7 Things First Time Solo Travellers Need to Consider

At some point in our life, we get to try interesting things that we have never done before. One of these is travelling solo for leisure. Nowadays, it is not impossible to go on vacation to different places we've never visited in our entire life because of the many convenient ways to travel.

For once in your life, experience going to a distant place to unwind and relax, have peace of mind, and reflect on yourself. Give yourself time to refresh and take a rest. You deserve a break. If you had never travelled alone before, you have to decide by now before you regret it; but you have to consider some important things too.

7 Things to Consider Before Travelling for the First Time

1. Plan your trip.

Decide based on your desired place to visit. When you plan your trip, you think about your desired destination first. Find answers to these questions:

• Where do you really want to go? 
• When do you intend to travel?
• What do you really want to visit? 
• What is your main purpose for going there?

Plan your trip at least three months from the date of your travel. Your trip must not be in conflict with your other tasks or activities.

2. Do Research.

You have already decided where to go. It's now time for you to do deep research about the place. The internet is useful for this self-task because you can easily find a lot of information there. Search for feedback about the place - whether good or bad. 

Ask for more information from solo managed tours. Inquire about the place: nice tourist spots for sightseeing, cheap accommodation for days of stay, delicious local food to try, and popular souvenir shops to buy souvenirs.

Check some websites about travel and leisure. Read some blogs about solo travelling and decide whether to do the same thing or not. Other blogs include a sample itinerary for the trip. Others write about their experience of the place. If you plan to travel during this pandemic, do research on travel restrictions and other protocols of the place. Follow the guidelines and secure necessary documents needed to be presented.

3. Think about your budget.

Travelling will not be made possible if you don't spend money on it. This is one thing that people need to consider. When you decide to go to your dream destination, you think about the amount of money you will need for the trip.

Some places are expensive, some are not. Some accommodations are cheap but with good quality service; others are expensive but with the same quality as the cheap ones. Which will you choose? If you are a backpacker, you will, for sure, choose the cheap one. Include this in your research.

Before you decide to travel, make sure that you will not run out of budget. That is why it is better to do prior research about how much budget you will be needing so you can give yourself time to decide on things that you will do or places that you will go.

Remember, your budget is your best weapon.

4. Decide on certain places you want to visit.

Wherever you are going, it is important to choose the places where you want to visit because there are many different beautiful spots in just one place. You cannot get the chance to visit all of them for a short time, unless you decide to travel for a month or more.

For example, you are travelling to the Philippines for a week. There are many beautiful attractions in the country and you cannot visit all of them for just a week. So it is better to write down and choose where to go. Then make your own itinerary.

5. Prepare for your daily leisure activities

Your daily leisure activities are the things included in your itinerary. Some of them may not be followed but if you hire a tour guide, they know more about the place so you can have them decide where to go. You can also tell them your itinerary and they will bring you there.

Prepare for your OOTD. Many travellers change clothes three times a day when they travel. You may want to do it too. You may bring your swimsuits, hat, sunglasses, slippers, sunblock, hiking sandals, face towels, and other personal essentials. Sometimes, it is better to bring more things with you than to buy.

6. Secure your passport.

This is the most important when you plan to go overseas for tourism purposes. We all know that you cannot travel abroad if you do not have a passport. Make sure it is valid. Aside from your budget, this must not be left behind. 

7. Book a flight ticket in advance.

Where are you going? There are many countries and cities in the world that are accessible in just an hour or two. If you have a definite travel destination, it will not be difficult for you to book a ticket. Booking a ticket in advance, at least 2 or 3 months prior to your travel date, is better as costs are inexpensive. Some airlines offer promos or discounts for flights to certain destinations. After booking, you will only think about your personal allowance and itinerary. I personally use this website when I book a ticket to my desired destination.

You are now ready to set off for your first solo travel. Are you ready? Plan your trip now, do your research, and prepare for your activities alone! 

Check these websites for your reference:

https://www.trip.com/

https://www.airbnb.com/

https://www.expediagroup.com/

https://www.booking.com/

https://www.agoda.com/

Disclaimer: The websites mentioned above are my personal references and recommendation.

Pros and Cons of Traveling Solo

Are you fond of traveling? Do you travel alone or with friends?

Traveling is convenient and easy these days. More travel destinations are accessible because of the heightened ease of access from one country or city to another. These destinations are actually budget-friendly and you don't need to spend much on transportation and accommodation. Imagine the COVID-19 pandemic did not arise. Imagine the current state of the world is normal. How often do you travel?

Traveling alone or with a companion is your choice. By deciding to go on a trip for leisure, you also decide whether to be with someone or go on your own. Both have the advantage and disadvantage, but you may consider some factors before you finalize your decision. 

Traveling alone soon? How about contemplating on its pros and cons?

Traveling Solo: Pros and Cons

💰Budget

Pros:

• You can decide on the amount of money you want to disburse for yourself.
• You know when and how to manage your own budget without worrying about others.

Cons:

• It can be a little expensive.
• You get to pay all the amount for something you purchase or for other fees.
• There is a possibility of touching your extra budget for unanticipated circumstances.

🕧Time

Pros:

• You can manage your own time.
• You don't need to wait for others to finish doing a thing especially when it's a new day to start kicking off for the next adventure.
• You can decide whether to stop at a place to rest and relax or not.
• Your time is unlimited.

Cons:

• You may tend to unfollow your itinerary.
• You may miss some of the places you intend to visit.

👧Self-Time

Pros:

• You have all the time to reflect and cogitate.
• You give yourself peace of mind.
• You allow yourself to think deeply about life.
• You get to realize your worth as a person.
• You become more independent and confident.
• You don't depend your decisions to others; you decide for yourself and by yourself.

Cons:

• You will be lonely.
• You may envy other travelers who have companions (thinking that they enjoy better having somebody with them).
• You feel tired.
• You cannot share your excitement with anybody you know.

👫People and Places

Pros:

• You get the chance to meet new people, particularly the locals.
• You get to experience a new culture (food, language, customs, etc.)
• You develop your interpersonal skills by interacting with other people.
• You discover new places out of your comfort zone.
• You can decide which place you want to go to without asking others' opinions.
• You learn a new skill by feeling and thinking like a local.
• You look after yourself; you don't worry about others.

Cons:

• You cannot trust everyone you meet.
• Some places, if you like adventures the most, can be a little dangerous.
• There are expensive places or tourist spots.
• You are prone to fooling by some people (if you did not do research prior to your trip).

Traveling alone is something that you can try at least once in your life. There are good things about traveling solo. Do research about places you intend to go. Your strong determination is more important than anything else.

Imagine the pandemic has ended. Where is your next holiday? Share it with us.