The other day, one girl wrote this comment on my telegram channel:

"Hello! I'm planning a solo trip next summer to another country. I've never traveled solo before, only with my parents or a group. Do you have some kind of checklist for preparation that you follow? What rules should I follow to avoid getting into trouble or losing money?"

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I didn't have any checklist, but my answer turned into one. Perhaps it will be useful for someone else.

Checklist for preparing for a solo trip

So, before the trip you need to:
1. Find out the rules for entering the country (do you need a visa, how many days can you stay in the country);
2. What currency and exchange rate, where is it better to change;
3. How much does it cost to rent and where is it better to stay;
4. How to get from the airport;
5. What places do you want to visit (approximate route);
6. Communication and Internet (which SIM card is better and where to buy it);
7. On the first day in a new country, you can connect roaming or make an esim. This way you can call a taxi and find the necessary information on the Internet, if necessary;
8. You can google interesting places;
9. Learn how to travel within the country (buses, trains, how to buy tickets);
10. A foreign bank card will make life much easier when traveling;
11. Wrap your luggage in film at the airport, you can buy it in advance, it's cheaper;
12. You can also insure your luggage and if something is wrong with it, then immediately record it at the airport - there is a special person there who will issue a certificate;
13. Download offline maps to your phone;
14. Download the language of the country to Google Translate;
15. Take some money in dollars with you on the road. As a rule, they are the easiest to exchange (take new banknotes);
16. Learn English - basic questions: How do I find something? Where can I get it? How much does it cost? Can you help me with this? etc.
17. Adapter for the socket. In some countries they are different, you need to study in advance, otherwise you will be left without a phone. You can buy a universal one.

I don't always stick to this checklist, I learn some things when I'm already there. But if you are traveling alone for the first time, it's better to prepare in advance.

Basic safety rules when traveling

1. Don't go to dangerous places at night;
2. If you live in a hostel, make sure there are lockable storage boxes when you book;
3. Count your money so you don't get shortchanged;
4. Most often, I book a hotel or hostel for one night and then extend it, because the Internet isn't always true, i.e. I see whether I like it or not - and then I pay for a longer period;
5. In some countries, it is better to drink only bottled water and even brush your teeth with it;
6. When traveling by taxi, it would be a good idea to monitor the route on the map yourself so that the driver takes you exactly where you want;
7. Take a minimum set of medicines - for a headache, stomach, cold, iodine, adhesive plasters;
8. You can buy a kettle and a cup - very useful things on the road, when you can make yourself coffee in the morning or brew a BP;
9. In some countries, it is better to change currency before crossing the border or immediately after. The exchange rate does not differ much, but this money will be enough for a bus or taxi to the city from the airport.

I will add to these lists if I remember anything else important. Good luck with your travels, take care!

P.S: You can read other articles on my blog, there is a lot of useful information there.

Location: Bukhara