Solo travel is unlike any other experience.
It’s tough to describe because each of us embrace the opportunity in a different way, in a different place, with very different points of reference.
But in a word? It’s life-changing.
Planning a solo trip? Let Trafalgar’s team of globetrotters help you make it as smooth as possible. Read on to find solo travel checklists and tips for traveling alone.
Read next: Thinking of traveling solo? Read this advice from the Trafalgar community
Why travel solo? 5 benefits of solo travel
1. You call the shots
No aiming to please your partner, friends, or family. Pick where you want to go and what you want to do. It can be the trip of a lifetime or just a short getaway, but it will be exactly what you desire.
2. Making new friends
Praise the internet and social media: two modern-day conveniences that keep the bonds of friendship alive from opposite ends of the world. Whether you meet bunkmates in a dorm, strike up conversation with others at a cafe, or meet like-minded friends on an organized group trip for solo travelers, you’ll almost assuredly make a new friend between arrival and departure.
3. Having your perspective challenged
Rubbing elbows with someone who shares your worldview is a comfortable feeling, but true travel requires change. Just as you wouldn’t eat at the same chain restaurants that you do at home, you should try to diversify the concepts and ideas you’re exposed to. Every culture has a religion, cuisine, history, or community that is different from your own. Be open to being wrong, to being uninformed, and being unsure: it’ll change the way you see the world.
4. Exploring a place through a new lens
Even if you don’t have an epiphany on your vacation, there’s no way you can visit a destination the same way alone as you do with those you know. The exciting uncertainty alone will make you more aware of your surroundings. You’ll notice smells, people, details, and more that you’d normally only be aware of subconsciously when traveling in the comfort of known company.
5. Discovering a different side of yourself
Take a look in the mirror before you leave home, then again when you return. How have you changed? Maybe you faced a longtime fear of heights by cliff diving in Jamaica or decided you’d have an open mind and an open mouth, accepting food however it’s made without substitution. Maybe you left feeling lost in this world only to find yourself in the temples of Thailand, the clubs of Madrid, or the Alaskan wilderness. Traveling alone for the first time introduces you to a side of yourself you never knew existed.
Save for later: “I’m so proud of myself” – Sandra’s story of solo travelling in Italy
A Solo Travel Handbook
What to prioritize when traveling alone for the first time
The three things to prioritize when you’re traveling alone for the first time are comfort, convenience, and safety.
Comfort is everything from the choice of shoes and clothing you pack to how confident you believe you’ll be in a new place by yourself. For instance, if you’re an English speaker, you may feel more comfortable planning a trip to a country’s metropolitan city where other English speakers may be more common.
However, if you’re not a city dweller at home and even the thought of seeing NYC on your own is daunting, you might want to choose a smaller destination where you can spend more time in nature or at a sparsely populated village.
Convenience is also critical. It’s a balancing act to try to bring everything you “need” yet still keep your pack light. Remember that the heavier/more bags you have, the more taxing it’ll be to travel. Convenience also means planning a trip that allows you to actually enjoy the trip.
For instance, small group tours may have multiple itinerary stops, but they’re facilitated which means all you need to do is show up and enjoy the tour. Solo travel, however, can get very stressful if you try to do too much or venture too far in a short period of time. Remember
Safety is the most important of the three. If there’s one rule to remember about travelling alone for the first time, it’s that you should always listen to your gut.
Read next: She who dares, the female solo travellers seeking adventure
How to travel safely (even in your own country)
Ultimately, you need to trust your gut when traveling alone for the first time — even when you’re in your home country. Most people are kind, and despite a potential language barrier, will sincerely try to help you if you ask. If you feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or just have a funny feeling about any situation, trust your instincts and seek out a safe space.
How do you find a safe space in a country where you don’t know the language? There are signs everywhere that point to clues. For instance, look at restaurants or shops that might have window stickers from a company like Tripadvisor or other Western-based brands. Also look for restaurant menus written in multiple languages or hotels that display flags from multiple countries. If all else fails, a youth hostel is a solid place to get your footing and rethink your options.
Save for later: 9-time solo traveller explains why she tours with Trafalgar in the USA
Trafalgar’s Solo Travel Checklist
Traveling alone for the first time? Keep these items on hand
- Hand sanitizer so you’re always clean when roaming the world.
- A backup wallet with photocopy of passport and spare currency or credit cards.
- The correct electrical outlet converter for your destination.
- A small medical kit that has alcohol wipes, bandages, gauze, and medical tape.
- Sanitary wipes if you’re visiting a country that may have different restrooms than you’re used to.
Read next: Trafalgar travel director shares her experience as a woman travelling Egypt solo
Flying alone for the first time? You’ll need some extra assistance
- Save a map of the airport to your phone so you’ll know ahead of time where to find your gate, food, and bathrooms. This can be handy if you’re rushing to make a tight connection.
- Bring nonperishable snacks to eat on the plane; remember, sometimes you can get stuck on the tarmac for hours.
- Pack a reusable water bottle, preferably one that’s collapsible, so you can refill it after you pass the security check.
- Make sure you have the liquid containers equalling the maximum limit allowed for your international airports. Some airports have stricter requirements than your home country.
Taking a small group tour for the first time? Here’s what to bring or leave behind
- Bring a printed copy of the tour, including all information you’re provided regarding hotel stays, meals, and what responsibilities you have.
- Leave a copy of the same information with a trusted friend or family member at home so they know where you are in case of an emergency.
- Bring activity-appropriate clothing even for optional activities. For instance, if there’s an optional swimming activity, bring a bathing suit just in case.
- Bring a sigh of relief. Solo travel is amazing and you won’t regret joining a small group tour with fellow intrepid travelers.
Check out all of Trafalgar’s tours perfectly tailored to solo travelers.