Planning Your First Solo Trip? These are some useful tips.

Traveling alone can be one of the most terrifying, overwhelming, but liberating experiences you will ever experience in your life. The movie Queen features Rani, a 24-year-old girl who travels alone after her fiancé cancels her wedding. She makes new friends, explores new places, laughs and cries, and eventually finds inner joy, independence and peace. This is exactly what a solo trip can do for you, not necessarily in the same order. A solo trip in your own company will teach you much about yourself.

It cannot be easy to plan a solo trip. This is even more true if you’re doing it for the first time. First-timers often feel nervous about planning a solo trip because there are many things to consider, from the budget to the itinerary. Fret not! We have compiled some tips for solo travelers in this blog. Continue reading to learn how you can travel solo.

1. Choose the Destination

The destination is the most important thing! Experience is far more important than the destination when traveling solo. This is what seasoned travelers agree on. Choosing a place, you feel comfortable with is better, as solo travel can be overwhelming. Do you have a dream place? Is there a place you have always been drawn to? Are you more drawn to cities with lots of activities or do you prefer quiet, picturesque areas? Find out what you like and plan accordingly.

People who feel anxious about traveling alone may start by visiting familiar places, while adventure-seekers can consider going to exotic places. It doesn’t matter your reason for traveling, and it should inspire you and keep you motivated.

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You will be more popular with first-timers if you can find a place with a good tourist infrastructure close to your home or speak a language you are comfortable with. Our number one tip to all the wonderful female travelers out there is to find safe, female-friendly places.

2. Do your Homework

Solo trips allow for more flexibility than planning and may not require you to plan every detail. However, this doesn’t mean you can pack your bags and go. It is important to research your destination thoroughly, from its climate and sightseeing options to its culture and food. Also, it would be best if you researched the available accommodation and transportation options. Check the rules and regulations for any monuments or other popular attractions you plan to visit. You might also consider looking for day tours to the destination. This allows you to meet new people, see many different places and do a lot in one day.

The internet is the best way to get to know a place without going there. Search, search, search, then read. You can find many travel guides and blogs online about almost every destination. Talk to someone you know who has been there.

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To keep track of all your research data, you can either keep a journal or use a trip planning app. Although it may sound boring, you’ll find yourself giving your trip a boost by doing this.

3. Get a Budget in Place

The most important part is money. Transportation and accommodation are two factors that will significantly impact your solo trip budget. Transportation refers to the cost of getting around the destination, such as sightseeing, pick-up and drop, etc. These costs should be included. These expenses should be included in your tentative itinerary.

The most difficult part is accommodation. You will find both luxury hotels and budget boarding spots in every town. Which one should be your choice? If your goal is to explore the area from morning to evening, you will need a safe and clean place to rest and get a good night’s rest. You can choose a hotel or boarding house that is safe, affordable and provides all the amenities you need for a pleasant stay. Before making a final decision, make sure you review the reviews and look at the ratings and photos online.

These expenses should not be overlooked. You also need to budget for entertainment, food, drink, entry fees, souvenirs and travel insurance, particularly if you’re traveling outside India.

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Create a spreadsheet that shows you how to map your travel budget with various expense heads. Next, budget each item.

4. Reserve Your Tickets In Advance

After you have finalized your travel plans and budget, it is time to book your tickets. This is an area where you can save money. The cheapest way to travel is via railway. You can still fly to your destination if you get low-cost air tickets. Also, make sure you book your accommodation in advance. You can also search online for hotel deals; many online travel agencies offer great discounts throughout the year.

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You should book your onward tickets so that you arrive at the destination not too late or very early in the morning. Also, consider the check-in time. You don’t want your check-in to be done several hours before it is due.

5. Get your parents on board

Indian-born children know how difficult it can be to convince parents to approve a solo trip. The mere mention of “solo” is enough to trigger alarm bells. You will be asked many questions unless you’re very lucky. If you are a woman, the number of questions and the level of anxiety might increase if you ask them. Solo travel is becoming more popular in India, but it’s not yet a common practice. You must always be ready to answer any question your parents might have, regardless of how absurd they may sound.

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A well-planned and detailed travel plan is the best strategy for most parents. You can share any details you feel will help them feel secure, such as the number of days, transportation details, accommodation details, and your sightseeing plans. You promise to keep in touch with them and keep your word. You should be confident and excited, and you should listen to your parents rather than dismiss their concerns.

6. Be Smart and Light

There are two types of people: those who travel long distances with only a backpack and those who bring a bag, a duffle and a backpack, even if they’re staying at a friend’s house. It is important to pack light but smartly for solo trips. You may find yourself carrying a lot of stuff while you’re out sightseeing. It is best to pack light but smart. This will make it much easier to navigate crowds and travel on public transport.

When packing, only take what you need. If your hotel offers toiletries or bath towels, you can remove those items from your packing list. Layers and convertible clothes are the best options for clothes. This not only increases your bling but also allows you to mix and match your clothes. It is strictly forbidden to have more than two pairs.

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Solo travel is a great opportunity to bring a first aid kit, power bank, money belt and some resealable plastic bags. It would help if you also kept a journal with you to record the details of your trip. Even if you’re not a voracious reader, you’ll find out how helpful a book is when you meet curious (or even irritating) fellow passengers. You can open the book, pretend to read, and meet one.

You Need to Keep These Things in Mind While on a Solo Trip

This is the planning phase of your first solo trip. You need to pay attention to some things while on your solo trip. Here is a quick guide:

Public transport: If you are traveling alone, it is good to use public transport instead of hiring cabs. You will be more likely to make new friends and meet people if you use public transport.

Get your day started early: Start your day early if you plan to visit sightseeing places. This will allow you to avoid crowds at popular tourist spots such as museums and parks. You can then return to your hotel for a delicious dinner to replenish your energy after your day’s activities.

Keep in touch: Always! Your family should know where you are every day and where you’re going. Let your family know you are safe, having fun, and that you care. It’s a great thing!!

Relax on the Alcohol: Although it is fine to visit a local bar and enjoy a light drink, you should be cautious about drinking. It would help if you never got drunk when you’re on your own.

You don’t have to be alone when you travel, but that doesn’t mean you should feel isolated or lonely. Have fun with your friends and share the joy of solo travel. Be sure to use your judgment and not trust everyone. It would be best to be careful with the details you share with new friends.

Safety: This involves many things. It includes being aware of your surroundings and avoiding situations that aren’t safe or comfortable. Keep a copy of all important documents to avoid theft or pickpocketing. Also, keep the business card for your hotel in your purse or wallet. You can be confident and say no when necessary. But, don’t be too obvious.

Last but not least, never ignore your gut feelings

Ever felt strangely eerie when you walked into a room? Have you ever met someone who looked and sounded great but gave off strong uncanny vibes? Have you ever been in a situation where it didn’t feel right for you? This, my friend, is known as a gut feeling. It doesn’t matter if something, a person, or a situation, feels wrong. It’s that simple. You can trust your gut feelings when you’re on your own exploring the world.