Traveling solo for the first time will most likely be a liberating and unforgettable experience! But as fun as the experience will be, planning a solo trip can seem overwhelming at first. From choosing the destination to booking the right accommodation and packing efficiently – there’s so much to do and organize before the trip. But don’t worry, if you follow this step-by-step guide, you’ll be perfectly prepared for an unforgettable solo travel adventure!
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18 Steps for Planning a Solo Trip
Step 1: Set your time
Determining the period of your journey is one of the first steps in planning a solo trip. How long do you want to travel for? Is your trip tied to specific dates or local events, do you not want to go away for longer than a month/two weeks, etc. or do you want to make full use of the free time you have for traveling alone? Take your time to think about these points and then set your earliest possible departure date and your latest possible return date. The more flexible you are, the better. Especially if you need to book flights or other modes of transportation, it helps to have some leeway with the days of the week to find the cheapest and best deal possible.
Step 2: Calculate your travel budget
The next thing on your agenda for planning a solo trip should be your overall budget. Perhaps you already have a certain amount in mind that you do not want to or cannot exceed. My tip is to roughly estimate or research how much money you need for the different parts of the trip. This will give you a good overview of the expenses you will incur. Costs that you should take into account are:
- transportation costs
- accommodation expenses
- costs for meals and dining
- expanses for activities and entertainment
- travel insurance
- vaccinations and medication
- visa and other travel documents
- souvenirs, shopping, and tips
- savings buffer for emergencies
If you haven’t already saved enough money for the trip, setting up a savings plan can help. Finally, setting your overall budget is necessary to help you decide on the next part: choosing the destination.
Step 3: Choose your destination
Here comes the fun part! You can now choose your destination depending on your calculated budget and the time of the year you want to travel. I’m sure you already have a few places on your travel bucket list waiting to be discovered! In my view, Southeast Asia stands out as an ideal choice for individuals embarking on their first solo travel adventure. This region not only boasts warm climates, stunning coastlines, and an array of culinary delights but also offers exceptional affordability in terms of accommodation, dining, and transportation expenses. Countries like Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Indonesia particularly excel in providing budget-friendly options for travelers. Additionally, Southeast Asia’s popularity as a backpacking destination, particularly among the younger crowd, ensures ample opportunities to connect with fellow adventurers and stay safe during your journey.
Step 4: Book your flights
When booking flights, there are several important factors to consider to ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience. Firstly, it’s crucial to compare prices across different airlines and booking platforms to find the most cost-effective option that aligns with your budget and travel dates. Additionally, consider the duration of the flight, including layovers and overall travel time, as well as the departure and arrival times to optimize your itinerary and minimize travel fatigue. Flexibility with your travel dates can often lead to significant savings. Use fare comparison tools or flexible date search options on booking websites to find the cheapest days to fly.
When is the best time to book flights? Overall, the best time to book flights is typically several weeks to a few months before your intended travel dates, but it’s important to stay flexible, monitor prices, and be strategic about your booking timing to secure the best deals.
My favorite resources for booking flights: Skyscanner, Trip.com
Step 5: Research and get inspired
Now it’s time to get excited for the trip! Personally, I like to look for photos on Instagram and Pinterest and save them in a specific board. Travel blogs are also a great way to read about the experiences of other travelers and find authentic photos and stories of the places you want to visit. After doing some research, you’ll surely have a great list of things to do and see at the destination.
Step 6: Plan your itinerary
Start planning a solo trip by outlining the duration of your stay in each destination and prioritizing the must-see attractions and activities you want to experience. It can help to research some opening hours and any special events or festivals happening during your visit. Consider factors like travel time between locations and allow for flexibility in your schedule to accommodate unexpected delays or spontaneous discoveries. While it’s essential to have a rough plan in place, don’t over-schedule yourself and leave room for spontaneity. Serendipitous experiences often make travel the most memorable. Remember that your itinerary is a guide, not a rigid schedule, so feel free to adjust and adapt it as needed based on your preferences and interests.
Step 7: Choose your accommodation
When planning a solo trip, you want to make sure you stay in a safe and comfortable place that fits your budget. If you want to meet other (solo) travelers, I recommend staying in hostels. When looking for accommodations, it’s important to not only consider the price and reviews but also the location of the hotel or hostel. For example, if I’m unsure of the best area to stay in a larger city, I usually search on Google for “where to stay in xx” to find out which neighborhoods are the most popular and safest.
My favorite resources for booking accommodation: Booking.com, Airbnb, Hostelworld
Step 8: Book your airport transfer and other transportation
If you know your itinerary you can start booking trains, bus rides, or other modes of transportation in advance to save money and ensure availability. Here, again, I would not recommend booking everything in advance to ensure more flexibility during the trip. But, especially on a solo trip, your airport transfer is one of the things that you can book prior to your arrival to ensure you’re safely getting to your first accommodation. Oftentimes, hotels offer a private airport transfer as well.
My favorite resources for booking airport transfers: GetTransfer, Kiwitaxi, Booking.com
Step 9: Prepare your travel documents
Ensure you have all necessary travel documents, such as your passport, credit cards, and any relevant health documents. Make copies of important documents and keep them in a separate place from the originals. Research visa requirements and apply for any necessary visas well in advance of your trip!
Step 10: Organize a travel insurance
Organizing travel insurance is essential to protect yourself from unexpected situations like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost belongings. Choose a travel insurance that aligns with your trip and cover key areas such as medical costs, trip cancellations, and lost baggage. If you’re engaging in activities like hiking or diving, ensure your policy covers those as well. Pay attention to coverage limits and exclusions, and consider emergency evacuation services if you’re visiting remote areas. Always keep a copy of your insurance details handy during your trip for quick access.
My two favorite travel insurances for international travels: VisitorsCoverage, EKTA
Step 11: Create a packing list
A printed packing list that I can check off point by point with a pen gives me the feeling of being in control and fully prepared for my trip. You can download this packing list template and adapt it to your needs. If you’re traveling with a backpack, you can also check out my Backpacker packing list, which helps you pack light and efficiently.
Step 12: Buy your travel gear
A few weeks before the trip it’s time to check if you have all your necessary travel equipment and buy the things still missing on your list. Thankfully, these days you can quickly order just about anything online if you forget something!
Step 13: Vaccinations and medical preparations
Consult with a healthcare professional or travel medicine specialist to determine which vaccinations are recommended or required based on factors such as your medical history, the duration of your trip, and the regions you’ll be visiting. Additionally, ensure that your routine vaccinations are up-to-date and consider taking preventive measures against common travel illnesses such as traveler’s diarrhea or mosquito-borne diseases. Pack a basic first aid kit with essentials like medication for common ailments, insect repellent, and sunscreen to address any minor health issues that may arise during your travels.
Step 14: Safety preparations
Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs. Maybe you want to learn basic vocabulary in the country’s language or read more about the traditions and cultural characteristics of the destination. Also, keep a list of emergency numbers when traveling – both your local and your foreign travel destination’s active emergency contact information. The best thing is to be aware of your surroundings and trust your gut feeling.
Step 15: Pack smart
Once you’ve created your packing list and organized everything you need for your trip, it’s finally time to start packing! Start by rolling your clothes instead of folding them to save room and reduce wrinkles. Use packing cubes or compression bags to organize items and compress your belongings. Prioritize multi-functional items, like clothing that can be layered or worn for different occasions. Pack heavier items, such as shoes or toiletries, at the bottom of your bag to create a balanced weight distribution. Keep frequently used items like chargers or travel documents in easily accessible pockets. By packing efficiently, you’ll reduce the weight and hassle of carrying unnecessary items, making your solo trip more comfortable.
Step 16: Install helpful solo travel apps
Installing helpful solo travel apps can greatly enhance your trip and make navigating new destinations much easier. Start with a reliable maps app, like Google Maps or Maps.me, for offline navigation and directions. For staying connected, consider downloading an eSIM app, such as Airalo, which allows you to purchase data plans without needing a physical SIM card. Translation tools like Google Translate or iTranslate are invaluable for breaking language barriers and communicating with locals.
Step 17: Prepare everything at home for your time away
Especially if you’re planning to travel for a longer time, there are a few things to prepare at home before leaving. Start by securing your apartment—unplug appliances, adjust your thermostat and empty your fridge. Maybe you also need to take care of finding a subtenant. If you have a car, either store it in a safe location or arrange for long-term parking if needed. Pause or cancel subscriptions you won’t use, such as streaming services or gym memberships, to avoid unnecessary charges. Lastly, consider setting up mail forwarding or holding your mail at the post office to prevent it from piling up. And, I think it’s obvious, but have someone to look after your pets and plants 😉
Step 18: Enjoy your solo trip!
Last but not least, enjoy your solo travel adventure, take lots of photos, and make sure to come back healthy, happy, and with countless wonderful travel memories!
Final Words on Planning a Solo Trip
Planning a solo trip involves thoughtful preparation and careful consideration. From selecting the perfect destination and budgeting wisely to organizing travel insurance and packing efficiently, each step plays a crucial role in setting the stage for a memorable adventure. However, with the right planning and mindset, you’ll create lasting memories and have an incredible adventure all on your own. Do you already know where you want to go? Or do have more tips for planning a solo trip? Let me know in the comments down below!
And don’t forget to save this guide for your first time planning a solo trip!
