5 Steps to Preparing for Your First Time as a Solo Traveller

Travelling solo can be both exciting and eye-opening to a first-time solo adventurer. You’ll get plenty of opportunities for self-reflection, and you’ll grow in new ways from the experience—for example, by being more independent and practical about your travel arrangements. The solo travel life also offers many unique benefits, like being able to explore places at your own pace and being able to visit attractions that interest you without having to cater to anyone else. 

Compared to travelling in a group and constantly having to adjust to your travel companions’ needs, it can be much easier to plan out and follow your own itinerary. But solo travel can also be daunting, especially if you’re doing it for the first time in a place you’ve never been to before. Perhaps you aren’t certain if you’ll have fun just being by yourself, and you may also be worried about your safety.

Luckily, there are several ways that you can ensure you stay safe and truly enjoy your first solo trip. By preparing for certain aspects of your trip beforehand and planning around emergencies, you’ll feel more at ease travelling alone for the first time. Below are five steps that you should consider taking before embarking on your first solo travel adventure:

Book Your Accommodations in Advance

While there’s something thrilling about being spontaneous, if you’re a solo traveller, it’s better to book your accommodations in advance. This way, you can be sure you have somewhere nice and comfortable to rest once you arrive at your destination. It also takes the hassle out of navigating a foreign place and wondering if you’ll find a good place to sleep on your first night.

When you’re booking your accommodation, consider the most convenient options based on your travel plans. As a solo traveller, you won’t have companions to help you lug your suitcase around, and the burden of transporting all your belongings from the airport to the hotel is on you alone. One option you can consider is booking a room in an airport hotel. If you’re travelling to Singapore, for example, a room at the Changi Airport hotel (YotelAir) is a good choice if you’ll only be staying in the country for a short layover or a day or two as part of your solo Southeast Asian excursion.

Do Your Research About Your Destination

Before your travel date, make sure to do some research about your destination, especially if it’s your first time visiting. Not only will this help you create a list of fun things to do and see, but it will also give you insight on areas it’s best to avoid as a solo traveller. In addition, take the time to research local customs to see if there are certain things you must not do. It will help you stay out of trouble and allow you to do your part when respecting the local culture. 

It’s also a good idea to check out social media posts and vlogs about other travellers’ experiences of the same destination. Travel vloggers or social media influencers may be able to provide you new insights about how to better enjoy your stay. They may also be able to share certain travel mishaps you can steer clear of, especially when you’re travelling solo. 

If you know anyone who’s been to the place you’re planning to visit, ask for tips, too. They may be able to share their experience and give you an idea of what to expect when you arrive, thus helping you better prepare for the trip.

Leave a Copy of Your Itinerary with Your Loved Ones

It’s the prudent thing to do to give your loved ones a copy of your itinerary back home. Make sure it includes your flight details, hotel reservations, and a general schedule of your trip. Giving your loved ones your itinerary, contact details, and other specifics of the trip will ensure your safety while you’re away. Your family and friends will know how to locate you and how to get in touch with you in case they need to.

Prepare for Emergencies

Ideally, your first solo trip won’t include any accidents or medical emergencies. All the same, it’s better to be prepared should you encounter such unfortunate events. That said, find out where the nearest hospitals, police stations, and other emergency facilities are in the area you’re travelling to. If you’re traveling internationally, you should also look for the address and phone number of the embassy of your home country too. The information should serve you well in case you need assistance while in a foreign country. 

In addition to these places, keep a list of emergency contacts ready. Include your own personal contact information and the name and details of your emergency contact back home, along with other pertinent phone numbers you might need while you’re on the trip. For example, you may want to keep a copy of the toll-free number of your credit card company. This way, you can activate travel protection benefits in case you lose your card.

Learn the Local Language

Making an effort to learn a few phrases in the native tongue of your destination can make a huge difference in the quality and memorability of your solo travel experience. Even simple phrases like "hello," “thank you," "sorry," and “please” can open up new opportunities for you to communicate with the locals. This will pave the way for positive interactions, as the locals will likely appreciate your interest in learning about their language and culture.

Aside from basic greetings, learn emergency phrases in the local language. Knowing how to ask where the nearest transport stop or hospital is can make asking for help a lot easier when you need it.

For instance, when getting ready to travel to a destination like Paris, it's essential to prioritize learning the local language for a seamless transition and enhanced integration. If you happen to be in Toronto, you're in luck! Explore the various language schools that offer French courses in Toronto. These courses will equip you with invaluable language skills, ensuring you're well-prepared for your upcoming adventure abroad. Learning French will undoubtedly enrich your travel experience and open doors to incredible opportunities in the enchanting city of Paris.

If you’re nervous about travelling alone for the first time, rest assured that it’s normal to feel that way. Just make sure that you prepare for the trip the best you can so you can ensure your safety and feel confident about exploring a new place all on your own. Hopefully, these recommendations can unlock a travel experience so rewarding that you’ll want to seek out new solo travel adventures soon.