In April 2023, I went on a solo trip to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania; it was one of the best experiences of my life! Despite my good time, there are some things I wish I had done differently (thankfully, it all worked out in the end). Here are some things you need to be mindful of that benefit your travels.
1. Visas and Vaccines
This is a two-for-one. When researching where you want to travel, check if you need a visa and what vaccines you need! I got my ticket for Tanzania eight months in advance and enrolled in the (free) Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to keep up with travel advisories and register my trip with the Embassy. However, I waited until the week before to get the necessary vaccines. I got four shots in one day, and my arms looked like they got into a fight with a cat. Please don’t do what I did! Set an appointment to get the necessary vaccines at least six months before you leave. You can go to CVS, your doctor, or Passport Health for a travel consultation to help you determine what vaccines are necessary for your travel needs. The visa price will be about $100, while the vaccine prices will vary, but set aside at least $600+ just in case.
Pro tip: If your job provides you with a Health Savings Account, you can use that to pay for all of your vaccines or use the account to reimburse yourself if you end up paying out of pocket.
2. Travel Insurance
It’s been suggested that you book your flight at least three months in advance, but I bought mine six months to be safe. The only issue with that is that your itinerary may change a few times, which could cause some unforeseen hiccups. For instance, I was initially supposed to go straight to Tanzania, but an overnight layover in Amsterdam was scheduled a month before my flight. Hilariously, that layover in Amsterdam didn’t happen because my plane was redirected back to JFK. After all, a passenger got ill, but that’s another story. Since we’re discussing mishaps, be sure to get travel insurance through the airline AND separate travel insurance for international travel. Travel insurance through the airline covers your flight and baggage. In contrast, International travel insurance ensures that your expenses will be covered if you get sick, a catastrophe hits, or you get pecked by a rogue flamingo. I received insurance through Forbes Advisor, but do your research to compare prices and plans to fit your needs!
3. Bookings
Skyscanner, Kayak, Hopper, and Expedia are perfect for looking at airfare price trends, especially on weekdays! Booking.com is one of my favorite places to book hotels and activities because, in my opinion, they’re reasonably priced, and (when you’re a member) you can get great discounts. When booking activities in other countries, be sure that they offer hotel pickup and drop-off. If you feel brave enough to meet the group somewhere, go for it, BUT I highly suggest you do the hotel drop-off and pickup option. I’d also suggest figuring out how far the activities are from your lodgings so you aren’t surprised by 4-hour car rides (I’ll share that story another time). Trip Advisor is another great place to scope activities, see reviews, and compare activity prices!
Pro Tip: Please read the full activity page for the fine print, such as cancellation policies, times the activities start, and what to bring.
4. Messaging
Whatsapp has been my friend during my international travels. It’s perfect for not charging your phone bill while contacting your loved ones; all you need is a wifi signal! It was also beneficial for my guides and taxi drivers to get me to confirm information.
5. Safety Precautions
This is a no-brainer, but please ensure your area is relatively safe, especially for solo travelers! Even in safe-ish places, there are areas you shouldn’t go to after dark. However, be sure that the place you’re traveling has a relatively stable government/infrastructure (does anybody have that, though?) and that the US Embassy isn’t too far away.
6. Miscellaneous
Listen, the items on this list made me feel prepared and made my trip so much easier:
- Carry-on backpack – $36.99 (this was a Godsend when I was stuck at JFK)
- Passport Holder – $11.59*
- Insect Repelling Jacket – $99 (this was helpful while hiking and on safari)
- Personal Safety Alarm Key Chain – $29.95
- Door Locks – $13.66
- Wrist Wallet – $11.45*
- Travel Blanket – $11.45*
- Compression Socks – Prices vary*
- Packing Cubes – Prices vary*
*These items can be found at Marshall’s and TJ Maxx
I hope these tips were helpful to you; feel free to add some in the comment section. Happy travels!!!
