I Want to Solo Travel for the First Time: Now What? A Comprehensive Guide

*Buck Island Reef National Monument, U.S. Virgin Islands*

Congratulations! If you are reading this post you might be curious about solo travel or perhaps have already made the decision to go for it. Taking the first step towards solo travel can be exciting, daunting, empowering and overwhelming. All of these are completely normal and valid feelings, as each person’s journey is unique.

Growing up, I was fascinated by the stories I read of people backpacking, sailing, or riding motorcycles around the world on their own. I yearned for that sense of freedom and to travel on my own terms. I finally got my chance in 2013, when I landed a grant that allowed me to participate in a summer language program at Russia’s Moscow State University.

I spoke no more than five words of Russian when I landed at Sheremetyevo Airport (yes, no, hello, thank you and vodka), knew absolutely no one there, and found out that the airline had lost my suitcase containing all of my clothing, toiletries and snacks from home. I was nervous and a bit stressed, but more than anything thrilled for what was to come that summer semester (also my luggage was eventually found!).

There are many paths that lead people to solo travel. Some want to challenge themselves by trying something new. Recent graduates and older professionals alike might take a gap year as they consider what they want to do next. Others have grown tired of their friends or families constantly backing out of vacation plans and just decided to go on without them. I’ve met people that are getting over a breakup, grieving the loss of a loved one or simply trying to rediscover their purpose and passion. You’ll meet photographers, nurses, surfers, lawyers, engineers, dreamers, parents. Each person’s story is different and I encourage you to listen with an open mind. You might just learn something new.

The first thing to remember when you are first considering solo travel is that fear is the dream killer. Despite the negative things we see on the news every night, the world and its people are generally much kinder than the media might have you believe. With the proper precautions and research, traveling solo can be an incredible experience. You may have a lot of questions as to how to get started, where to go, and what to prioritize as you plan your trip. Let’s look at a few key points to consider when traveling by yourself for the first time.

Select Your Destination

The most exciting part of the planning process is figuring out where you want to go! You might already have a few places in mind which is great. Whether you are trying to narrow down those options or are only starting to create your list of potential destinations, there are a few factors that can help with your decision.

Consider Your Comfort Level

This is an important one. Although pushing yourself out of your comfort zone often goes hand in hand with solo travel, you are never obligated to put yourself in situations that might be seriously overwhelming or cause you anxiety.

Traveling to a city or destination within your home country alone can be a great starting point for people looking to dip their toes into solo travel. When going international solo for the first time, some travelers might prefer to start with a country that shares their native language.

There are plenty of countries across the world that could be considered more beginner friendly for solo travelers. These destinations might welcome large groups of visitors each year, tend to have an established tourism infrastructure/budget and offer plenty of tours, activities or transportation and accommodation options geared towards international visitors.

If you are the type of person to dive right in and choose a more advanced option on your first try, there are a plethora of awesome, off-the-beaten-path destinations to choose from. These countries might not receive as many tourists annually and in some cases can be a greater challenge to navigate for first-timers, but have equally incredible sights and activities. Depending on the place, your money can go a long way compared to more frequented destinations, and you can enjoy smaller crowds at major sights.

Look at Your Budget

There are two approaches you can take to budgeting for travel:

If you are set on a particular destination and activities that are non-negotiable, calculate the estimated cost of flights, accommodation, transportation, food and each of those activities. If the cost exceeds your budget, you can consider shifting your dates to the shoulder or off-season for more affordable prices. If you are still over budget and don’t want to overspend, an alternative is to wait until a later date to travel as you save up money for your dream trip.
If you are flexible in terms of your destination and activities as long as they fit your budget, you can search for places to visit that would fall within that budget. As with the previous point, calculate the potential cost of flights, activities, accommodation, transportation and food to determine which cities or countries might be a good fit. Keep in mind that although you might find cheap flight deals, lodging and transportation prices could add up to be much pricier than expected and throw off your budget.

As you put your budget together, it is not uncommon to change your mind. One simple way to track potential expenses and any changes is to use a spreadsheet. This might not be the most exciting thing to work on, but it can provide you some peace of mind during the planning process. It is important to be cognizant of and realistic regarding your financial constraints. Making smart decisions with your money for travel is the best way to prevent any unnecessary financial stress or unpleasant surprises when you look at your next bank statement.

As a solo traveler, you will choose the trade-offs you want to make when it comes to money. For example, I prefer to stay at a nice hostel which will typically cost much less than a hotel. I then dedicate a larger portion of my money to excursions, classes or activities that I consider essential experiences. Someone else might choose to eat local street food each day and purchase luxury items to take home. You have the power to save in one area and spend in another according to your individual travel style and what you value on a trip.

Sights and Activities

Are you looking for an urban adventure or a rural getaway? Maybe you want to mountain bike all day and camp under the starts. Perhaps you enjoy eating at Michelin star restaurants and want to treat yourself to a massage at the local spa. Or you might be a history buff that loves photographing ancient architecture. Think about the hobbies or experiences you typically enjoy and would like to do more of on your travels. Consider new activities you may want to try out too. Taking all of this into account will help you make your decision.

As an example, if you are a wine connoisseur and enjoy mountaineering, countries like Chile, Italy or Georgia might be wonderful choices to visit. If you want to island hop in turquoise waters, meet friendly people and eat like royalty for an affordable price, the Philippines and Greece have got you covered. The world has something for everyone and the options out there are exciting!

Get Your Paperwork Straightened Out

Nothing ruins a trip before it starts like not having the necessary identification or paperwork to travel. Make sure to have all of the required documents (and copies) with you to avoid any delays or more serious disruptions to you trip. I also highly recommend taking photos of your paperwork and keeping them in an album on your phone as well as emailing them to yourself as a precaution.

Passports- I cannot emphasize this enough- check that your passport has not expired! A few years ago, my friend’s colleague and her new husband were scheduled to fly to Greece for their honeymoon. Just before the trip, they realized that the groom’s passport expired months earlier. The bride ended up traveling to Greece with her sister instead, crushed that her dream honeymoon was cancelled.

It is important to look up your destination country’s guidelines regarding passports ahead of time (I’ll explain how in the next paragraph). Several countries do not allow entry to travelers holding passports that are within 6 months of their expiration date. This includes nations such as Bolivia, Vietnam, Malaysia, China and Brazil. Most countries, however, follow a 3 month passport validity rule. The United States, Mexico and Canada all follow this rule, along with the Schengen Agreement area. 26 countries are under the Schengen Agreement area, aiming to facilitate more accessible travel between neighboring nations. This applies to countries such as Spain, Belgium, Sweden and Italy.

Visas- Depending on where you are traveling from and the nature of your visit (education, working holiday, medical), visas can range from a simple to multi-step process. For the purposes of this page, we will address a tourist visa specifically. The first thing you should do is search for your destination country’s tourism page for visa requirements and guidelines. In addition, I look at the U.S. State Department’s International Travel website which has Country Information Pages you can reference.

For example, the image below shows what you will find on the State Department website if you search for Vietnam under its Country Information Page. Right away, the “quick facts” box lets you know Vietnam’s passport validity rule, how many blank passport pages are required for the entry stamp, and if a tourist visa is required. You will also see that there are no required vaccinations to enter the country and the currency restrictions upon entry and exit.

While this is a great starting point, I need to head over to the official Vietnam Tourism Page for more information. Visitors from some countries may enter visa-free, but this might not necessarily apply to your home nation. You will also need to see what the COVID requirements are. COVID-19 has fundamentally changed the way we travel, and each country has unique regulations you must adhere to. Some states and provinces within a single country might have different rules as well.

Below is an image from Vietnam’s Tourism Page. It lists 4 simple entry requirements from proof of travel insurance for COVID treatment to downloading an app. This is separate from the visa requirements which are listed further down on the tourism page. 80 countries are eligible to apply for an e-visa in Vietnam, or perhaps you need a visa on arrival if you are planning a multi-entry visit.

This all might seem overwhelming at first, but once you start traveling alone more frequently and filling out more of these visa applications you will become a pro. The destination itself will be so worth it!

Proof of Onward Travel- An increasing number of countries (even some visa free countries) are requesting proof of onward travel for visitors entering their borders whether it be by land, air or sea. The purpose of this is to prevent individuals from visiting their country on a tourist visa and never leaving. Some countries have taken it a step further and require visitors to show proof of their (financial) means to travel and exit the country at the end of the visa period.

You will have to show proof that you have purchased a flight out of the country, or if the local laws allow it, a bus, train or ferry ticket (these last three can be harder to book ahead of time and are not always accepted by immigration). This obviously poses a challenge for backpackers, long-term travelers and spontaneous travelers as well, as you might not have a set plan or itinerary for that particular country. You might visit for 3 days or 3 months!

If you fall into the category of traveling for an undetermined amount of time, you could book a refundable ticket and cancel it later on, then book your official flight, train, etc. Before visiting the country, be sure you actually have the means to travel and exit the nation. As travelers, we have an obligation to respect the local laws, authorities and customs, and you should never enter a country if you don’t have the funds to pay for the flight out.

Medical Documentation- Are there any required vaccines you need to enter the country? If there are, make an appointment with your healthcare provider ahead of time and keep that proof of vaccination to show at customs. These vaccinations are for your own safety, and should be taken seriously.

International travelers all over the world take medication for a variety of reasons. Each country has its own laws related to medicines, and travelers need to be sure their particular medication is not prohibited in their destination. What might be considered a medicine back home might be unlicensed or even considered a controlled substance where you plan to visit. The last thing you want is to have your medication taken away from you or in extreme cases even face jail time for an innocent mistake.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a detailed information page for travelers carrying medication and outlines the steps you should take in preparation of your trip.

If you are traveling with a disability, a little advance planning can help make the travel process run more smoothly so you can enjoy your next adventure. I highly recommend reading this article, Nine Tips for Travelling as a Disabled Woman, by international traveler and disability activist, Elvy. The CDC has also created a helpful information page for anyone traveling with a disability, outlining documents to submit, considerations for air travel and traveling with service animals.

Pets- Are you planning to bring you pet on your next solo adventure? Have your pet’s documents in order when traveling and give yourself plenty of time before the trip to fill out the paperwork and take care of your pet’s required medical care. If you are from the United States, a great place to start your research is the Pet Travel website of the US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

Different airlines have different rules about whether and how a pet can travel. Depending on the airline, your pet may be able to travel on your flight either in the cabin or in the cargo hold. Confirm this ahead of time with your airline.

Most importantly, keep all of your paperwork on hand. My former boss traveled to Buenos Aires with her cat and ended up waiting in the baggage claim area for more than 18 hours. Her checked bag containing the required documentation for her pet to enter the country was lost by the airline and didn’t show up until the next day. Eventually, my boss and the pet were able to enter Argentina, but now she always keep copies of the cat’s paperwork in her purse.

Do Your Research

Climate and Seasons- Before you book your flights, look up what the climate at your destination looks like and how the local seasons line up with your potential travel dates. If you have a particular list of activities planned that can be affected by weather, it is ideal to visit at the best time of year for said activities. Some people make the mistake of assuming a tropical place will have perfect weather year-round. Planning a trip to the Philippines in the middle of typhoon season when you are hoping to participate in water sports might not be the best call.

In some cases, the weather might be fine but local environmental factors can put a damper on your experience. An example I see quite often is Cancun, which has heavy amounts of sargassum seaweed wash up on its beaches each year between April and October (aptly called seaweed season). Thought harmless to humans, the seaweed can be a nuisance for tourists and beaches may look different from what you see in photos.

Holidays- Are there any religious or national holidays going on during your solo trip? Knowing this ahead of time can help you prepare accordingly for things like higher prices, large crowds, or business closures.

One of my close friends traveled to Malaysia during Ramadan and didn’t know this until she arrived. Because Muslims observing this very special holiday refrain from eating and drinking from dawn until sunset, it meant a fair number of restaurants either had different hours or were closed entirely in some of the towns and cities she visited. My friend adapted and had an incredible experience, but admitted it would have been helpful to know this information ahead of time. As always, be respectful of local customs, especially regarding cultural and religious holidays.

The Sights- How much research you want to do on the local sights is entirely up to you! I have plenty of friends (particularly people traveling long-term) who prefer to play it by ear and take each day as it comes without much advance planning. For shorter trips however, you might prefer to plan at least a few things to make the most out of your time.

My approach is a balance of planning and leaving room for spontaneity. As a visual person, I like to use Google Maps to save restaurants, museums, parks and monuments that I am interested in visiting. My recommendation is to look for any patterns in your saved locations. You many notice clusters of things to do in different neighborhoods. You could then dedicate each day to one of those neighborhoods on the map and visit a few of your saved places while also leaving time to explore.

Safety- This is a bit of research I would not skip as a solo traveler. First of all, it is important to remember that every country and every city generally has its good areas and not-so-great spots. No place is going to be completely devoid of crime, and this includes our home countries. That being said, you should be fully aware of where you are going and what extra precautions might be needed to stay safe.

Reading travel guides, news sites and speaking to people who have visited the destination you are heading to are great places to start. Look up what common scams are in that area to avoid them. I additionally seek out information guides written by fellow solo female travelers of color to get a firsthand account of what I can expect in a certain place while traveling as a Latina woman.

*Photo: Khanyisa Mnyaka/Composite by* *Vice*

Each traveler can face a unique set of challenges or even danger as a result of factors including sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation or religion. This is not meant to scare readers but rather to help you prepare so you can enjoy your destination to the fullest while being safe. Khanyisa Mnyaka, author of Traveling While Black and Lesbian has a wonderful YouTube channel sharing her advice and experiences over the past ten years traveling around the world as a queer Black woman.

Read the reviews for each hotel or hostel you are considering and look for any comments regarding the surrounding streets/neighborhood and safety. I have opted out of certain lodging options upon reviews saying that the area around the hostel was either not well lit at night or that multiple guests had strangers follow or harass them.

Terrorist threats or internal conflicts are an extreme case. In some countries, these threats might exist far from the main cities where tourists continue to flock. The choice to travel to these nations is a highly personal one and is determined by your personal circumstances and attitude to risk. For Americans. the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs is a good reference for information on any recent attacks or potential dangers for American tourists.

Clothing and Modesty- Standards of dress and modesty vary widely from country to country and even just regionally. If you are visiting a nation where there are strict cultural (or legal) rules on appropriate clothing, it is important to arrive prepared with at least a few items of clothing that you can use. Some destinations might not have strict rules in place but trend towards a more modest fashion. To minimize attention, I recommend taking your cues from what the local people wear.

Payment- Many large credit card companies no longer require you to notify them of upcoming travel, but some smaller banks might. Check with and notify your bank when necessary a few days before you travel. There is nothing worse than showing up to your destination and realizing you can’t take out cash or your card is not going through. Keep a copy of your bank’s 24-hour telephone number and your account numbers with you just in case.

If possible, bring more than one credit or debit card and stash one in a safe place in the event that your wallet is lost or stolen. Do keep in mind that Visa and Mastercard tend to be be accepted more internationally (approximately 200 and 210 countries respectively) than American Express (160). Read more about the differences and perks of each card here.

Reference country guides to see how accessible ATMs are in your destination and whether cash is accepted more than credit or debit cards (especially in rural areas or smaller cities). When I was preparing for my trip to Guatemala, a few websites mentioned that the ATMs in smaller towns occasionally ran out of cash on the weekends. As a result, I brought extra cash with me to avoid any issues.

Embassy/Consulate Information- When traveling abroad, I always recommend mapping out where your country’s nearest Embassy or Consulate is located at your destination, and keeping the phone number handy in case of emergency. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service from the Bureau of Consular Affairs that allows U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Their benefits of enrolling according to their website include:

Receiving important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans.

Helping the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency.
Helping family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.

Book Early (When Possible)

The beauty of solo travel is how spontaneous and freeing it can be, but sometimes it comes in handy to plan some things ahead of time. If you are going to a destination with a particular site or festival in mind, look up if tickets need to be purchased in advance, or if there are only certain days of the week they are open to the public. It would be disappointing to miss out on something you flew out to see in the first place due to simple lack of preparation.

Booking your lodging in advance can ease a lot of stress when you are traveling alone for the first time (and it can save you money!). Oftentimes you can also book airport transportation in advance. When booking your hotel or hostel, review the website for any mention of airport transfers. Ask if they plan to send a driver to pick you up or if there is a shuttle service you can use, and keep the hotel/hostel phone number handy if you face any complications the day your arrive.

Overall, you're better off booking your flights sooner rather than later for international travel, but there is some variance depending on your destination. I’m all for a last-minute flight purchase if you can swing it or there’s a great deal. I personally try to book a few months in advance, and Expedia data suggests booking three to four months in advance is ideal. If you have a travel credit card, flights are a great way to use it.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is my card of choice for travel and I cannot recommend it enough to anyone who travels often. Don’t let the $550 annual fee scare you- you get $300 back in travel credit (this can include anything from paid parking to an Uber/Lyft, train ticket and beyond). The remaining $250 a year gets you:

3x the points on restaurants and travel related purchases
5x points on flights purchased through Chase
10x points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase
Free Priority Pass for lounge access
Statement credit of up to $100 for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or a NEXUS application.
No international transaction fees!

There are plenty of other perks that come with the card, but these are a few of the highlights.

Pick a Place to Stay

I am reiterating here what I wrote in my 5 Tips to Make the Most Out of Your Next Solo Trip post:

Couchsurfing, homestays, room rentals, hotels, hostels, WWOOFing– there are so many of choices for where to stay on a trip! Couchsurfing, homestays and room rentals can be excellent opportunities to connect with residents when traveling alone. Hostels are often a blast and an easy way to make friends or join group activities. WWOOFing is a an excellent opportunity for educational exchange, especially when you are traveling longer term.

Couchsurfing allows you to find hosts in any country in the world and stay with local residents as an opportunity for cultural exchange. You do not pay for lodging, but do note that as of 2020 Couchsurfing charges a $14.29 annual fee (or $2.39 per month) which more than pays for itself if you are Surfing frequently.

I always suggest bringing a small gift or taking your host out for a meal as a thank you, since they are taking the time to welcome to you into their home (for free) and often will show you their favorite local spots. I highly recommend that you do your research before confirming with any host. Read through your host’s reviews from previous guests ahead of time, look through the photos on their profile, and make sure their home is a good and safe fit for you.

You can often find language exchanges, dance classes, hikes and dinners through the Couchsurfing website for your destination or on the city’s Couchsurfing Facebook Page. Many Surfers also decide to become hosts when they come home as a way to pay it forward and continue making new connections.

Hotels offer privacy and larger ones tend to have more amenities than some of the other options on this list. That being said, hotels can sometimes be the more expensive lodging. This is not a problem if you are looking to splurge, but maybe not the best choice if you are traveling on a shoestring budget.

Hostels are an excellent budget option for lodging and an easy way to meet new friends as a solo traveler. Many hostels organize events, classes or tours and some of the nicer ones even have pools, bars or co-working spaces. If you don’t love the idea of a dorm style sleeping arrangement, plenty of hostels offer private rooms with options for either private or shared bathrooms. How much you interact with other guests will be entirely up to you. You can spend time in the common area or sightsee all day then retire to your private room when you like.

My go-to website for hostel searching is Hostelworld. You can filter your options by price, amenities and guest ratings. There are typically plenty of photos under each listing to give you a good idea of what the hostel is like, and I would reccomemd reading through the reviews submitted by previous guests. Hostelworld will also show the age group of each reviewer. If you are looking to meet more people around your age, sift through the reviews and search for a pattern. This isn’t a foolproof method but it has not failed me yet!

WWOOF or Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms is a global movement dedicated to connecting visitors with organic farmers and promote cultural and educational exchange. The organization aims to provide helping hands to its hosts and at the same time allows visitors to learn about ecological farming and sustainability practices. You will gain practical skills in organic farming and gardening and experience rural living while sharing in the everyday life of your host.

WWOOFing membership varies around the world and membership with one country does not guarantee you access to other countries. In the United States for example, there are two options. You can pay $40 for a single WWOOF membership or $65 for a joint WWOOF membership. Joint memberships are ideal if you plan to WWOOF with a partner or friend. Your membership lasts a year and includes a personalized profile, access to the online host directory, member reviews, and online messaging tools.

Choose the Right Luggage for You

*Waiting for the ferry in Athens, Greece*

It might not be the first thing you think of, but believe me when I say your luggage can make or break a trip. It can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Cheesy comparisons aside, you get the point. You might be tempted to go for a cheap bag—especially if you are traveling on a budget—but this is one of the more significant investments you will be making for a trip. A quality choice piece of luggage will last longer and protect your important items while on the road. Let’s get into it!

Backpack- By far the BEST option for solo traveling in my opinion, especially when you are dealing with any rough terrain, visiting places that might not have cemented roads, or running to catch the train. Backpacks are easy to carry and have comfortable straps for your shoulders and oftentimes the waist as well.

If you Google travel backpacks, you might be overwhelmed with the number of options. It all comes down to your personal preference and body type. I would suggest looking at lists of traveler-approved backpacks and do your own research on each of the options. I am loyal to Osprey which not only makes excellent quality backpacks, but is also committed to sustainable production and philanthropy. REI offers measurement services for backpacks which I definitely recommend so you can find something comfortable and suited to your taste.

Three things I would look for in a backpack are a daypack, rain cover, and appropriate size. A daypack usually zips onto the larger backpack when you want your hands free, and can easily be removed for your daily excursions as the name implies. A rain cover is essential if you are going somewhere during the rainy season or generally want to protect your bag from the elements and being tossed around on public transportation. Lastly, the size of the backpack is up to you, but remember that you will be the one carrying its weight. Depending on how much you like to pack, anything from a 40-65 litre bag can be a good size and (depending on the airline) can be brought on a flight as carry-on luggage.

Suitcase- This is my luggage of choice for business trips or short trips to major cities that don’t have streets made entirely of cobblestone. Suitcases can be a great choice if you are traveling with delicate items or clothing that might otherwise get crammed into your backpack. They also work well if you are part of a tour group in which transportation to and from the airport and in between cities is already taken care of. A small rolling suitcase can be sturdier and also easier to wheel around without breaking out into a sweat.

Whether you are working with a backpack or rolling suitcase, the goal is to keep your packing list at a minimum and ideally avoid checking in a bag at all. That last point might be controversial to some, but there is nothing more annoying than having to lug around multiple bags in the blazing hot weather of an unfamiliar city, or to have an airline lose your checked luggage. With a smaller bag, you'll be forced to pack less clutter and can move in between destinations more easily. Plus, you can avoid the long check-in lines, extra luggage fees, and the wait at the baggage claim carousel.

Get Yourself Covered: Insurance

*That time my camera lens was done for in Guatemala.*

I will admit, I used to travel without any kind of insurance. It simply was not a priority when traveling on a budget for the sole reason that I wanted to save money and figured it wasn’t necessary. I have come to realize, however, just how much having insurance can help you in a really crappy situation, from stolen goods to medical emergencies.

What is Travel Insurance? Travel insurance offers protection for expenses associated with domestic and international travel. Travel insurance might reimburse you if your trip is cancelled, delayed or in some way interrupted. It may also help pay medical costs that your primary health insurance can't cover. There are many ways you can purchase travel insurance, and it is crucial that you read the fine print before making a decision.

Credit card travel insurance protects you from certain unforeseen circumstances that can disrupt your travel plans. If your credit card includes travel insurance, you could be reimbursed in the event that your travel is affected by weather, health issues or certain kinds of emergencies outside your control.

Credit card travel insurance typically only covers the expenses that you have made with that that specific card. Make sure you are familiar with your credit card’s terms and conditions, as different cards have different travel insurance policies. Reading the fine print could earn you a fair amount of money back.

World Nomads is my travel insurance provider of choice, and I would recommend it to anyone who is constantly on the move or enjoys extreme sports. World Nomads is an Australian based company founded by Simon Monk in 2002. As a world traveler, Simon was dedicated to addressing the three key concerns of nomads: freedom, safety and connection. He and his community have built World Nomads to provide a service to independent travelers looking for legitimate insurance protection on their journeys.

World Nomads has two tiers: Standard and Explorer. The Standard Plan covers experience activities such as white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and kite surfing. As the premium option, the Explorer Plan covers all of those plus additional activities and vehicle rental damage. In terms of medical coverage, World Nomads provides up to $100,000 USD under both plans, including medical evacuation or repatriation if you’re accidentally injured. This is a more than reasonable amount and provides some peace of mind during your trip. I would say that even at the Standard level, World Nomads covers riskier activities than many other insurance companies out there. Check out their website for a full list of benefits.

Be sure to read the specifics in your plan, as there are always caveats and exemptions and costs differ from country to country. World Nomads has a 24-hour service that provides help, advice, and referrals for medical emergencies. Call them if you have questions about what is actually covered.

Aperturent- For my friends who enjoy photography and film, don’t forget to insure your equipment, whether it belongs to you or is rented! Aperturent is a camera equipment rental company with locations in Atlanta, Dallas and Washington, DC that I have used numerous times. You simply reserve the equipment you want to rent online and pick it up in person. Depending on the length of your trip and the type of equipment you are renting, this can be an incredibly affordable option for creative travelers, especially if you are looking to experiment with a new lens before purchasing.

In 2021, an unfortunate accident in Guatemala led to my camera being dropped and the rental lens (worth well over $1,000) snapping right off. Luckily, I had purchased the insurance through Aperturent and only had to pay about $30 for the repairs. When purchasing insurance, customers are responsible for paying a maximum deductible of 10% of the total retail cost of the lens if there is damage. This is a great deal considering the cost of some of this equipment.

Have Fun, And Be Kind to Yourself

*Snowmobiling in Big Springs, Idaho, USA*

It may seem like there is a lot of prep work involved with solo travel and in some cases, this is certainly true. Ultimately though, it is so worth it for the fun and new experiences you will have on your trip! You are going to have the opportunity to make new friends or learn a new language, try different foods, and learn so much about the world and yourself. Figuring out what your travel style is and hitting your stride is one of the most empowering feelings, and soon enough you will be sharing your wisdom with new backpackers.

If you hit a few bumps in the road, this is completely normal and shouldn’t discourage you from future solo travel. Everyone has bad days! Travel is ultimately a learning experience, and that can sometimes come with hard-earned lessons along the way. None of us, not even the most experienced nomads, are perfect. We all have made mistakes like booking a flight on the wrong day or underestimating how many breakdowns an overnight bus can have while crossing borders (more on that another time). All you can do is take it in stride, learn from it, and have a blast.