Traveling alone for the first time can be daunting. You may have a lot of questions, such as where to go, how to get there, whether it’s safe and simple to get around, and whether you’ll be lonely while traveling alone.
Traveling alone, like any new experience, can be intimidating since it forces you to leave your comfort zone and venture into the unknown. However, as the saying goes, when you push outside of your comfort zone, you experience true growth and adventure.
The following ideas for traveling alone for the first time will help you prepare for your big trip. Once you’ve overcome your fear of the unknown, you can begin actively planning your first solo adventure.
Planning ahead of time and learning from experienced travelers will help you gain confidence, calm your nerves, be motivated for your first solo journey, and feel totally prepared to fly solo. You have got this!
Helpful Tips for Traveling Alone for the First Time
If solo travel is unfamiliar to you, you may question how to travel alone for the first time without incident. When traveling overseas alone for the first time, there are numerous factors to consider, including the destination, travel logistics, and safety while exploring a different country.
When it comes to solo travel, not every trip is the same, so take additional precautions and put aside enough time to conduct your homework so you can feel confident before you go. Here’s everything you need to know if this is your first time going abroad alone.
1. Choose a solo-friendly destination
One of the best ideas for traveling alone for the first time is to find a solo-friendly destination that you can easily explore on your own. Some nations are far easier to traverse as a solitary tourist than others. Consider destinations with thriving tourist sectors.
Typically, this signifies that the country is prepared to accommodate visitors. You’ll find it simple to travel and go around using public transit. English is commonly spoken in many of these locations, so you can communicate to some level even if you don’t speak the native language.
Popular tourist destinations also provide excursions, hostels, and a large number of other tourists, which is ideal for meeting new people.
2. Consider the local language
Do you speak any foreign languages? If you do, you may find it fascinating to visit a location where you can put your language skills to use. On the other side, if English is your only language, you should stay to a destination where English is commonly spoken, especially if you’re traveling alone for the first time.
If you want to bypass language barriers entirely, consider visiting popular English-speaking countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, Ireland, and England. But keep in mind that English is widely spoken in many nations, even if it is not the national language, and English speakers may be found in many major cities When in doubt, brush up on the local language with an app like Duolingo so you have the basics to help you get by..
3. Plan ahead
Begin arranging your trip once you’ve determined where you’re headed. It is never too early!
Begin looking at flights and comparing costs to find a decent deal on travel. If you’re traveling internationally for the first time alone, you should understand that preparation entails more than just getting from point A to point B.
You’ll also need to arrange your travel paperwork, navigate airport security, and figure out how to get to your lodging once you arrive. Ideally, you should aim to arrive at your destination before dark and be familiar with your local transportation alternatives.
4. Make a backup plan
The truth is that travel does not always go as planned. Flights are frequently delayed or canceled, and public transportation fails to run on time. Only the foolish assume they can forecast everything about their trip plans.
Once you’ve developed your plan, write it down and keep it nearby. Make sure you have all of your flight and lodging details, and then devise a backup plan.
Is there public transit available if you cannot get a taxi? If your flight is delayed, do you have a spare set of clean underwear and a toothbrush? Remind yourself to remain calm: you’ve got this.
5. Make sure you have an up-to-date passport
If you are traveling overseas alone for the first time or have never flown internationally previously, you will require a passport. Passports can take up to six weeks to receive, so prepare ahead of time to ensure you have your travel documents in time for your flight.
Check the expiry date of your existing passport. Most international destinations require a passport that is valid for at least six months after the vacation finishes. Make sure you meet all of the standards so you don’t have any delays when you go on the road.
6. Get your visa
What is the visa requirement for your destination? Visa requirements vary by country and are also affected by your nationality.
others nations do not require a visa, others allow you to obtain one upon arrival, while others require you to apply for a visa in advance and wait for a lengthy processing time. Do your research to verify you have a valid visa for the duration of your trip, and apply in advance to avoid immigration issues before flying.
7. Buy travel insurance
If you’re traveling internationally alone for the first time, you should be aware that your home country’s insurance does not cover you abroad. If you are injured, become ill, require hospitalization, or suffer loss or theft while overseas, you should have travel insurance in place.
Ideally, you will not be harmed or robbed while traveling alone, but it is always a good idea to prepare for the worst-case situation so you can rest easy.
8. Book your hostels in advance
Hostels are usually the best accommodation option for lone travelers. They are inexpensive, in convenient places, and provide an ideal setting for meeting other tourists.
While some hostels can be booked on arrival, if you’re traveling alone for the first time, it’s best to arrange your accommodation ahead of time to save stress—at least for the first few nights. Read previous travelers’ reviews to know exactly what to anticipate.
If you’re traveling for an extended amount of time and want to allow for some flexibility, book a place with flexible cancellation rules so you may change your plans if you meet new acquaintances and travel pals who take you to unexpected destinations.
9. Pack strategically
One of the most important advice for traveling alone for the first time is to pack strategically and minimally. When you travel alone, no one will watch your bags for you. You will need to bring them with you and have them conveniently available at the airport, on buses, trains, and taxis.
Read Also: The Rise of Eco-Tourism: Sustainable Travel Practices
It’s best to pack light and have a minimalist mindset. Pack basic items that may be mixed and matched, and ideally choose a lightweight and comfortable backpack to carry. It’s a minor detail, but packing light will help you feel much more at ease while traveling alone for the first time because you won’t have to worry about carrying excess weight.
10. Get your fill of blogs and vlogs
Before you embark on your first solo trip, get inspired! Travel blogs and vlogs will not only make you enthusiastic about your trip, but will also provide you with useful information on how to travel alone for the first time.
You’ll discover even more tips on how and what to pack, how to get about your location, where to stay, and the finest places to eat, drink, explore, party, and make friends. Take notes from experts and experienced travelers, and prepare for the journey of a lifetime.
11. Get a local SIM card
Technology makes it easy to stay connected while traveling abroad alone for the first time. Most countries offer flexible SIM card options that you can buy on arrival before you even leave the airport, so you can have access to your phone while overseas.
With a SIM card, you can access maps to easily navigate around a new city, order Ubers and taxis if needed, look up public transportation timetables, translate foreign words, and make plans to meet up with new friends you meet along your journey. On top of all of that, you can keep in touch with loved ones at home so that they know where you are and that you’re safe.
Alternatively, don’t forget that an eSIM is also an option! Most smartphones now support eSIM technology, so consider signing up for an eSIM that has coverage in your destination. For example, Jetpac eSIM will have you covered in over 100 destinations worldwide. Nomad is the best travel SIM to use for travelers in Europe and the USA.
12. Keep your money safe
Before traveling alone for the first time, be mindful of your money. Create a budget for yourself, taking into consideration the currency conversion rate and international transaction fees on your bank cards.
Let your bank know before you travel and keep photocopies of your credit cards in case of theft. It’s always a good idea to carry cash in the local currency, too. You can do this before you leave, or at a local currency conversion shop when you arrive.
Last but not least, don’t carry all of your money with you when you’re out and about while traveling! Keep some in a safe or locker at your accommodation to avoid being a target for scammers.
13. Connect with people
One of the best parts of solo travel is the friends you make. It may sound intimidating at first, and it’s natural to worry about being lonely when traveling alone for the first time. But solo travel actually puts you in the best position to make friends with other solo travelers.
Don’t be afraid to strike up conversations with people at hostels, on tours, or while sightseeing. Smile, ask a friendly question, and invite someone new to join you for dinner or a drink. You might find striking up a conversation could be the first step in finding a short-term travel buddy or a forever friendship.
14. Blend in
Traveling alone isn’t dangerous, but you can definitely be more vulnerable when traveling solo. To avoid unwanted attention, do your research before you go so you know how to blend in.
Learn the local customs, be able to speak a few words in the local language, and wear modest clothing that isn’t too flashy and doesn’t scream “tourist” from a mile away. The more you blend in, the more comfortable you’ll feel and the safer you’ll be while traveling alone for the first time.
15. Listen to your gut
Traveling solo is often the smartest thing you can do for your personal growth. If you’re following your inner knowing and saying “yes” to traveling alone for the first time, continue to remind yourself that your inner knowing is strong.
Listen to your intuition and let it guide you. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it—even if that means an awkward conversation or stating your boundaries to someone you don’t know. Your gut will keep you safe and guide you in having the best solo travel adventure for you.
Final Thoughts
Sitting with a cappuccino, people watching for hours? Watching a Game of Thrones marathon? Taking your camera and hitting the streets? Do whatever makes you happy. Be selfish, selfless, greedy, unsociable, or oversociable. You deserve to do whatever makes you happy. We all know what always makes us happy, so go do it. Simple as that. It also helps to go and do something you couldn’t accomplish at home.
Sometimes all we need is a little luxury to make us feel better. Especially if you are traveling in a less developed country than your own – we’ve all been there when all we wanted was a hot shower and a comfortable bed – this alone might depress you. So splash out for a night or two, maybe upgrade to a private room in your hostel, or look into last-minute hotel discounts or Air B&B. Give yourself some R&R and then resume where you left off, ready to see the world.
Meet-up groups and local events are filled with people who are doing exactly what you are. You can nearly always find a cool person who shares your interests to hang out with. Use our “Meet Other Workawayers” function.
Sign up for meetup.com and search for local events near you. Another excellent alternative is to participate on a free walking tour. Most towns throughout the world have them, and they are packed with young, adventurous travelers eager to learn about their current surroundings. Join them, learn, and then go get a coffee. This sounds like an excellent day plan to us!
