I cannot stress and emphasize the importance of this. Please, do yourself a favor and do your research! Take some time to familiarize yourself with your destination before you go. You definitely don’t want any major surprises on your trip, so make it easy on yourself— you’ll be glad you did.
Pre-book your accommodations and airport transportation beforehand. Do NOT wait to figure this out until you get there.
Research transportation. What’s their public transportation system like? Is it easy to use? Is everything you want to see within walking distance? Do they have Uber or something similar? These are definitely things you want to know beforehand. Look into what’s safe, different costs, how long will each take, etc. Download different transportation apps (Citymappers is my go-to) to help guide you.
Carry some of your destination’s currency on you and have a general idea of exchange rates. SO many times I wished I took out cash and didn’t. You’ll never know when you’re going to need it, but I can guarantee you that you’ll wish you had it at some point. I recommend pulling some out at your home airport so you have it before you land.
Know your cell provider plan. Are you covered or willing to pay the fees? Do you plan on relying on Wi-Fi? Using a local sim card? Something you should know! Regardless, it’s important to have screenshots saved on your phone like: name and address of your accommodations, directions/routes, etc., in case you don’t have service.
Language basics (hello, goodbye, thank you, yes, no, bathroom, etc.)
Look into the weather prediction—this is important so you know what to pack.
Etiquette + Customs — is there a dining etiquette? Is there a dress code for women? Should you tip? Are there specific things you shouldn’t say or do?
This is key and an absolute must for safety and peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Please please please- so important! I highly recommend leaving someone back home a brief outline of your travel plans, accommodations and a photocopy of your passport. Be consistent about checking in with them, too. Let them know when you’ve made it to your accommodation or next destination.
*If you’re a US citizen, you can sign up with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program in case of an emergency.
The best way to pack for you trip is to make a checklist of the essentials. Lay everything out and reduce as much as possible— seriously! “Well, I might need these...”. No, you most definitely won’t. It’s so easy to overpack (I’m super guilty of this) and easily half the items you bring won’t even see the light of day. Nine times out of ten you won’t wear that extra dress or pair of heels you packed—so just don’t. Try to pack clothes that you can mix and match with along with a couple good/comfortable pairs of shoes. Remember, if you find that you do need something that you didn’t pack, you can buy most things anywhere.
Super important to always have multiple copies of all your travel documents! Keep them spread out in different platforms; physical photocopies and digital copies through email. Never roam the streets with your actual passport, make sure it’s somewhere safe back at your accommodation and carry a photocopied one instead if needed.
It’s always important to have key contacts stored in your phone when you travel such as your embassy, your accommodations number, travel insurance (if you have), whoever you’re checking in back at home with, etc. I also recommend you take it one step further and have an additional list of these contacts somewhere stored either in your purse/wallet, back pocket, wherever, just in case (god-forbid) your phone gets lost or stolen.
This almost happened to me on one of my solo adventures in a foreign country. I lost my phone for a short period of time and I cannot explain in words the fear and panic I had that I didn’t know anyone’s numbers to call for help. Luckily, I quickly found it and was able to breathe again!
One of the best things about traveling solo is that you can choose to do whatever YOU want, whenever YOU want. I’m a planner, so what I typically like to do is create some sort of tentative itinerary before my trip so I’m not wasting time scrambling to find things to do or see when the time comes. TripIt and Sygic Travel are both great apps that recommend top things to do and see in your destination and can help create an itinerary for you.
I always find it best to try and stay somewhere centrally located within the city. This way you’ll be within walking distance to restaurants, shops, tourist attractions, public transport, etc. Yesss, it’s usually is more expensive, but 100% worth it. The times where I’ve tried to save money by staying more outside of the city, I usually end up either paying the same or even more by commuting back and forth to the city.
Traveling solo, especially as a female, you most definitely do not want to stand out as a foreigner. You could potentially be perceived as an easy target and attract negative attention. Blend in with the locals as much as you can, do some research beforehand of what the women are wearing.
Wear minimal jewelry and nothing too expensive (leave your valuables at home!)
Dress conservatively — neutrals are always a good choice
Speak at the appropriate volume — don’t be that obnoxious foreigner
Cool it with the selfie sticks
You’re entirely on your own for the first time, and it’s as scary as it is thrilling. But remember, YOU’VE GOT THIS! You are strong and capable, so lead with confidence! You want to appear approachable to right people and not vulnerable to the wrong people. Chin up, shoulders back and explore your heart out. Not feeling too confident? Then fake it ‘til you make it, sister. If you do find yourself lost, it’s best to jump into the nearest café to get back on track to avoid being approached as vulnerable.
While traveling I often get asked: Where are you from? Where are you staying? Who are you traveling with? I always answer with caution and usually explain I’m with a group and we plan on meeting up shortly. Use your best judgement and trust your gut when meeting new people. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t meet new people!
This is your time to shine, girlfriend. This is such an exciting and empowering opportunity for you. Remember—be smart, confident and informed. Always use your best judgement trust your gut if something doesn’t feel right. There’s nothing holding you back—DO YOU. Enjoy yourself and be open to new opportunities; you’ll never know what you’re capable of if you don’t try.
Sign up for travel tips, city guides, blog updates, and more!
© Morgan in Spain. All rights reserved.
