You’ve finally done it. You’re going on a solo trip! You’re excited but also nervous—what if something goes wrong? What if I get lost? What if there’s an emergency?
Don’t worry; they won’t. And you don’t have to be alone. Here are some tips for making your first solo trip as safe and fun as possible:
Pack light
The biggest mistake you can make when packing for your first solo trip is packing too much. The more you bring, the more weight and size you carry around.
In addition, if there’s something specific that you want on your trip but don’t have space in your luggage for it because it doesn’t fit—and let’s face it: some things do not work no matter how hard we try—then buying another piece of clothing or an extra pair of shoes suddenly becomes more expensive than expected because now we’re paying for shipping costs as well.
Packing light is also essential because options are limited when traveling alone (you want to be free of any chances).
If all else fails, there are other ways of getting around this issue: get creative! For example, using a scarf instead of carrying extra clothes works just as well; or find someone who will pick up postcards from each city so that later on down the road, when friends ask about what happened during their travels, they’ll have something worth showing them!
Sort out your accommodation
You should also ensure that the place you are staying at is safe and secure. You want to avoid ending up in a dodgy neighbourhood or having trouble finding your way home after dark.
Lastly, find a place with a kitchen or common area to save money by cooking your food. This will also allow you to meet other travelers who are also staying there!
Learn the phrases
Learning the basics of a foreign language is an excellent way to help you get around, and it’s also something that can be done on the go. Most language apps allow users to learn phrases for free or cheaply.
If you’re using apps like Duolingo, there are also books and apps that will teach you how to speak in your target language without having to download an app.
Learn some basic navigation
If you’re going to be traveling somewhere without a personal guide, you’ll need to know how to navigate. While it’s always nice to have a map and compass on hand, if you’re going off the grid (or getting lost), there are other ways of finding your way around.
GPS is an excellent tool for navigation, but only some carry one around with them everywhere they go.
If you don’t have access to GPS or cell service when navigating in a new location, then take advantage of other available resources:
- The sun rises in the east and sets in the west–and so does every other country on Earth! As long as you know which direction is east/west (which will be easy if there’s any sun out), you need basic math skills and knowledge of your current position relative to those two points.
- Use landmarks like mountains or rivers as reference points whenever possible. Not only are these natural features easy for humans to recognize from far away distances thanks to their distinct shapes and colours, but they also play an important role in defining borders between countries or even cities within countries themselves!
Stay safe
As an independent traveler, you have a lot of freedom to go wherever you want and do what you want. However, it is essential to remember that not all places are safe for solo travelers.
You should research your destination before traveling there and ensure that the area is suitable for solo travelers like yourself. As a rule of thumb, if your hotel doesn’t have any reviews on sites like TripAdvisor, then stay clear of it!
After finding a place where you can stay safe, there are still some other things that need to be considered:
- Make sure to leave valuables unattended (e.g., laptops). Use a locker at the hotel gym/pool area or ask staff members if they can keep an eye on them while working out/swimming in their pool etc.
- Avoid taking unnecessary risks when traveling alone (e.g., hiking alone without proper gear) as this may put you in harm’s way; instead, stick with activities like sightseeing tours which are safer for first-time travelers such as yourself!
- Get yourself a renters insurance policy. Many people don’t know that one of the unknown perks of renters insurance is that your personal belongings are covered from theft even while you’re abroad.
Allow yourself to wander
Your first solo trip is a great time to explore new places, take in the scenery, and get lost in a good book.
It’s good to be careful, but it is also essential to take it easy. Allow yourself to wander.
Don’t worry about getting back on track to your destination or having a tight schedule of things you want to see—just let yourself be drawn by your surroundings and take time out from exploring new cities or towns to sit down at an outdoor café enjoy a coffee while people-watching.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore the world!
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