How To Plan & Take Your First Solo Trip

Solo travel is a pretty sweet deal. If you’ve never gone on a solo trip before, now is the perfect time. You call all the shots (no compromising with anyone) — everything is on your terms. You decide how long you want to travel, how much you want to spend, and where you want to stay.

Travel the way you want with these awesome tips below!

  • Get in the Right Travel Mindset

    The idea of solo travel can feel overwhelming, daunting and scary AF. But there’s something empowering about taking a solo trip and learning to be comfortable in your own skin. You’re stuck with YOU for the rest of your life, so enjoy it! Enjoy exploring, taking selfies and eating alone (you don’t have to share your pizza with anyone).

    Solo travel will boost your confidence. And just because well-meaning people in your life may disapprove, it’s really not dangerous. Just remember to be aware of your surroundings and don’t do anything you wouldn’t do at home! Solo travel can feel daunting but it’s SO worth it.

  • Know Your Travel Budget $$$

    Fear might be your #1 excuse to not travel solo. We’re guessing your #2 excuse is money (or lack of money $$$). We get it — travel costs money. But depending on where you go, where you stay and for how long you go, you’ll be surprised by the cost (in a good way)! Keep an eye out for flight deals and be flexible with your time frame. But, first, figure out how much you want to spend.

    Then from there, depending on your budget, figure out where you want to go. And if you need the motivation to stack up those dollar bills for your solo trip, read: 5 Ways To $ave Up Money For Your Next Trip! We don’t believe in excuses. We only believe in travel.

  • Start Small & Pick A Destination

    The idea of solo travel can be overwhelming. So if you’re completely freaked out by the idea of it, start small. Maybe you’ll go for a week or a weekend in your own country. The thing about traveling within the United States is that there’s so much to see from small towns and beaches to big cities and canyons! Your options are limitless!

    If you want to ease into solo travel, try flying in somewhere for a weekend. If you’re a city person, visit New York City for a weekend and see a Broadway show. If you’re into concerts, gambling, and parties, head over to Las Vegas. If you’re a beach person and want to relax, head over to Miami Beach and get some sun.

  • Book Your Flight & Accommodation

    We know that flights can be pricey, so make sure to check out our guide to finding cheap domestic flights where we have all the tips and tricks. And once you book your flight, you’ll feel a lot better and ready to go (especially if the flight is nonrefundable).

    Next, decide where you want to stay. The two popular options are Airbnb or a hotel. If you’re looking for a bit more space and maybe have a kitchen and a home feel, an Airbnb might be the way to go. Or you may prefer to stay in a hotel where you can sleep comfortably in a king-size bed, order room service and watch a movie after a long day of sightseeing.

    P.S. If you want to really relax on your journey to your destination, ship your bags with LugLess and chillax. We got you!

  • Pick 1-2 Activities Only

    Trying to cram all the activities into a few days is exhausting and overwhelming. So before you head off to the airport, do a little research and pick one or two must-see or do activities, then play it by ear. This way, you’ll enjoy and appreciate the activities and your trip a lot more if you take time to stop and enjoy a few things rather than a million things in a short time.

    For example, if you’re off to NYC for the weekend, maybe your activities are to see Wicked on Broadway and visit the Empire State Building. Then if you have time and more energy, take a ride on the Staten Island ferry (which is free, BTW) and grab lunch nearby. Whether it’s visiting a museum or taking a wine tour, don’t overwhelm yourself by thinking you have to do all the things.

One of the biggest challenges of solo traveling is actually doing it. Once you hop on the airplane, alone, you’ll be addicted. So pack your bags, take a deep breath and travel your heart out. You’re going to love it!

Where are you headed for your first solo trip? Let us know in the comments!

2 Comments

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