In February 2017 I decided to go to Costa Rica by myself- a place I have always wanted to visit. So while I was living in my mother’s house, out of one suitcase after moving back home (feeling f**ked up about how the first 4 months of my 25th year was going), I copped a 380.00 ticket and decided to figure out everything after.

I was very anxious about this. I was not sure why I bought this ticket so spontaneously without thinking or doing any research beforehand (I was not a spontaneous person at the time), so from my experience to you, here are my top 10 tips to prepare for a solo trip.

1) Do ya Googles!

Google is your best friend. Google your destination, learn about the people, the culture, the language(s) spoken, learn one or two phrases. Research solo trips and read recaps from people who have been to the destination you want to go. I literally googled and read and re-read things up until I was at the airport.

2.) Join a Facebook Travel Group

I was introduced to a Facebook travel group and I’m so glad I ended up there. Facebook travel groups are full of different people who all love to travel. If you post where you are traveling to and that you are looking for recommended spots to eat or things to do, you will get a whole gang of people wanting to help you have the best trip ever. I posted in my FB travel group (YYZ Deals Toronto Travel Group) and people recommend must see things in Costa Rica, certain cities and towns to explore, bus schedules websites I could trust ( because I was planned to travel to three different cities while I was there) and their experiences which all made me feel more at ease about my trip. It’s really like one big family sharing knowledge and wanting for everyone to have awesome trips. Be honest, direct and open when posting. If you're scared, say that and I guarantee you will feel more at ease after you post.

3.) Skim through a Lonely Planet book

I know I know, the lonely planet travel guides are thick but there is a lot of information there. The only thing that would calm my anxiety is feeling prepared for this trip. They are full of maps, tips, detailed information on different countries. The more knowledge you have about the place you are going the more comfortable you will be.

4.) Watch YouTube videos to get you hype

You are going to go through a roller-coaster of emotions: anxiety, excitement, anxiety, nervousness, anxiety. Try to get hype and hold on to the excitement by watching YouTube videos specifically vlogs of people who have been to the place you are planning your adventure to. Trust me when I say you will be lost in the beauty and thought in the adventure and your nervousness will leave your body. There might be some helpful advice in the comments section too!

5.) Plan, plan and plan some mo!

This goes without saying but I’m gon’ say it anyways! Obviously you need a place to stay, a passport, luggage etc. The more you plan and feel prepared the less you will feel worried and the more you will feel ready for an adventure. Also make sure you are especially aware of needing a visa, vaccinations, entrance fees etc.

6.) Make an itinerary

This is for yourself but more for the people who love you and want you to come back in one piece. On my trip I was going to three different cities and staying in three different places; an Airbnb, a hostel and a hotel. An itinerary is a great way to organize your flights, accommodations, reference numbers and booking codes to keep track of everything in one document. Your loved ones would appreciate getting a copy as well so they can track where you are while you do you.

7.) Talk to people.

If you an introvert like me this probably feels like a chore to you. Talking to people before my trip helped me ease my anxiety as I found out many people visit Costa Rica for their first solo trip. I learned more about the country from people who have been there which felt more real to me than reading information from a book.

8.) Be open about your fears

Keep it a hundred with your self always. Be honest with yourself about your fears pertaining to your trip. What are you scared of? What can you do to relieve some of those fears and work through them? Also be honest when talking to people, vulnerability always works.

9.) Reflect on the why

Remember the reason you choose to take this trip and why a solo trip is calling to you at the moment. Reflect on what is going in your life at the moment and why you need to be by yourself in a new world. It will help ground you and feel re-inspired and excited about your trip.

10.) Be smart, aware and care-free.

Be alert and use your mind. Be prepared to have an amazing life-changing experience. The more prepared you are the more comfortable you will be, the more comfortable you will be the more open you will be to the experience.

Valerie Takyiwaa

Writing since December 2016 · 2 stories contributed