In June, I took a solo trip to Nigeria for my uncle's funeral. It was one of those bittersweet moments—heartbreaking to say goodbye to my dear uncle but exciting because I was finally going to spend time with family. However, lurking behind the excitement was a wave of anxiety. Why? I was traveling alone. And not just "solo brunch" alone, but full-on "you're responsible for yourself" alone. Now, normally I travel with friends or family, where we can hype each other up, remind each other what to pack, and just vibe through the entire process. But this time? It was just me, my suitcase, and my questionable decision-making skills.
But you know what? I survived, thrived, and learned a few things along the way. Here are some tricks that turned my trip from “Oh no” to “I’ve got this!”
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Book Early, Stress Less: I made sure to book my flight in good time. Nothing screams panic like a last-minute ticket purchase with prices that make you question your life choices.
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The Early-Bird Packing Hack: I started tossing random essentials into my suitcase early—like a week or two before. You know, just dropping things in as I came across them. About a week before the trip, I did a proper pack, which gave me enough time to realize what was missing and run out to shop for it. Crisis averted!
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Lists, Glorious Lists: I went list-crazy—clothes, carry-on items, snacks for the plane. It was like a pre-trip scavenger hunt. And the satisfaction of checking things off? Chef’s kiss.
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The Passport Panic Prevention Plan: Checked my passport weeks before the trip, packed it a full week ahead, and double-checked its expiration date. Because missing out on a trip due to an expired passport? Not the plot twist I needed.
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Know Your Luggage Limits: Confirmed my baggage allowance with the airline, because nobody has time for those surprise excess luggage fees at check-in.
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Scale It, Don’t Fail It: Weighed my bags at home to avoid that embarrassing shuffle at the airport where you’re deciding which shoes to sacrifice to the airport gods.
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Airport Ride Backup: I lined up my ride to the airport in advance, but here’s the thing: always have a Plan B. Your ride oversleeps? Car breaks down? No problem. (UK travelers, take note: National Express buses are a solid backup option. They’re basically the Swiss watches of airport shuttles.)
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Create a Digital Travel Folder
I set up a folder on my phone with copies of my passport, flight info, and hotel details. You never know when you might need a quick reference. Plus, it saves you from frantically digging through your bag like it’s the bottomless pit of doom. -
Carry a Power Bank Like It’s a Lifeline
Phone batteries die faster when you travel, I swear. Having a fully charged power bank on hand was my savior when I was stranded in an airport with no outlets. -
Don’t Forget Snacks and a Reusable Water Bottle
Airplane food? Meh. Bring your own snacks and a water bottle you can refill post-security. You’ll be glad you did during those inevitable flight delays. -
Headphones, Please and Thank You
Even if you love small talk, not everyone on the plane shares that vibe. Noise-canceling headphones are your escape to music, podcasts, or just sweet, sweet silence. -
Cash is Still King (Sometimes)
Make sure you have a little bit of local currency in your pocket before landing. Not everywhere takes card, and you don’t want to be caught without cab fare or a quick coffee. -
Breathe and Go With the Flow
This might sound cheesy, but travel is unpredictable. Flights get delayed, things get lost. You’ll feel so much better if you can roll with it and see the hiccups as part of the adventure. Easier said than done, but trust me, it works.
Despite the emotional undertones of the trip, everything went off without a hitch. I got to spend much-needed time with family, and—bonus—I realized I can totally handle solo travel. Who knew?
Now that I’ve shared my travel hacks, I’d love to hear yours! What’s your go-to tip for making solo trips a breeze?
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