10 Tips For The First Time Solo Traveller!

Are you considering travelling alone for the first time? If so, I know it can be really hard to take the first step. It was for me, I didn't do it until I was 35! It can feel intimidating with so many thoughts and questions about where to go first, where to stay, how will you meet people, will I be lonely? Will I be safe? The unknown can be scary. But the reality is it wasn't that hard, especially once you get there. So have a read of the below where I will try and make the unknown a little more known with 10 tips to help you on your way as a first time solo traveller!

`1. Consider the local language

So, first things first, you've got to decide where you want to go and it's a big old world out there. So how about selecting your first solo destination based on the local language spoken. Here's why!

When in South America, it's rather handy to speak Spanish! And the same applies anywhere where English isn't the first language. A new country where you can't speak the language can be a daunting experience! So if it's your first time travelling alone, it's definitely wise to consider the local language of your destination. Perhaps begin with selecting a country where English is widely spoken either natively or as the Lingua Franca (the main business language). Of course it is possible to communicate with hand actions and google translate, but it is simply tough to get by like this for long periods of time and if you are on your own you don't need the worry or hassle of this. You will want to be at ease and settling into being solo, rather than talking in charades. Have a look at the following destinations, these are in fact all native English speaking countries so you have a huge array to choose from, as well as most of Europe where English is the main business language.

2. Go somewhere where you know someone

Make it a little easier on yourself and visit a country where you know someone who is there. This can be such a reassurance. Maybe they live there, or maybe they are just there at the same time as you. When I flew to my first location of Brazil, I actually felt more relaxed about it as I knew someone else who was going to be there at the same time as me and it was just nice to know and have their number or instagram to hand. It's not always possible but it's worth having a think about it. I'm going to Sydney on my next solo trip and although I've travelled alone for 7 months, I love the fact I know people in Sydney who I can meet up with! It is definitely an added reassurance.

3. Plan and research!

I know that title sounds like an utter bore, but once you know which country you would like to visit, do a little research. In all honesty, I'm not really the biggest fan of research and I got stung with a few difficulties entering new countries because I was slack on the research. Colombia for one, wouldn't let me board the plane until I had a return ticket out of there so here is a little check list for you of things to research in advance of your trip.

Also, do read a few blogs on your chosen destination as well, as these will be based on people's real experiences and can offer so many little nuggets of information.

4. Pack carefully and ahead of time

I do not recommend packing last minute. Pack a little in advance, buy some packing cubes and pack strategically. If you have researched as suggested above, you will know what climate to pack for. I also learned that less is more when travelling. Nobody wants to be hauling around a backpack they can barely lift on their own. Pack things you know you love to wear over and over and are comfortable. I found even when I took more stuff, I largely wore the same old staples so may as well not have packed the rest. Some essential items I couldn't have been with out that you ideally don't want to have to buy whilst out there are listed below:

5.Book Travel Insurance

You are probably thinking bore off now, but this one is important so bear with me. I do not recommend travelling without being covered by a comprehensive travel insurance policy. There are all number of things that can go wrong (I emphasise the can not will) but as a solo traveller having good insurance should help ease your mind for if they do. I also think including extra gadget cover is a solid idea if you are taking a smart phone, drone, laptop or smart watch etc. This way if you do experience crime it will be an inconvenience but you can replace any stolen items at not too much extra cost to you. I wouldn't chance it.

6. Follow your gut on safety

Try and blend in and by that I mean don't walk around brandishing your phone in hand and flashing expensive items too much. The less you stand out, the less obvious you will be to possible criminals and the best advice I can give here form my own experience is to listen to your gut. If it doesn't feel safe to you, don't do it. Also listen to the tour guides and ask staff at your hostel, they should be able to give advice on if going out alone where you are is considered safe. If they are local and wouldn't walk around alone themsleves, I wouldn't either.

7. Don't feel daunted about eating out alone.

I know lots of people are comfortable with this but there are also lots of people who aren't. I didn't really use to be comfortable with eating out alone myself. However, I am very much so now and I think this really is about a shift of mindset if you can. Consider time eating alone as valuable time in your own headspace. Take a book and enjoy it! A shameless bit off self promotion here but this is a topic I was asked so much about by other would be solo female travellers, I actually wrote a blog post on how I handled the eating alone experience. Click the link below if you are interested in having a read!

"Table for one please!" 5 tips on how to enjoy eating out alone!

Going to bars alone can also be a daunting experience, so my advice here is to always start with you hostel bar. Hostels will be full of other travellers and also other like-minded solo travellers and like you they will be open to striking up a conversation and saying hi. So don't hold back, smile and and say hello! Chances are they will be up for night out too!

8. Ensure you have data coverage.

If you are alone you will want access to data from your phone. It can be nightmare otherwise, if you are out and about don't have wifi. Don't put yourself in this position.

If like me you are embarking on a long journey for one of more months and visiting multiple countries, consider a phone package for travel. 02 were amazing for South America. They gave me the 02 travel package at no extra cost to my current contract and data was free (or the same as my data allowance included in my UK package), in almost every country I went to. This saved me the hassle of buying SIM cards per country once you got there. It's a pain having to traipse off to a shop in an unfamiliar place to buy SIM cards. So have a chat to your phone provider and see if they do anything similar.

If you are only going to one country however, you now don't have to buy a physical sim in a shop once you get to the country anymore. While I was travelling I learned about this app that provides e-sims which activate directly from your phone. Its called Airalo! Download it and set up your local sim and data before you fly!

(look out for this logo when searching for the app)

9. Remember to stay in touch with friends and loved ones

You may be in another country or even the other side of the world, but loved ones are only a phone call, or FaceTime away. When travelling on your own its good to have moments to check back in with the people that really know you. I still spoke to my mum and dad regularly and it was great. The main thing to navigate was the time zones. But if you are at all nervous about going, its good to remind yourself of this fact. Instagram was also a really lovely way to share travel photos and stay in touch with friends.

10. Remember that the world is full of good and kind people too

Lastly travel taught me, humans arn't quite as scary as they taught us! I met such wonderful and amazing people on my travels so I think when setting off on your first solo adventure it's important to remind yourself of all the good that is out there as well and be excited about all the wonderful people and new friends you are yet to meet. There are just so many people in this world that will help you if you need it.

So there you have it, my top 10 tips to help ease you into your first solo travel experience.

And one a final note and most importantly know that you have got this! You absolutely can do this! And if you aren't sure still, drop me a message and we can talk more about planning your trip!

Happy Travelling

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