How to Plan Your First Solo Trip Without Stress

Planning a solo trip is a fun activity, but it can quickly become chaotic without the right plan, especially for a first time. You have to consider several factors, such as booking flights, organising travel documents, creating an itinerary, and ensuring your safety. 

Considering all of these can easily leave you overwhelmed before you even leave home. In this article, you will discover a simplified way to plan a solo trip stress-free. 

We will guide you through the essential steps and key considerations for each. Ultimately, you should be able to plan your solo trip with confidence and have a fun travel experience. 

1. Do your research

Researching the location for your first trip helps you know the travel requirements, fun activities, restrictions and safety information. It also allows you to have an estimated budget in mind to measure against your financial capability. 

Start your research with places that are known for being safe and friendly for solo travellers. For example, if you’re looking for a city with an active backpacking community, Barcelona and Madrid would be ideal places to consider. 

Other cities and regions also offer numerous guided tours to historical sites or neighbourhoods. Your research should cover key areas, including fun locations, costs, safety, immigration requirements, travel restrictions, the best time to visit, and the local culture. 

2. Gather your travel documents

Travel documents are an essential part of the planning process. You’ll need them to apply for your travel visa and to obtain approval from an immigration officer at the airport or border. 

 You don’t want to arrive at the airport and realise you forgot your insurance document. 

Create a checklist that includes all the documents you’ll need. This includes a valid passport, travel insurance, medical records, copies of flight tickets, hotel bookings, and permits. Ensure that you have original and valid documents to avoid delays or rejections.

In many cases, you may need to submit documents in the destination country’s language. For this, you’ll need a certified translation of your document in the country’s language. For example, if you are travelling to the USA and your documents are not in English, you will need a USCIS certified translation to ensure they are officially recognised.

3. Create a flexible solo trip itinerary

You can be spontaneous when travelling alone, but it’s also advisable to create a flexible travel itinerary. This helps you plan where you’re going, what you’ll do, what to wear and any other essential details. It also allows you room for spontaneous adventures if you’re feeling like it. Your solo trip itinerary should include travel dates, destinations, accommodation details, activities and budget.

Keep both a digital copy and a printed version with you at all times. This way, if your phone battery runs out or you lose Wi-Fi, you’ll still have the details handy. You can also share your itinerary with a family member or friend back home as a safety measure.

4. Pack smart, travel light

Packing light is the best option if you are travelling alone. Carrying multiple pieces of luggage can be stressful and slow down your experience, especially when exploring unfamiliar areas.

First, make a list of everything you need and rank them based on whether they are essential or non-essential. Things like clothing, money, toiletries, a power bank, a universal adapter, noise-cancelling headphones, and a small first-aid kit containing any necessary prescription medications all count as essentials. Other items, such as sunglasses, a fancy camera, games, and a blanket, are non-essentials.

Most importantly, keep your important documents, including your passport, ID, travel insurance, and tickets, in your carry-on bag, not in checked luggage. This way, they’re always within reach and protected.

5. Make all bookings and appointments before travelling

Ensure all visas, hotel, tours and other bookings are confirmed before travelling. If you plan to make bookings upon arrival at your destination, contact the management before travelling. 

This is because some hotels, tour guides, and parks might have a reservation limit or booking requirements. You don’t want to get to your destination and find that they’re fully booked. 

Note: For a visa application, you may need certified translation services to translate foreign documents. You may also need it when converting your driver’s license if you want to drive a car while in your destination country. 

6. Stay safe & connected on the road

Network connectivity is another aspect to plan for when travelling alone to a different country. Always confirm whether your local SIM card will work in the location, whether Wi-Fi connection is available, or if you should opt for an eSIM. 

Download helpful apps, such as offline maps, VPNs, ride-sharing apps, and translation apps, to make your travel seamless. Most importantly, share your travel plans and any other information with family members and be vigilant, especially in remote locations. 

Ready to start your adventure?

Solo travel is one of the most rewarding ways to see the world, and with a bit of preparation, it doesn’t have to be stressful at all. Ready to take the first step? Explore more travel tips, destination guides, or explore a list of national parks in the US and other locations worldwide.