Curious about planning a solo trip? Read on for a few tips to make this amazing experience your reality.
1. Overplan, but don’t get too attached to your plan.
Since you are headed out into the unknown, having an itinerary of sorts to reference will be a guiding comfort. You’re already taking a big step out of your comfort zone, so make it a little easier on yourself by planning ahead.
I created an all-but down to the minute itinerary for myself. I calculated the time it would take to complete each activity as well as travel time between hikes and locations. I stuffed my days with as much as possible — I wanted to do and see all the things.
It goes without saying, nothing will go exactly as planned. The stargazing tour I was looking forward to got cancelled due to weather, and that same weather ruined my sunrise hike plans the next morning. I completed half the hikes I wanted to, but I wouldn’t change it. I moved at my own pace and did things because I wanted to, not because I had to.
2. Be open, it may get emotional.
Whether you’re headed out to see somewhere new or revisit a city you love, you will see some amazing things. The key is to also be open to your internal dialog.
I was able to enjoy my time at the mountain tops looking out at the incredible vista while reflecting internally. Emotions hit me when I wasn’t expecting them to, and I gained clarity on important issues I had been avoiding. Traveling solo is not only an outer journey but an inner one as well.
3. Get ready to selfie!
A drawback of solo travel is not having a friend to take your photo, and there’s not always going to be a trustworthy stranger around to help you out. If you want photos with you in them, get ready for selfies, lots of public selfies.
In my ‘What my first solo trip taught me’ post, I talk about getting over my fear of taking a public selfie. Don’t let the fear of what other people think get in the way of you getting the photos you want. These are your memories, not theirs.
It would also help to get familiar with the photo timer setting on your phone and/or camera. If you want more info about the camera remote set up I used, send me a message, or let me know in the comments below!
4. Be smart. Play it safe.
Remember: You are alone. We all know the buddy system and how ‘there’s safety in numbers’. When you are by yourself you make for an easy target. As a woman traveling by myself and 2,000 miles away from my concealed carry, I took extra care and paid attention to my surroundings.
Check in regularly and let someone know where you are consistently. Trust your gut, if something you’re doing or someone you come in contact with doesn’t feel right, run away.
You will have an amazing time, I just want you to make it back to tell us about it :)
5. Bring something from home.
I brought a blanket and my slippers. For you, it could be your pillow, a candle and some crystals, your yoga mat, or your favorite snacks. It’s comforting to have something familiar with you while you are in a new place.
Fun fact: I’ve also decided I’m never traveling without my slippers again.
I hope this was enough to get you started. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out! I’m happy to tell you about my experience and help you plan yours.
// Never limit yourself because of others’ limited imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination. //
These are great tips, thanks Alex!