Let’s Get Ready for Takeoff

Preparing for Take-Off

Travel can be a little intimidating and stressful, as we all have a fear of the unknown. This is even truer for those who choose to travel solo. In this post, we’ll take a look at everything you need to do to get ready for take-off.

When venturing out on our own, we must always remember that safety for solo travel and solo adventures begins before leaving home.  The preparation we do prior to departure can often make or break our trip.

In order to help you remain calm and feel more at ease when travelling solo, I have assembled a list of tips to assist in ensuring that you have a safe flight.

…… now it’s time to get ready for takeoff!

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Preparing For Take Off

Before Your Flight

There are several things you can do to get ready for take off even before leaving home. The following are some tips which will relieve some of the stress and help to keep you organized:

• Research, research and more research.  Research is the key to safety as a successful solo traveller
• Choose a destination that is within your comfort zone and budget
• Arrange travel/health insurance before departing to your destination
• Scan passport, credit cards, health card, travel insurance documents, flight tickets. Email all of these documents to yourself so that you have everything on your phone, as well as to a trusted friend or family member
• Make arrangements to have your mail collected if travelling for an extended period of time
• If you will be gone for an extensive period of time (over 2 weeks), make arrangements to have your house checked periodically
• prepare your home so that it appears lived in (put lights on timers)
• Research tours and attractions.  Make a list of all of the “must see’s” and “must do’s” and book your “must do” tours in advance in order to avoid disappointment
• Make arrangements for travel to the airport. I prefer to take a limousine or airport taxi service. The last thing I want to do is drive over an hour home when returning from my vacation
• Research the destination to determine the “safe” and “walkable” areas and book your accommodation in these areas. Always avoid the questionable areas of your destination

Taking Care of Safety Issues Prior to Departure

You’re home has now been prepped for your departure and it’s now time to take care of some of the safety issues to get ready for department

Once you have your flights, hotels and tours booked, make an itinerary which contains the names of hotels, destinations, events and telephone numbers.  Give this to a trusted friend or family member, as well as email it to yourself so that you have it on your phone

Find the contact information for the law enforcement at your destination, as well as your Country’s consulate. This should be stored in your phone and available to you at all times

Prepare a slip with your name and contact information to put in your wallet, backpack, luggage, carry-on or any other item which you may be carrying.  If any of these items are lost, it will be easier to locate you if the item is found

Exchange currency if required

Arrange doggy daycare, or any other care needed

Pack, keeping in mind any cultures which may affect your choice of clothing

You are now ready for take-off!

Upon Arrival at Your Destination

• Carry your valuables in your front pocket and store your cash and credit cards in various different places.  Always remember to carry a minimal amount of cash with you
• Always carry your passport with you. Leave a photocopy of your passport in your suitcase.  Always have a copy of your passport stored on your phone in the event that your passport gets lost or stolen
• Be cautious when choosing transportation from the airport to your accommodations (it is best to travel during daylight hours)
• Follow the culture of your destination.  Avoid drawing attention to yourself….dress like a local

• When touring an unfamiliar destination, stay in the well populated areas and avoid alleyways and secluded areas
• Never disclose the name of your accommodation, destination, etc. to strangers no matter how friendly they may seem. Be friendly, make friends, but never provide personal information.  Never let on that you are travelling alone
• Do not explore after dark, unless you are extremely familiar with the area, or have met up with a trusted person
• Always be aware of your surroundings. Be alert,  do not use your cellphone or earbuds unless it is absolutely necessary. Do not become distracted. Sit and/or stand with your back against a wall or barrier so that you are always aware of your surroundings

Leave all valuables at home and do not to wear flashy jewelry and/or clothing.  Be conservative in your attire

Be prepared if you find yourself lost. Ensure that you have a map of your destination installed on your phone or carry a map with you

Never, ever get intoxicated or leave your drink unattended

• Post on social media every day or two so that your friends and family know you are safe.  They will also enjoy seeing your photos
• Exude confidence.  Walk with a purpose and make eye contact. Always smile
• Be friendly but firm, if need be
• Always have your cellphone fully charged
• Listen to your gut! If a situation doesn’t feel right, it likely isn’t. Remove yourself
• Even though it is recommended that you have an itinerary prior to leaving for your destination, don’t plan every second of every day.  Leave yourself some free time to relax or just explore your local surroundings
• Try something new that you have never tried before. Whether it be food or an activity or something else, get out of your comfort zone and live!  Have fun!

Preparing For Take-Off: In Conclusion

Although this Checklist – Let’s Get Ready for Takeoff appears extensive, the key to successful travel is to prepare, prepare, prepare and research, research, and more research.  I have now been travelling solo for almost 10 years and I still follow this list each and every time I travel or adventure out on my own.  Having a black belt in martial arts has also prepared me for venturing out on my on safely.

“Travelling alone will be the scariest, most life changing, experience of your life. Try it at least once”

I would love to hear what your rituals are in preparation of take-off.

Safe and Happy Travels 🙂

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