Let me know if this is you. You’ve canceled your travel plans because you had no one to travel with you. Or maybe you and your friends started planning a girls’ trip, and then everyone bailed on you. So, where does that leave you? If you’ve ever felt that you had to cancel your travel plans because of others, I have big news; you don’t! It’s time for you to wear your big girl underwear and travel solo. Stop canceling your travel for others.
As a woman traveling solo for the first time, fear and doubt can have you second-guessing yourself. I know you’re so accustomed to traveling with friends that the thought of you enjoying your own company might be too much to handle. That was sarcastic, but I want you to put yourself first! If you’re ready to experience what it’s like to travel solo, I will share 9 tips to make you feel better about taking the plunge.
Tip #1 Safety for First Time Solo Travelers
I can’t start this blog post without first sharing a few safety precaution rules. When traveling solo as a woman, you must be cautious before and during your travel; once you’ve booked your travel accommodations, share the information with your family and closest friends before you leave. They should be aware of your complete itinerary- flight information, where you will be staying, and any excursions or tours you will be taking. You can easily share your location with other iPhone users if you have an iPhone. It might sound tedious, but you are special to someone, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Another safety tip if you are traveling on your first solo trip is to never post on social media while away! That Instagram selfie can wait until you return, and this is a good tip even if you’re traveling with friends. Your social media friends don’t need to know how well your amazing solo trip is going; I rarely share on social media when I travel, whether solo or with others.
Tip #2 Pack Only What You need
I will admit to you; that I am an over-packer! To be honest, most women are. When traveling solo for the first time, you don’t want to load yourself down with a piece of luggage and bags. Remember, you are traveling alone; there won’t be anyone there to help you carry your luggage. Instead, pack what you need for the duration of your travel and maybe one or two extra necessities. And if you want to avoid checking your luggage and only have a carry-on bag, you must remember that everything must fit in the overhead bin on the plane. Save yourself the embarrassment of trying to stuff your luggage in the bins; just check your bags. Don’t be known for the passenger that refuses to check their bags.
Tip #3 Make Copies of Important Documents
Before leaving for your travel destination, ensure you’ve made copies of all important documents. Driver’s license, passport, flight information-everything! Keep them stored safely; for example, you can easily store important documents in a compartment inside your luggage. Just be sure that it’s easy for you to locate them but hard for a trespasser to find them.
Tip #4 Conceal Your Money
Unless you are trying to make it rain in the club, hide your money! Don’t be too flashy and let your money show. You will look like a tourist and be the perfect candidate for someone to rob. Although I would hate for this to happen to you, you don’t know how often I have seen women traveling with a wad of money. Of course, you should keep a certain amount of cash accessible for tipping or grabbing quick meals and storing the rest safely. I want to add this bonus tip for first-time solo travelers: don’t keep all your money in one place. You can get creative when traveling; I have stored money in the oddest places. For example, you can keep your larger bills in your shoes but have your smaller bills in your cross-body bag. Most hotels have an in-room safe for storing valuables, but I recommend keeping sentimental valuables at home!
Tip #5 Check-In Hotel Requests
Never let the front desk know you are alone when checking into your hotel room. This may be challenging when staying at an all-inclusive resort, but there is a way to get around that. If asked, mention that your friends have arrived and checked into their room.
Another tip for first-time solo travelers is to request a room away from the elevator and stairs. As a woman traveling solo, you have to remain safe and cautious. When speaking to the front desk, ask that your room number be written down instead of stating it aloud. You never know who’s listening. Also, when entering your room, securing the doors as soon as you’ve entered is wise. The excitement of wanting to check out the room may get you, but it only takes a couple of minutes to secure the doors.
Tip #6 Avoid Taking A Taxi
Taxi service isn’t necessary if you are traveling internationally or domestically. When traveling internationally, check with the hotel concierge to see if the hotel offers transfers or transportation services included in your stay. If you’re traveling within the U.S., consider renting a car. Ensure that your hotel is within walking distance of stores, shops, and restaurants so that if you have no transportation, you can quickly eat and shop if necessary.
Tip #7 First-time solo travelers should Blend in With Others
Meeting new people while traveling is one of the most brilliant things on your solo trip. If you are traveling out of the country, more than likely, there will be other women with whom you can spark a conversation. For example, You can be hanging by the pool enjoying a cold cocktail and spot a group of other ladies; this is your opportunity to mingle with them. You shouldn’t force yourself onto them by no means but find ways to engage and spark conversation.
Tip #8 Mingle With the Locals
Mingle with the locals! This is mainly for those traveling internationally. Although you are traveling to your destination solo, that doesn’t mean you have to be a tourist, even though you are. Blend in with the locals like you belong. With so many U. S. citizens moving to other countries or having vacation homes, you could very quickly appear like a local. If you enjoy doing your own thing and exploring the town, you can still do so. Just remember the safety rules and not venture off too far. Another piece of advice is to brush up on the terminology they often use. This can help you with the language barrier also.
Travel Essentials For Solo Travelers
Tip #9 First-time solo Travelers should Book a Group Tour
Check out all the group tour options if you plan to tour the town. Group tours are great for blending and enjoying yourself as you sightsee and explore, and they allow you to be with others while enjoying your first solo travel trip. Always book your tours through the hotel, or if you’re a member of any travel groups, check out the recommendations others have posted.
Well, my friends, I hope this blog post encourages you to stop waiting on others and book your first solo trip soon! Want to learn more ways to travel? Check out this blog post: How to Take a Road Trip on a Budget.
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