7 Tips For Those Travelling Solo For The First Time

By Wei Yin on 14 Oct 2019

Digital Editor

An INFP who enjoys watching sappy Korean dramas in her free time. Good food and cute dogs are all she needs.

One of the biggest goals many people have is to travel alone at least once in their lives.

There is just something so appealing about travelling solo - the adrenaline rush from being alone in a foreign country to not having to accommodate to anyone other than yourself, it is no surprise many first time solo travellers come home wanting to travel alone again.

But if it is your first time travelling alone, follow these tips and we guarantee it will be worthwhile. Read on to find out more!

#1 Choose a destination where you feel comfortable and safe

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When choosing your first solo travel destination, select a country that you feel comfortable with travelling to alone or is relatively safe.

Albeit there is no 100% safe country in the world, make sure you do loads of research beforehand so you choose a country that suits you best for your very first solo trip!

#2 Be fine with dining alone

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Are you someone who hates eating alone? Well, you are not the only one as many people feel that way too. But since you have decided to go on a solo trip, you have to be prepared to dine alone for almost every meal on your trip!

Prepare yourself by dining alone in your home country to get a feel of what it is like before your trip. We promise, it is less intimidating and weird than you think.

#3 Don't be afraid to get help from people

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Sometimes when we travel, we may be too shy or hesitant to seek help from people due to language barriers.

We encourage that you try to get out of your comfort zone and not be afraid to get help from people when you need it! It is never easy to take the first step but this is part and parcel of travelling alone as you have no one else to rely on, except yourself (and the locals there).

Once you have attempted, you will find that there are many nice humans in this world who are more than willing to lend a helping hand!

#4 Join guided tours or day trips

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Guided tours or day trips are catered to those who are travelling free and easy but still want to have someone to bring them around on a specific day or at a specific location.

It is also especially great for solo travellers as for that few hours, you will get to make friends with like-minded people while exploring a place together!

#5 Mix with the locals

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We know that this is easier said than done but try to hang out with the locals because they can bring you to places or eateries that only the locals know and they are usually better than touristy places.

It really is one of the best ways to experience a city!

#6 Make sure someone back home knows your whereabouts

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Regardless if you made the decision to travel solo to unplug from your hectic life back at home or simply for a holiday, make sure you let someone back home know your whereabouts!

A simple text or short call everyday to a loved one or friend back home will give everyone a peace of mind as they will know that you are safe. You should also send a copy of your itinerary to them so that they are kept up to date on your current location.

#7 Stay firm and don't be easily strayed by people's words

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If your sixth sense tells you that something is not right or someone is acting suspicious, you are probably right most of the time. Better be safe than sorry!

It is best to stick to your itinerary and not be strayed by people's words. Also, avoid heading back to your accommodation too late in the night.