Tips for Travelling Solo for the First Time

April 30, 2022
You’ve decided to take your first solo trip! Congratulations! Travelling alone for the first time is not always an easy decision.

But there are a lot of reasons that people, women and men, choose to travel on their own.

It can be hard to find someone who wants to see the same places we do. It can also be really difficult to coordinate vacation schedules.

You may just not have someone in your life right now that you think you think you’d enjoy travelling with.

And sometimes we just want to get away from it all, people included.

Whatever your reasons for travelling solo, you might be a bit nervous at the prospect. In addition, you’ve decided that your first solo trip is going to be to Africa.

You might wonder of you’re crazy. Or maybe you’re getting that message from your friends and/or family. Especially if you’re female.

Take it from me – you’re not. I’m going to give you some tips for travelling alone.

These will help you feel more confident and have the best experience possible.

Is It Just Too Crazy Out There?

The news is full of all the crime and craziness in the world. We can’t really fault anyone for thinking that it just isn’t safe out there.

But think about it. People in other countries probably watch their 6 o’clock news too.

They’re not hearing about a beautiful new park just built in this big city. Or about the herd of happy-looking mountain goats in that little country.

They’re hearing about the crime and craziness, too. And they’re hearing about it going on in our own country.

The place we’ve managed to stay safe and alive in for a while now.

Common sense – we all have it

So think about it like that. You want to visit someone else’s hometown. Their country. The place where they’ve managed to stay safe and alive.

Some places do have more crime. And yes, more craziness than other places.

But the approach is still the same one we use to stay safe at home. Common sense and awareness.

We all have them. We don’t always use them that often. We don’t always realize when we’re utilizing our common sense, but it’s there for us just the same.

I’ve been travelling on my own for more than 25 years, and I’ve never had a truly bad experience.

Looking back, I can see that I’ve sometimes left my own common sense at the curb. I’ve done some epically stupid things.

Walking alone at night through the red light district of Bangkok, for example. I’d lost track of the time.

But I came through it all safely – and a little wiser (thankfully).

Do a Little Research

A little research beforehand helps you learn about the place you’re going. It will also make you feel more confident. First, google your destination to see what sort of information is available.

You’ll be able to learn a bit about the history of the place. Start making a list of all the things you’d like to see and do when you get there.

I really encourage you to do these 3 things when you’re reading up on your destination:

1. Find out what language is spoken by the most people. Learn some important words and phrases.

A greeting, please and thank-you, excuse me, for example. English is widely spoken in many parts of Africa.

But people you meet will see that you’re making an effort to communicate in their own language. And they’ll appreciate it.

2. Find out the common scams happening in the world at the time you’re travelling. Also if there’s anything specific to where you’re going. Just Google travel scams, or something similar.

You won’t find out every single thing you need to look out for. You will, however, get an idea of what to be aware of.

But don’t let these scams scare you though. Every place has them. Plus, I’ve discovered that they’re the exception much more than the rule.

Being aware of some things like this that are possible will make you feel more street smart and confident. And that’s what it’s all about.

3. Find a map, online or a foldout paper one -I always try to find a paper one. Find one that will give you an overview of your destination. Say you’re planning to explore Namibia.

Look at a map that shows enough on one screen to give you an idea. Just an idea, of how far Etosha is from Windhoek, for example.

Find out where the landmarks are in relation to each other. You’ll know how long you can spend in each place and still be able to fit it all in.

If you’re travelling to a specific city, get a map of the whole city, and do the same thing. How far apart are the best points of interest?

Can you see everything staying in the same location? Or will it work better if you switch accommodation to the other side of the city halfway through?

All of these things will help you plan your trip and organize your time. But most of all, they’ll help you feel prepared and boost your confidence.

I’m personally not a big fan of planning my days out in advance. However, I don’t want to miss anything while I’m there. So I try to learn all of my options.

Solo Travellers Don’t Have to be Lonely Travellers

This is a great option, too, if you just get lonely and want some short-term company.

The beauty is that the choice is all yours.

You’ve decided to venture out on a solo journey. That doesn’t mean you don’t have to stay on your own for the entire trip.

When I’m travelling alone in Africa I’ll often join a group safari for a few days.

Or I’ll take a day trip through a city or to a particular point of interest.

Whether or not I’d prefer to explore strictly on my own, sometimes it just makes sense.

Oftentimes I’d like the expertise of a professional guide.

Sometimes it’s the easiest way to get to or around a place when other options aren’t feasible.

Other times it sounds better than having to rent or buy camping equipment of my own, for example.

Choose Your Accommodation

Where you stay can also make a big difference in how alone you feel when you travel. It may be your first time travelling solo, or the tenth or 100th.

In any case, you might want to stay at a place where you can meet other travellers. Hostels are great for this. Find a good one here .

Staying in a hostel doesn’t have to mean sleeping in a room with 9 strangers. Or sharing a bathroom with 50 people.

Many hostels have private rooms with their own bathroom. They cost more than the dorm-style rooms.

However, they’re a great choice if you’d like the option of having common areas. Like the kitchen, for example, bar, or TV room where you can socialize.

You may prefer to stay in your own Airbnb, guest house, or hotel. In any case, remember that many hostels have bars or coffee shops.

There are even common rooms where the public is welcome to come and hang out.

This is a great way to meet other solo travellers or groups. You can exchange travel stories, or even join up for an excursion or to share a rental car.

Do be cautious, though, as you always are when first meeting strangers.

And remember: Are you’re going from your accommodation to hang out at the hostel bar in the evening? If so, don’t walk after dark, even if it’s close by.

Take a taxi or an Uber. And ladies, I hope it goes without saying. Keep an eye on your drinks, and remember to keep your wits about you.

In other words, don’t drink too much.

Choose Your Transportation

How you decide to get around when travelling solo in Africa can make a big difference to your trip.

There are a lot of times when renting a car is the perfect way to go. If you’re based in town and you’d like to take day trips.

Maybe in the surrounding area, for example. But you’d like to keep to your own schedule.

In addition, sometimes public transportation just isn’t available to the spot you’re travelling to.

Also, if you’re thinking self-drive safari, consider where you’ll be driving. This is a fantastic option in some parts of southern Africa where the infrastructure is decent.

However, there are places where it’s best to have experience driving in deep sand, for instance.

If this sort of thing could be an issue, you might want to consider joining an organized trip. Get Your Guide has some fun trips, for one day or for several.

You can also ask at your accommodation. The front desk, if you have one, can often organize something for you, or tell you who can.

Before you decide to rent a car for the duration of your trip, stop. Consider the fact that driving on your own all the time can be very isolating.

Public transportation lets you have the opportunity to observe and participate in the culture you’re visiting.

It might be a dala dala across the city or a public bus for long distances. Sometimes that’s worth not travelling strictly on your own schedule.

Carry-On Only

I can’t emphasize this enough – stick to one carry-on size bag. It might seem impossible, especially if you’re planning a long trip.

It’s something that gets easier with practice, but it’s definitely possible.

It’s so much easier to get around and keep track of your things this way. Airlines also allow a “personal item”.

A messenger bag or small nylon backpack are great choices. Here is some help in achieving the one bag goal.

Go For It!

Travelling solo is amazing. You’ll realize that there really isn’t anything you can’t do.

And also that travelling on your own doesn’t have to mean always being alone.

You’ll learn to appreciate your own company. It’s a great way to step out of your friend-bubble and engage with a different culture.

There’s no pressure – it’s highly unlikely that you’ll see them again. Step out of your comfort zone and talk to strangers.

On the other hand, if a break from making conversation is exactly what you’re after, then enjoy. There’s the beauty of the solo journey – the choice is entirely yours. Enjoy!

Not All Those Who Wander

are Lost

– j.r.r. tolkien