One thing about solo trips is it pulls you out of your comfort zone. Travelling alone is said to be the most overwhelming, daunting yet self-depending experience. A solo trip for any reason can help you reconnect with your inner soul and introduce you to the spectrum of cultures which can help you rediscover yourself from the chaos.
Doing a solo trip, however, is easier said than done and even more so when you are doing it for the first time. There are a lot of things – from budget to itinerary – to be planned, making first-timers feel butterflies in their stomach at the very thought of it. But if not planned properly it can be bewildering and lead to uninvited problems. To make your vacation fruitful you need to take care of ample steps to ensure the safety and proper execution of your plans.
Here are some tips to keep in mind while planning a solo trip:
1. Do your Homework
The first step toward a successful solo trip is planning in advance and checking out the available options. You will need to do a good deal of homework on your destination – from its climatic conditions and sightseeing options to its culture, food, and everything in between.
A brief preparation, knowing about the destination and checking out the sightseeing options can help you discover the place better. It will give you a sense of familiarity even with the places you have never been to. This will help you in deciding what you want from your trip, and where you’re most likely to get it.
2. Plan everything in advance
Plan your solo trip well in advance to avoid chaos and uninvited problems. Plan your destination, and book your accommodations, flight or transport tickets in advance which can help you save some bucks. Also, Planning the transportation facilities can help you decide better. Don’t forget to look for online deals for hotels; there are many online travel companies that run great offers and discounts all through the year.
Also, deciding your budget and planning accordingly can be helpful. Keeping a journal of your budget and planning your itinerary in advance can be your saviour.
3. Make connections
The purpose of a solo trip is to meet new people, know their stories, learn new things, meet the locals, relive the history of that place and build connections with the unknowns.
Make friends, have fun, and share happy moments with them; after all, that’s the beauty of solo trips. However, always use good judgment and trust no one completely. Visit the local markets, if possible visit local events which can help you know about the culture of the city.
4. Start early in the day
One of the significant decisions you can make while planning for a solo trip is to commence your trip early in the morning. Starting early in the day will save your day, allow you to catch up to the city more beautifully, keep you safe and allow you to handle situations if things go off course. It will help you find your way through unfamiliar places and cut the chance of risk.
5. Go easy on alcohol and food
Make sure you eat a significant amount of food to avoid health issues. Eating alone can be difficult but trying some delicious cuisines with local specialities can be wholesome and a whole different experience to count on. The fantastic hotels are always welcoming solo travellers, along with the locals. Also, eating alone can allow you to spend some time unwinding from tiredness.
It can be a great time to plan the rest of your day, catch up on emails if the joint has free wifi, read a book or catch up with some strangers and bond over happy meals.
But make sure you do not drink in extremes and irrationally as it might give you a strong hangover, ruining your upcoming plans. Never EVER get drunk when you are on your own.
6. Pack light yet smart
One of the cardinal solo trip tips is to pack light, yet smart. Remember, you sometimes have to lug around your stuff when you go sightseeing, so the best idea is to carry all your essentials in a backpack; you can also take a tote bag. This makes travelling on public transport and navigating through crowds a lot easier than you can imagine. Carry only those things you find necessary.