10 Things You Need To Know Before Travelling Solo
Thinking of setting off on your first adventure?! I've got you covered with 10 things you need to know before your first solo travel!
If you're reading this post then I'm thinking you're looking to plan your first ever solo adventure (or are considering it), to which I'm going to say YES BOO IT WILL BE THE BEST THING YOU EVER DO!! You guys know I'm the biggest fan of solo travel and the freedom / experiences attached to it!
But with that said, there's certain steps that I like to take before my travels, which help to put my mind at ease and ensure I can fully enjoy my experience to it's full potential rather than worrying about getting lost / insurance - all those kinds of things!
You guys might have noticed that I've been running some polls and asking for your feedback on my Instagram stories lately, that's because I was squirrelling away on this post, and I wanted YOUR feedback!
I wanted to know exactly what it was that was holding you back from travelling on your own, the answers were things I'd predicted you'd all say (all things that we can easily fix/plan between us!).
So, the aim of this post - is to cover all your worries, help you set plans in motion that will ensure your mind is at rest so you can get our there and HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE ON YOUR DREAM SOLO ADVENTURE!
With three in ten women in the UK having conquered their first ever solo adventure, and a further 21% considering their first trip, the aim of this post is to share my advice learnt from previous trips (and based around your feedback and biggest concerns), so *hopefully we can get you on those trips!
10 things you need to know before travelling solo - lets do this!...
1.) Planning your trip:
Okay, first things first - you want to travel solo, but where to?
The most popular type of holiday for female solo travellers is a city break; with 47% voting for this! I've been to Paris (my first ever solo trip), and New York - I LOVED being in a city as I felt at home and it's easy to navigate!
32% chose a beach holiday (hello midday cocktails with 0% judgement), 12% chose an adventure holiday, 10% picked backpacking, 7% have ventured abroad to volunteer and 6% to attend an overseas festival.
The best part about travelling solo - is there's no right or wrong way to do it, if you want to take a boujee city break where you can shop till you drop and drink cocktails all night long THEN DO IT!
Your trip is entirely tailored to you and what you want! If you're looking to relax, head to a yoga retreat or a beach holiday, if you're after an adventure why not head to South East Asia and backpack?
Always pick what's right for you and you'll have the BEST time!
2.) Picking the right insurance for you:
So you've decided where to go, now it's time to get planning the finer details. When I asked you guys on stories - the biggest concern that kept cropping up was finding the best travel insurance or worrying about getting hurt abroad.
Whilst I completely understand this concern (hello over thinking over here!), it's no reason to let it stop you from travelling!
If you find the right insurance for you, your mind will be at rest for you to fully get out there and enjoy your trip to the max. If anything *does happen, you're covered and that's all you can do.
Post Office offer some great travel insurance packages, from single trips (comes with a 24/7 medical emergency helpline to put your mind at ease), to annual multi-trip cover (great if you're looking to book several trips), or backpacker cover which covers you on one trip for up to 18 months!
Take out the right insurance for you and know that you're covered in any situation!
3.) Build your confidence when it comes to being alone
Another point that cropped up a fair bit, was people worrying about being alone, whether they were worried about eating out or the fact that they might be bored whilst travelling alone. I really love my own company and tend to spend quite a lot of time alone, whether I'm taking myself to brunch, a wander around the shops or to the cinema.
BUT, I know that a lot of people aren't like this - that they worry about being alone, or they just really love the company of others. My advice to you if you're thinking of planning a trip but scared of alone time, would be to build up your confidence and get used to being alone.
Start with a solo brunch / dinner / cinema date, get used to walking in someone and asking for a table for one (most people think everyone will stare and wander why you're on your own but I PROMISE you no-one will bat an eye!).
One thing I do when I'm travelling solo is I take a book everywhere with me, when I'm out for dinner I'll order a glass of wine and read my book for a few hours - I love getting lost in a book and really enjoying some quality down time!
Take it in baby steps and before you know it you'll be a pro at being on your own in public and you'll be booking that trip up!
4.) You don't have to be alone:
Following on from my last point of people worrying about being alone, don't ever forget that you don't have to be alone!
A lot of women take a solo trip to enjoy some downtime or just to have a break, but on all of my solo trips I've crossed paths with other travellers, whether it's chatting to someone in a bar or booking a couple of days accommodation and exploring an area with someone.
Remember that you're all in the same boat! If you're worried about being alone, then why not book a hostel? Chances are you'll meet some EPIC people that you'll remain friends with and travel around with each other!
29% of women travel solo to celebrate their independence or 27% want to embark on a personal adventure, 26% simply want to try something new, 21% want to enjoy some alone time and 15% want a break from work - just because you're travelling on your own, it doesn't mean you'll be lonely, make your trip exactly what you want it to be!
5.) Be prepared:
A whopping 33% of woman admitted that their biggest apprehension before embarking on a solo trip was personal safety!
We've covered travel insurance but there are other safety measures that you can take when travelling alone such as:
1.) Doing regular check ins with people back home, and letting your family / friends know where you are staying (you can always give them your room number and the hotel contact number too!).
2.) Carry a torch or rape alarm, if it puts your mind at rest then DO IT! Nothing is more important than your personal safety when travelling solo!
3.) Carry a list of embassy numbers and register your details on embassy websites of where you're travelling too so you can get updates, should there be anything you need to know!
4.) Carry vital documents with you at all times (have them saved down to your phone too as a back up!), make sure these include your travel insurance and any health care documents!
6.) Don't look like a tourist:
Following on from the last point of being prepared, comes the 'don't look like a tourist' point, carry a map at all times in your bag (the hotels/hostels will usually have one for you).
I always like to carry it on me just in case my phone runs out of battery or I can't get any 3G (don't rely on your phones too much, as technology can fail you!), but my advice would be if you're going to look at your map and get your bearings, maybe stop off for a coffee so you can sit down and really familiarise yourself with the area.
The last thing you want to do is stand on the street with a giant map in your hand, as people then know you're a tourist and you *could make yourself a target to pick pocketing etc.
If I ever don't know where I'm going when I'm on my own, I always pretend like I do, walk with a purpose until you can find someone (a shop owner or hotel concierge) who can help direct you!
7.) Don't be afraid to ask for pictures:
When I went to New York on my own last year I remember posting a picture on Instagram and so many people asking 'how' I'd got the shot, well of course I asked a stranger, but don't panic - chances are they'll ask you to take a picture in return and you can do each other a favour!
When I first started travelling alone I used to have to build up the courage to ask a stranger but now I don't mind so much, I always assess the area and situation and ask someone who looks friendly, I usually go for a woman and someone that tends to be in a group.
The first few times I wanted to ask, I chickened out and didn't get a picture, then spent the day kicking myself wishing I'd asked. Don't make it a big deal in your head, and it won't be!
8.) Capture your solo adventures:
Again, following on from point number 7 - make sure you document your travels. As well as asking people to kindly take a few snaps for you, make sure you're taking some for yourself too!
Of the scenery and maybe a couple of cheeky selfies in there too (Go-Pro's are great for this, or your phone is perfect too!).
I love documenting my solo trips, just as much as trips I take with people. It's great to come home and remember the amazing times you had and the adventures you took!
I love printing off my snaps and compiling them into a scrap book so I can look back over my travels!
9.) Be brave and book the trip:
If you've got to the end of this post, and we've ticket off any concerns you might have had, the be brave, take the leap and book your dream trip! It's so easy to talk ourselves out of things when we're scared (fear always seems to overcome our plans so easily!), but just know that as long as you've taken the right safety measures, you've secured the best travel insurance deal, you've told your family where you're off to, now all that's left to do is go for it and book the trip!
10.) ENJOY yourself!:
I *know that many of you had concerns that were stopping you from booking your dream trip but don't forget to ENJOY YOURSELF! It's so easy to see solo travel as a scary thing and to feel anxious before your trip, but don't ever forget that the bottom line is to HAVE FUN!
There we have it girls - my top 10 things you need to know before travelling solo! What are your concerns about travelling alone? Please feel free to leave me a comment or even drop me a DM if there's still anything you're worried about, or if you'd like some advice / encouragement then I'm absolutely HERE for you!
This post was kindly sponsored by the Post Office who have launched their Tips For Solo Female Travellers page, packed full of tips and advice from my favourite fellow blogging ladies; Vicky, Emily and Taylor!
I'd LOVE to know if you've travelled solo before, and if you enjoyed it? Or if it's something you're considering? If you haven't booked a solo trip, is there anything particular holding you back?
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*Opinium Research carried out an online survey of 1,003 women who have travelled alone or would consider travelling alone aged 18+ from 20th to 28th of August 2018. Opinium Research also carried out an online survey of 2,004 UK adults aged 18-65 between 21st and 23rd of August 2018.