Going on a trip by yourself is something you won't forget in a hurry. Is it not true that the first time you travelled without your parents was the first time you truly felt like an adult? An additional allure of solo travel is the message it sends about your independence and personal agency. So, if you're going to be spending the summer on your own, it might as well be a memorable one. But there are some things to consider before striking out on your own.
Travel without a companion can be a difficult challenge. There's really only one way to cross it off your to-do list, and that's to actually cross it off.
You may find a newfound sense of independence on your first solo trip. When you're on the road solo, you have freedoms you wouldn't have with a companion. No one will have to mediate disagreements over airports, restaurants, etc.
Whether this is your first time travelling alone or you've done it before, these tips will help you stay safe and enjoy your trip.
Select A Location Near You
Do one of these shorter trips close to home if you've never ventured out on your own before. Day trip on your own to a nearby city. Start the day at a café, enjoy a solo lunch, explore the city on foot in the afternoon, and cap the day with a solo trip to the movies. Evaluate your progress thus far by checking in with yourself. How did you feel about your day of solo discovery? What, you want to know more?
You could eventually travel to the United States on your own. Sure, you've been to Austin, right? How about a trip to Boston? Before venturing abroad on your own for the first time, you might want to get used to travelling in a place where you feel safe, like the United States.
Talk With Others
Talking to people who have recently visited a location is one of the best ways to learn everything there is to know about it. You can trust their recommendations for hotels, dining, and services because they have tried them all themselves.
If you're worried about being lonely on your solo trip, don't be. In fact, I've made some of my closest friends during solo travel. Join a tour group if you're looking to make fast friends. This is a great way to connect with the community and other solo travellers for those experiences that are more meaningful when shared. Try a pub crawl or prearranged excursion while staying at a hostel.
Just Bring What You Need
Carrying too much weight on your back is dangerous. Experienced travellers know that lugging around a bulky suitcase is a waste of time and energy. Don't overpack; just take the essentials like extra clothes, hand sanitiser, maps, phones, batteries, flashlights, and first aid supplies. Bring a hard copy of your plan with you and commit to it. If anything (or everything) were to happen to you, your loved ones could find you using this method.
Create Your Own Rules
Talking about your concerns about solo travel is helpful, but you should also give yourself guidelines and objectives. Don't force yourself to do something you don't feel up to doing on your own. You're already beating the odds by embarking on this journey alone, which is a great way to start. Do what you want, and don't make yourself do anything you don't want to.
Final Thoughts
Solo travel can be an amazing experience for anyone, regardless of age. The excitement of complete independence provides ample time for introspection and self-improvement. The first time you travel abroad on your own can be particularly terrifying.
