Wondering how to get started as a solo traveler? Well, you are not alone. Besides being asked how do I afford to travel so much, being asked about fear of solo travel comes in a close second. Traveling with friends is a great experience but when friends are not available, I opt to go solo.

To be quite blunt, solo travel is not for everyone! But if you’re curious about how to get started as a solo traveler, keep reading. I am sharing my best how to get started as first-time solo travel tips and questions you should answer, that will have you globetrotting in no time. 

How I got started as a solo traveler?

I can attribute my start in solo travel to my military career. At 18, I found myself making a solo trek across the Atlantic to my first duty station in La Maddelena, Italy. La Maddelena is a tiny island in the Mediterranean that I will be sure to blog about in the future. This island became my home for over two years. I lived amongst the locals in my own apartment. My weekend pastime was taking weekend trips around Italy and Europe by myself. These precious moments spent on this island prepared me for finding enjoyment in my own company.

Unlike most solo travelers, who willingly sought out this path. My start in solo travel was forced due to my career. Serving in the military came with frequent solo moves around the world. I had to adapt and overcome my fears of traveling far and alone. Like you, I was initially apprehensive, unsure, and anxious. But, let’s just say, 19 years later, I’ve got the hang of the solo thing! 

Benefits of solo travel

I certainly understand the leeriness about solo travel, but solo travel is one of the most liberating things you will do in your lifetime. Solo travel allows for self-reflection and discovery. Most of all solo travel allows you to have an adventure. I will go as far as saying, I have gotten more fulfillment out of solo travel than my group trips.

While I do have fun traveling with my friends, there is something special about being totally in control of your itinerary. While traveling in a group, there is much to compromise about, and often times we go with the flow of the majority. Traveling solo allows you to be in control of what you get out of your travels. 

How do you know if you’re ready for your first Solo Trip?

We have covered how I got started in solo travel and why you should too. Now, let’s now move into, how do you know if you are ready for solo travel? You do not want to buy a ticket halfway across the globe, only to discover, you hate the sight of your own shadow. The test is quite simple. You should do a test run at home.

Testing if you are comfortable in your own company, in preparation of your first solo trip

The test is a gauge of your comfort in spending time by yourself. Solo travel requires that you spend time with yourself or making new friends. Many believe that the key to solo travel is being an extrovert. While that is a great attribute, it’s not a must. You must be very comfortable in your own company. This is not negotiable. 

Go to a local restaurant solo and order a meal. Dine-in by yourself. Then go to a local bar, order a glass of wine, and sip by yourself. If the thought of this freaks you out, you’re not ready. If you followed through but felt uncomfortable, you may not be ready either. However, if while having dinner you do not feel out of place. You strike up a good conversation with the waiter, and before you know it, you have paid your check, solo travel may be on your horizon.

Test out as many activities solo as possible. Some of the things I have done solo at home are, going to the movies, dinner, drinks meeting new people, parks, and social events to name a few. If you read any of those and said no way! Chances are you are not a good candidate for solo travel. But just to be sure, I would advise anyone interested in solo travel, to first start doing things by themselves at home.

Where to go for your first trip as a solo traveler

First, before you go on a solo trip, let go of the worry that something is going to go wrong. Do not attach those negative thoughts to solo travel. Negative things can happen anywhere, including your own home. I’m not telling you to throw caution to the wind completely.  While traveling solo, there are heightened opportunities to be preyed upon. But, by exercising the same level of caution you do in your own country, you will minimize the risk while away from home.

After you have tested out doing things by yourself and have concluded you are comfortable in your own company, it’s time to plan your first trip. You may still be apprehensive about safety, so I would recommend your first solo be to a Caribbean destination. Go to a resort that is all-inclusive. You get to be in a safe and controlled environment where beaches, drinks, activities, etc. are at your fingertips. Additionally, you don’t have to venture much into the local community unless you want to.

All-inclusive solo travel also allows for a solo traveler to easily meet friends. Hotels often arrange tours that facilitate an environment to interact with other guests. A trip to the Caribbean is an easy way to get rid of the jitters. Use this trip to practice doing research. Look for a Caribbean island that has a friendly and safe reputation. As you graduate to solo globe traveler, navigation is more complex.

Practice making friends while traveling solo

Remember that big outgoing personality I mentioned earlier? That comes in handy here. Be open to conversation. One of the best parts of solo travel is striking up a conversation with a stranger, learning you have many things in common, and returning home with a lifelong friend abroad. This is also a great way to meet a companion that may also be open to showing you around or going for dinner. I know you are also still wondering how to capture that epic picture. Strike up a conversation by asking a stranger to take your picture. trust me, I have done this on every trip I have been on and most people are genuinely understanding and happy to help. 

Remember to take some time to Relax

Lastly, while you want to fill your days with activities to counteract boredom, remember a solo trip is also a way to get some rest and relaxation. I cannot tell you how many times I go on vacation and come back even more tired than when I left. Solo travel gives you the ability to cater to your own schedule, your own likes, and your needs. Traveling in a group requires many compromises etc. that is a nonfactor in solo travel. Connect with your inner zen, relax, unwind and enjoy the moment.

Thanks for reading and I hope you got some tips on how to kick off your own solo traveling career. You may have noticed that I didn’t go the usual caution ahead, safety first, and watch every bend or curve route. Use common sense, if you feel unsafe do not proceed and use your best judgment as you do at home. The idea is to get you to be comfortable in your own company and the rest will surely follow. Happy Travels!