New Zealand is one of the must-go travel places for individuals who want to travel solo. Not only does it have gorgeous tourist attractions, but it’s also considered one of the safest places here on Earth. As a matter of fact, During the 2018 Global Wealth Migration Review, it was ranked as the fourth safest place for women and, the 2022 Global Peace Index has declared New Zealand as the second safest country in the world.
Not to mention, New Zealand is famous for its national rugby team, where millions of fans around the globe always wait for their games. Also, NZ has gorgeous beaches, high mountain ranges, and picture-perfect tourist spots you wouldn’t want to miss out on, even if you travel solo. So, if you’re planning to take a solo trip to this country, here are five things you must do.
Pack Only Your Essentials
Overpacking is one of the common problems faced by travelers from time to time. Even solo travelers face this issue since too many packed items result in them having too many pieces of luggage and not having anyone to help carry their items.
In this sense, overpacking may result in paying for additional excess baggage. Thus, pack only the essentials like some first aid kits, medications, and ideal clothes. If you’re planning to experience what it’s like to party in New Zealand, bring casual attire because it’s the typical attire people in NZ wear. So skip bringing those fancy attires as they’re not that needed.
As a solo traveler, it’s best if you could keep your things in carry-on luggage so that it would be easier for you to bring. There are many carry-on luggage available in the market but of course, try considering finding the best carry on luggage that is spacious and durable. If you bring too much on your solo flights, your baggage will not be the only thing that will weigh you down but also your excess baggage fees.
Prepare A Map
If you’re traveling to a foreign country without knowing anyone, you might get lost on your way. Thus, always have a map with you. It won’t matter if it’s a digital map on your phone or an actual printed map as long as you can read it properly. Although New Zealand has friendly locals to help you find your way, it’s still best to have something you can rely on when traveling around the country.
Plan Your Budget
If you decide to go solo, you have to plan your budget to survive financially. Include your daily food expenses, transportation, rentals, and more in your planning. The cost of living in New Zealand tends to be high, so it’s better if you allot a budget so you wouldn’t go broke once you’re there.
Additionally, allot some budget for one of the exciting activities you could do in this country, such as bungy jumping at the Thrill Seekers at Hanmer Springs or jet boating at the Huka Falls, perfect for those solo travelers who seek adventure and extreme outdoor experience!
Also, don’t forget to have your money forex exchanged. For instance, if you have Philippine Pesos, find a place that could exchange them for New Zealand’s dollar currency so you can easily purchase goods from stores you find there.
Book Ahead The Place You Plan To Stay In
Since New Zealand is a very well-known and safe country, many tourists visit it, and in this case, many people get hotel rooms to have a place to stay in. So, if you’re planning to go on a trip during peak travel seasons, expect hotels around the tourist destinations to be fully booked.
Try booking a hotel ahead of time to prevent not having a place to stay. It’s very simple and easy to book a hotel in New Zealand because they would only require you to have a valid identification card and cash payment once you check-in. Take note that some hotels require a person to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, so make sure you bring your vaccination certificate to make things easier.
Know The Best Time To Visit
NZ is known to experience four seasons: summer, winter, autumn, and spring. The best time to visit New Zealand would depend on the kind of experience you want to have as a solo traveler.
For example, if you want to feel the summer vibe of NZ, travel between December and February. It’s the perfect time if you want to experience New Zealand’s terrific summer activities like surfing, kayaking, and other water sports activities. If you want to experience the spring season, get a flight between September and November. Lastly, plan to visit around June to August if you want to experience a fun snow adventure.
Final Thoughts
Visiting a new country, like New Zealand, could give a person a new perspective on life. Traveling alone could help you gain experiences outside your comfort zone and learn more about the cultures and traditions other people share in a different place.
So, if it’s been your longtime plan to go for a solo trip, consider going to New Zealand as they have so much to offer for tourists like you. Thus, refer to the five must-do things when you visit this wonderful country.