7 Worst Mistakes I Made on My First Solo Trip and the Exact Fixes I Use Now

Solo travel taught me more than guidebooks ever could. I learned fast, sometimes the hard way. Below I share the 7 biggest mistakes I made on my first solo trip and the precise, concise, template-based solutions I use now.

Each solution has a checklist you can copy, a handy template you can paste into your notes, and clear before-and-after results as well as key lessons learned. These are practical solo travel tips for beginners, written in simple language so you can use them today.

7 Worst Mistakes I Made on My First Solo Trip and the Exact Fixes I Use Now

Mistake 1: No basic itinerary - I thought I would do it without preparation

Problem: I arrived without a plan and wasted time thinking about what to do each day. I missed sights, paid extra for last-minute transportation, and was stressed out.

Checklist - Short Itinerary:

• Book arrival transportation from the airport to the hotel
• Plan 1 main activity and 1 backup per day.
• Pay attention to the opening hours and closing days of must-see sites.
• Save addresses and public transport stops offline.

Implementable Template - 3 Day Short Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival, check-in, local walking tour (2 hours), dinner at [name]

Day 2: Morning: [Main Site] (09:00-12:00) Afternoon: [Backup] (14:00-16:00)

Day 3: Morning market visit (08:00-10:00), packing, departure at [time]

Before/after results: Before wasted time and money; after - I enjoyed my days and felt calmer. I saw the highlights and made room for smaller discoveries.

The lesson: Even a one-page plan keeps you flexible and focused. Use an itinerary template to avoid decision fatigue.

7 Worst Mistakes I Made on My First Solo Trip and the Exact Fixes I Use Now

Mistake 2: Overpacking - I brought my entire luggage with me

Problem: I hauled heavy bags, paid extra baggage fees, and spent time organizing clothes I never wore.

Checklist - Continue Packing:

• 3 tops, 2 bottoms, 1 light jacket.
• 1 pair of casual shoes, 1 pair of sandals
• Basic toiletry kit in travel size
• A plug adapter, charger, travel first aid
• Have a laundry plan ready - coin or quick wash.

Implementable Template - 7 Item Packing Rules

Clothes: 3 Tops, 2 Bottoms, 1 Jacket, 1 Sleepwear

Shoes: 1 walking shoe, 1 sandal

Items needed: Passport, backup card, phone charger, small first aid kit

Before/after results: Before - heavy luggage and slow travel; after - lighter bags, faster speed, less expense. I felt more comfortable.

The lesson: Pack less and plan to do laundry early. A smaller bag helps you move faster and use less energy.

Mistake 3: Not sharing my plans - I thought nothing would go wrong

Problem: I had not told anyone about the itinerary. When there was a flight change, I had to make last minute calls alone and felt unsafe at night.

Checklist - Share Safety:

• Send the entire itinerary to one trusted person.
• Share live location of arrival day.
• Save emergency contacts locally and online.
• Register with your embassy, if necessary.

Actionable Template - Safety Messages

Hello [name], I am arriving in [city] on [date] at [time]. I will be staying at [hotel name, address]. I will call you when I check in. Itinerary link: [link]

Before/after results: Before - stress and anxiety; after - instant help and peace of mind. When plans changed, my friend was able to help.

The lesson: Sharing your itinerary is easy and keeps you safe. It's not annoying, it's a smart move.

Read: How to Evaluate Safety of a City From Home in 30 Minutes Before Booking?

Mistake 4: Carrying all cash or relying on a single card

Problem: I lost my wallet once and had no backup. I had to pay a very low exchange rate at the airport.

Checklist - Money Protection:

• Keep two payment methods: a credit card and a backup debit card.
• Keep small amounts of local cash in two different locations.
• Use a money belt or inside pocket for important cards and passport.
• Note down the bank's emergency numbers and set travel alerts.

Implementable Template - Wealth Division Plan

Card 1: Main credit card in Wallet

Card 2: Backup debit card in a hotel safe or hidden pouch

Cash: €50 in wallet, €50 in separate pouch

Inform Bank: [Yes/No], Travel Dates: [Start-End]

Before/after results: Before panic after losing money; after - I could still pay and get home. I spent less on fees by using local ATMs from trusted banks.

Lesson: Never rely on a single payment method. Split the money and keep a backup.

Mistake 5: Choosing the wrong place to stay - being cheap was painful

Problem: To save money I booked a hostel away from public transport. This wasted my time and I had to pay taxi fares.

Checklist - Housing Check:

• Check public transport links and travel times to key areas.
• Read recent reviews about safety and noise.
• Confirm check-in and check-out times.
• Check the free cancellation policy.

Implementable Template - Rapid Housing Review

Name: [Hotel/Hostel]

Distance from metro/bus: [minutes]

Recent reviews: [good/bad] (view last 30 days)

Cancellation: [Yes/No]

Before/After Result: Before It was a waste of time and felt unsafe at night; After I chose central locations despite the slightly higher price and I saved both time and stress.

The lesson: Pay a little more for space. Time is often more valuable than money saved.

Mistake 6: Ignoring local transport rules and timetables

Problem: I missed the last train home and had to sleep in a 24-hour cafe. I hadn't checked the local holiday schedule.

Checklist - Transport Preparation:

• Note the timings of the first and last train/metro for the day of arrival.
• Download offline maps of local transport.
• If possible, check local public holiday dates and strike news.
• Keep a backup taxi app or local taxi numbers.

Actionable Template - Transportation Note

First train: [time], Last train: [time]

Taxi app: [name], Local taxi: [number]

Saved offline maps: [Yes]

Before/After Result: Before long cold night and extra expense; after I checked my day's schedule and didn't miss the last bus. I slept comfortably.

Lesson: Local transport rules shape your day. Be aware of the last ride to reach your room.

7 Worst Mistakes I Made on My First Solo Trip and the Exact Fixes I Use Now

Mistake 7: Trying to do everything - I got tired on the third day

Problem: I tried to make a long list of activities and got exhausted. I missed the little moments that make travel special.

Checklist - Set the pace for your day:

• Plan one big activity and one easy activity each day.
• Leave three hours free to relax or make an unexpected discovery.
• Make a plan to eat slowly and take a short walk each day.

Implementable Template - Daily Momentum Plan

Morning: heavy activity (2 to 4 hours)

Afternoon: Easy activity or rest (1 to 2 hours)

Evening: Local food and short walk

Buffer: 3 hours free

Before/after result: Before just tired, hasty photos; after I observed local life, relaxed and enjoyed the moment. I came back energized.

The lesson: Travel is not a race with a checklist. Go slow to feel more, and you'll take home better stories.

7 Worst Mistakes I Made on My First Solo Trip and the Exact Fixes I Use Now

Quick downloadable checklist (copy and use)

Itinerary: Arrival information, 1 main + 1 backup activity per day.

Packing: 3 tops, 2 bottoms, 1 jacket, 1 pair of running shoes.

Safety: Share itineraries; send check-in messages on arrival.

Money: Two cards, split cash, bank numbers saved.

Stay: Check transport times, read reviews from the last 30 days.

Transportation: Note last trains name, save taxi apps.

Pace: 1 big activity, 1 easy, 3 hour buffer.

7 Worst Mistakes I Made on My First Solo Trip and the Exact Fixes I Use Now

The Ultimate Before and After: What Changed for Me

Before learning these tips, traveling alone felt like a chore that often ended in stress, extra expenses, and missed opportunities.

After adopting these templates and checklists that I use on every trip, traveling became easier, cheaper, safer, and more enjoyable. I saw more, slept better, spent less, and met more people because I had the energy to talk and smile.

Read: Where is the Best Place to Go in Italy as a Single Woman?