Tips for a Safe First Solo Trip | ICICI Lombard

There has been a rise in the sheer number of solo travellers over the last few years. People yearn to embark on a journey on their own and get to planning a solo trip. One spends days packing at every possible opportunity and searching the internet for lodging, eating, and sightseeing options.

The closer the departure date, the more excited one is to be able to travel for the very first time. However, eventually, one starts to worry and gets distressed by the trip's how-tos and what-ifs. However, the desire to explore the preferred location keeps one moving forward, even though the idea seems challenging and unsettling. Starting a mental map and thinking calmly are the first steps for any solo traveller to plan right. Once you're far from home, fewer resources will be available, so you'll require a solo travel guide to make the journey go smoothly.

Pros and Cons of going on Solo Trip

Pros of travelling solo:

• More individuals will be around you; hence many brand-new possibilities are available to solo travellers.
• You can do as you please, go anywhere, eat what you like, and nap when you please, which can be downright liberating.
• You will acquire the language more quickly. When you travel alone, you may have to communicate in the local language, which enhances your language skills and produces a more genuine experience.

Cons of Traveling Alone:

• Even though being an outsider in a foreign nation can be exciting, you may sometimes feel lonely.
• Lone visitors make for an easier target for predators, which could be dangerous in an unknown place.

In some circumstances, you might have to spend twice as much as you are not travelling with a friend or fellow traveller to share the expenses.

Essential Tips for Your First Solo Trip

In addition to discovering various cultures, travelling alone also helps you learn more about yourself. It’s thrilling, challenging, and invigorating all at once. You not only learn a lot about yourself but also about your surroundings. Travelling solo doesn’t have to be terrifying. This section contains the finest solo trip tips for your first journey alone. To ensure you have the best first solo trip possible, we'll go over selecting the ideal location, travelling alone for the first time, safety concerns, and a few other vital issues. The solo travel tips to religiously follow for a first solo trip are listed below:

 Deciding on Places to Visit

You must choose a place that appeals to your interests, as it will help you make the most of your journey. Stay away from beaches if you don’t like places that are too warm or get sunburnt easily. If crowds annoy you, stay away from major towns. Here are some pointers for lone novice travellers:

• Pick a destination where you can communicate in the native tongue; otherwise, be ready for a language barrier; alternatively, you could download Google Translate or take the help of a local guide who could also act as a translator.
• Pick a place with developed tourist infrastructure.
• Select a well-known backpacking destination to meet lots of other travellers and learn from their experiences.
• Choose a well-connected location to prevent loneliness and lengthy commutes.

 Planning Budget

The most crucial portion is now here: the monetary aspect! Your budget for a solo journey is influenced mainly by two factors: lodging and transportation.

• When discussing transit, one should consider the price of getting around the particular location — sightseeing, pick-up and drop-off, etc.
• Accommodation is the most challenging aspect, as there are both upscale and inexpensive lodging options in every metropolis and small town. You can choose a hotel or boarding house that is reasonably priced, secure and provides all the amenities needed for a pleasant stay. Before deciding, read the reviews, check the ratings, and view the images online.
• Budget for other costs like lodging, meals, entertainment, admission fees, and travel insurance, mainly if you are travelling abroad.

 Exploring Hotels Beforehand

• Plan your route to arrive at the location in time for check-ins. This will give you time to relax and take it all in. Make hotel arrangements way ahead to avoid booking at the last minute, as it will cost more.

• Look for family-run inns or homestays where you can enjoy breakfast with other independent travellers who can share local information with you.

Another critical aspect is that the local staff can educate you about the area’s attractions and safety issues. Look out for phrases like “lively,” “helpful,” and “family-owned” when reading reviews about hotels or places to stay. After perusing your guidebook, look up the hotel's online reviews and sort them by traveller rating before booking.

 Insuring Your Trip

It’s wise to be prepared for anything, whether travelling alone or not.

• For any trip, travel insurance must be purchased. If your flight gets cancelled, your luggage is stolen or damaged, or unexpected events happen, travel insurance will help you quickly resolve your problem.
• Always buy a comprehensive travel insurance policy and ensure it covers all the activities you intend to participate in. By taking these measures, you may feel more secure while travelling.
• The right travel insurance will cover various aspects, such as stolen belongings, delayed luggage or any injury you sustain while skiing or participating in adventure sports.

 Travel Light

Less is more when you're travelling alone. The following tips can help you assemble a compact and well-balanced travel bag:

• Include a variety of interchangeable fundamental staples.
• Avoid packing a different outfit every day of your journey if you go on a lengthy international trip.
• You can search for launderettes if your residence lacks a washer and drier. If you fail to find one, the best option to save money on those laundry bills would be handwashing your clothes if you plan to go on a long trip.
• For layering when travelling in the fall or winter, pack a few cardigans or sweaters.
• Organising and finding things becomes simpler if you use backpacks with multiple zippered compartments.
• Leave your pricey electronics at home unless you need them.
• Don’t carry more than two pairs of sneakers as it will eat up the luggage space.
• Choose a travel bag that’s spacious, lightweight and easy to lug around.

 Travel to a Well-Connected Location

While discussing tips for travelling alone, choosing a well-connected destination is best. This implies:

• A place that has a robust public transport system, including roadways and railways, if not airways and waterways, is the best way to get around economically
• Having a good network and WiFi connectivity in public spaces enables you to keep your loved ones informed of your whereabouts and well-being
• Having various options for accommodations to choose from that can be reached easily
• Easy availability of restaurants and medical facilities
• Safety and security while travelling at night
• Easy accessibility to areas you wish to explore as a solo traveller

 Inform Your Family or Friends

Even though the goal of a solo trip is to appreciate travelling alone, you should still let someone back home know where you are, at the very least. Of course, you can leave a photocopy of your itinerary with your family members before you depart, but it's also a great idea to get in touch with them regularly to let them realise where you are.

• Most large cities offer free public WiFi; you can also instal local pre-paid SIM cards in your mobile phone.
• Let your loved ones know you are safe, whether via an Instagram post, a text message, or an email.
• Check-ins via IMessage or WhatsApp keep your friends and family members informed. Find My on the iPhone is also an excellent tool for letting your family and friends know where you are.

Embarking on a solo trip can be fun. But remember to plan every detail meticulously, so you don’t have to fret about anything or get caught off-guard.