An annual holiday celebration with your nearest and dearest is a time-honoured tradition. But what happens when you begin living on your own, or if you’re single and don’t have any family around? If you’re single and looking to rekindle the spirit of Christmas, but don’t have any family close by, consider taking a holiday vacation alone. It doesn’t have to be a scary experience. It can be an exciting time to try something new, meet new people, and really immerse yourself in the holiday festivities.

Your friends have been travelling the world on their own for years, and you can do it too. Sure, you may have planned a few trips with a companion, but what about solo travel? It can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never done it alone before, but you can enjoy solo travel for the first time with a little research, planning, and preparation.

Here Are Steps to Take When Planning a Solo Holiday

Step 1: Plan ahead

Planning that solo trip can be a daunting task, especially if you have never done it before. Fortunately, there are resources available that can make it easy. If you know where you’re going, make sure to have your passport ready to show to customs officials. If you are travelling internationally, make sure your cell phone provider offers international calling capabilities. In order to make your trip easier, make sure you have a travel pack that has everything you need for your trip laid out ahead of time.

Step 2: Decide on your destination

The first thing you need to do when you plan your first solo holiday is to decide where you want to go. However, before you book any flights or accommodation, it is good to do some research about your destination. For example, if you are visiting a new country, it is a good idea to learn a few key phrases in the local language, as well as check the currency exchange rate.

Step 3: Plan the activities in advance

Decide the activities you would like to indulge in upon reaching the destination. Say that you have decided on a trip to Las Vegas. What is it that you would want to do once you have reached the location? Would you be interested in trying your hand at casinos? Would you want to visit Bad Baunny’s concert by sourcing the tickets from TicketSmarter? Or would you like to check out the historic museums? By meticulously planning these activities in advance, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, steering clear of any last-minute complications.

Step 4: Consider a group tour guide

Planning your first holiday on your own might seem daunting. But it doesn’t have to be! Planning with a guided tour can help make the process infinitely easier. You will have someone by your side the entire time; you’ll also have someone else’s expertise.

Step 5: Pack light

Packing for a trip can be a stressful experience, but it doesn’t have to be. Sit down, organize your belongings well in advance of your trip, and make a list of what you’ll need to bring. Pack light, and give yourself time to pack everything into your bags. Don’t overpack since you’ll only end up feeling like you’re underprepared. Luggage is heavy, so try to limit yourself to one suitcase and one carry-on, or one suitcase and one backpack.

Step 6: Always have several travel funds at the ready

Planning your first solo holiday can be an exciting but daunting task. After all, this trip is all about you, and the possibilities of what you could do are endless. But before you book any flights, hotels, or tours, it’s critical to make sure you have the right budget in place. In addition to booking the trip itself, it’s important to have money on hand for emergencies, as well as potential flight delays and other travel snags. Luckily, there are several easy ways to plan ahead that will allow you to relax and enjoy your solo holiday without stressing over the details.

Step 7: Confidence in exploring a new place

If you’re travelling alone for the first time, you’re probably a little nervous. After all, travelling is supposed to be fun, and the thought of being all alone in an unfamiliar place with no one to tag along can seem a bit daunting. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Solo travel is easier than ever these days, and you can experience all of the joys and benefits of travelling on your own.

Step 8: Keep in touch while you’re away

Whether you’ve been living on your own for years, or maybe this is your first time heading off on vacation alone, it’s always good to know what to do if you need to get in touch with someone while you’re away. Whether you’re away for a weekend getaway or coming back in a few weeks, it’s reassuring to know that it’s easy to get in touch and that your loved ones at home are worried about you.