I booked my first solo trip to Cabo San Lucas on a whim back in June of 2021. The first thing I’ve done for myself that truly scared me, but excited me just as equally.
I wanted to be away from everything and everyone I know and just love on me + spend time with myself in the most abstract of environments. I wanted to be changed & wanted fresh perspective. Any and everything that would make me feel like I was the center of my whole world.
Le’sigh.
After months of reflection, I know my mission was accomplished.
Not only did I face a fear of mine which was traveling alone. I also booked a trip with no planning involved — totally against everything my type A personality stands for.
& it feels like one of the best decisions for me I’ve made in a long time.
I learned so much from:
How to maintain safety when traveling alone
Best days to buy tickets and the time in which I should book my flight
To trust myself and my tripod (because baby girls, she understood the assignment time and time again)
and so forth.
Did I mention I learned A LOT lol?
So much so that I figured it’d be wild to not share solid advice if and when y’all go on your first solo trip.
FIRST THINGS FIRST.
Safety: it is so important to do your homework when deciding to travel somewhere alone. I’m talking —
determining if it’s safe for travelers
if women (my audience is primarily female, so I’ll cater this post more specifically to you guys), can travel there safely without an issue
Where you will be staying and if it’s safe for people traveling alone
What transportation will look like when leaving the airport (side note: when traveling alone the airport is one of the safest places to be)
These are vital things that require proper research in order to make your trip a smooth and safe one.
Maintain Communication with Home: This is super important. Make sure you stay connected to your family or someone in your family who will know where you are at all times. Though many see this as pointless being that you might be in a whole other country — you’d be surprised how necessary (talk less beneficial) it is that someone somewhere is tracking you. It also provides a level of comfort and security. I know for me, I never really felt alone because I know there were people I love back home that knew exactly where I was at ALL TIMES.
Blend In: Not that there is ever time where you should be flashy on a trip (well unless you’re Beyoncé and have armed security with you) — you should especially never do so when traveling alone. The key is to blend in as best as you can. Look and do as the locals do. Enough to where you never look vulnerable or as an “easy lick.” Mind the business that pays you and keep the flashy of the flashy at home or stored away. When traveling alone people notice, try as you might to go unnoticed. No need to bring extra attention your way that could potentially put you in danger. All because you wanted to flash your jewelry and bags.
Hide Valuables: There’s just some things you can’t get away from having like your ID, Passport, minimal cash and so forth. Place these things when not in use in concealed compartments (preferably under lock and key in your luggage). Your shoe or bra are the best hiding places!
Make Plans with Yourself: I believe this to be especially important, so it doesn’t feel like you’re wasting the experience because you’re alone. Make appointments to the spa, travel around the compound of where you might be staying. Take pictures of yourself (a tripod should literally be your very best friend). Go take a walk on the beach. More than anything GET OUT OF THAT HOTEL ROOM and explore (within appropriate means of course). It can be very easy to get too comfortable in the room (especially if you stay somewhere as nice as Nobu Hotel like I did), but you’ve got to shake that. Make plans with yourself and commit to your thorough enjoyment. Baby you deserve it.
Lastly…
Reflect & Take It In: You made it there safely and are hopefully having the most beautiful time. Reflect on God’s Grace and his love. Celebrate the means that provided the opportunity for you to take your first solo trip. Wade in gratitude and thankfulness.
To more solo trips around the Sun and back (safely of course),
Thelms
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