Travel Tips for First-Time Solo Travelers

August 27, 2018

Travelling alone for the first time can be daunting to many, but once you do it the way that works well for you, I guarantee you’ll absolutely love it. My first solo trip was about 10 years ago, and it has changed my life wholeheartedly. If you’ve never done it, you might not know where to start as a first-time solo traveller.Tips for First Time Solo Travellers #streetstyle #traveltips #travellingsolo #solotravel #outfitideas #falloutfit #outfitinspiration #ginghamoutfit #gingham #check #prada #pradabag #celine #statementheels #statementshoes #parisianstyle #parisian #frenchstyle #toronto #torontobloggers #canadianbloggers #usblogger #americanstyle #americanfashion #miumiuTips for First Time Solo Travellers #streetstyle #traveltips #travellingsolo #solotravel #outfitideas #falloutfit #outfitinspiration #ginghamoutfit #gingham #check #prada #pradabag #celine #statementheels #statementshoes #parisianstyle #parisian #frenchstyle #toronto #torontobloggers #canadianbloggers #usblogger #americanstyle #americanfashion #miumiuTips for First Time Solo Travellers #streetstyle #traveltips #travellingsolo #solotravel #outfitideas #falloutfit #outfitinspiration #ginghamoutfit #gingham #check #prada #pradabag #celine #statementheels #statementshoes #parisianstyle #parisian #frenchstyle #toronto #torontobloggers #canadianbloggers #usblogger #americanstyle #americanfashion #miumiuTips for First Time Solo Travellers #streetstyle #traveltips #travellingsolo #solotravel #outfitideas #falloutfit #outfitinspiration #ginghamoutfit #gingham #check #prada #pradabag #celine #statementheels #statementshoes #parisianstyle #parisian #frenchstyle #toronto #torontobloggers #canadianbloggers #usblogger #americanstyle #americanfashion #miumiu

Type of Travel
There are various types of travel that are great for single travellers. Tours like Contiki, GAP Adventures cater to individuals. Booking your own flight and accommodations is a good option as well. Cruises and all-inclusives often cost less for double or multiple occupancies, so when you travel alone you might pay just as much as it would cost for two.

Accommodations
When I first started, I stayed in hostels. Keep in mind it’s far from luxurious, but my memories in hostels remain one of the best experiences I’ve had in solo travel. Do research on the hostels within the destination you are planning to stay – usually there is a rating for cleanliness, environment, safety and location. I’m an extrovert, so I usually strike up a conversation with perfect strangers. If you are an introvert but want to meet others, hostels are great because you’ll end up usually meeting other people who are actively looking to meet others. Great hostels also organize small events, or encourage a very social environment. If you are not comfortable rooming with strangers, book a private room and hang out in the common area. People who stay in hostels are open to meeting others and often end up spending a lot of time exploring and trying new food together. When you are considering a guesthouse or a room in at a place like AirBNB, check to make sure there is a lock to your room and ask questions before you book. Even though it’s usually safe to book without a lock on your door, as a first time traveller, you may want this and feel more comfortable going to sleep.

Dressing Code
Do not dress like you’re a tourist. Understand the dress code of where you’re going and don’t walk around with a city map out in the open all the time.

Stay in Touch
Most hotels and accommodations have wifi, so it’s a good idea to send a message and let your closest friend or family member know what your plans are.

Identification & Money
When you travel alone, always pay close attention to your surroundings, especially when you are walking at night. Do not bring expensive handbags or accessories on your trip. Keep your bag close to your body and in front of you at all times. I tend to have a habit of hooking a card wallet within my purse as well since I know so many people who have been pick-pocketed. Check to ensure the destinations your visiting take credit card. Japan still remains to predominantly be a cash society and many people I know try to visit Japan with credit cards and scramble trying to figure out how to get cash.

Safety
Look up briefly what areas to stay away from so you don’t accidentally stumble upon a place you wish you didn’t end up in. Make sure to keep emergency contact information and a copy of your travel insurance information on you.

Dining & Drinking
Always ere on the safer side and have your beverage on you from the very start to finish. If you plan to go to the bathroom, get a new drink. Enjoy your time, but avoid temptation and stay sober no matter how much others around you drink. Better safe than sorry.

Apps
If you’re going to a foreign place, Google Translate, Tripadvisor, Google Maps are all good apps to download onto your phone. If you don’t have a long distance phone plane, check to see if there’s pocket wifi – a rental unit with pre-paid wifi unit you can take with you around while you travel to ensure you’re always connected and never lost.

Connecting via Social Media
A great way to meet others when you travel is through social media. I have been lucky enough to be visiting the hometown of some of my favourite instagrammers and not only have they been incredibly kind, but they’ve shared a wealth of information about their cities.

SHOP THE OUTFIT

My shirt dress is sold out, but I’ve linked many great maxi shirt dresses below. You can unbutton it to achieve this look. I’ve included some in various patterns featuring some of the biggest Fall trends. Happy shopping!

For more inspiration on style and travel, follow me on Bloglovin♥, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to subscribe to my mailing list for special announcements and exclusive content.

Xo,

Miki

Photo credit to my one and only, Rise Again BJJ

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  • Simplement Lui August 27, 2018 at 6:57 am

    A cool post with many good tips, I travel a lot alone for business but less for holidays. Your outfit is great and the heels gorgeous! Happy Monday xx

    https://4highheelsfans.wordpress.com/2018/08/26/bazoches/

  • Emilia August 27, 2018 at 12:13 pm

    Such a great outfit! I barely ever travel but I guess in future if I ever plan to travel then all these tips will be so useful for me 🙂 Thank you so much 🙂

  • Didier August 27, 2018 at 2:33 pm

    Thanks for sharing those! Last year was my first time travelling solo and it sure was scary! I wish I had those tips back then!

    -Didier
    http://www.didieryhc.com

  • Carmen August 28, 2018 at 7:15 am

    Oh I always like your travel tips Miki because they’re always so useful – anything but basic for sure!
    Thanks for sharing and have a great day!
    xx, Carmen – https://carmitive.com

  • Sharon Wu August 28, 2018 at 12:21 pm

    girl you are so brave to travel solo so frequently LOL i’m struggling here putting a trip together with david! i don’t think i’ll ever have the courage to travel alone hahaha. these are really great tips though!! thanks for sharing <3 xo, sharon

    https://www.stylelullaby.com/thrift-finds/thrift-finds-linen-romper-shaggy-cardigan-vintage-hat/

  • Lovely Amusan August 28, 2018 at 1:07 pm

    Great tips Miki and that shirt dress is gorgeous you look amazing.

    xoxo
    Lovely
    http://www.mynameislovely.com

  • Jessica August 30, 2018 at 9:29 am

    Great tips you have here dear! Anyway, that gingham looks so fab on you!

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

  • jasna August 30, 2018 at 10:28 am

    These are such good tips babe, when Graham and I travel over seas next year on holiday I am literally coming back to this post for all the info 🙂 xx

  • May August 31, 2018 at 2:07 am

    I use to stay in hostels too when I first traveled! And I agree, some of my best memories where made there.

    May || http://themoderness.com

  • Lizzy September 4, 2018 at 9:08 am

    Great advice for the solo traveler, Miki! I enjoy traveling solo sometimes because I can be on my schedule. 🙂 By the way, I love your shirt dress!

    http://lizzyslatest.com/

  • Andreea Birsan September 4, 2018 at 10:59 am

    Great tips Miki! You definitely didn’t dress like a tourist haha. Have a lovely day. xx

    Andreea,
    http://couturezilla.com/

  • Ros September 4, 2018 at 5:58 pm

    Awesome tips! I love that outfit! It’s epic!
    xoxo Ros (ZenHealth.net)

  • Naya September 5, 2018 at 5:03 am

    Great tips here! I do not like traveling alone, but I totally agree with you. Especially in regards to maps heh, even if someone at the hotel gives me one, I will never use it (I opt for Google Maps). I think it is a dead giveaway that you are kind of lost and some bad people might try to take advantage of that. Lovely outfit! xx

    Naya
    http://www.partyparrotblog.com

  • Nina Nguyen September 5, 2018 at 10:59 am

    You look amazing as always babe!!
    xx- Nina

    http://www.stylingwithnina.com/2018/09/what-i-wore-for-night-out-in-nyc.html

  • Via Singh September 9, 2018 at 8:18 pm

    These are some important tips you shared. But I am still not sure if I can ever think of solo travel. Even if I have to go some where local my family is very tensed and they prefer I don’t go alone any where. Haha! I have to say it again Miki you are looking absolutely gorgeous my dear. Love these pictures. 🙂

    Via | http://glossnglitters.com

  • Jeanne September 10, 2018 at 10:02 pm

    These are great tips and you look fab! Honestly, I am way too paranoid about safety and would most likely not travel alone unless I absolutely needed to. Lol. But I admire those that do!

    http://www.jeannieinabottleblog.com

  • anette Hepp September 12, 2018 at 7:47 am

    Great Pictures Darling! Love that Shirt Dress <3
    xoxo
    Anette à la Heppiness

    http://www.heppiness.de

  • sophie September 14, 2018 at 8:18 am

    I really am not the biggest fan of travelling solo but these are some great tips and wow your outfit.I love what you’re wearing. You look so classy.
    http://sophieatieno.com

  • Laura September 14, 2018 at 1:31 pm

    A lovely post, I don’t really enjoy travelling solo and much more comfortable having my husband with me or family, however some great tips to make travelling alone less intimidating.

    You look beautiful Miki in your outfit and especially the sunglasses!

    Laura xo
    http://www.shehearts.net

  • Olivia Poncelet September 16, 2018 at 6:08 pm

    Amazing tips! Nice pics too 😉
    Happy Sunday! <3
    Olivia Poncelet
    http://www.oliviaponcelet.com

  • dora September 16, 2018 at 6:23 pm

    These are such great tips! I love the one about blending in and not dressing like a tourist and the one about being careful when going out
    Dora
    https://www.adropofindigo.com

  • Elegant Duchess September 17, 2018 at 3:27 pm

    Great tips Miki. unfortunately I’m not a huge fan of travelling on my own, I love the company. Your shoes are stunning and those fabulous so unique heels! xx

    Much Love
    Elegant Duchess xx
    https://www.elegantduchess.com/

  • Yuliya Oleynykova September 18, 2018 at 5:15 am

    I also always let my relative know where I am, the address
    https://yukovablog.co.uk/shake-up-your-health-and-fitness-routine-no-winter-hibernation-here/

  • Len Parent September 24, 2018 at 5:56 pm

    WHAT A DOLL!!!!! You look amazing . Love this look on you.
    Have a great week!
    Much love, Len
    http://www.lenparent.com
    XO

  • Olivia Poncelet September 25, 2018 at 1:38 am

    Such a cute outfit ! nice and original !
    Lovely pics too 😉
    Happy Tuesday <3
    Olivia Poncelet
    http://www.oliviaponcelet.com

  • Siree October 1, 2018 at 6:20 am

    I remembered my first solo trip and it was not only fun but the most rewarding “adult” experience of my life!
    I’m so proud of how much I was able to accomplish alone but definitely preparation and safety is key.
    Great tips Miki!

    Xx
    Siree
    http://www.thehiddenthimble.com

  • Olivia Poncelet October 12, 2018 at 2:19 am

    Such a pretty dress! LOVE it
    Happy Friday <3
    Olivia Poncelet
    http://www.oliviaponcelet.com

  • Allie Mackin October 12, 2018 at 5:31 pm

    Great travel tips. When I go to Paris I kind of travel alone. My step family is there and I see them on weekends and meet them in the evening for dinner at their flat. But during the week during the day I am on my own but don’t mind for the most part. I stay in hotels or AIR BNB but the last stay with Air BNB was so difficult and stressful with the host I am going back to hotels. Too many risks with Air BNB.

    Allie of’
    http://www.allienyc.com

  • Geniussr October 12, 2018 at 11:54 pm

    this is such a thoughtful post… many useful tips and ideas for a solo traveler.. thanks for sharing all this…❤️

    http://www.geniusenough.com

  • Biki October 21, 2018 at 8:10 am

    Hey hon, I adore your gingham maxi dress! I really got into solo travelling this year, it’s a great way to discover more of life on your own terms..gives you more accountability for your own happiness and I feel mentally stronger when I overcome obstacles on my own whilst on a trip…
    Your tips are great: for e.g. safety is a must. I’m in process of planning a solo trip to Munich and when I read that the the area I was going to stay in had not-so-good location reviews, I changed the district sharpish. Life’s too short.
    I’m single and I find Tinder is more fun when I travel…
    Have a lovely start to your week! Xo