5 Things I'm Glad I Did on My First International Solo Trip (And 3 Things I Wish I Did)

This January I took my first international solo trip to Portugal. It was truly the best way to start off the new year. I loved the country because it was home to beautiful cities and architecture, as well as jaw-dropping nature views (the perfect mix)! Not to mention dream-worthy food, rich history, and wonderful people.

As a Type-A personality, I put a lot of planning and thought into this adventure. In fact, my planning process kickstarted the idea of starting this blog to share with others and hopefully grow/join the community of travelers and solo travelers alike.

Without further ado, I'm glad I:

1. Did My Research

I knew where I was going to stay each night before I left for my trip. I also had an idea of what places I wanted to be sure to visit while in each city. There is a sweet spot of knowing what you don't want to miss while also seeing where the day takes you. I enjoyed wandering down alleys, stopping in mom-and-pop restaurants I walked past, and getting lost. You never know what you might stumble across!

2. Joined Tours

Joining tours was a wonderful way to see parts of the city. As a solo traveler, I also felt I was able to let my guard down a little bit when I was with a group of people. It was nice to just follow around an expert and take in my surroundings witho

ut always thinking about what's next. I booked two tours ahead of time, Douro Valley and Benagil Caves. I booked these tours through Booking.com and TripAdvisor, respectively, for a fair price.

There are also free walking tours available in most major cities. I did not join any of these but it's something to keep in mind.

3. Packed Lightly

I took a large backpack and cross-body purse on my trip-and I'm so glad that's all I brought! There were many layovers, changing flights, and travel days. For me, having all of my luggage in my hands gave me great peace of mind (and no waiting at baggage claims). Most Portuguese streets are hilly and lined with cobblestones. Rolling a suitcase around would not have been ideal.

4. Took Pictures & Videos of Everything

Once you are home and back in your routine, it can feel like your trip happened in another lifetime. There is a fine line of living in the moment but also documenting memories that can fade with time. I took my iPhone and my Pentax K1000 film camera. The photos and videos I have are something I will always cherish.

5. Gave Myself Time to Recoup

I gave myself ample time between touchdown and returning to work and it was such a relief. It gave me time to recover from jet lag, process my trip, go through my photos, and prepare to return to "real life."

On the other hand, I wish I had:

1.Spent More time in the Douro Valley

I took a day trip from Porto into the Douro Valley and could have easily spent another full day there. Think rainbows hanging over the valley and lush, green terraces dotted with wineries everywhere you turn. The Douro Valley was peaceful compared to the hustle and bustle of the city.

2. Brought a Full Size Tripod

I brought a smaller, hand-sized tripod that allowed me to a get a few self-timed pictures of myself. However, bringing a taller, full-sized tripod would have allowed me to get more pictures of my self out and about.

3. Spent More Time in the Algarve

I spend about two full days in the Algarve Coast region. There is an endless amount of beautiful beaches in the South of Portugal. I hit some of the most popular but definitely did not make it to all of them. I could have spent at least one more day hiking and sightseeing in this area.

Have you ever been to Portugal? What would you add to this list? Let me know!