5 Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Solo Trip

Following a difficult life event, a traveler named Melanie Gordon departed the US for a solo backpacking trip to Central America. Although the trip was ultimately life-changing, she identified several mistakes she made during her first month abroad that she hopes others can avoid.

Key errors included bringing too much luggage, failing to research entry requirements, oversharing with strangers, booking the wrong type of accommodation, and neglecting to process her grief. By sharing these experiences, she aims to help others navigate the challenges of solo travel after a major loss.

One of the most immediate hurdles was overpacking. Driven by anxiety and grief, the traveler packed items she did not need, assuming Central America lacked basic amenities. This included a massage gun, a portable clothes-washing bag, a headlamp, and excessive clothing. Lugging this overstuffed bag onto buses, boats, and up hostel staircases proved to be a significant pain. While comfort items are nice, the essentials are truly all that is required.

Additionally, a lack of pre-travel research caused significant stress and financial cost. At the airport, she realized she needed proof of onward travel to enter Belize and had to buy a last-minute return flight. During the trip, she lost her only debit card and had to ask her parents to transfer money via Western Union. She also accidentally overstayed her 30-day tourist visa in Belize and was fined for the infraction.

Navigating social interactions while grieving presented its own challenges. The traveler found that oversharing with strangers was not always the best idea. While genuine heart-to-hearts occurred, she often felt foolish for opening up to people who were simply on vacation to relax. She learned that discernment regarding who to share personal stories with is an essential travel skill. For those traveling while heartbroken, she suggests that virtual therapy can be a lifesaver.

Choosing the right place to stay was also crucial. She initially booked party hostels, hoping to socialize, but found the loud music and late-night drinking prevented her from connecting with others or getting rest. After researching quieter options and booking private Airbnbs, the vibe of the trip changed for the better. The right environment is vital for those traveling to heal and form genuine connections.

A major realization was that travel alone does not heal trauma. The traveler filled her days with activities like scuba diving, touring ruins, hiking, and snorkeling, and her nights with socializing. While she was having fun, she was distracting herself from the reason she went on the journey in the first place. She was not giving herself space to grieve, and after a few weeks, her feelings came crashing out at inopportune times.

Ultimately, she learned that the ocean cannot fix pain, and neither can the mountains. They can only hold you while you move through it. That first month in Belize was messy and lonely, but it was exactly what she needed. It marked the beginning of a much longer inward journey that continues today.