In our humble opinion, solo travel is the best kind of travel there is. After years of travelling as a single parent and looking after everyone else’s needs, the freedom to make your own choices, plan your own itinerary, and explore new destinations at your own pace, will leave you feel invigorated and empowered. Just like travelling as a single parent requires some preparation, solo travel requires a fair bit more planning since, just like it says, you will be the only one looking out for yourself during the trip. Let’s break down all the things you should know before you travel solo for the first time.
Plan, But Stay Flexible
Solo travellers have the unique advantage of creating their own schedules without needing to consult anyone else, but even though it may be tempting to leave everything open-ended, having a rough plan is key to a good vacation. So, before heading off, take some time and do your research: Which cities or regions would you like to explore? Which cultural landmarks absolutely cannot be missed? Even if you’re a spontaneous traveller, it’s good to know what’s on offer at your chosen solo travel destination before you set off. Just make sure, you don’t over-plan and keep some wiggle room in your itinerary to adapt to unexpected opportunities, such as visiting the hidden gems the locals suggest or going on a one-day trip to a small town that wasn’t on your original list.
Pack Smart to Travel Light
Your wardrobe will take up the most space in your luggage, so you need to find that perfect balance between packing too many clothes that will slow you down or too few that might leave you unprepared. This means choosing versatile pieces that you can wear across different situations and climates. Go for clothes that don’t need frequent washing and can work in various contexts. Items made from merino wool or performance blends are odour resistant and don’t wrinkle easily. An Aran sweater made of 100% merino wool, can be worn for weeks without a wash – a game-changer if you your solo travels take you somewhere remote, far away from any launderette. Packing light doesn’t mean skimping on essentials, so do some shopping beforehand to avoid running out of essentials that might not be sold in your chosen destinations.
Keep Your Documents Safe
Losing your passport, visa, or other important travel documents is any solo traveller’s nightmare. So, before you leave, make copies of your passport, travel insurance, and any other critical paperwork, and store them in a separate place from the originals. If possible, also scan them and upload them to a secure cloud service, so that you have access to them in case your mobile phone or laptop are also stolen.
Beware that in many tourist destinations, you will need to keep your valuables out of sight of potential thieves, especially in crowded areas, such as airports, train stations, tube stations, or popular sights. Consider using a money belt or a hidden pouch for your passport and cash whilst on the go. Whether you are a seasoned solo traveller or travel solo for the first time, a little extra preparation can make a huge difference in case something goes wrong.
Stay Connected
We get it – the whole purpose of a solo trip is to get away, explore new places, and enjoy your independence! But… staying connected is vital for both your safety and convenience. Before leaving, make sure your phone plan includes international roaming or find out where you can buy a local SIM card when you arrive. It’s important to stay in touch with loved ones and keep them updated on your whereabouts for your own safety. It’s also wise to have your boarding passes, Google Maps, offline translators, and currency converters downloaded to your phone, so that you can navigate freely wherever you go. Don’t forget portable chargers for all your devices, a few adaptors, and at least one decent power bank. Navigation apps can drain your battery quickly, and you don’t want to end up in a situation where your battery dies and you are lost, or worse – in an emergency where you need to call for help.
Know Your Limits
Solo travel often pushes you beyond your comfort zone which can be both exciting and rewarding. Yet knowing when to take a step back is vitally important. One key lesson you’ll learn when you travel solo for the first time is an understanding of your own physical and mental limits. It’s crucial that you listen to your body and catch any signs of fatigue early on. A rarely mentioned aspect of solo travel is how easily exhaustion and heat can sneak up on you, especially when you’re always on the move. So, taking time to rest and recharge your batteries is essential if you want to prevent burning out midway through your trip.
The same applies to meeting new people, whether they’re locals or fellow travellers. It can be enriching, but also draining when you’re constantly interacting with new faces. Give yourself permission to step away from socializing and enjoy some alone time when you need it. Remember: Solo travel is all about balance, and respecting your personal boundaries allows you to fully enjoy the experience.
Finally
If you are not ready to travel solo for the first time, why not join one of our solo travel groups? Solo group holidays are a great way for mature singles to explore new destinations in a safe environment and meet other solo travellers in their 50s, 60s, and 70s.
