Preparing for Your First Solo Adventure
Why Solo Travel is Worth It
Hey there, solo traveller! If you’re on the fence about traveling alone, let me tell you—it’s 100% worth it. Solo travel isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s about discovering yourself along the way (cue the cheesy music). There’s something incredibly empowering about setting your own pace, making your own decisions, and exploring the world on your terms. Plus, there’s no one to tell you no when you want to have gelato for breakfast!
Sure, it can feel intimidating at first—especially if it’s your first trip. But here’s the deal: every seasoned solo traveler was once in your shoes, feeling a mix of excitement and “What on earth am I getting myself into?” And those little jitters? They’re totally normal. But the moment you step off that plane and realise, “Hey, I’m doing this,” you’ll feel like a superhero. You get to be the boss of your adventure, and that’s a pretty epic feeling.
Choosing the Right Destination
Picking the perfect spot for your first solo adventure is like picking your first karaoke song—it sets the tone for the whole experience. You want a destination that’s solo-friendly, easy to navigate, and feels safe.
Cities like Copenhagen, Singapore, and Tokyo are known for their cleanliness, efficient public transport, and friendly locals. Or, if you’re more of a nature lover, think about places like New Zealand or Canada—plenty of stunning scenery and solo travelers to meet along the way.
When choosing a destination, consider factors like safety (Google is your friend here!), accessibility (places where public transport is a breeze), and language. If you’re nervous about language barriers, it’s okay to start in a country where English is widely spoken.
But don’t let language hold you back—apps like Google Translate can save the day, and trust me, a smile goes a long way no matter where you are!
Planning Ahead
Planning for a solo trip is all about balance—having a roadmap but not scripting every second of the journey. When creating your itinerary, think of it as a loose framework rather than a strict schedule.
Have a few must-see spots or activities in mind, but leave enough space for spontaneity. Maybe you’ll stumble upon a hidden café or make new friends at a local market—those moments can’t be scheduled.
Next up: accommodations and transport. For peace of mind, book your first few nights ahead of time, especially if you’re arriving late. Look for places with solid reviews from other solo female travelers (and make sure there’s a 24-hour front desk if you’re staying at a hotel).
For transport, pre-book airport transfers or train tickets if possible—nothing kills post-flight excitement like trying to figure out a complicated public transport system while jet-lagged.
And don’t forget to organise your important documents. Keep your passport, insurance info, flight details, and hotel bookings in both physical form and digital copies. Store them securely in cloud storage (Google Drive or Dropbox) so you can access them if your bags take a detour.
Most importantly, get travel insurance—no matter how much of a free spirit you are, being protected in case of emergencies is non-negotiable. Think of it as a tiny investment in peace of mind.
Packing Smart
Let’s face it, overpacking is easy to do—especially for a solo trip where you feel like you have to prepare for everything. But trust me, packing light is the key to a hassle-free trip.
Stick to the essentials: versatile pieces that work in different settings and weather. Think comfy shoes for walking, a light jacket for unpredictable weather, and layers that can adapt to various climates. The beauty of packing light? You’ll breeze through airports and transport without the dreaded “bag shuffle.”
When it comes to versatile clothing, choose neutral colours that can be mixed and matched easily. A few lightweight tops, a pair of well-fitting jeans, and a couple of accessories can go a long way. Don’t forget the importance of comfortable shoes—you’ll be on your feet exploring a lot!
Packing a small first aid kit and toiletries in travel-sized containers will save space. Plus, keep your travel gear streamlined—bring a portable phone charger to stay powered up, a universal adapter for charging your devices, and a collapsible reusable bag for shopping or day trips.
Here’s a game-changer: rolling your clothes instead of folding them not only saves space but keeps them wrinkle-free (magic, right?). Also, make sure to leave room for souvenirs or impulse buys—you’ll thank yourself when you find that perfect local treasure.
Preparing Mentally
Mental preparation is just as important as packing your bags for your first solo trip. Loneliness can sneak up on you, especially if you’re used to being surrounded by friends or family. Combat this by staying engaged—try journaling about your experiences, embracing local culture, or even striking up conversations with other travellers. But also learn to enjoy your solo time.
This is your chance to connect with yourself in a way that’s often missed in the hustle of daily life. Fill that “alone time” with activities that excite you—whether it’s wandering a market or reading a good book at a café. You’ll start appreciating these quiet moments as part of the growth that solo travel offers.
Unexpected challenges are bound to happen—whether it’s a delayed flight, language barriers, or the wrong turn down an unfamiliar street. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity to build resilience. Remind yourself that no one has a perfect trip and that these hiccups are part of the journey. Stay flexible, breathe, and take it one step at a time. You’ve got this!
As for confidence, think of solo travel as a muscle you build before the trip. Start small at home—take yourself out to dinner, see a movie, or even go on a day trip alone. The more comfortable you get with doing things solo, the less daunting the idea of traveling alone will seem. Visualization helps, too: Picture yourself walking confidently through a new city, navigating a foreign metro system like a pro, and making the most of your adventure.
Staying Safe on Your First Solo Trip
Safety is a top priority, but it doesn’t have to turn your trip into a worry-fest. Blending in with the local culture is one of the best ways to stay safe. Avoid drawing attention by dressing conservatively if that’s the local norm.
Skip the flashy jewellery and big tourist accessories (looking at you, oversized map!). Walk with purpose—even if you’re secretly checking Google Maps every five minutes. The more confident you appear, the less attention you’ll attract.
Sharing your location is a no-brainer—keep someone back home updated on where you’re going, especially if you’re changing locations or embarking on a day trip to a more remote area. Apps like Find My Friends, WhatsApp, or even Facebook Messenger can share your real-time location with a friend or family member. This isn’t just for safety—it also gives them peace of mind (so your mom can stop worrying, right?).
Above all, trust your gut. Solo travellers develop a sort of “sixth sense” when it comes to feeling out people and places. If something feels off, don’t hesitate to remove yourself from the situation, whether it’s saying no to an invitation, changing your route, or leaving a sketchy restaurant.
You’re not being rude—you’re keeping yourself safe. The beauty of solo travel is that you answer only to yourself. There’s no itinerary you’re obligated to follow, and no pressure to stay somewhere that makes you uncomfortable.