How to Plan a Solo Trip 6 Helpful Sections From Start to Finish

Table of Contents

Introduction

Planning a trip can feel like a lot, not to mention how to plan a solo trip because where does one or you even begin or start! There are so many things to do like booking flights, hotels, visas (for some countries), the activities and what to pack? I used to feel the exact same way. I’d spend hours going down a rabbit hole of tabs and blog posts, only to feel more overwhelmed than when I started. And then I would give up and just not go! However, now I feel like I have found a great solution on how to plan a solo trip and today I’m going to share that with you.

Over the years, I’ve built a system that makes planning a trip feel like second nature. It’s simple, realistic, and works whether I’m planning solo trip for a quick weekend getaway or a multi-country adventure. And trust me, if I can make trip planning this easy, so can you.

So if you are looking for how to plan a solo trip, how to plan a day trip or even travel guides this post and blog is for you. In this post, I’m going to break down exactly how to plan a solo trip from start to finish. It will cover every single section from choosing the destination and booking flights to packing smart and setting a budget. If you’ve ever felt stuck, anxious, or like planning is holding you back from travelling more, this one’s for you.

How to Plan a solo Trip From Start to Finish

Section 1: Choosing The Destination

If you are not sure where to go? You’re not alone. Picking a destination can feel stressful, especially when you’re trying to match vibes, budget, weather, and visa rules. And don’t get me started if you are trying to figure out how to plan a solo trip and don’t know what destination to pick.

Depending on my budget, visa requirements, weather, vibes will make a decision on the destination. I often have an idea of the destination that I want to go to and if I can I will book my flights early (around the 3-6 month mark). This ensures that I can save money on other trips I want to go too throughout the year. Booking your flights early and getting them out the way gives you room to save up for other things associated to your trip.

Stuck on picking a destination read How to Pick a Country to Visit Based on Your Gastronomic Tastes

Section 2: Booking Flights

Flight prices can be one of the biggest blockers for people. I’ve learned a few ways to get good deals without refreshing tabs all day.

Now I have chosen my destination if I like the price, I will either book or I will set alerts to see if the price will change. I tend to scan through SkyScanner or GoogleFlights (daily) on little bargains. For example, I saw a multi- city flight to both The Gambia and Nigeria for £586 and booked it almost immediately. To me, I saw that as a bargain.

Similarly I’ve had my eye on a flight to Malta for a few months and I just don’t see why I should pay more than £100 for a two hour flight flying in from Europe. Once I see the flight go down to the £70-£80 mark I will be certainly booking and if doesn’t I will make a decision.

Section 3: Booking Accommodation

In terms of accommodation I use websites like Booking.com, Expedia and even Agoda. If you book early you can also grab a deal and reserve the hotel you’re staying in. What I love about these sites is they have a filter option for 4-5 star hotel stay. and if you’ve booked your flights months in advance you can actually pay for the hotel on arrival so it doesn’t feel like one BIG payment.

Section 4: Creating An Itinerary

If you’re someone who hates overpacked schedules or just doesn’t know what to include in your trip, this part’s for you.

Now that you have booked your flights and reserved your hotel. You can now get into the fun part for your solo trip! Creating an itinerary is the absolutely most fun part of planning a trip from start to finish (for me anyways). If you read my FREE travel guides you will see that I tend to balance my activities with lots of rest in between.

A good start to planning a trip for your itinerary is using platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook groups, and blogs like MyBreakingViews. Do quick searches of the destination type in “what to do in x” or “ a itinerary for x”

The most important thing you want is for your itinerary to suit your personal interests and needs. Don’t over do it you want to still come back from your solo trip feeling well rested and chilled.

Section 5: Booking The Activities

I use websites like Viator, GetYourGuide and Eatwith to book my activities. I also reserve these before my trip starts, so it doesn’t feel like I’m spending a huge amount of money in one go.

And because I love to travel for food and I will always plan a solo trip that has a foodie adventure like a cooking class, tasting or food tour. For the adventurous side I will book something daring and fun like zip lining, parachuting all of the above. And if I can I will do a city tour or some island hopping if the destination permits.

Section 6: Travel Admin

Now because I take a lot of solo trips a fair amount I have an ongoing payment for travel insurance with both Barclays and my American Express. I would highly recommend purchasing travel insurance even if you’re going away for the day. The beauty of my American Express is I get to enjoy lounge access which is also part of my admin where I book a slot before my flight because I know they do get booked up quickly.

I will then check out all my documents that I need like yellow visa, specific visas I need for the destination I’m going to. For example I needed a visa for both Uganda and India I will spend a few hours just checking what’s needed by doing a few Google searches or read through a few blog posts, TikToks etc.

I will also purchase data using Airalo. Add money to my Monzo for cash and just search the weather and a few local restaurant’s in the destination I’m travelling tooo. And any other miscellaneous information I need to prepare for, I get that done here.

Section 7: Packing Strategy

Packing is where a lot of people panic. Will I forget something? Or will my bag be too full? My tip: keep it light, intentional, and plan your outfits for each day.

I’ve learnt over the years from travelling for work and different weekend trips to be a light packer. If it’s a short trip and I only have carry-on I will plan my outfits for each day and pack myself accordingly. I also use packing cubes which has always helped me pack a lot. You can buy your packing cubes here.

If I’m going on a longer trip, where I will have check in luggage then I know that I’m going to need to pack more products for my hair, like edge control gel, hair creams my facial products and specific makeup products I need.

It’s important for me to plan my outfits that way I know I’m not wasting luggage space when I’m packing.

Section 8: Budgeting & Prep

While I mentioned budgeting earlier, I always set clear spending limits. From food and activities to duty-free splurges. This includes spending money of duty free, food activities and so on. I will make sure that I understand the currency exchange to dirham or pounds depending where I’m flying from.

If I can I will ALWAYS check-in online when I can to avoid having to do it at the airport. And book my transfers before arrivals for a smooth start to my trip. Booking early often means better deals, and many sites let you reserve now and pay later like Booking.com.

Conclusion

And there you have it. How to plan a solo trip from start to finish. If you have made it to the end, you now have a clear step by step guide on how to plan a trip from start to finish. You also now know how to plan a solo trip, how to plan a day trip or and have a number of guides on this blog so subscribe so you can keep up to date with upcoming emails that I send to my community every month.

If you want a travel toolkit that helps with all of your planning a trip, I have just the thing for you. I have created a travel planner that will really help your trips come to life. Whether you’re going solo, with friends or loved ones. Download that now here.

Now tell me where are you going on your next solo trip? Let’s meet in the comment section <3

Speak soon,

MBV x

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