1. Activities
One of the main determining factors that needs to be taken into account when choosing the itinerary for your trip is to factor in trying new activities along the way. The pace at which you travel will often be determined by how many activities that you want to include and the time you have available, but it is certainly wise to avoid trying to travel too quickly or covering too many miles every day, otherwise you may miss many interesting features and activities to visit as you quickly travel from place to place. One benefit of picking out an itinerary in advance is that it does allow you to book your accommodation in advance too, which does mean you can shop around for the best deals before you arrive at the next stop on your trip.
2. Security
An important factor worth considering when it comes to planning your trip is to look at the different areas that you intend to travel through, and whether or not there are any security concerns in that area, particularly when traveling in South America, Africa and Asia. Traveling through areas where there are drug cartels or armed groups can be hazardous when traveling with a group of friends, but for a solo traveler it is worth being particularly cautious because you are by yourself. Where possible, try to arrange any travel through these areas so that you are traveling during daylight, and avoid using any overnight buses where crime tends to be more common. It is also worth planning your trip to avoid any areas where theft or pickpocketing can be a particular problem.
3. Transportation
For those who are traveling solo, the costs of travel by taxi or rented car can be quite high, so one very useful tip is to look to take routes where there are public transport links such as bus or train routes. These will usually be significantly cheaper than traveling by plane or car, and in the majority of countries there are now online guides that will allow you to check the transport schedules and to get your accommodation in place in advance too. When it does come to booking routes such as long distance bus routes or train journeys, if you are traveling in relatively poor countries it is usually worth paying extra to take the luxury coaches or express routes where available, as these will usually be more secure which will be reassuring for a solo traveler.
4. Places to Meet People
Another feature that is worth incorporating into your itinerary if you are traveling solo is to see if there are any places where you are likely to meet new people, especially if you do like to share experiences and trips with others. This can include incorporating hostels that have a good reputation for being social places to stay, along with choosing a few activities such as tours or group sports where you will meet others enjoying the same activities. Solo trips may start out alone, but in many cases some of the best experiences are enjoyed with new friends or locals met along the way.