Traveling solo can be scary, especially the first time that you do it. There’s a lot to think about and organize; you need to learn to rely on yourself, and you may have concerns about your safety. But, it can also be wonderful…

Solo travel is the perfect way to learn more about yourself. It teaches you how to take care of yourself and how to cope with the unknown. It gives you a chance to learn more about who you are and what you like to do, and it gives you a unique opportunity to see the world, or a part of it, on your own terms. Spending time in the places that you enjoy without having to worry about your travel companions. Solo travel can become a way of life, or it can be a once in a lifetime experience. Either way, Thailand is the perfect destination. Here’s everything that you need for a perfect solo vacation.

Documentation

What you need depends where you are going, and where you are coming from. This will definitely include a passport and tickets but could also mean visas and other travel documents. Have a look online before you leave to make sure you don’t get in trouble on arrival. I also highly recommend having two passport-sized photos per country that you're visiting for just in case you need a visa on arrival. 

A Plan

One of the best parts about solo travel is that you are free to go where you want to. But, it’s a good idea to have a bit of a plan in mind so that you don’t miss anything that you really want to do. Would you like to go to tantra school to learn yoga? Do you want to visit Ko Pha-Ngan? Have a look online and write a list of places you want to see. Consider where they are, making sure that you plan ahead so that you can fit as much into your trip as possible.

It’s also a good idea to plan some accommodation and transport for when you arrive. It can be great wandering around not quite sure where you are going to stay, but a firm plan for the first parts of your journey can help you to feel safe and find your feet. I highly recommend the Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort, as it's one of my favorite hotels in the world!

Money

Solo travel doesn’t have to be expensive. There’s plenty that you can do and see without spending much at all. But, when you are traveling alone, it’s important to budget carefully and leave yourself emergency funds, just in case.

Emergency Contact Details

Now that we’ve all got smartphones, it’s easier than ever to be prepared. Make sure you’ve got contact details for everyone back home, but also for authorities, hotels, and embassies in Thailand. You might also want to download a translator app to help you get around. My favorite app is Google Translate. 

An Open Mind

One of the best things about solo travel is that you’ll speak to people. When you travel with friends and family, you tend to stick with them. Alone, you need to speak to other people. You’ll spend more time chatting with locals and other travelers, and it will enrich your experience vastly. But, you’ll need to open yourself up to it. At home, we rarely speak to strangers, so it can be a leap at first. But keep an open mind, and it will be worth it.