I often hear people say a reason they’ve not gone outside their region is because they are scared of what might happen to them as first time travelers. However, you need these best solo travel tips to get you sorted. One thing about life is that you always have to make the first step. Else, you would be stuck in a world of regrets and ‘what-ifs.’
But if you’re unsure if Solo travel for you, check out my post which is right for you, Solo travel vs group travel. Also, if group travel is mean for you, check out this best group travel in Nigeria. I will link below travel resources for my best travel group for international trips, Getyourguide.
Understandably, traveling alone for the first time can be scary and comes with lots of jitters. However, it also tends to be fun and exhilarating if you do it right. The goal of traveling is to explore new places, learn new things, meet new people, etc. All these would not happen if you stick to your comfort zone.
In this article, I will be sharing some of the best solo travel tips for first time travelers. With the tips, you will get the most out of your traveling experience.
Table of Contents
Best solo travel tips
I love to travel alone sometimes. This is because it avails me opportunity to meet new friends and Network. One of the best Solo travel tips I highly recommend is to stay in Hostels.
Hostels enable you to meet people. Also, it is a budget friendly option while you’re on your trip. You get to save more on accommodation while having fun. Click here to book on hostel world. This is my best brand that I can recommend for booking budget friendly hotel stays.
Also, you can opt for hotel alternatives to further cut down on cost of accommodation. Lets jump right into my best Solo travel tips that will come in handy for anyone looking to travel alone.
Research
I cannot overemphasize the power of research as a solo first time traveler. You need to get all the information you can get about the place you plan to visit. Is the region safe? Are the people welcoming to foreigners? What are the best activities to do while there? What are some laws of the land?
These are important questions that should help as a guide when you’re researching about the place. With this information, you can make a more informed decision about your traveling plans. Check out my tips on how to plan a trip while doing your research.
I always say that information is the best tool anyone can have, and it also applies to solo travelers. So, research is the first thing you should do to kickstart your process.
Select your accommodation
The place you stay is always the icing to the cake when you travel to a new place. If you’re not comfortable, you’re sure to have a bad traveling experience.
One of the first things to do before embarking on your solo trip is to search and select an accommodation option. This way, you will not be stranded when you arrive.
In selecting an accommodation type or option, you should always work with your budget and reviews. By reading the reviews of the place, you get to know if it is a good option. You also get to know about the facilities and amenities they offer.
Hotels are the obvious options while traveling. A good hotel should have these things before you book it. I love to stay in a hotel when I travel. However, if I feel like it, I’d prefer to book an Airbnb or shortlet. If you’re new to Airbnb, you need to know this Airbnb red flags to avoid being burnt.
Stay Alert
It is always important to keep in mind that you’re in unfamiliar terrain. Therefore, you should always be sharp and alert. What applies in that region may not be the same in your home city. So, being alert is necessary so that you do not lose important items.
I would always advise that solo first time travelers avoid crowded spaces and also avoid keeping late nights. Yes, you can have fun while still being conscious about your environment and safety.
You should also work with your guts and intuition. If you feel something is not right, you should leave immediately. This one of my best travel tips whether you’re traveling solo or with your family.
Blend In
Some people say that you should act like Romans when in Rome. There are many explanations to this phrase, and I find it helpful for solo first time travelers.
When you go to a new place, you should try to act like the locals. It comes in handy if you can learn some of the local phrases. Not only would it help in blending in, but it also makes you more likable amongst the locals.
You get more props if you dress the way they do. This way, you are not attracting attention to yourself or making it visible that you’re new in the area.
Work with a tour guide
It’s easy to become overwhelmed when you’re in a new place. In such a situation, you become drained and may remain indoors as the feeling drains you of your energy. However, this will not happen if you work with a tour guide.
The tour guide takes the responsibility of planning your itinerary, ensuring that you maximize your time and have fun while in the city. With a tour guide, you’re less overwhelmed and you will learn a lot.
Of course, getting a tour guide isn’t free. It is why you have to research people offering this service, and pick the best suitable that matches your budget.
I highly recommend Get your guide for your tours in Africa, US and Europe. They offers the best tours for any budget whether luxury or on a budget. Click here to book a tour with Get your guide.
Stay connected
As a solo traveler in a new place for the first time, it is highly important for you to always be connected and online. That period is not the time for you to be offline or unreachable.
Whenever I travel to a new place for the first time, it is almost like my friends and family are with me. I ensure to always give them real-time updates about my outings and activities. This way, they have the assurance that I am safe. Also, if anything goes south, they have an idea about my last location.
Therefore, ensure you get a new sim once you arrive at the place or find a way to stay connected to the internet. However, I highly recommend you go for e-sims instead of collecting Sim cards as you travel. As an explorer, I love e-sims.
Never heard of e-sims, Click here to learn more on why you need e-sims for your travel. I highly recommend you use Airalo for your travels. This will help you stay connect online to chat, calls and keep in touch with your loved ones. Click here to sign for Airalo for your trip in Africa, Europe or USA.
Keep an open mind
Being open minded also works as one of the top tricks to enjoying your trip as a solo first time traveler. It is best to keep in mind that what works in your home city may not be the same that applies in the new city. However, it should not mean that you shouldn’t have fun or enjoy the best of your travel experience.
With an open mind, you will explore more things like food. It is also easier to connect with the locals when you’re open minded. I tell my friends that the fun never stops when you keep an open mind.
Connect with the locals
The locals of any place are the best people to help you enjoy the city better. You should always wear a smile while walking around and be polite. Try having meaningful conversations with the locals, and they will welcome you with open arms.
I’ve noticed that the locals are always ready and delighted to carry me along when I make an effort to connect with them. Sometimes, I don’t stick with my initial itinerary as the locals would include me in their plans.
They are also ready to help out in any way if I encounter challenges.
Do not give out too much information
As much as it is necessary to connect with the locals, it is also important that you do not give out too much information about yourself. Some things are best left unsaid.
Learn basic self defense
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not here to encourage violence. But, I always advocate that basic self defense is a skill that every human should learn.
By learning basic self defense, you have higher confidence that you can protect yourself when you’re in a new place. Your safety should be a top priority and knowing how to defend yourself makes that happen.
Get travel insurance
As a solo first time traveler, you should always plan for the unexpected. Thus, getting travel insurance is important. When you have one, you have the assurance that you’re covered if anything goes wrong.
Feel free to comment below other best solo travel tips that worked for you. Ciao
Best Solo travel tips – travel resources you need
- Vacation outfit ideas: Click here
2. Book your hotel stay on Trivago for the best deals
3. Opt for hotel alternatives by booking your stay in a hostel using hostel world
4. Don’t be stranded in a new city without internet, sign up for Airalo
5. You need insurance for your travel, book it on EKTA
6. Traveling solo? don’t worry, book fun activities in Africa with GetYourGuide.