First-time solo travellers have many things to consider when planning a trip abroad. Once you know where you're going, you need to calculate how the currency used at your destination compares to the rand and what documents are required. Will you need a visa, how much will it cost and how long will it be valid for? Get your documents together before you go to the embassy to apply. Book your flights early. This is the easiest part of planning your trip - once you've saved the money for the flight, that is. The sooner you book, the cheaper your flight will be. You should also look out for specials, which are usually on offer in holiday seasons. Take advantage of sales - that could save you a lot of money. Take advantage of long stopovers. It might be worth exploring cities on layovers - time and money permitting. When comparing ticket prices, ask yourself: "Do I need a visa to explore? Is the stopover during the day or night? Does the cost of booking overnight accommodation (for an ext...

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