Taking a solo trip is an incredible experience. It pushes you out of your comfort zone and allows you to really get to know yourself better, all while exploring a wonderful new place. A solo trip is a great thing to do, but there are quite a few more things to consider if you’re taking a solo trip that you might not need to think about if you’re jetting off with friends or family. Take a look through our collection of things you should consider when you’re planning a solo trip:
If you’re travelling somewhere new, you should spend a bit of time researching the place you’re heading to. Make sure that the location you’re going to is safe, especially if you’re travelling as a minority. Do research on the safest neighbourhoods in the town or city you’re planning on visiting, and find a place to stay either near the city or close to reliable forms of public transport. Take a lock for your bags, especially if you’ll be staying in a hostel, and if you’re staying in a hotel or Airbnb room then bring a padlock for your door so that you are safe when you’re sleeping and so that your things are protected when you’re out and about during the daytime.
An important aspect of any trip, but especially if you’re travelling by yourself, is to get all of your documents together well in advance. Make sure you’ve got your visa ready if you need it to travel, your passport is still up to date and valid for travel and you’ve got your Staysure travel insurance ready. Travel insurance is absolutely essential for a solo trip as it will help to protect you financially in the case you end up with any medical bills while you are away, or also in the case of lost or stolen luggage and some policies will even cover missed/cancelled flights. To keep yourself extra safe, make photocopies of all of your documents so that you have backups and take them with you all the time you’re away.
Another one that is pretty much relevant for any trip you take, but still worth a mention is to pack properly. Do some research on the places you’ll be going to and make sure you bring clothes that will keep you warm or cool depending on the local weather. Also, comfy shoes for walking are usually recommended wherever you go, as you’re likely to be spending a lot of time wandering around new places and exploring!
If you’re travelling alone you should be sure to let a few family and friends know where you’ll be, including the hotel you’ll be staying at, the times you’ll be away and a copy of your itinerary, if you have one. Making sure someone knows where you are at all times is so important for keeping yourself safe when you’re travelling abroad by yourself, particularly if you’re heading off to explore somewhere that you’ve never been before.
Ultimately, when you’re travelling alone you’re there to experience new places (or soak in some sunshine!) by yourself. So take advantage of that and make the effort to enjoy your own company. You might come away from the trip having learned something new about yourself! If you do find you’re getting lonely on your solo trip, why not offer to take photos of a friendly family or try to sit near a chatty group of friends and get talking! There are so many opportunities to meet interesting new people wherever you go, so take this chance to expand your network, who knows, you might make a new friend for life!
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