How to start solo travelling: My top 5 tips for solo travel newbies

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So you’re thinking about solo travelling for first time, but you’re not sure where to start? Maybe fear keeps getting in your way. Or perhaps you are tired of waiting around for someone to join you on holiday. Whatever reason has brought you to this blog post, I hope it can inspire you to take the plunge and take those steps to discovering the joys of solo travel.

If you’re not used to doing things alone, the idea of solo travel can feel especially daunting. When I found myself getting divorced at 30, I felt very overwhelmed in my new independence. But it was solo travel that would help me to re-connect with my authentic self. I share just how impactful my first ever solo trip was in my blog post ‘Self Discovery through solo travel’.

Here are my five top recommendations for anyone looking to solo travel for the first time

Start small

Solo travel doesn’t have to mean packing your bags, getting on a plane and going half way around the world. If that feels impossible, take a step back and start smaller with a day trip somewhere local on your own. Progress from a local day trip to somewhere totally new, then to an overnight stay, then a weekend away and so on. Not all of us are ready to dive in straight in at the deep end when it comes to something new and that’s ok. Confidence needs to be cultivated and only you will know what your starting point will be. Take your time and set the pace in which you progress and test your limits.      

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Get comfortable with the uncomfortable 

There is no shying away from the fact that you will have moments of discomfort when you first solo travel, especially if you are not used to being in your own company. My first solo trip was at the start of my divorce. Having spent nearly a decade of my life in a co-dependent relationship, travelling on my own was a big shock to the system at first. But don’t let the discomfort put you off. It is in this discomfort where we truly grow, learn and unlock our potential. There is nothing like solo travel to help you realise your own capabilities and before you know it, that discomfort will disappear.

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Trust what is beyond fear

Time and time again, whether its messages on my Instagram, comments on Facebook travel groups or conversations with friends, fear comes up as the biggest barrier that stops people from solo travelling (or trying anything new). The plain fact is society does not celebrate singledom or doing things solo, so naturally solo travel can be seen as abnormal or something to avoid. Fear is an innate human response to a perceived threat, including the unknown, and it is not always helpful. If you are experiencing fear or worry when it comes to solo travelling for the first time, know that this is a totally normal human response. The key is to push through and trust what is on the other side of fear.

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Book yourself on a travel group holiday

If you want to solo travel abroad but you worry about a lack of social connection, group travel holidays are a great option. Group travel holidays are a popular choice for singles because it allows you to connect with likeminded people, whilst taking away all the pressure of booking transport, accommodation and excursions. G Adventures and Exodus Travel are award winning group travel providers and offer a variety of different tours and destinations. Group day trips with companies like Get Your Guide and Viator, free walking tours and staying in hostels are also a great way to connect with new people if you want to socialise on a solo trip.

Viator affiliate partnership

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Do your research ahead of your first trip abroad

When you feel ready for your first solo trip abroad, it is so important to first do your research. Not only is it important for safety and to know the basics of where you are going (visa requirements, currency, transport, culture etc), it will help you feel prepared and give you an added sense of confidence before you set off. Researching is also a lot of fun because it gives you a chance to decide what you want to see and experience without compromise. Choosing your first solo travel destination abroad is such an exciting experience because you get to choose a place that aligns with your passions and interests.

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Thank you so much for reading my blog post. I hope you found it useful and it inspires you to take that first step to your first solo travel adventure. If you have any questions, please drop them in the comments and I will endeavour to respond. Alternatively, please drop me a direct message on Instagram.

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