How To Travel Alone: A Complete Guide For First-Time Solo Travelers

Traveling alone is one of the most liberating and rewarding experiences you can have. It allows you to explore the world on your terms, gain confidence, and immerse yourself fully in new cultures. But, if you’ve never done it before, the idea of traveling solo can feel overwhelming. Here’s your guide for how to travel alone, packed with practical tips and insider tricks to help you master the art of traveling solo.

A female look in bright clothes and sunglasses promises a warm and exciting journey. Dream suitcase: a girl in yellow clothes with a suitcase is preparing to move.
Photo Credit: YURIMA/Shutterstock.

Why Travel Alone?

Solo travel is a transformative experience that offers unique benefits you can literally only get from traveling.

  • The feeling of Complete Freedom: Set your own schedule, choose destinations you love, and change plans on a whim. The freedom to go absolutely anywhere and do anything you please (within legal limits, of course) is a feeling like no other.
  • Personal Growth: Build resilience, confidence, and problem-solving skills in ways you just can’t under other circumstances. After all, nothing beats the skills you gain from being in a country where you don’t speak the language and somehow still have to navigate your way around. You get creative really fast! And those are skills you’ll never unlearn.
  • Deeper Connections: Engage more meaningfully with locals and fellow travelers. This sounds weird, but the connections you make with people when you are in a similar travel-based situation is fast and deep. No, you probably wont meet your next best friend in a 2-day vacation, but you might! The possibility is definitely there!

If you’re ready to take the leap, let’s dive into how to make your solo adventure unforgettable.

Choosing The Right Destination

Start With Solo-Friendly Places

Not all destinations are a good fit for solo travelers. Look for places known for their safety, friendliness, and ease of navigation. Some great options include:

  • Japan – Impeccable public transportation, safe cities, and incredible food.
  • Portugal – Affordable, stunning landscapes, and welcoming locals.
  • New Zealand – Adventure-packed with a laid-back vibe.

Consider Your Goals

  • Relaxation – Opt for beach destinations or tranquil retreats like Bali or the Amalfi Coast.
  • Adventure – Choose destinations with outdoor activities, such as Iceland or Patagonia.
  • Cultural Immersion – Explore cities with plenty of history and rich traditions, like Kyoto or Istanbul.

Planning Your Trip

Research Accommodations

  • Look for hostels, boutique hotels, or Airbnb rentals in safe areas. Often, the best way to find out if an area is safe for solo travelers is to jump into a Facebook group for the area you are thinking of visiting. Those that have been there can give you invaluable insight. Prioritize accommodations with excellent reviews for safety and cleanliness.
  • If you are female, consider women-only hostels or co-living spaces. There are even groups like “Host A Sister” that cater to hosting women only around the world. Often for free!
Screenshot of Host A Sister groups on Facebook. A great organization for those who travel alone.

Map Out Key Logistics Before. You Travel Alone

There are some things you’ll definitely want to do before you leave home. Planning a solo trip doesn’t have to be hard, but there is a list of things you’ll definitely want to accomplish before you go.

  • Download offline maps (e.g., Google Maps) and transit apps. Trust me on this one. You don’t want to get caught in the middle of nowhere with no idea how to get back to where you need to be. Ask me how I know! 🤪
  • Research airport transfers and local transportation options in advance. It’s one thing to know where you are staying, but how will you get from the airport to your lodging? Or between locations of the places you want to see? It can feel like a lot to plan all this out. But a simple spreadsheet with all the collected information will make your trip go so much smoother! It also helps you stay within your budget.
  • Check the local emergency numbers and nearest embassy locations. This might seem like overkill, but in a situation where you need it, I promise, you won’t want to take the time to find them. You’ll want to “know and go.”

Pack Smartn When You Travel Alone

  • Pack light with capsule wardrobes. You’ll thank yourself later for not having to drag around 50 pounds of clothing everywhere you go.
  • Bring a portable power bank, universal adapter, and a secure anti-theft bag. I cannot over stress the importance of these three things. Phone batteries die at the most inopportune times, you’ll always need to plug something in somewhere, and having the security of an anti-theft bag will cut down on the stress of travel.
  • Pack hotel security items like a door lock or a personal alarm. You can get simple ones on Amazon that will work on any hotel door. While it’s sad that we live in a world where we have to think about this, this is especially important for solo female travelers.

Navigating Solo Travel Challenges

Combating Loneliness When You Travel Alone

The first thing a lot of people worry about with solo travel is that they will feel lonely while they travel. As someone who not only travel solo, but also moved abroad to Spain, I can tell you that, while you may have an occasional moment of loneliness, the very act of traveling pretty much keeps you otherwise occupied. But because it tends to be a big worry for some, let’s address it. If you think loneliness will be a big issue, you can do some things to make sure you won’t be lonely at all.

  • Join group tours or classes to meet like-minded people. Whether you sign up for a walking tour in the area you’ll visit, or take a cooking class while you’re there, these types of events are a surefire way to make friends and beat loneliness.
  • Use apps like Meetup or Couchsurfing to find local events or hosts. Meetup is great for meeting others just about anywhere in the world, and staying with someone who is local and will host you via sites like Couchsurfing will ensure that you aren’t alone at all, despite traveling solo.
  • Carry a journal or book to enjoy your own company during solo meals. Meal time is a big deal for those who worry about loneliness. And while I have never personally felt lonely going out to eat by myself, I can understand where some people could feel that way. Taking a journal with you to write in while you wait for food is a great way to not only document your trip and thoughts in great detail, but also to give yourself something to do which will keep your mind occupied enough to avoid feelings of loneliness.

Precautions For Staying Safe When You Travel Alone

  • Share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member. This should be common sense, but in the hustle and bustle of getting to the airport, we often forget little things like this. But unless the point of your trip is to hide, somebody should definitely know where you plan to be on any given day.
  • Avoid posting real-time updates on social media to protect your location. I know it’s hard, but do everything in your power to resist posting immediately. This is a skill I honed years ago as a content creator. It’s a tough urge to resist, but it’s for your safety. There are some crazy people out there who will actually try to come find you. Don’t make it easy for them. If you must post immediately, make sure it’s to a controlled page where only people you actually know can see. It’s amazing how many people don’t realize the whole world can see their entire Facebook profile, including pictures of their kids and posts that were intended only for friends. Check those security settings people!
  • Trust your instincts and avoid situations that feel uncomfortable. I cannot stress this hard enough. Your gut is something to trust when you travel. Never ignore it. No matter how safe you generally feel in an area, if your gut tells you not to walk down a particular alleyway, turn around and walk another way. Better to get a few extra steps in and feel safe than tell yourself you’re being ridiculous only to regret it halfway down the alleyway.

Managing Costs

  • Cook your own meals if you’re staying in a place with a kitchen. This will go a long way to saving your budget. We all want to sample local foods, but that can be done for much cheaper from a local grocery store. So if cost matters, make sure you book a place with a furnished kitchen of some kind.
  • Use public transportation or walk instead of taking taxis. Living in Europe, I have gotten used to walking everywhere and my body loves it now. It was awful at first, but now I don’t think twice about walking for an hour to get somewhere. Also, do some research on how to use public transportation in the place you are visiting. Is there a travel card you can purchase for cheaper ahead of time that will let you ride both trains and busses? Here in Spain there is, and many other countries offer this. While taxis are not unreasonable in many places, those costs can really add up.
  • Take advantage of free walking tours and museum discounts. Some museums even have free days at certain times, so if there is a museum you want to see, check if their free day will fall during your trip. Free walking tours are also a wealth of information and will help quickly orient you to your surroundings if you plan to stay for a while.
Doorway at Real Alcazaba in Seville, Spain.

Making The Most Of Your Solo Adventure

Embrace Spontaneity When You Travel Alone

One of the greatest perks of solo travel is the ability to change plans on a whim. If a local recommends a hidden gem or a fellow traveler invites you to join them for an adventure, say yes!

While you definitely don’t want to go somewhere with just anyone, use good common sense, feel people out, and stay in public places. Meet people there instead of getting a car with them. Ya know, common sense stuff. But saying yes to unplanned this is usually the best way to enjoy an epic trip you’ll never forget!

Dive Into Local Culture

  • Learn a few key phrases in the local language. While you may not understand the response, locals who speak your language will appreciate the effort and often reply to you in a language you have in common.
  • Attend local festivals or events to experience authentic traditions. This is something you’ll want to research ahead of time. Find out what’s happening locally in the place you plan to visit. First figure out if you are allowed to go or if it would be disrespectful or an outsider to attend. If it’s fine for you to go, then plan all the logistics ahead of time just like you do for the rest of your trip.
  • Visit local markets to sample fresh, regional foods. Nothing beats a great market. Especially outdoor open markets! You’ll get a huge sense of the culture, local food, and probably head back to your hotel with at least a small bag of goodies to enjoy. But here again, plan ahead. Figure out what days and times the markets are open, and please, plan to bring reusable bags! In fact, it’s a good idea to have at least one on you at all times when you travel. They have some that fold in on themselves into tiny little pouches and they are indispensable!

Document Your Journey

  • Keep a travel journal to record your thoughts and experiences. While we all tend to rely on photos and videos these days (thank you iPhone!), keeping a written journal of your travels will help preserve even the smaller memories that we all tend to forget after our trip. I can tell you from personal experience that going back and reading those journals is a really fun way to spend an evening.
  • Share highlights with friends and family via postcards. Everyone loves to get something personal in the mail, and these days, it’s a truly lost art form. Postcards are super cheap and the postage is minimal. But sending those postcards can not only brighten somebody’s day, but also help share details of your trip in the moment.

Pro Tip

Buy a postcard for each day of your trip once you arrive. Then, write a short summary of the day each evening, and send them all to yourself in the mail! When you get home, you’ll have a collection of postcards that you can easily have bound and turned into a small, unique book that you’ll love flipping through again and again. Just make sure you date them so they are easy to put in order when you get home.

Insider Tips for Solo Travelers

Stay Connected Without Oversharing

  • Use a VPN when accessing public Wi-Fi.
  • Keep a secondary phone or SIM card as a backup in case of emergencies.

Create A Routine When You Travel Alone

This is for longer travel. If you are staying somewhere for longer than a week or two, these suggestions will help you feel less “out of your element” in a new place.

  • Start your mornings with a ritual, such as visiting a local café or taking a walk. The repetitive nature helps your brain settle into the new normal and will help you adjust and enjoy your stay much more. It sounds silly, but even the smallest of routines will go a long way to making your longer stay more comfortable.
  • Plan a loose structure for your day to avoid decision fatigue. This is especially true if there are a ton of things on your to-do list. That said, if you are staying somewhere for longer than one or two weeks, giving yourself that wiggle room will really go a long way to helping you actually enjoy your trip instead of spending half of it in bed or lounging on a couch with Netflix because you’re so exhausted.

Carry “Just in Case” Items

  • A small first aid kit with essentials like band-aids and pain relievers.
  • Snacks to keep your energy up during long travel days.
  • A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
A solo woman admiring a piece of art on a wall.
Photo Credit: Artur Stec/Pexels.

Find Joy in Solitude

  • Use downtime to reflect, meditate, or simply enjoy the present moment. Being alone is not the same thing as being lonely. You can be lonely in a room full of people. Using alone time constructively to rest and recharge in whatever way suits you is the absolute best use of your time.
  • Take yourself out on “solo dates” to try new cuisines or explore unique attractions. This is especially true for longer stays. It’s easy to stay in when you know. you’ll be somewhere for a while. So make it a point to get out and experience new and local things because that will literally make or break your entire trip. Nobody travels someplace to stay in their hotel room. So get out there and see things!

Final Thoughts

Planning to travel alone can feel daunting, but it’s one of the most rewarding adventures you can experience. Start small, trust your instincts, and embrace the unknown. The world is waiting to be explored, and there is no better way to do that than just do it… alone!

Tiffany McCauley

Author: Tiffany McCauley

Title: Food and Travel Journalist

Expertise: Food, cooking, travel

Bio:

Tiffany McCauley is a nationally syndicated journalist and an award-winning cookbook author and food blogger. She has been featured on MSN, Huffington Post, Country Living Magazine, HealthLine, Redbook, and many more. She writes about food and travel.

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