Traveling experiences are the best to remember once you get back to your country and look at the photos with nostalgia in your eyes. But one wrong step and it can become a nightmare for a foreigner in a strange country.

First-time travelers always stumble upon troubles, strange routes and lost situations. It's always scary at first, but fun to remember afterward. Today, the traveling community is expanding, and people share their experiences, traveling routes and guides to others, to make sure they will have the maximum experience in the country.

Before you go for bookings flights, here's something you should know if you are a first-time traveler and your destination is South Africa.

Create a travel plan before you go

This is how every solo travel guide starts out. Start your journey by creating a detailed travel plan. You need to know exactly what you want to see in the destination country.

Take a pen and paper for better visuals, or type it in your smartphone. Create a list of essential routes and places to visit and extra ones if you have time. Write down your plan B and plan C in case you are not able to follow the plan A. Be prepared for every situation and take your written plan with you everywhere.

Take small group tours

Contact a local traveling agency or tour agency and see if they have a place for a solo traveler. Pre-organized tours are great for first-time travelers. You won't have to struggle with finding the routes and streets. You can follow the guide and listen to interesting stories. And what's most important, you can meet fellow solo travelers or a group of friends and build links in a foreign country.

Conduct deep research to find the best tours that include visiting Cape Town, Johannesburg and Magaliesberg, Kruger Park, and Sabi Sabi Game Reserve.

Leave some days for your private tour

While guided tours can be convenient, setting aside time for independent exploration allows you to experience South Africa at your own pace. Whether you want to uncover hidden gems, visit lesser-known cultural spots, or simply enjoy a quiet moment in nature, planning your own itinerary gives you the freedom to create a truly personal journey.

Create your own destination list and take a stroll around the cities and places. Create your private tour without any groups and travel agencies.

The beauty of traveling solo is the possibility to enjoy the sights and views all by yourself. Mainstream tours may not offer to visit the places you have in mind. Take some time for writing down the places you'd like to see before you head out to South Africa.

Where to stay

Once you determine your routes and places to visit, it's time to choose the places to stay. South Africa has lots of hotels and hostels to offer, for everyone's taste.

For a more luxurious stay:

• Radisson Blu Gautrain in Johannesburg
• Hotel64 on Gordon in Durban

For cheaper substitutes:

• Once in Cape Town in Cape Town
• Terra Khaya Eco Lodge Backpackers in Hogsback

There's more to it, but let's stop on these for now.

Where to eat

Never leave a foreign country without trying their food. Here're some places you should visit in South Africa:

• The Local Grill in Parktown North, Johannesburg
• Burger and Lobster in Cape Town City Bowl
• Die Walskipper in Jeffreys Bay

Take these practical tips with you on your journey to explore South Africa. Try to make your first solo travel experience the best you can do and revisit the country once again with different goals.