56 Tips For Travelling Abroad For First Time

I still remember when I contemplated if solo travelling is for me. At the time, I was 26 and didn’t even know travelling solo is a thing. I stumbled upon it when my friend moved abroad and suggested that I should visit him. And that’s how I started travelling on my own.

And it is a big deal to go on your first solo trip! Chances are, you found this blog and you are weighing out all the pros and cons for travelling solo and wondering if you should go on a trip as a first-time solo traveller.

And planning a solo trip is not as daunting as it seems. Perhaps the idea itself is a bit scary, but with proper planning, some guidance and encouragement, you can totally travel on your own!

I’ve been travelling solo for more than 18 years, and I’ve loved every experience. I didn’t know a lot at the beginning, but it is through experience that I figured a lot of stuff out.

If you are wondering how to travel alone for the first time, take a look at all my best tips for travelling abroad for the first time. After all, sharing knowledge is the reason why I started this blog.

So here we go! Here are my best tips for first-time travellers.

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Tips for travelling abroad for the first time

I have many travel tips for first-timers and I organized them into several categories.

First-time travellers: don’t forget these necessities

1. Your passport must be valid for six months and has a few empty pages for stamps
2. Scan a copy of your passport and other relevant documents (like credit cards and ATM cards) and email it to yourself 
3. Check if you need a visa for the places you are visiting 
4. Bring a smartphone for communication, navigation and taking photos. I love my Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ because the camera is super sharp!
5. Buy a local SIM card if you want to have data at all times
6. Use WhatsApp to text and call family and friends
7. Use the Google maps app on your smartphone instead of a big ol’ map
8. Carry some USD cash – just in case you cannot access an ATM at your destination, you can most likely exchange for some local currency with USD 
9. Bring two ATM cards – just in case one doesn’t work or is compromised
10. Bring two credit cards – same as above
11. Book your return ticket – some airlines require this information when you check in at the airport
12. Get travel insurance before you leave

Related Post – How to Plan a Trip with Google Maps and Saved Pins

How to stay safe as a first-time solo traveller

1. Walk with confidence – walk at a steady pace (even if you are lost), so at least it looks like you know where you are going and there are fewer chances of someone disturbing you
2. Don’t listen to music with your headphones when you are wandering in a city – you want to be aware and alert at all times. Plus you can listen to the city and nature (or wherever you are at) 
3. Don’t go wandering into dark alleys at night – I think this is self-explanatory
4. If you don’t do certain things in your hometown, don’t do them in a foreign city 
5. Don’t drink too much – you can have fun and enjoy a glass or two. But don’t drink too much as you may appear to be a target
6. Don’t wear any flashy jewellery – you don’t want to attract any unwanted attention
7. Arrive at your destination during the day – I always like to arrive at a new place during the day when I can see where I am going. It seems a little less daunting
8. If you have to arrive at night, pre-arrange a ride from your hotel – it might be more expensive to pre-arrange a ride from your hotel, but you will have the peace of mind that you will arrive at your hotel safely
9. Stay alert at all times (but not paranoid) – if you are travelling solo, you will have to be alert and stay safe at all times. But don’t be too paranoid about things that can potentially happen. There is a delicate balance between the two.

How to pack your carry-on bag

1. Use a refillable water bottle – you can fill up your bottle wherever you go. This is especially good for the flight. After you go through security, fill up your water bottle so you can save money by buying an expensive one at the terminal. And you will be helping the environment as well. I like the squeeze water bottle because I double it as a neti pot (yeah I know, kind of gross, but it works!)
2. Transfer all your liquids to 100ml bottles in a small ziplock bag – airport security is stringent on this one
3. Carry all your valuable items in your carry-on bag (i.e. things you don’t want to lose)

Related Post – My 10 Must Have Essential Travel Items for Every Trip

How to pack your main backpack or luggage

1. Try to use a backpack instead of luggage – you will find that it is so much easier to move around
2. Use a pack that is large enough for your belongings but small enough for an airplane overhead cabin – you will save money from checking in luggage, and save time from waiting for your luggage when you arrive at your destination. And you will never lose your bag! But check the size and weight restrictions for carry-on luggage to avoid additional fees.
3. Don’t overpack, bring only 3 to 4 sets of clothing – but chances are, you will still overpack, which is still okay.
4. Roll your clothes into packing cubes – not only does this save space but also keeps your backpack super organized.
5. Use a hanging toiletry bag that has compartments and a hook – I always travel with this since it keeps all my toiletries organized. And if there’s no counter space, I can still hook it somewhere (like a towel rod, shower curtain rail, etc.)
6. Bring a few ziplock bags in various sizes because you never know when you will need them. They are very handy when it comes to travelling
7. Use a universal adaptor – lightweight and has dual USB ports
8. Bring your must-have items – medicine, vitamins, etc
9. If you need help, follow a packing list (like this packing list if you want to travel minimally).

Related Post – a comprehensive guide to choosing the best backpack

How and where to book your accommodations

1. Research the accommodation and areas before you book – it helps to know the places you are going to is safe or not
2. If you are unsure of your travel plans, book accommodations with a good cancellation policy – sometimes it helps to give yourself some room for flexibility even though the accommodation may seem more expensive at the time. But if you do change it, you can get your money back.
3. Shared accommodation is cheaper and is fun! But if you want your own space, you can book a private room in a hostel and still don’t have to pay a lot.
4. Book at least one night of accommodation – it is a good idea to at least have one night of accommodation booked. You may want to book all your accommodation for your entire trip, but that depends on how much research and planning you do before your trip.
5. Try to book all your accommodation on the same website to earn loyalty points – I use Agoda to book hotels and hostels all over the world. Their prices are very competitive. And if you sign up with Agoda, book your accommodation, and give your accommodation a rating at the end of your trip, they will give you some money back as a rebate. You can use this money for future bookings
6. Join Facebook groups to find alternative accommodations – if you are travelling long-term, it might be worth the time to look for Facebook groups for your destination and find accommodation through the group

Related Post – how to save money by booking Airbnb

Manage your finances: before and during your solo trip

1. Save money for your trip – as soon as you know you are travelling, start saving! In fact, it is never too early to start saving because there might be a last-minute trip you want to take!
2. Create and stick to your budget – you don’t want to be in debt after a trip. As amazing as a trip can be, being in debt is much worse. Everyone’s budget is different so work according to yours
3. Don’t exchange your money at home – the exchange rate may not be worth your trouble especially if you are exchanging a currency that is not as popular
4. Take local cash from local ATMs – the rates are pretty competitive. I always get cash when I arrive at my destination (usually at the airport)
5. Let your bank and credit card company know you are travelling, so they don’t stop all your transaction overseas
6. Be creative when it comes to transportation – between public transit and walking, you can save a bit of money. And for long-distance travel, research and see if there are alternate modes of transportation. i.e. is it cheaper to take the train or bus or…? 
7. Cook your meals – you will save a bit of money by buying food from grocery stores or farmers’ markets. And you will be much healthier. 
8. Take advantage of youth prices – if you are a student or youth, there are specific train passes for youth only (in Europe). Perhaps other places/countries will give youth and students a discount on transportation or other activities like museums and galleries

Related Post – My Number One Tip: How to Save Money for Travel

Last words on tips for first-time travellers

1. Don’t worry about not planning your whole trip especially if it is your first time travelling abroad It is nearly impossible!. Sometimes going with the flow is just as great
2. Listen to your intuition – women are really good at listening to their gut feelings. If you feel you shouldn’t be going on a specific path, listen to your intuition. It will never steer you wrong!
3. Enjoy your own time – it is not lonely to travel solo. In fact, solitude can be amazing and very nurturing for the soul. Spend your alone time however you like and just remember to enjoy it
4. You are never too old to travel solo – travelling is for all ages. As long as you have the curiosity, the ability and the desire to travel, you can travel anywhere!
5. Don’t let fear stop you from travelling – so many of us (including me) have concerns. But don’t let it stop you from doing the things you want in life.
6. Stay healthy – you don’t want to be sick on your solo trip! It is never fun to be sick alone! Eat healthy, and exercise (by walking and doing any touristy things)
7. Stay positive – travelling solo is not as scary as it seems. So stay positive and good things will happen
8. Have fun – don’t forget to have fun! You finally decided to take your first solo trip, so the least you can do is to enjoy it! You will make a ton of amazing memories, meet many friendly people along the way and remember this trip forever!

Which first time travel tips do you find useful?

If you are travelling alone for the first time, make sure you read these travel tips and highlight the ones you want to remember.

I hope most of them are useful. Did I miss anything? What is your best tip for the first time travelling solo? There are so many things you can do to prepare yourself for your first solo trip. Let me know in the comment section your best tips!

Thank you for reading my post about solo travel tips

You might also like these other travel solo posts:

• 43 solo travel quotes that will inspire you to travel alone
• 10 things to do on a solo staycation
• 10 best first-time solo female travel destinations
• Solo female travel safety tips: 15 tips for women travelling alone
• 10 best activities for solo travellers
• 10 off-the-beaten-path travel destinations for solo travellers
• When sh*t hits the fan, stay positive, strong and focused
• Don’t let fear stop you from travelling
• How does it feel to be a solo traveller

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