It is
exciting as well as frightening to travel alone for the first time. It sounds
thrilling to think about traveling to a new place, making new friends, and
learning more about yourself.
But things
didn't go as well as I imagined on my first trip alone.
In the past,
I could have easily avoided the blunders I did.
Avoid these frequent traps and take a lesson from my experience when planning your first solo adventure.
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| solo female travel |
My First Solo Trip
1. Not Researching the Destination
Carefully
I picked a
well-known city that had been on my bucket list for years when I made the decision
to travel alone for the first time.
But I failed
by not doing enough research on the local way of life, transit, and safety
precautions.
I thought
that once I got there, everything would be simple to understand.
What I Learned:
- A little research can make a big difference.
- You can save needless tension by being aware of
local norms, typical frauds, and reliable transit options.
- In order to obtain helpful advice before traveling
to any place, I now spend time reading travel blogs, watching vlogs, and
even participating in online communities.
2. Overpacking and Carrying
Unnecessary Items
I packed more
than I expected to require since I was so excited! I ended up carrying a bulky
baggage that made using public transportation really difficult.
I hardly used
half of what I had brought.
What I Learned:
- Don't overpack and only bring what you need.
- Avoid bringing items "just in case" and
instead plan outfits that can be combined and worn in different ways.
- For solo travel, a lightweight backpack or carry-on
bag is typically sufficient and allows for greater mobility.
3. Ignoring Travel Insurance
I totally
forgot about purchasing travel insurance since I was too busy organizing the
enjoyable parts of my vacation.
I thought
everything would be OK.
Unfortunately,
I had to go to a nearby clinic since I had a little illness. The cost of the
medical care exceeded my expectations.
What I Learned:
- Travel insurance is required; it is not a choice.
- It shields you against unforeseen costs such as trip
cancellations, lost luggage, and medical problems.
- Before each overseas trip, I now make sure to buy
travel insurance.
4. Not Sharing My Itinerary with
Family or Friends
I was so
excited to go on the trip alone that I didn't consider informing my family of
my location.
When I got
time, I thought I would check in with them.
But I became
aware of my weakness when I missed a connecting bus in a far-off place.
- What I Learned:
Always let a trustworthy friend or family member know your trip schedule.- Provide them with information on your lodging,
scheduled events, and emergency contacts in the area.
- In the event of an emergency, this guarantees that
someone is aware of your whereabouts.
5. Being Too Trusting of Strangers
Meeting new
people is one of the best parts of traveling alone, but I was too quick to put
my faith in everyone I met.
I lowered my
defenses and gave strangers too much personal information.
Since nothing
awful happened, I learned afterward how perilous this may have been.
What I Learned:
- Be friendly while remaining cautious.
- Talking to new people is fine, but don't give them
private information like your travel itinerary or where you are staying.
6. Poor Budgeting and Overspending
I misjudged
the cost of living in the place I went to. I neglected to account for
emergencies, extracurricular activities, or transportation.
I ended up
spending far more than I had budgeted for the trip.
What I Learned:
- Stick to your budget, set reserve money for
unexpected expenses, and keep a regular check on your spending.
- You may manage your money while traveling by using
budgeting applications.
7. Skipping Basic Safety Precautions
I neglected
basic safety precautions because I was so caught up in the excitement.
I
occasionally went nighttime wandering in unfamiliar areas and failed to lock my
rucksack in crowded spots.
Fortunately,
I didn't run into any serious problems, but in the past, I should have avoided
the dangers.
What I Learned:
- Prioritizing safety is necessary, particularly when
traveling alone.
- Always keep your possessions safe, stay away from
dimly lit areas at night, and follow your gut if anything doesn't feel
right.
8. Not Learning Basic Local Phrases
I was
mistaken to think that the majority of individuals would speak English.
I had trouble
communicating basic things like ordering dinner or asking for directions in
several places.
What I Learned:
- It can make a big difference to learn a few simple
phrases in the local tongue.
- "Hello," "thank you," and
"help" are powerful words.
- It may help crossing new areas and shows respect for
the local way of life.
9. Booking Accommodations Based Only
on Price
I chose the
least expensive lodging possible in order to save money, ignoring factors like
safety and closeness.
I ultimately
stayed in a less-than-safe neighborhood, which made me uncomfortable the entire
time.
What I Learned:
- While inexpensive lodging may seem attractive, it's
necessary to strike a balance between price, convenience, and safety.
- Read reviews, determine how safe the area is, and
pick lodgings with high ratings.
10. Rushing Through the Trip
I packed my
schedule with too many activities, leaving little opportunity for flexibility.
Being on the
road all the time left me tired and prevented me from enjoying the trip to the
fullest.
What I Learned:
- Throughout your journey, give yourself some
downtime.
- You have more time to take in the culture, unwind,
and enjoy the trip when things go more slowly.
- Less is more in certain situations.
Final Thoughts - Accept the Learning Curve
Traveling
alone is a fantastic opportunity to see the globe and learn about yourself.
Even while
making mistakes is unavoidable, you can learn important lessons from them that
will make your next journey easier and more pleasurable.
Set yourself up for an amazing journey by keeping these tips in mind as you prepare ready for your first solo travel.
Have you
taken a solo trip? What lessons did you learn? Share your experience in the
comments!
