The thought of going on your first solo trip may induce a mixed bag of emotions. The idea of travelling to an unknown place, all by yourself, for the first time, is daunting. But at the same time, it&rsquos the beginning of a memorable story and string of adventures. Since you will inevitably have to face unpredictable situations and unexpected circumstances on your first solo trip, it helps to go prepared. If you are in the process of planning your first solo trip, these tips will make sure that it turns out to be a genuinely fantastic experience.

Deciding where to go is the most crucial task for first-time solo travellers. But that decision is a tricky one. Before zeroing down on a place, it is important to ask yourself specific questions&ndashsuch as, what do you like to do on your travels Would you like to visit a place you&rsquove never been to before Answering these questions is a great way to shortlist destinations. 

Once you&rsquove chosen a place, it&rsquos time to find out everything about it to avoid last-moment surprises. List down all the must-see attractions, niche activities you&rsquod like to participate in, helpline numbers, restrictions and regulations, etc. 

Just because you&rsquore going on a solo trip doesn&rsquot necessarily mean you must always be by yourself. If it is your first time, it is advised to keep in touch with family and friends back home in case you need their help. If you&rsquore travelling to a town or city where you know people, connecting with them may be a great idea. Not only can they help you get around and give you company when you may crave it, but they can also show you some cool, non-touristy places only a local would know. 

Although exploring a place all by yourself is thrilling, it helps to join a travel group. Not only is it a great way to meet new people, but you can also catch a break from planning everything on your own. Joining a travel group makes it easier for solo travellers to discover a place in a guided manner. 

This may seem like an unrelated tip, but it is essential to pack light and right. Solo trips involve a lot of moving around, all by yourself. Lugging around heavy bags may be the least ideal thing to do. While packing, include all the essentials, like a first-aid kit. Consider skipping things that may be unnecessary or readily available where you may be heading. 

Gone are the days when hotels were the only option. While travelling solo, staying in a hostel or a homestay may be a good bet. They are more affordable and provide many opportunities for travellers to socialise with local folks or even meet people from other countries. Another tip you may want to keep in mind while booking a stay is to ensure that it is centrally located, safe and easily accessible.