https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2017/08/06/12/06/people-2591874_1280.jpg
Thinking about solo travel?
Solo travel isn't a new trend. The number of solo travel trips (group and individual) are growing faster than any other type of travel right now.
Solo travel has come a long way, and no matter what your situation is. First-time solo traveler or solo traveler making your tenth solo journey, these tips will help you take your experience to the next level.
Solo travel tours are the perfect way to introduce yourself to solo traveling if you're a first-time solo traveler.
They offer all the benefits of traveling solo with the added structure and security of a group.
Want to know more about solo travel tours for beginners? You can book a fun Inca Trail 4 Days adventure to Peru or a walking tour of European cities. It's all up to you!
With the right tips, you'll be comfortable traveling solo like a pro.
Ready to dive in? Here are some solo travel tips for beginners
What you'll learn:
Solo Travel Tours are the Best Introduction to Solo Travel
Pro Tips for Planning Your First Solo Trip
Essential Safety Tips for First-Time Solo Travelers
How to Choose Your First Solo Destination
Smart Packing and Budget Tips
Solo Travel Tours are the Best Introduction to Solo Travel
Solo travel tours provide the solution to most first-time solo travelers' biggest concern:
Fear of the unknown.
Solo trips give you the ultimate freedom, but what if you get lost, miss important sights, or feel alone in a strange country?
Solo travel tours have got you covered:
Pre-planned itinerary with all the top spots included
Local guides who know the area like the back of their hand
A network of other solo travelers to meet and connect with
24/7 support if something goes wrong
What's even better is most solo travelers tend to be female (Approx 84% as per recent survey results), so you'll be surrounded by likeminded people and feel at ease.
The trick is to find tours that offer a balance of structure and freedom. Seek out operators who provide downtime for you to explore on your own while offering group security when you need it.
Pro Tips for Planning Your First Solo Trip
First-timer planning a solo trip doesn't have to be stressful
Pick Your Timing Wisely
Most solo bookings are made during the shoulder season. Why? The reasons go beyond saving a few bucks:
Shoulder seasons typically have lower crowds
More availability at your preferred destinations and activities
Better attention from local guides and operators
Book Early (But Not Too Early)
Solo female travelers tend to plan their trips in advance more than male solo travelers. In fact, 27% will book trips 8-30 days out to ensure they have enough time to prepare but not overthink.
Research your destination thoroughly
Join Facebook groups dedicated to solo travelers and scour recent tripadvisor reviews.
Get under the skin of local culture, etiquette, and off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Essential Safety Tips for First-Time Solo Travelers
Let's just address this elephant in the room:
Safety concerns.
They're totally normal. That's why the solo travel industry has seen a boom in apps, infrastructure, and services designed to protect you while on the go.
Solo travel is actually safer than ever.
Solo female travel has also been found to be safer than traveling with a companion.
Solo Travel Safety Stats
While safety is a top priority for most travelers, especially women, experienced solo travelers report higher levels of confidence after their first trips.
Want to feel more confident? Here are a few proven safety tips for solo travelers:
Before Leaving:
Share your itinerary with someone back home
Buy travel insurance that covers all aspects of your trip
Note down local emergency numbers
While on your trip:
Trust your gut – leave if you feel uncomfortable
Keep copies of important documents in a separate location
Stay connected with check-ins at regular intervals
Pick safety-first destinations
Spain is one of the world's most popular destinations for solo travelers. Why? It has a strong track record of being safe for tourists.
Other safe countries for solo travel are Japan, Portugal, Iceland, New Zealand, and Denmark.
How to Choose Your First Solo Destination
Choosing a first solo destination is key in building confidence for future trips.
Here's how to pick the best destination for your first solo adventure:
Start closer to home
This is a tip most successful solo travelers recommend.
Starting your first solo trip with domestic destinations is the way to go for your first trip.
Approx 41% of first-time solo travelers start with domestic trips and here's why:
You don't have to worry about language barriers, currency exchange, or flights. You can fully focus on the solo travel experience.
You can quickly get on a plane to your local destination if you ever feel homesick.
Factor in your travel style
The most successful solo trips come when you align your destination with your travel style.
Ask yourself: Do you love city life or being in nature? Are you open to language barriers or not?
Adventure-seeking travelers will have different destination requirements than relaxation-focused travelers.
Pick a city destination like London, Paris, or Barcelona with reliable public transit if you're a city lover.
If you enjoy being in nature, look for destinations with established hiking trails or organized outdoor adventures.
Smart Packing and Budget Tips
Solo traveler's packing philosophy
Pack light. Pack smart.
Experienced solo travelers have some essential packing musts that have stood the test of time:
One all-weather jacket that can take you from warm to cold climates.
A comfortable pair of walking shoes
A day pack for day trips and explorations
Portable chargers for your devices and phone
Copies of important documents
Tech essentials for solo travelers
Tech is your best friend when traveling solo. The right apps can save you from many sticky situations.
Download navigation apps that work offline, translation apps, and personal safety apps.
Budget tips for first-time solo travelers
Solo travel doesn't have to be more expensive than group travel. Pick a destination with good exchange rates and an operator who waives single supplements.
Making the Most of Solo Travel Tours
Solo travel tours work best when you lean into the group aspects of tours.
Engage with fellow travelers
Everyone on a solo travel tour is in the same boat as you.
They want to meet new people and make memories.
Eat meals together, join the optional activities, swap contact info with folks you click with, and be open to changing plans based on recommendations.
Take full advantage of local expertise
Your guides have likely lived and breathed this area for years.
Ask them about local restaurants you must try, cultural events happening while you're there, and safe areas to explore in the evenings.
Troubleshooting Common Solo Travel Fears
Now to talk about the fears and insecurities that prevent most people from taking that first solo trip.
Fear: "I'll be Lonely"
It's the most common fear when it comes to solo travel.
The truth is experienced solo travelers know that…
Solo travel makes you more social, not less.
When you're on your own, you are more open to talking to locals, joining up with other travelers in activities, and saying yes to invites you may have politely declined if you were with a group.
Fear: "Something Will Go Wrong"
Can happen on any trip, solo or not. The difference is preparedness.
Develop contingency plans for lost documents, medical emergencies, and transport delays. Most solo travel problems are easily fixed if you stay calm and collected.
Fear: "It's Too Expensive"
Solo travel is an investment in YOU. The personal growth and experience you will gain is priceless.
Wrapping Things Up
Solo travel tours are the best introduction to solo travel.
They provide confidence and skills while group support and expert guidance.
Preparation is key but don't let planning become a form of procrastination. Pick a destination that excites you, select a reputable operator, and trust that you will work it out.
With solo travel Google searches up 74% in recent years, you'll have tons of company and support.
Your first solo trip won't be your last. Solo travel is addicting. Once you feel the personal freedom and growth it can bring, you'll see why people love traveling alone.
The hardest part is the first step. After that, it's all logistics.
Post a Comment