Essential Planning For Your First Solo Adventure Worldwide

You may have wanted to travel for years, but it’s only now that the itchy feet have become almost unbearable, and you have no choice but to scratch. The ultimate thrill is heading on a far-flung adventure and venturing into the unknown.

The only vacations you’ve taken in your adult life are the all-inclusive ilk or the package holiday type. Two weeks in the sun, relaxing on the beach with a good book and the odd excursion to a cultural site with a whole host of tourists don’t match up to the freedom and delights of a solo backpacking trip of a lifetime.

Seemingly heading out into the wilderness alone can also be a daunting affair. However, with the proper preparation, finances and thinking, you can turn your six months or one-year travel sabbatical into the most rewarding time of your life thus far. These tips cover all bases when planning your first solo adventure.

 

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Essential Planning For Your First Solo Adventure Worldwide

Travelling the world solo can be an enriching experience, but it’s essential to research and plan before setting off on your journey. Here are a few things to consider when planning your first solo adventure:

 

Control your budget

Before you take the first step on your journey, there are a few essentials you need to plan for the trip. Depending on your destination, the cost of flights will vary. Once you have your flights booked, you need to look for accommodation. Hostels are a popular option for solo travellers as they provide a social environment and are often more affordable than hotels.

Regarding food, research what local dishes are available and how much they cost. You should also factor in the cost of any activities and souvenirs you want to bring back with you. By taking all of these factors into account, you can ensure that you have an enjoyable and affordable trip.

 

 

Finding Destinations for Solo Travellers

The world is a prominent place. Even with all of the advancements in technology, the Internet and social media, meaning that we can communicate with someone on the other side of the globe in a near instant, we still have to get on a plane for over twenty-four hours to be there physically. You might want to start relatively local and explore every nook and cranny of the continent that you find yourself on.

If you are based in Australia, why not tour the entire country – head to the outback down some untrodden paths, sleep under the stars and head to the hostels of Melbourne and the capital Canberra? If you want to see more of the beautiful continent, you could take a trip into the Blue Mountains, hot foot it across Tasmania, or detour New Zealand.

The world is your oyster, and this is the joy of backpacking. All you need to do is decide where you are going, sort out your documentation, visas and passport, and go away. If you fancy a bit more of a far-flung trek, there are the ubiquitous backpacking in Asia, discovering the best of Europe and the good old US of A.

 

 

Preparation for your trip

Even though you pride yourself on being spontaneous and going where the wind takes you, it’s wise to have at least a skeleton itinerary of your travel plans. Work out the city stops and how many nights you’ll be staying, organise connecting flights and any trickier tours to get onto and have a list of suitable accommodations.

Consider random things like food allergies and ensure that if you have one, you have researched potential places to get a decent plate of food without enduring anaphylactic shock or taking your grub so you won’t be left hungry.

 

 

 

 

Packing for your solo If you carry all your gear on your back and it’s cumbersome and uncomfortable, it can ruin your entire adventure. trip

Don’t be tempted to pay big bucks for one of those giant 70-litre monstrosity backpacks. If you have space, you’ll fill the area and don’t overpack.

If you’re heading off for six months, you don’t need half a year’s worth of clothes. Go no bigger than 50 litres and pack the essential items. Take enough stuff for about two weeks, pack a spare pair of shoes, wear your walking boots and think of layers. Don’t take some huge overcoat.

Even if where you’re jaunting off to is cold, think about thermals that are easy to pack, thin fleeces, waterproofs and a windbreaker. By filling more intelligently, you’ll have much more appropriate attire for your travels and be comfortable no matter the weather.

Your trusty walking boots will be fundamental to the success of your trip. If you buy cheap and get what you pay for in your pack. Ensure you take the fitting kit and don’t skimp on the essentials. You may not have even bedded them before you sense a hole in the heel or a tear in the waterproof outer layer. Stretch as far as your budget will allow, and opt for a sturdy but light pair. Most reputable shops will let you try them on and have a decent walk before you part with your cash. 

The same goes for your backpack. The most vital part of your holdall is the straps and support. You don’t want a pair of flimsy straps that look like they’ve been taken from a school satchel. They need to be robust, the zippers need to feel secure, and the added space should work for you when you inspect the backpack. Front loaders are the best as they are much like a suitcase but look like a rucksack. Toploaders can become frustrating if you need your power pack at the bottom of your backpack and need to take everything out to reach it.

 

 

 

Communication on your trip

You may want to get away from it all and forego technology when you are away. But that’s tricky, given that you will miss people. (Yes, it’s true) And that you will require GPS or a mapping application to find your way to places if you are self-touring. Ensure you have a power pack that is always fully charged so should the worst happen and your battery fails, you can charge it up relatively quickly while you’re out and about.

Use free messaging services, a la Whatsapp, to stay in touch with your nearest and dearest. Although you may not want to have a mammoth telephone conversation after your evening supper, a quick heads up to your mum once every two or three days to let her know you’re still alive wouldn’t go amiss. It’s a decent thing to do. 

Venturing off on an adventure you’ve craved for so long is life-affirming. You will head off on your travels, one person and return to another. Travelling will improve you and make you more confident, tolerant and culturally aware. You’ll have millions of tales to tell, and you will return to your life refreshed, reinvigorated and maybe, just may have been bitten by the travel bug.

 

 

Consider using travel apps.

Essential planning For Your First Solo Adventure Around the World can be quickly done using certain apps on your phone. No matter where you are going or what you are doing, these apps will help make your journey smoother.

Google Maps is an app that many people are familiar with, and it can come in handy for getting around an unfamiliar place. TripAdvisor is an excellent choice if you are looking for reviews on places to eat or things to do. XE Currency is a fantastic app for tracking currency exchange rates, so you know how much money you spend. These apps are essential for solo travel and help make your experience more enjoyable.

 

 

Be prepared for emergencies when planning a trip.

No matter how well you plan, there’s always the possibility of something going wrong while you’re travelling – so it’s essential to be prepared for emergencies and have travel insurance. Make copies of important documents like your passport and driver’s license, and keep them safe if you lose the originals.

It’s also a good idea to let family or friends know your itinerary in case they need to contact you in an emergency. Following these tips will help ensure that your first solo adventure is thoroughly enjoyable – and free of any stressful surprises!

Solo travel can be an enriching experience, but it’s essential to research and take the necessary precautions before setting off. Considering the points outlined in this post, you can help ensure your first solo trip is safe and enjoyable.

What preparations do you make for your solo travels? Please, let us know in the comments below.

 

 

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