The first time I traveled solo, I was 22, jet-lagged, and scared out of my damn mind.
But somewhere between losing my luggage and watching the sunrise alone on a Greek cliff, I found something I never expected: myself.
Solo travel isn’t just about going places. It’s about reclaiming your own narrative, step by unpredictable step. It’s freedom—real freedom. No schedules and compromises. No “where do you want to eat?” arguments. Just you, your curiosity, and the open road.
Ready to go from “can I really do this?” to “I’m already booking my next trip”? Then let’s talk strategy.
1. Start Small: Choose the Right Destination
Look—I’m not saying you should book a one-way ticket to Kyrgyzstan for your first solo trip (unless that’s your vibe). Start where solo travelers thrive.
Best destinations for solo travelers? Try:
- Lisbon, Portugal – Friendly, safe, and walkable.
- Tokyo, Japan – Impeccably clean, ultra-efficient, and polite.
- Chiang Mai, Thailand – Digital nomad central with great food and low costs.
- Barcelona, Spain – Vibrant, cultural, and host to every kind of traveler.
Look for places with:
- Strong backpacker/solo scenes
- Walkable cities and good public transport
- English-friendly signage and locals
Pro tip? Google “[city] solo travel Reddit” and see what people are really saying. You’ll spot the red flags fast.
2. Plan but Stay Flexible
Book the essentials:
- Your first two nights of accommodation
- Arrival transport (especially if landing at night)
- Emergency contacts saved offline
Then? Chill. You don’t need to script your whole itinerary. In fact, overplanning kills discovery.
Leave room for that random coffee shop chat that turns into a hiking invite. For the street art tour you saw on a hostel bulletin board. For the museum you didn’t know existed until you accidentally walked past it.
Don’t confuse planning with control. That’s the whole point—you’re letting go of it.
3. Solo Travel Safety Tips for First-Timers
Here’s the part where your mom—and your gut—will thank you.
Share your itinerary with someone back home. Even if it’s vague.
Trust your instincts. That tingling feeling that says “something’s off”? Yeah, it’s not being dramatic. It’s being alive.
Book secure stays. I swear by hostels with lockers, guesthouses with good reviews, and Airbnbs with verified hosts. For solo female travel, apps like Hostelworld and HerHouse are worth a look.
After dark rule: Stay central. Pre-book a ride. And no, you don’t need that last drink with the flirty stranger.
This isn’t paranoia. It’s proactive peace of mind.
4. Packing Tips for Solo Travelers
Rule #1: You’re carrying everything. So if you pack like a Kardashian, you’ll move like a turtle.
Here’s my solo traveler starter list:
- Backpack or carry-on only
- Photocopies of documents (stored in separate places)
- Offline maps (Google Maps lets you download cities)
- Small first aid kit (Band-Aids, meds, antiseptic wipes)
- Portable charger (trust me)
- Journal (because memory fades)
Oh—and pack light, then take out three more things. You won’t miss them.
5. Budget Travel Tips for Going Solo
Traveling alone can be cheaper—if you’re smart about it.
Accommodation:
- Try hostels, capsule hotels, or Airbnb private rooms
- Many offer free breakfast, which is basically magic
- Use apps like Couchsurfing (for the brave and open-minded)
Transportation:
- Opt for overnight buses/trains (sleep + travel = budget win)
- Use public transit passes, especially in Europe or Asia
Food:
- Eat where locals eat. Avoid places with laminated English menus.
- Shop at local markets. Cook in hostel kitchens.
- Try free walking tours and tip what you can.
Use a few smart tools—like the [Best Travel Apps]—to book smarter, track spending, and find deals.
6. Make Connections While Staying Independent
Solo doesn’t mean antisocial.
Want to meet people?
- Stay in hostels with common areas
- Join Meetup events for travelers and locals
- Check out Couchsurfing hangouts or Facebook travel groups
I’ve made friends over $2 beers in Vietnam and bonded with strangers during a laundry mishap in Berlin. You’ll be surprised how open the world becomes when you’re just… open.
That said—don’t force it. If you want a quiet night in with a book and your thoughts? That’s not loneliness. That’s luxury.
7. Embrace the Solo Travel Experience
This is the part no blog can really prepare you for.
When you wake up alone in a new country, and realize you get to choose the day. That freedom? It’s intoxicating.
You’ll learn to make decisions faster. Get lost without panic. Sit in silence without checking your phone every 12 seconds.
Journaling helps. So does photography. Meditation, if that’s your jam.
But honestly? Just look around more. Notice the smells. The sounds. The quiet moments no one else sees.
That’s what travel’s for.
8. Avoid These Common Solo Travel Mistakes
Quick list of what I’ve learned (the hard way):
- Overpacking. See section 4. Then reread it.
- Ignoring local customs. Just because you wear shorts at temples doesn’t mean you should. Research basic etiquette.
- Too much trust. Be friendly—not naïve. If something feels “off,” it probably is.
- No travel insurance. Seriously. Get it. It’s not optional.
Also: Don’t beat yourself up for bad days. They happen. Cry it out. Call someone. Eat fries. Move on.
Conclusion
You don’t need to be fearless to travel solo. You just need to start.
You’ll mess up and feel awkward. You’ll wonder why you ever left home. And then—without warning—you’ll fall in love with the world. With your world.
So here’s my final tip: go. Not because it’s trendy, or brave, or Instagram-worthy.
Go because you’ll never meet a more fascinating travel companion than yourself.
FAQs:
1. Is it safe to travel alone as a woman?
Yes, with preparation and awareness. Choose safe destinations, trust your instincts, and stay connected with someone back home.
2. What are the best destinations for first-time solo travelers
Lisbon, Tokyo, Chiang Mai, and Barcelona are popular and solo-friendly.
3. How do I meet people when traveling alone?
Hostels, Meetup events, Couchsurfing, and travel Facebook groups are great for making connections.
4. What should I pack for my first solo trip?
Stick to essentials: light clothes, documents, offline tools, first aid, and a journal.
5. Do I need travel insurance for solo trips?
Absolutely. It covers medical issues, cancellations, and theft—peace of mind in your back pocket.
