INTRODUCTION
When I think about the first time I thought of traveling alone, it was exciting but also a scary thought. Traveling alone meant going outside my comfort zone for me.
What do I mean by a comfort zone? The comfort zone was my place of safety and familiarity.
I was surrounded by people I knew well. I did activities that were familiar to me. In my comfort zone, I experience little to no stress. It was a place of certainty. It made me feel safe and protected.
But, earlier on I realized that my comfort zone could limit my personal growth and miss out on creating new experiences.
Getting out of our comfort zone has great benefits, it can expand our perspectives, gain new skills and experiences as well as facilitate personal growth.
The scary part of traveling solo was also very much real. The challenges were so many. For example, my native language is only spoken in a few regions of my country.
This meant that when I traveled outside my province, I was entering a territory that had a different language. Right there, I was looking at the language barrier.
English is my third language. If you’re wondering where I’m from, I’m from Africa – Zambia.
The fear of uncertainty and unfamiliarity of traveling alone can be overwhelming for anybody. You will encounter some challenges as you travel solo.
So if the thought of traveling along scales you a bit, it is fine, and you’re not alone.
This article will guide you through the essential steps of planning your solo trip. I will highlight the amazing benefits of solo travel, I will also prepare you for potential challenges you might face along the way.
ARE YOU TRAVELING ALONE FOR THE FIRST TIME?
If your answer is YES! Congrats! I’m super excited for you! Whether, you’re traveling abroad or locally, traveling alone will open up a new world of possibilities.
You will make new friendships, boost your self-confidence, you’ll learn to rely on yourself, push personal boundaries, and gain a fresh perspective on life and the world around you.
7 PLANNING PHASE BEFORE TRAVELING ALONE
Planning is the second most important step of traveling alone in my experience. The first one is deciding to travel alone.
When you’re planning for your solo adventure follow these steps:
1). Choosing destination:
You have to pick where you want to go. The best way of choosing a destination is to know your interests.
What are your interests? For example, are you interested in the beaches, or mountains? Is it cities or historical sites?
The key is establishing your interest first which will greatly help you choose the right destination.
2). Set a Budget:
How much money are you willing to spend? Some destinations are more affordable than others.
When deciding your budget for your solo trip should include the following;
- Transportation includes flights, buses, and trains.
- Accommodation – hostels, hotels, or vacation rentals
- Food and drinks
- Activities and sightseeing
- Emergency fund (always have some extra cash for unexpected situations)
3). Safety:
Is it a safe and solo traveler-friendly destination? Some destinations are strongly advised not to travel to as a solo traveler.
Also check out my other blog on 13 COUNTRIES TO AVOID TRAVELING FOR SOLO TRAVELER .
4). Language barriers:
A few years back, I and some other buddies of mine had traveled to Bangkok in Thailand. It was my first time going to Thailand.
Our interest was volunteer work and live with the locals for a week or so. It was very hard to communicate with the locals.
The part of Bangkok we visited hardly had people who spoke any English, and none of us spoke any Thai.
So much of our communication for that week was on Google Translate. For unknown reasons, google Translate was always translating inaccurately. Most of the time we and the locals would just stare at each other with big smiles. hahaha
If you’re starting to travel alone my advice is to start with a city or country that has the option of the language you speak.
If not, take some language lessons on the internet before going. There are several language apps such as Duolingo which can teach you basics.
5). Plan Your Itinerary:
While it’s great to be spontaneous, having a rough plan can help you make the most of your trip.
- Make sure to research must-see attractions and activities beforehand
- Read reviews before booking hostels or hotels. This will help you avoid the wrong accommodation.
- Compare prices for flights, trains, or buses before booking
- I advise staying at places with common areas to meet other travelers
6). Prepare Important Documents:
This is important especially if you’re traveling aboard. A few years back I got arrested and almost locked up by the Malaysia Immigration authorities.
I was in Kuala Lumpur touring different sites in the city. I did not know that Malaysia Immigration authorities require foreigners to always have a copy of their documents on them all the time. That’s what I was told after this incident.
What saved me from being locked was my driver’s license which thankfully I had in my wallet. They ran my details into their system and everything was clean and I was let go.
- Make sure your passport is valid – some countries require it to be valid for at least six months beyond your trip.
- Check if you need any visas
- Get travel insurance. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
- Make copies of important documents and store them separately from the originals.
- Have a copy of your important document with you at all times.
7). Pack Smart
- Check the weather for your destination
- Pack versatile clothing that you can mix and match
- Don’t forget essentials like medications, chargers, and adapters
- Consider packing a small first-aid kit
- Stay Connected and share your itinerary with family or friends back home
- Research phone plans or portable Wi-Fi options for your destination
- Download useful apps like maps, translation tools, and travel guides
THE BENEFITS OF TRAVELING ALONE
The benefit of traveling alone has led to transformative experiences that have positively impacted various aspects of my life.
Solo travel isn’t just about the places you visit, but also about the personal journey and growth you experience along the way.
- Solo travel pushes you out of your comfort zone, fostering independence and self-reliance.
- Time alone in new environments can lead to profound insights about yourself and your life goals.
- When you successfully navigate foreign places on your own builds self-esteem and problem-solving skills.
- Meeting new people.
- Solo travel can improve your budgeting, planning, and communication skills.
- Overcoming challenges alone proves your capabilities and can be incredibly empowering.
- You learn to trust your instincts and make choices confidently.
- Solo travel allows you to step away from your usual roles and responsibilities.
- Every day can be an exciting adventure when you’re exploring on your terms.
Conclusion:
As an experienced solo traveler, traveling solo for the first time is an incredible opportunity to explore the world and yourself.
It might seem daunting at first, but with careful planning and an open mind, you’ll be ready to embrace the adventure.
Every experienced solo traveler was once in your shoes, feeling nervous and excited about their first trip.
As you travel to new places, overcome challenges, and make unforgettable memories, you’ll discover strengths you never knew you had.
You’ll return home with amazing stories, new friends, and a fresh perspective on life.
So, take that leap of faith. The world is waiting for you to explore it, one step at a time. Who knows? This might be the beginning of a lifelong love affair with solo travel!
