Go Solo with Confidence: Your Complete Guide to First-Time Solo Travel

Start Small

Don’t jump into a months-long backpacking trip across Asia. Ease your way into solo travel with smaller adventures. Start with a solo weekend break, take a day trip to a nearby city or join a group tour for solo travellers. Working at summer camp can also be a fun and social way to experience being away from home on your own. It’s a structured environment that still offers a taste of independence. By taking these small steps, you'll build your confidence and navigation skills, increasing your chances of having an enjoyable and successful solo trip later on, where you'll discover a newfound sense of confidence and independence.

Choosing Your Destination

When choosing a destination, make sure to prioritise safety, and comfort and align the trip with your interests. Research places that are known for welcoming solo travellers. Opt for destinations with developed public transport and walkable areas for easy navigation. If a language barrier is something you are concerned about, choose a place where English is widely spoken. This will prevent any communication difficulties and make your adventure smoother.

Research Group Tours

If you’re feeling nervous about going solo, consider joining a group tour for solo travellers. This allows you to explore a new destination in the comfort of a group while still having the freedom to venture out on your own. Plus you’ll get to meet like-minded people who are in the same position as you and it is a more eco-friendly way of travelling. If you’re looking for group tours in North America, make sure to check out The Coyote Trip.

Download Travel Apps

There are a variety of travel apps that can be lifesavers while exploring. Consider downloading translation apps, offline maps, currency converters, and public transportation apps. Hostel booking apps like Hostelworld or Booking.com can also come in useful if you’re moving from place to place. Remember to read reviews before booking to ensure a comfortable stay!

Travel With Confidence

Travelling with confidence, even if you feel a bit unsure, is a smart move. Its normal to feel nervous but fake it till you make it. Confidence starts with body language. Stand tall, make eye contact, and speak clearly. It will help you navigate unfamiliar situations, avoid scams and even make new friends. The more you travel confidently, the more comfortable you'll become.

Prioritise Your Safety

Travelling can throw you into some unfamiliar situations, this applies to everything from choosing activities and accommodations to trusting the people you meet. If something feels wrong, trust your gut. Don't be afraid to walk away. By trusting your gut, you take control and prioritize your safety and well-being.

Get Travel Insurance

Things don’t always go as planned when travelling, which isn’t always a bad thing as that is the beauty of travel. But when it means unexpected expenses, it isn’t ideal, especially if you’re travelling on a budget. And that’s where travel insurance comes in! You never know when you’re gonna get sick or need medical attention or if your luggage gets lost. Being covered provides peace of mind, allowing you to focus on exploring and enjoying your adventure, knowing you're financially protected if things take a turn.

Open an International Bank Account

For easy money management on your adventure, consider opening an international bank account. This will eliminate foreign transaction fees and often offers competitive exchange rates, which will save you more money for your travels. Also, You'll have a safe and convenient way to receive and send international payments. We would recommend the International Bank Wise.

Carry Cash

While contactless and card payments are convenient, don't underestimate the power of carrying cash, especially for solo travelling. Imagine this: your phone dies, your card gets swallowed by an ATM, or you stumble upon a hidden gem that only accepts cash. Having local currency on hand ensures you can navigate these unexpected situations with ease and supports the local economy of the country you’re in. Plus, it also adds an extra layer of security in case of lost or stolen cards.

Buy a Local Sim

Save yourself the stress of finding Wifi hotspots and avoid those costly roaming charges by investing in a local SIM card or eSIM. This will allow you to stay connected back home and access travel apps all without relying on wifi. If you're looking for a local SIM card or eSIM for your North American travels, Phonebox is one option to consider.

The world is waiting to be explored, and you don't need anyone else to experience it. With these tips and a little bit of courage, you'll be ready to embark on your solo adventure in no time. Remember, the most rewarding journeys are often the ones we take alone. So, pack your bags, embrace the unknown, and get ready to discover the magic of solo travel. You might just surprise yourself with how much you can accomplish (and how much fun you can have) when you travel solo. For more solo travel inspiration, check out our blog on 15 Solo Travel Quotes Guaranteed to Inspire Your Next Adventure.