Top tips for your first solo trip: from romantic getaways to safety
For many people, the New Year brings dreams come true. For some, it's going on their first solo trip. It can be a scary thought to travel alone to a new place where you don't know anyone. But what may seem negative at first actually makes solo travel wonderful and unforgettable.
If you've been thinking about your first solo trip but are afraid to take the plunge, these tips will give you the confidence to do so. Journalist Ian Smith shares his experience. Six years ago, he became an independent traveler and has since traveled to seven countries alone. Some trips were better than others, so he decided to pass on his hard lessons of solo travel. This was reported by euronews.com.
Start your solo vacation small
You might be tempted to go big right away and spend a month traveling around Europe on your own. This can work for some people, but if you're a little nervous about traveling solo, it's worth planning a shorter trip first.
Hostels are your best friend
It's worth meeting new people when you travel, and there's no easier place to do that than in a hostel. It's also a budget option when you don't have anyone to share the cost of Airbnb.
"I use the Hostelworld website to find the perfect place. You just search for the city for your planned dates and get all the available hostel options. Be sure to read the descriptions and reviews before booking to make sure it's the vibe you're looking for," says the correspondent.
If you want to have your own space while maintaining the social side of a hostel, you can opt for a private room instead of a dorm. Take earplugs and an eye mask to sleep anywhere. For a longer trip, it might be a good idea to book a hotel or private room for one or two nights halfway through to give yourself a moment to catch your breath.
If you decide to stay in a hotel or Airbnb for your entire vacation, but still want to find people to chat with, then you should use the Meetup app. It lets you know about events happening in the city and allows you to connect with other people who are interested in the same thing.
Have a holiday romance
"I'm not one to kiss and tell, but during my solo travels I have kissed and let me tell you, I have no regrets. The excitement, the romance, the lack of expectations. People are a freer version of themselves on vacation, especially when traveling alone. So go on that date, make that long eye contact with a handsome stranger in a bar, and then dance the night away with a beautiful local," adds Ian.
Safety
However, solo traveling is not all about wild romances. Threats such as theft should be taken seriously. First of all, have an emergency plan. Take a backup phone and a second bank card with you and leave them in your home. We also recommend emailing yourself scans of important documents, such as your passport, and any booking information you may need.
"And I ask you to buy a fanny pack. Since I bought one in 2022, I've never been robbed. You still have to be aware of your surroundings and be careful where you take your phone or wallet. If you're staying in a hostel, be sure to bring a lock with you so that your valuables are safe while you're traveling," the journalist notes.
If you're not sure whether to take your first solo vacation, it's easy to give up. But with a little planning and preparation, you can have an amazing experience in a new country with no one but yourself to stop you.
