Solo Travel: How to plan your first trip

Matt solo traveling in Asia

Your first solo trip will be one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of your life. However, the planning process, in the beginning, can be quite frightening. It's a lot different than taking trips within a group or as a family. Being solo, you are on your own, and in charge of each and every aspect of the trip. You’re probably thinking, “where do I even begin?”

Pick a Destination 

One of the first things you need to do when planning your first solo trip is to choose a destination; better yet, a destination that's right for YOU. YOU are the one taking the trip, go somewhere that will make you comfortable, happy, and safe. While the location and destination you choose should be based on personal preference, there are some places better suited than others, and specific factors to keep in mind, such as: 

• Language
• Culture & religion
• Safety
• Helpful locals
• Tourism industry

Keep in mind, your destination can make or break your trip. You want to have a positive and memorable experience on your solo adventure, not one that keeps you stressed or constantly worried. Some of the best locations for first-time solo travels are:

• United Kingdom
• Thailand
• Ireland
• Iceland
• Germany
• Spain 

Get Travel Insurance

If you don’t take any other advice from this list, do yourself a favor and be sure to get travel insurance for your trip. Travel insurance is essential when unfortunate events or accidents occur. Whether you need medical attention, lose your luggage, or if there is a natural disaster or, in previous cases, a global pandemic, travel insurance is really important. World Nomads is one of the most trusted travel insurance companies in the world, with various different plans and packages to suit your needs, from sickness, injuries, disaster, or other mishaps along the road.

Use A Travel Advisor 

Planning a solo trip for the first time, especially with no prior experience or knowledge, can be very overwhelming and cause fear ad stress before the trip even begins. Using a travel advisor to help plan your trip is a great idea if you are a newbie to the solo traveling world. A travel advisor can guide your whole process, book reservations and tours, educate you on safety tips and be a direct point of contact in case something goes wrong. Additionally, they may have direct connections on the ground in specific locations, assist you when flights are canceled, or direct you to networks or opportunities you wouldn't have tried to do alone. 

Practice Solo Travel at Home 

Before heading out on your first solo adventure, consider practicing solo travel at home. Take yourself out on dinner dates, walk through unfamiliar parts of your hometown, and take weekend road trips to nearby destinations. Learning to be confident on your own is one of the best ways to stay safe, and learn more about yourself and what you are capable of doing. Once you are comfortable enough with your own company at home, traveling solo in unfamiliar places becomes much easier and more enjoyable. 

Set Intentions & Have Fun

Solo traveling for the very first time is a life-changing experience; anything could happen. Make the most of it while it lasts, set intentions, and have fun. What do you want to accomplish? How do you want to feel? Having intentions will give you more direction, clarity, and purpose, making your trip even more exciting and successful. And above all have fun! This trip is all about you. You are setting out in the unknown alone, ready, maybe a little scared, and excited for what's to come. Smile and be proud of yourself, solo travel is all about the journey. Enjoy every moment.