5 tips for a first time female solo traveller
Are you excited to head out on your first solo trip? Here are some tips to help you do that as a first-time solo traveler. Solo travel can be daunting and a bit terrifying for an individual. However, solo travel has been the most liberating thing for me. I’ve been on a couple solo adventures, such as trips to Costa Rica, Jamaica, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and the Philippines, etc.
Let me put it out there, solo travel doesn’t replace the beauty of traveling with your girlfriends, family, or the community around you. The point isn’t that at all, but don’t let the fear of going alone stop you from stepping out on your solo trip. Find the courage to step out and explore by yourself! This short guide to travelling alone will help you do just that.
Let’s dive right in with some tips for your first solo travel adventure.
- Prepare and plan ahead
You want to make sure you plan, prepare, and are well-equipped for your first solo trip. This includes researching the destination you are planning to explore and packing the right equipment. You will need to thoroughly research the accommodation options, local attractions, etc, and find the perfect fit for you as a first-time female traveler. Also, pack light and smart. When packing, stick to your travel essentials and keep it light to make movement easier and less stressful. Finding tips and advice from other avid solo travelers is always helpful. I have been traveling solo for a couple of years now and I still take in much knowledge from other solo travellers. In your preparation and planning also remember to always leave room for spontaneity.
2. Start small by exploring close to home
Before you take that big solo trip abroad, maybe start small with short trips close to home. This will help you get accustomed to exploring and discovering new places alone. This might include a road trip to a nearby state, exploring sites of interest alone. Exploring familiar places is always a great start! So take that solo road trip, or maybe get on a train and venture out. I have also discovered that going on solo coffee dates or solo lunch dates will also help boost your confidence if you are too scared to take that road trip on the first leap. Start somewhere, and maybe starting small might be it.
3. Safety first & stay connected
One of the most frequently asked questions is, is solo travel safe? Ensuring your safety throughout your first solo trip is always key. As you go out and discover new places, always be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If certain environments start to feel unsafe, remove yourself from there. It helps to also keep your loved ones informed on your whereabouts and itinerary. One way in which I stay connected is by having an e-SIM card connected to my mobile device. Having constant connectivity helps me to access maps or be able to communicate on the go. Most accommodation options these days also provide wifi which gives you connectivity to communicate with friends and family. Find ways to stay connected where possible.
Additionally, as a first-time solo traveler, I always suggest traveling to destinations that are more friendly to first-timers. Certain destinations are more well-traveled and tend to be safer.
4. Enjoy the experience
Enjoy the solo travel experience! Fully appreciate the journey and discover yourself in the process. You will meet many others on the same journeys, so be open to learning new things, and meeting new people. I’ve had some wild experiences as a solo black female traveler, and it’s not always easy navigating this space so I thought I should be real about it all. But hey, don’t let anything stop you! Solo travel does come with its ups and downs but remember to always embrace the experiences with a positive attitude. Remember to balance it out in your preparations and do not forget to enjoy all the moments, even the ups and downs.
5. Join a group trip
Maybe you are not quite as ready to venture out on a solo female backpacking trip all across Central America on your own. Why not join a group trip instead? This is another form of solo travel, but with people that start as strangers and at most times end up as your friends. You get to meet other like-minded individuals and explore together. Traveling alone doesn’t have to be lonely and this might help you step out before you plan your entire solo trip.
I hope these few tips have been helpful and will help you start planning your first trip as a first-time solo traveler. Through solo travel, I have explored so many beautiful places and have met some amazing people. So I am cheering you on and can’t wait to see and hear about your adventures!
