Several subscribers have asked how I plan my solo trips, so I thought I’d share my process. If you have any suggestions on how I can improve my solo trip planning, please share!
A bit of backstory.
I developed debilitating anxiety when I was in college, and one of the areas that brought me the most fear was travel. After several years of traveling with people, I quickly realized I was using them as a crutch for conquering my uneasiness, and I needed to face my fears by planning my first solo trip.
A couple of years ago, I had a friend back out last minute for our annual trip, where I planned everything and curated a list of activities for us to try, but when she said she couldn’t go anymore, I was devastated. After reflecting on this sudden change, I realized I would be fine traveling alone and could still do all the activities we wanted to try. I was so anxious and nervous to go alone, but I did it. It was hard, and I told my anxiety to chill, and it’s now one of my favorite trips.
How to get started planning your solo trip!
Planning your trip is incredibly empowering, but it takes research, planning, and knowing what you want to achieve on your adventure. There are a couple of areas to look into when planning your first solo trip:
- Are there multiple places or towns to visit in the area you’re considering?
- How safe is this area? Is it better to visit during the day, or is the nightlife also safe?
- Are there restaurants to try in the area? Could you plan multiple meals or just one restaurant in that town?
- What types of attractions are in the area? Is it an area best for walking, driving, or taking a bus?
- How much do you want to spend per day?
How I plan my solo trips:
I look into 3-5 places I want to visit. The locations can be national or international, and I see what people have enjoyed doing there. I’m particularly drawn to outdoor and indoor activities, especially if it will be warm or cold when I want to visit.
Find museums.
I love museums and nerd out on art, science, and history. I look to see if I should do one museum a day or if I can do a day of museums that are all next to one another. I could tackle the city’s museums in places like Chicago, New York, or Savannah, where all the museums are within walking distance.
Don’t let your stomach miss out on your solo trip.
If I can plan a trip around the food scene in any city, I will. I love to try new cuisines, see what the locals eat, and, of course, people-watch! I do a lot of research on the restaurant scenes at the places I visit. I look at Reddit, read all the Google and Yelp reviews, and write down what I want to try. I always try something out of my comfort zone; you need to try anything that broadens your palette!
Stay where you feel most comfortable.
Whether you want to stay at a rental or hotel, stay where you will get the most out of your adventure. As a solo female traveler, I love a hotel for security and safety, but I know loads of people who swear by Airbnb. Pick a place close to what you want to see and experience—there’s no wrong answer.
Are tours a good way to visit places?
Every time I’ve left the country, I’ve booked a tour company that has allowed me to focus on the adventure, not the logistics. I am a die-hard Go Ahead Tours fan—I’ve traveled to eight countries through them, and they have something for everyone! They have tours for solo or female travelers. They even have different transport methods through countries like trains, boats, etc. I love touring with them because they make traveling abroad a seamless experience.
Determine how to plan your first solo trip!
Whether you want to travel nationally or abroad, there’s a solo adventure waiting for you! I hope this helps you begin planning your solo trip!
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