What I wish I knew before my first trip alone

---

Look, there’s no doubt about it: travelling is one of the most rewarding experiences a person can have. Solo travelling in particular can be even more exciting. The world unfolds before your eyes in a range of languages, foods and landscapes. It is the definition of adventure.

And yet, amidst the amazing landmarks and unforgettable experiences comes the relentless planning, budgeting and logistics. Long trip or short, if you’re travelling alone, you best believe there’s some legwork to be done. After two years of almost full-time solo travel, here are some tips and tricks to help you out.

Don’t Try to Plan It All

Planning a trip is fun—in fact,so much so, it’s easy to get carried away. If you’re planning a city break and want to pack in tons of restaurants and sights, planning is your best friend.On a long trip, however, planning can swiftly become paralysing.

My formula for planning is:

• Plan the non-negotiables:
  These are the sights and spots that you’ll be gutted to miss. Make these your priority. If going to Bolivia means absolutely doing a Uyuni tour, plan that first and work backwards to get there.
  
• Fill in the pieces:
  Outside of your non-negotiables, what excites you? Fill in the gaps with things that, if you suddenly get food poisoning and miss them all, you won’t be too put out.
  
• Leave space for spontaneous plans:
  Travelling solo doesn’t mean you’re alone. Leaving space in your schedule allows you to slot into other people’s plans. Because you’ve prioritised, these spontaneous changes won’t interrupt your must-sees. You may even have a better time doing something you couldn’t have imagined.
  

Planning down to the second isn’t helpful when travelling solo. It puts a lot of pressure on you to not only plan everything but execute it too.

By being clear with yourself about the hierarchy of your travel priorities, you give yourself some wiggle room—and space to see where the trip takes you.

Choosing Accommodation = Knowing What You Like

When it comes to solo travelling—especially long trips—hostels are your best friend. If you enjoy socialising, unreliable sleep, and being in central locations, then hostels are for you. The issue is often not why a hostel, but which hostel.

Some criteria I like to sort through:

• Am I on a budget?
  If yes, opt for the cheapest option with good reviews. You’ll often find like-minded people. I tend to go for the second-cheapest option with good reviews; the very bottom of the budget spectrum tends to be just a bit too uncomfortable for my taste.
  
• Socialising / Cleanliness / Location:
  These are probably the most important factors. Decide which you prioritise, then pick a hostel that fits.
  
  • If socialising is key, look for hostels with bars, big common areas or listed activities.
    
  • If cleanliness matters more, check reviews and make sure they mention fresh sheets.
    
  • If you care about being in the city centre—or the woods—use maps to scope out your preferred spot.
    

You may even luck out and find a hostel that ticks all three boxes.

Choosing where to stay can be a hassle. I procrastinate so often I’m frequently on a bus to a city with nowhere to stay booked. Thankfully, a local SIM and no motion sickness help me narrow it down in time.

The trick to finding the right hostel is flexibility: allow yourself to prioritise different things at different times—or even abandon hostels altogether and switch to a hotel or Airbnb every once in a while.

White Lies and Asking for Help

So, you’ve arrived in a place and you’re all alone—now what? Before you spiral, here are two things that can make your on-the-ground travel a lot easier.

• White Lies:
  Look, lying isn’t ideal, but sometimes it’s necessary. Whether it’s a taxi driver offering a tour or a stranger asking if you’re alone, a small white lie can save you some worry. It may even make you feel safer.
  Used sparingly, white lies can make your day-to-day life easier and safer. You don’t owe anyone an explanation… and having a fake husband isn’t the worst idea in some places.
  
• Asking for Help:
  While white lies can shut down further questions, asking for help is just as powerful.
  Lean on the resources around you. ChatGPT or blogs like this can only help so much. The people who live in the places you’re visiting often want to help.
  
  Food tips, bus times, hidden gems—this is the gold you get by simply asking. From taxi drivers to strangers on the street, people can surprise you.
  Of course, just as you don’t owe them answers, they don’t owe you help. So approach with humility, a few local phrases, and an open mind.
  

Schedule In “Fix-Your-Life” Breaks

A while ago I was travelling with a girl I met at a hostel. We crossed into a new country together and did a few tours before parting ways. A few weeks later, we ran into each other and grabbed a coffee. That became my favourite ritual. Every time we met for coffee, we’d have a “fix your life” session—a melodramatic name for scheduled admin time.

Fix-Your-Life Breaks:
On long trips, little things pile up. Once a week, set aside an hour just to get organised. Whether it’s replying to messages, calling your bank, or planning the next few days, having time without the pressure to be a tourist helps you stay grounded.

It doesn’t have to be a big part of your trip, but even a small slice of admin time makes everything feel smoother. Invite a friend from the hostel- coffee and fix-your-life time is best shared.

Reach Out to People

I used to cringe when my mum sent me a contact. It usually came with the script: “X lived in Y city and might be able to help you when you do Z.” I rejected it at first—but thankfully, she didn’t quit. Reaching out has become a cornerstone of my solo travel life.

In hard-to-reach places like Azerbaijan, a friend of my mum’s old friend (yes, that far removed) was teaching in Baku. Reaching out led to rooftop dinners, tips on what to see, and a walking tour of the city.

All this to say: if you have a friend-of-a-friend in a place you’re visiting, take the leap. Even if you don’t meet up, they might offer tips—or simply help you feel a bit safer knowing someone nearby knows you exist.

Final Notes

Solo travel is as challenging as it is thrilling. It keeps you on your toes, always wondering what’s next. But with a few tools, a flexible mindset, and some trust in yourself and others, you can soak up everything it has to offer.

Looking for great starter spots to visit solo?
Check out these guides:

• Malaysia – Excellent tourism infrastructure, friendly locals and delicious cuisines.
  
• Georgia – Off the beaten track, easily accessible and stunning landscapes and culture.