Solo Travel: A To-Do Checklist Before You Go

However, it doesn’t have to be that challenging at all. The key to good preparation is a checklist you should use to summarize whatever you need to take care of before leaving.

For example, you need to set a budget, pick a destination that fits within your budget, make sure your documents are up to date, take care of travel insurance, sketch a rough itinerary, and lastly, book the accommodations if you’re not planning to backpack.

The order on your checklist might be slightly different, but that’s pretty much the average traveler’s checklist. Once you make a rough checklist and take care of the basics, move on to the details because they have the potential to either make or break your trip.

Establish a budget.

People who travel often know all the little traveling tricks that help them save money, but if you’re planning your first trip, the smartest thing you could do is set aside a "contingency budget" and forget about it—just in case you’re in need of some extra cash.

Nevertheless, if you plan your budget correctly and stick to it, there won’t be any need to dip into the contingency budget. Once you establish a budget you’re satisfied with, you can move on to the next part of your to-do checklist.

Pick a destination.

Most people just pick a destination and go, not thinking about the consequences of their decision. The truth is, your destination will determine the rest of your trip. Once you figure out where it is you’re going, decide on how long you’re going to stay there.

The length of your stay will impact your pre-determined budget, so you need to plan accordingly. Also, depending on the destination and the length of the stay, you will have to choose what places to visit, so make sure you add that to the budget part of the checklist.

Take good care of your documents.

Any traveler will tell you that keeping your documents up to date is essential for your travels. Different countries have different rules and regulations, so make sure that you have whatever legal documentation you might need while you’re traveling.

Now, when it comes to your credit cards, make sure that the countries you’re traveling to accept them, and always check the monetary conversion so you wouldn’t overspend. Also, some countries require travelers to pay a certain amount of money to enter and/or leave the country.

Travel insurance is a must.

Most people think that insuring themselves, or their luggage, during travels is something people don’t really need. However, your travel insurance is worth more than the potential medical costs it may cover, and finding quality travel insurance is a must.

For example, did you know that good travel insurance covers the cost of a broken camera, stolen things, or even the price of a canceled trip? If this is your first travel, ask around for recommendations, but bear in mind that you have to pick the right type of insurance for you and your own needs.

Book your accommodation on time.

Don’t be tempted into booking your accommodation first, then trying to figure out the rest of your checklist. In order to have a good and fun trip, you really need to do some planning first. Luckily, there are many apps and websites that help you find the right accommodation for you.

Whichever app or website you decide to use, you will come across places that offer "free cancellation" up to a certain date prior to your arrival, and this is definitely something you should use. You never know what might happen, so it’s nice to have the option.

This rough checklist offers a basic skeleton for your travels, but if you want to make the most out of your trip, you should do a lot of micro-managing. Expand every section of your to-do checklist to smaller checklists and work out all the details.

Also, a bonus tip—if there’s an embassy of your country in the country you’re traveling to, let your embassy know that you’ll be coming and how long you’re staying there. You won’t bother them much and you’ll make yourself a lot safer during the trip.