe to explore the world by yourself, it would be unwise to assume so. Going to unfamiliar places can throw anyone off their bearings, putting them at risk for danger. The key to staying safe while traveling solo is thoroughly preparing and learning all you can before setting off. 

It’s normal to be equally nervous and excited about your solo trip! In fact, you might want to take a moment to dig deeper if you are not weary at all. A little bit of fear is healthy– It encourages you to be on guard and consider the best practices for being safe while traveling alone for the first time.  

Before you learn more about safely traveling alone, take a moment, to be honest with yourself and recognize if you’re ready to embark on a solo journey. Ask yourself: 

• Am I confident in my ability to travel alone at this time in my life? 

• What kind of destination will I feel safe as a first-time solo traveler? 
• Am I happy with spending extended periods with only the company of myself? 
• What are my worries about solo travel? 

If you still feel confident in your decision to take a solo vacation, continue reading to be best prepared and stay safe. 

4 Tips for Traveling Alone for the First Time 

Below are the 4 top tips for new solo travelers to consider before getting on the plane and leaving for the journey of a lifetime. 

1 | Choose Your Destination Wisely 

The first safety precaution for traveling alone is carefully and strategically choosing your destination. What makes a place safe for lone tourists is a large and active tourist industry, a familiar culture and language, and, of course, a low crime rate. 

Discovering the level of crime that takes place in a country or city is relatively easy. You can find most answers with a quick Google search. On the other hand, it may be more challenging to understand why an active tourist industry and familiarity are just as important. 

Large Tourism Industry 

When traveling alone for the first time, choose a destination with a well-established tourism industry that avid travelers praise rather than criticize. The advantage of this characteristic is that there are systems and hubs for tourists where first-time visitors can more easily travel, plan, and obtain anything they may need. Furthermore, active tourism usually means the locals are welcoming of foreigners and are more willing to extend a helping hand to those traveling alone. 

Consider Cultural Differences and Language 

You’ll also want to choose a place where the culture and language are familiar. This certainly doesn't limit you to traveling to only English-speaking countries if that’s your native language. Various destinations have a primary language but also speak English. So, unless you plan on learning an entirely new language before your trip, pick a destination with plenty of English speakers to make your experience a little easier. 

Similarly, a culture that shares some of the values you are used to benefits solo tourists. Culture shock is a real thing– The last thing you want to do is feel uncomfortable or offend people of another culture. Again, unless you have the time and energy to learn everything there is to know about a different culture, it’s best to seek a destination with some familiarity when traveling alone for the first time. 

2 | Stick to a Plan 

It’s tempting to make a solo trip a spontaneous one, but especially for your first time, you must make a plan! With a well-thought-out plan, your travel experience will run smoother, and you’ll have much more confidence. 

Make a detailed plan of your trip, from the morning of your flight to the activities you’ll participate in and when you’ll return home again. This will help you avoid overwhelming on-the-spot decisions and keep you safe from making small mistakes that may lead to significant consequences.  

The more you travel with a set plan, the easier it will be to gradually loosen the reins and travel more spontaneously.  

When traveling alone for the first time, take the time to map out every aspect of the trip. Here are some questions to get you started: 

• How much can you spend? 

• How will you get to your destination? 
• What will each day look like? 
• Do you need to book tours and activities in advance? 
• How many days will you stay? 
• How will you handle your meals? 

• Where are the local businesses and areas you need to know about, like the hospital, market, and more? 
• Will you need laundry services? 
• How will you get around the destination– rental car, public bus, train? 
• What will your daily expenses be for food, transportation, and lodging? 

3 | Pack Smart 

You probably don’t want to lug around several heavy bags when you’re the only one who can carry them. Your energy is better spent soaking in all the exciting and new things around you! So, pack as little as possible while ensuring you have everything you need. 

Here are some ways to pack light for a solo trip but still have all the essentials: 

• Pack versatile clothes that can be worn for multiple occasions, like a dress that can be a bathing suit cover-up and more formal evening attire. 
• Choose only two pairs of shoes– One for exploring and being on your feet all day and another for more personalized experiences, like indulging in the nightlife or spending the day on the beach. 
• Include a small bag or backpack to hold more commonly used essentials. 

• Limit the entertainment items you bring. There will be plenty to do at your destination! 
• Transfer self-care and hygiene items to small containers that will hold just enough for your vacation rather than packing the entire product. 

4 | Safety First! 

The most important thing to remember when traveling alone for the first time is to always put your safety first! 

Use the tips below to ensure your safety as you enjoy your solo journey: 

• Have your smartphone nearby at all times and capable of international calls and wifi access. 
• Study maps of your destination to get familiar with the area and avoid getting lost. 
• Avoid walking alone at night. 
• Never tell anyone where you are staying or other plans for your trip. 
• Consider travel insurance. 

• Always put your safety first when making even the smallest of decisions. 
• Never accept a ride from a stranger, and always use public transportation or established ride-share apps.  

Cited: Cariviews.com, Worldpackers.com, Solotravelerworld.com