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Single Travel: Essential Tips for Planning a Solo Trip

The Editors

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People who have never traveled alone often describe their first solo trip as an almost religious experience. To take in new surroundings unfiltered by the prejudices, tastes, or preferences of a traveling companion can be heady stuff. Solo travel gives you the chance to indulge yourself fully.

Of course, traveling alone has its perils too—such as safety concerns, loneliness, and the dreaded single supplement. But a little preparation and common sense can save you money and get you through the rough spots.

Why Travel Alone?

How to travel alone safely, how to travel alone as a woman, avoiding the single supplement, tips for solo dining.

• When You’ve Had Enough of Solo Travel

The Best Solo Travel Websites

Solo travel can be the ultimate in self-indulgence; you can rest when you want and pour it on when you’re feeling ambitious. Another benefit is that your mistakes are your own, and your triumphs all the more exciting. There’s no worrying that your insistence on trekking all the way across town to a museum that was closed ruined your partner’s day; it’s your own day to salvage or chalk up to a learning experience.

Also, you can do exactly what you want to do—all the time. Always wanted to try surfing? Sign up for a class and go for it; there’s no one sitting on the beach feeling bored while you have the time of your life. Have no desire to see Niagara Falls? Just drive right by. For more benefits of solo travel, see 11 Reasons Why You Should Travel Alone at Least Once .

The 13 Best Places to Travel Alone

It’s perhaps the foremost question of the solo or single traveler: “Is solo travel safe?” Without a companion to watch your back, you are more vulnerable to criminals and scam artists, as well as simple health worries. But the saying “safety in numbers” isn’t always true—a solo traveler can blend in more easily than a group, and not drawing attention to yourself as a tourist is one way to stay secure.

Here are a few safety tips for traveling alone:

Do your homework before you arrive. Know how long it takes and how much it costs to get from the airport to your hotel or to the city center. Solo travelers are more likely to be “taken for a ride,” so ask the taxi driver for an estimated fare before you leave. If it’s considerably different from what you know to be true, take a different cab (or opt for a rideshare instead).

Choose the right accommodations. Book a hotel with a 24-hour front desk if you’ll be arriving late, so you don’t end up sleeping in your car or worse.

Trust yourself. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.

Carry good identification —in more than one place. If you choose to wear a money belt , use it for storage and not as a purse. Constantly reaching under your shirt for money draws attention to it and defeats the purpose. Instead, keep your passport, extra stores of money, and other important documents tucked away, and use a theft-resistant bag or purse for carrying daily spending money.

Stick to open and public places , especially at night.

Exude confidence. Whether you’re on a street at home or 7,000 miles away, walking confidently and with direction is an effective technique for deterring unwanted attention, since appearing lost or confused can make you vulnerable. If you are lost, walk into a shop or restaurant and ask for directions there.

Avoid appearing like a tourist. Ditch the Disney T-shirt and don’t walk around with your face in a guidebook. (See 10 Things Not to Wear Abroad for more thoughts on this one.)

Leave valuables at home. Don’t draw attention to yourself by wearing flashy clothes or jewelry.

Lie a little. When asking for directions, don’t let on that you are alone: “Can you direct me to the museum? I have to meet a friend.”

Check your maps and transportation schedules before leaving your hotel/train/rental car/tourist office. A solo traveler who’s too absorbed in their phone can be a mark for unsavory types.

Leave a copy of your itinerary with a friend or family member at home, and stay in touch regularly via phone, text, video chat, or email.

Register with the State Department. For U.S. citizens traveling internationally, consider signing up for the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) , which could help the State Department assist you in case of emergency. If you’re from outside the States, see if your home country has a similar program.

Arrive during the day. Areas around bus and train stations can be scary and/or deserted, and small towns tend to shut down early. Veteran solo traveler Mara Rothman of San Francisco notes that plenty of beautiful towns can appear eerie at night, and locals who are genuinely trying to help you can appear unnecessarily threatening. Arriving during the day means you’ll be able to find a place to stay and get your bearings before dark.

Trust everyone and no one. One of the best reasons to travel alone is to meet new people, but this also makes you more vulnerable. It’s okay to hang out, travel, and share with new friends, but you might not want to ask them to hold your money. Scam artists can often be the most charming companions you’ll find; you want to be open-minded, but keep your guard up enough to ensure your safety.

10 Travel Safety Mishaps (and How to Avoid Them)

Though some tips apply to just about every solo traveler, women traveling alone have their own set of safety concerns that most men don’t have to face. Here are a few tips to help you protect yourself.

Exercise hotel safety. At check-in, consider asking for a room near the elevator so you won’t need to walk down long, potentially ill-lit hallways to reach your room. When filling out guest registration forms, consider using your first initial instead of your name, and skip the “Mrs./Miss/Mr.” check box. Additionally, make sure the clerk writes down your room number instead of saying it out loud. This will prevent anyone in the vicinity from knowing where to find you later. Consider packing a door stop to wedge under the door in case the lock is unreliable.

Dress to blend in. To avoid attracting unwanted attention, dress as conservatively as the women you see around you. This doesn’t necessarily mean donning the traditional dress, but a good rule of thumb is to dress modestly. Think knee-length or longer skirts. Bare arms, shoulders, and legs are considered risqué in some countries, so do the research before you go and once you’re there. Note which body parts the local women cover and do the same.

Know when to buddy up. Seeking out company can help you have a safer and more enjoyable experience. Smaller hotels and hostels are great places to find like-minded travelers to explore new places with. And even when you can’t find someone to buddy up with, there are often ways to associate yourself with others so you’ll be less likely to be bothered. In some countries, there are women-only sections in trains and women’s waiting rooms at train stations. Sticking close to families on public transportation and in unfamiliar public markets is another technique some women use.

Combat harassment. Having a repertoire of harassment deterrents can be as important to women travelers as a sturdy pair of shoes and a passport. Not engaging with people who are bothering you can make you a less interesting target. If you want to avoid being approached during lulls in activity, such as while waiting for a train, carry a novel or keep your eyes on your phone to make yourself look busy and involved.

If a situation of harassment escalates, making a scene can sometimes be effective. Many societies place a high premium on respecting social norms, so drawing attention to harassment in a loud and clear manner may solve the problem. The sentence for “leave me alone” is a handy one to learn in the language of your destination.

What is the Safest Hotel Floor to Stay On?

Frequent solo travelers are all too familiar with the single supplement, which tour operators and cruise lines often tack onto your bill to make up for the fact that they’re not making money off a second occupant. The supplement can range anywhere from 25 to 100 percent of the trip cost, meaning that you could end up paying twice as much as someone traveling with a partner.

There are several ways to get around the single supplement. You can avoid it altogether by booking with a tour operator that doesn’t charge single supplements on most trips, such as Overseas Adventure Travel .

Many other tour operators, including G Adventures , Intrepid Travel , Exodus Travels , REI Adventures , Adventure Women , and Road Scholar , offer roommate matching. By finding you a roommate, the company maximizes its own profit off each room and saves you the single supplement. The catch is, of course, that you’ll have to share a room with a stranger. If you’re concerned, contact the tour operator and see what kind of procedures it uses to match roommates. Some pair people off at random, while others will try to put travelers of similar ages together.

Several cruise lines offer single staterooms on select ships, including Royal Caribbean , Norwegian Cruise Line , Cunard , and P&O Cruises .

You can sometimes save money by booking at the last minute. Tour operators eager to sell out their last few places may be willing to reduce their usual single supplement. Insight Vacations and Road Scholar are two companies that regularly discount or waive single supplements.

It’s not for everyone, but you may also want to consider staying in a hostel, which charges per bed rather than per room. Hostelling International properties tend to be reliably clean and secure, and they’re open to travelers of all ages. You can find more hostels and read reviews at HostelWorld.com .

3 Ways for Solo Travelers to Avoid Single Supplements

Eating alone isn’t so bad. Many solo travelers (and frequent business travelers) hate dining by themselves, worried that they appear like some worn-out Willy Loman of the road. There’s even a name for it: solomangarephobia. (Occasionally the fear is justified—see Terror at the Table for One .) The following tips can help you overcome what for many travelers is the most unpleasant aspect of going it alone.

Chat with the service people. Waiters and waitresses are some of the best local color you’ll find.

Choose the right eatery. Cafe or outdoor dining is often attractive to single travelers; sitting alone with a book in a cafe isn’t as unusual as a table for one at a fancy restaurant. You can also opt for a counter seat or a seat at the bar. A restaurant booth can also provide some privacy.

Bring reading material. If you start to feel uneasy sitting alone and staring down at your food, you can crack open a book, whip out your phone, or read a magazine.

Eat in. If you don’t want to endure yet another public meal alone, use room service or order carry-out from a restaurant nearby.

Eat well. Just because you’re alone doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take time for sit-down meals, a leisurely cup of coffee, or a decadent dessert.

When You’ve Had Enough of Single Travel

The constant sensory input and vigilance of traveling alone can wear you down. If you feel your attention or your body flagging, don’t be afraid to back off your ambitious itinerary, slow the pace, and kick back for a bit.

When traveling abroad, seek out an expat bar—locals will often know where these are—where you can hang out and speak your native tongue with some fellow expatriates and travelers. When traveling in more familiar locales, a hot shower and a night in front of the tube in a nice hotel room can often give you enough of a reprieve to send you out eagerly the next morning.

How to Meet Other People When You’re Traveling Solo

Best Single Travel offers vacations, cruises, and weekend getaways for solo travelers of all ages.

Flash Pack leads small-group trips of single travelers in their 30s and 40s.

GAFFL , which stands for “Get a Friend for Life,” lets you find travel buddies to meet up with in your destination.

Intrepid Travel has dedicated solo trips as well as a roommate-matching program on the rest of its offerings, so you never have to pay a solo supplement if you don’t want to.

One Traveller is a U.K.-based company leading trips for the “mature single traveller” (aged 50+) to destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Singles Travel International offers trips for solo travelers with an average age 50+. If the company can’t find you a roommate by the time you make your final payment, you can have a room to yourself for free.

Solos is a U.K.-based company offering a wide variety of solo-only trips around the globe.

Solo Traveler offers tips, resources, and destination guides for solo travelers.

Women on the Road offers tips and advice for women traveling alone.

Women Traveling Together is for women travelers, most of them age 50+ and unaccompanied, who prefer to be with a group of like-minded women. The company offers tours, retreats, and other getaways, complete with roommate matching.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Sarah Schlichter and Christine Sarkis contributed to this story. All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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15 tips for surviving solo travel

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written by Joanne Owen

updated 14.06.2021

Travelling alone can seem daunting from the comfort of home. What happens if things don’t go to plan? What if you get stranded? Is it safe to go out at night solo? All these  questions and more (what will I do if my luggage goes AWOL? What if my car gets stuck in a ditch? Will I get attacked by bandits?) often plague travellers before their first solo travel trip. To put those fears at bay, read on for our writers’ and editors’ top 15 tips for surviving solo travel. It’ll hopefully furnish you with what to know before traveling to anywhere on your own, and lead you to learn lots of new things about the world – and yourself.

1. Know your strengths

2. do your homework, 3. sleep around, 4. embrace yourself, 5. just say no, 6. take photos, 8. get an early start, 9. find your people, 10. revel in it, 11. embrace tech (and terrible films).

• 12. Don't hide

13. Learn local lingo

14. bring back up, 15. be aware of safety.

The sunny delights of solo travel © Shutterstock

It goes without saying that pre-solo-travel anxieties will depend on what you want from your trip, and what kind of person you are. Do you relish being outside your comfort zone, or does the thought fill you with fear rather than exhilaration? Are you a sociable person who wants to be in the middle of everything? If so, you might go crazy if you can't communicate, so head somewhere you speak the language.

Conversely, if you're travelling solo and more of an  introvert , forget the language barrier.  Vibrant cities  are perfect for people watching, especially if those with a thriving café culture. 

Definitely one of our top tips of surviving solo travel. Take time to consider what you want from your trip, and where you’re most likely to get it. For inspiration, and to help you focus on what you want, and how to get it, read our gallery guide  to the best 20 places to travel alone. 

Try a homestay or look for room rentals in an apartment – this gives you an automatic connection with residents when you're travelling alone. As a solo traveller, you'll have lots of options to choose from. Even if your landlord doesn't take you out on the town, you'll at least scoop up a few local tips. Hostels are ready-made for solo travellers too ( here’s our pick of the best hostels in Europe), but bear in mind you might wind up spending more time with other tourists than with locals.

This came up time and time again as one of our writers’ top solo travel tips - being alone for long periods of time can be daunting, but just roll with it. You might learn to love your own company along the way.

Solo traveller embracing freedom © Shutterstock

Or, if you're feeling social, you can always try to make new friends. Offer to take a family's photo at a big sight, for instance, or sit near a chatty gang at a bar. This really is one of our top tips of surviving solo travel.

Either way, if it's adventure you're after, read our round-up of the world’s best adventure holidays .

Enjoying a pint with new-found pals © Shutterstock

Sometimes, especially in more hospitable and foreigner-fascinated cultures, the attention you get travelling solo can be a little intense. Learn how to say "no, thank you" in the local language, as well as "absolutely not" – plus the local nonverbal gesture for "no", which is often more effective than both.

Also have local help numbers, such as the tourist police, saved in your phone. You'll probably never need them, but just knowing you have them can give you the confidence to deal with awkward situations, whether you’re setting off on a South American solo trip ,   backpacking Australia , or road-tripping Europe .

Backpacking essentials © Shutterstock

Making photography a mission, even if it's just snapping odd little details you notice about a place, gives structure to your day. Your friends back home will appreciate your perspective and the stories behind the pics. It's also a great way to reminisce after your solo travel adventure and remember what you've achieved.

If you fancy upping your Insta game, you could investigate taking an Insta-oriented tour. You'll find them in all corners of the globe, like this photo shoot tour of Oahu, Hawaii , or this Ho Chi Minh City Hidden Gems Instagram Tour - and pretty much everywhere else besides.

Snapping the perfect scenic shot © Shutterstock

While the thought of visiting restaurants as a solo traveller might fill you with fear (and you might be tempted to live on fast food to avoid awkward situations), put that fear aside. Fancy establishments are fantastic places to dine alone. Waiters are happy to help solo diners who smile and say, "I made a special trip just to eat here. What do you recommend?" Social folks might want to eat at the bar, but there's no shame in taking a table for two.

If you’re really into your food and fancy company at the same time, look up local tasting experiences. Some deliver in-depth detail on local delicacies, like this Parisian introduction to cheese and wine-tasting , while others mix culture and cuisine, like this immersive sightseeing and home-cooking experience in Bucharest. The world is your oyster when it comes to tasting tours (oysters optional).

Asian street restaurant - a local, social spot to spark conversation © Shutterstock

If the thought of bar-hopping alone makes you die a little inside, just recast your day. Wake up early, enjoy a leisurely breakfast (when all the good stuff is still available on the hotel buffet) and head out for parks, museums and other daytime-only activities. If you pack your day full enough, you'll be ready for bed by 9pm.

Use Facebook and Twitter to make connections where you're travelling. Offer to take local friends of friends out for dinner, and you'll be surprised how many people take you up on it – everyone likes to be a tour guide for a night. Also seek out your interests in your destination. While you might be travelling in solo style, you don't have to be a hermit.

To that end, and wherever you are in the world, you could check-out tours that tie-in with your interests, and your destinations' specialties - as the saying goes, “when in Rome”. Talking of which, as an example, when actually in Rome culture vultures could take an expert-guided tour of the ancient city in the company of other history buffs. Or how about this  Secret Roman History LGBT Walking Tour ? Footie fans will usually have no problem finding fellow aficionados of the beautiful game to hook up with - from touring the Maracana in Rio , to exploring Barcelona's Camp Nou (nb solo travellers could make the latter more social by taking a  stadium tour with tapas ).

You get the idea. Securing a slot on the likes of these trips - doing whatever floats your boat - means you’ll almost certainly be in the company of like-minded folk. A win-win situation.

Even if you do get lonely, don't lose sight of all the things you can do when travelling alone. Some of those perks are tiny – whether that means double-dipping your chips in the guacamole or changing your mind every hour, without worrying about driving anyone crazy. But the real bonus of solo travel is much larger: pure freedom. You can take the exact trip you want, and even if you're not quite sure yet what that might be, you'll have a great time figuring it out.

Solo traveller capturing the moment and seizing the day - in her own time © Shutterstock

Remember that it's OK to spend the occasional night in watching the TV in your guesthouse. You wouldn't be out every night at home - it'd be exhausting - so why try to do it for several months abroad?

A smartphone or tablet is a must now there's free wi-fi almost everywhere. Having tech to hand means you can check what to know before traveling to your next stop. Among many other things it means you can book your accommodation ahead and ensure a safe pick-up at your destination. And, if you're feeling lonely, you can connect with home, read the news, and listen to podcasts - perfect for passing time on long journeys, and a guaranteed way to travel to your destination in interesting company.

Long journeys - perfect for planning, podcasts (and catching up on kip). Image: Devil's Nose, Ecuador © Shutterstock

12. Don't hide

It's easy to be daunted by travelling alone, and retreating into the pages of a good novel can feel like the perfect way to escape curious stares on public transport or in restaurants. But going solo means you have a chance to really take in your surroundings, meeting locals and travellers alike along the way. Be content to be by yourself, but confident enough to introduce yourself to people when you want to be sociable.

It's definitely worth making the effort to learn a few words and phrases before you go solo travelling. Just knowing how to introduce yourself, start a basic conversation, order a beer and count from 1–10 makes all the difference. People love to know you're trying, however rusty you are. If you're wondering how to travel pretty much anywhere and make new friends, giving the language a go is a must. If travel opens the mind, learning local lingo is a great way to open doors.

It goes without saying that travelling necessitates having the right documents, and keeping them safe. For solo travellers, that’s even more important - no one wants to be left stranded alone and visa-less. So, make sure you’ve saved the likes of your passport and visa details somewhere safe. Email yourself photos of your vital documents, for example.

Be sure to back-up your vital documents. Image © Shutterstock

It’s also pretty essential to make sure you’re insured. Head here to check-out options offered by our World Nomads affiliate partner. Having back-up and insurance is a sure-fire way to travel to your destination with fewer worries, As the saying goes it's always better to be safe than sorry. Talking of which…

Solo travel can be both safe and rewarding, but be mindful of safety concerns just as you would travelling in a pair or group. Take care in large cities at night, watch your drinks, be aware of any local scams and keep a close eye on your valuables.

While it's certainly challenging, the hardest thing about solo travel is making that initial leap to do it. After that, all you need is a bit of know-how, an eagerness to explore, and these tried and tested tips on how to travel solo. An incredibly rewarding experience awaits.

Subscribe to The Rough Guide to Everywhere now ( iTunes ; Soundcloud ; Spotify ).

At Rough Guides we’ve always taken pride in telling it like it is - whether we’re updating details in our guide books, or researching emerging destinations. With that in mind, we want you to know that when you click on links that lead to our affiliate partners’ sites, we can earn a small commission (at no cost to you). This is one of the ways we’re able to keep doing what we do best - provide you with travel advice and inspiration you can trust. Speaking of which, you can trust what we link to - our travel writer experts are exactly that (experts) and have highlighted them to share ideas that might make your trips all the more satisfying.

Scenic solo travel header image © Shutterstock

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

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The Golden Rules of Solo Travel

By Olivia Morelli

The joys of traveling solo are endless. It is freeing to explore new places alone—you can go where you please, eat when you want, and enjoy quality time with yourself uninterrupted. The interest in solo travel has been slowly rising for a while, in tandem with the desire for deeper, slower, more connective trave l. For many, solo travel is the perfect way to achieve this—it provides an opportunity to trust your instinct, go with your gut, and get lost in the experience. You rely on yourself rather than on others’ whims or desires.

But, if you’re not a seasoned solo traveler, it can be a daunting prospect. In an age of constant connectivity, the idea of being alone for an extended period of time is stark. Below, we spoke to travelers who frequently book solo trips about their golden rules for traveling alone.

Dining alone isn’t weird

For most people, the thought of dining alone is one of the biggest barriers to traveling solo. But once you get past the conviction that everyone is noticing or judging you, it’s a totally freeing experience. “Dining alone isn’t as uncommon as you might imagine,” says Estée Lalonde, a creative director and influencer with a passion for solo travel. “I personally find it empowering! Sometimes I bring a book with me or watch an episode of my favorite show on Netflix with my headphones on, but other times I just enjoy the atmosphere and end up chatting to the people at the table next to me.”

Book counter dining at restaurants if it's too weird for you

If you are someone who does feel uncomfortable about dining alone, opt for a bar or counter seat. It’s much less intimidating than having a whole table to yourself, and you are more likely to end up chatting to the staff or the person sitting next to you. "The first time I went out for a meal alone, I went to JG Melon on the Upper East Side of New York City ,” Sarah James, Condé Nast Traveller ’s deputy digital editor, says. “I took a book, and nervously shuffled onto a bar stool for my burger—but ended up chatting away to the charming bartender and the women sat next to me. Now I often opt for a counter seat when eating alone, and no longer take a book with me. Either I end up talking to someone or just enjoy the peace. A general rule I live by—we're all so wrapped up in our own lives, no one is paying much attention to other people."

Consider a hostel

Not only are hostels affordable, but they're also great places to meet fellow travelers—whether they're in the same solo boat as you or not. Many have a cheap bar onsite that allows you to fall into natural conversation with compatriots who may become friends, or at least will have great tips for things to do.

Fake it till you make it

Most people feel nervous about meeting new people, and introverts especially struggle to make the first move when in a new place. But remember that everyone is in the same boat, and most solo travelers will have experienced those same emotions. The first five seconds are the hardest, but once you’ve introduced yourself, you’ll quickly realize it wasn’t as big a deal as you originally thought. You’d kick yourself if you let a bit of shyness ruin your trip, so use that as the motivation you need to approach a fellow traveler. And remember, if you present with confidence, that will show—fake it til you make it is a reliable life rule to follow.

Never consolidate all of your assets

“This is a lesson that I learned the hard way after getting pickpocketed in a crowded Jerusalem marketplace,” says global digital director Arati Menon, “I had stupidly carried all my credit cards and cash with me—luckily no passport!—in a single wallet and as a result, had no way of paying the hotel bill later that day when I checked out. Now, I always split my cards and cash (and IDs) across various places: wallet, purse, luggage—and if possible, store at least one of these in a locked safe back at the hotel.”

Don’t fear loneliness

“Remember that a bit of loneliness can be bracing and character-building,” says Toby Skinner, Condé Nast Traveller ’s features director. “My experience traveling is generally that people are decent, kind and interesting—and you found that out most acutely by being alone (whereas everyone leaves couples well alone.) Some of my most memorable travel experiences have been on my own—like when I was stranded in Nanjing at 2 a.m. by a delayed train in 2001, and a local student let me bunk in his dorm room for the night.”

Take the train

“While even the most extroverted of travelers avoid chit chat like the plague on a plane, I have found traveling by train to be a much more social means of transport," says associate editor Hannah Towey. "Last summer, I traveled solo on the Amtrak Coastal Starlight from Santa Barbara to San Francisco and spent the entirety of the 9-hour journey in the communal observation lounge, where fellow travelers rotated in and out, sharing tables and playing cards while admiring the views. As the sun set on the second half of the trip, a few musically-inclined passengers formed an impromptu band complete with an acoustic guitar and mandolin. Word slowly spread and others trickled in from other parts of the train to take turns singing songs in different languages. It might take a few more hours than a flight, but who knows, you might even find the Ethan Hawke to your Julie Delpy and spend a spontaneous evening together in Vienna.”

Plan around cultural events

Arriving at a destination just as the locals are gearing up for an important cultural event can be an incredible way to immerse yourself straight away. Look up religious festivals, bank holidays, and street parties to see what time is best to visit and plan accordingly. You’ll get a real flavor of the people, the food, and even the music, and you might end up making friends along the way.

Research solo travel in your destination

As obvious as “do your research” sounds, it’s an important step to remember. Look at online forums and speak to people who have previously visited the destination. What safety precautions should you be taking? Is it safe to walk between locations, or is it better to use taxis? Are taxis easy to find? What is the destination's culture like after dark? For women, in particular, it is best to plan ahead to avoid getting stranded in remote neighborhoods after dark.

Have a rough plan for each day

It can feel daunting waking up in a brand new destination and not knowing where to start, so make sure to create vague itineraries for your trip. What are your non-negotiables in this destination? Any big attractions you want to tick off? Restaurants you’ve been desperate to try? Beaches you’ve always wanted to visit? “I like to have 3-5 little activities in mind for each day, like visiting a particular store or trying the local cuisine,” Estée tells us. “If you have a bit of direction you can leave space in between each activity to be spontaneous and discover the local area.”

Build in group activities

Booking tours and group events is a great way to meet other travelers. Most hostels have a list of activities available for guests to sign up for, and if not, then there are walking tours or live music events at local bars. “Try to see people as opportunities," Toby advises. “I'd build in communal activities to your itinerary and remember that you’ll probably never see these people again, so you have nothing to lose in almost any interaction and possibly a lot to gain—though there might be a touch of male privilege in that.”

Walk as much as you can

“Sometimes when I travel to a new place, I can be nervous to leave my bed as a solo traveler,” Estée admits. “As soon as I get outside and start walking I feel better—like I’m part of the city and that I belong there!” Exploring by foot is a great way to get to know the bones of a destination. You’ll soon create a mental map of the area nearest your accommodation and might stumble upon some hidden gems you wouldn’t have come across otherwise.

Allow yourself to be spontaneous

On that note, try to allow yourself some spontaneity. Having a rough plan is definitely advisable, but don’t stop yourself from following your gut if you have a sudden urge to pop into a shop, follow the sound of the crowds or head for the beach. It’s often the spur-of-the-moment decisions that result in the best experiences.

Bring good books

It’s easy to whip out your phone and rely on scrolling when you’re by yourself, and while that is a great way to decompress if you’re feeling jittery, there are few things more romantic than settling in at a street-side cafe and getting lost in the pages of a good book .

Bring a journal

Journaling has become a popular pastime of late, and keeping a travel journal is a great way to combine the mental health benefits of getting out your thoughts and feelings with the memories and emotions of traveling solo. “I find all of that time alone enables me to clear my head, and journaling is a great way to regulate those emotions,” Estée explains.

Keep a separate copy of your personal details

Sounds old school, but in lieu of printing out paper copies of all your bank details, phone numbers, and accommodations details, try keeping a document of all your information and emailing it to yourself. This way, if you lose your phone, you can ask the reception of your accommodation or staff at a hotel/restaurant/bar to borrow a phone and log into your email account to access anything you need. It’s also worth memorizing your card details and any emergency phone numbers (both personal and local emergency service numbers).

Take other safety precautions

There are plenty of ways to protect yourself when traveling alone. Sharing your location with your friends and family back home is a lovely way to keep in touch without having to actually message them—they can watch your journey from afar and keep track of your whereabouts if you haven’t contacted them for a while. Remember to bring a padlock for your backpack and lockers if you’re staying in hostels, and study basic phrases in the language of your destination, just in case you get lost and need some help.

Don’t forget insurance

There’s always something that doesn’t go to plan on any trip, and as a solo traveler, you’ll want to make sure you mitigate any stress that comes from changing itineraries. Buying travel insurance is the best way to protect yourself from any transport cancellations and unforeseen circumstances, and will cover any costs from injuries or thefts. Sounds scary, but it’ll be worth it if the worst happens!

A version of this story originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller .

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Solo Traveler

Solo travel tips, destinations, stories... the source for those who travel alone.

Travel Solo for the First Time: Complete Guide for Newbies

June 7, 2023 by Janice Waugh

You're going to travel solo for the first time. It's a big deal and yet, not such a big deal if you know how.

You likely have some questions.

You may have some concerns.

Don't worry, we're here to help.

For more than 14 years, Solo Traveler has been helping people with solo travel tips for newbies, as well as for those stretching their solo travel muscles to more challenging destinations.

Some people don't give their plan to travel solo a second thought. Others live with anxiety at every stage of the planning process. For still others, their worries only come at the 11th hour. They are about to leave and start to panic.

Having a good sense of what solo travel is like and planning for it will go a long way to easing you into your first solo trip. There is a lot of information on Solo Traveler. In fact, there are over 700 posts about the many aspects of solo travel.

This post covers the basics of how to travel alone for the first time. It will also point you to more in-depth articles on specific aspects of solo travel. If you're in your 20s or 30s, check out this piece on solo travel .

It's my hope that it will help those who are new to solo travel find what they need to go with confidence.

Table of Contents

How to Travel Alone for the First Time

When first-time solo travelers announce their intention to travel alone, they often face a lot of questions from family and friends. The primary one is, “why”? To get this issue out of the way, read about the why of solo travel here .

Now, let's get on to the how.

Preparation for your first solo trip can be broken down into a number of parts. You need to decide:

• How much you have to spend.
• Where to go.
• How to get there.
• Where you will stay.
• How long you will stay.
• How you will travel at your destination.

Huh! Those six decisions look pretty familiar to anyone who has traveled. Yes, much of solo travel is the same as all travel.

However, there is another list, this time of questions, that first-time solo travelers need to consider:

• Am I ready to travel by myself?
• How challenging a destination should I consider?
• Am I comfortable with my own company?
• Do I want to meet people on my trips or is solitude my objective?
• What do I need to do to be safe?
• How do I ensure my loved ones that I will be safe?
• Am I better to go solo on a group tour or is independent solo travel right for me?

Those seven questions are not the questions that every traveler asks. They are, however, important for those traveling solo for the first time.

Below, we'll get into tips and advice that will help you answer each question.

Is Solo Travel a Good Idea? Get Ready for Your First Solo Trip

Solo travel is a confidence booster but you have to actually travel solo for that to happen. So how do you gain confidence before you go? I have a few suggestions.

• Find your cheerleader . When you tell people about your trip, notice who is excited about it. Spend as much time as you can with those people as they will build your confidence. Try to avoid the naysayers.
• Stop watching crime shows. They are not representative of the dangers in the world.
• Plan how you will stay in touch with home . The fact that you will stay connected will build your confidence.
• Find a local contact . Chances are, someone you know, knows someone where you're going. Get the concept of six degrees of separation working for you.
• Find out if there is a Greeter program in your destination so that you can meet up with a local.
• Be patient with yourself . Take your time. Please know that even very experienced solo travelers become overwhelmed from time to time, especially at the outset of a trip. It will pass! Be prepared to handle this by reading Feeling Overwhelmed? How to Conquer First-Day Solo Travel Anxiety .

Best Countries for a First Solo Trip

Your choice of destination for first time solo travel is important. It can make the difference between a successful, confidence-building first trip with a future of many more solo trips, or one with mixed results. I suggest that first trips be to destinations where it's easy to find people who speak your language. In your own language, you'll find it easier to navigate, feel safer, and meet more people.

Certainly you can travel your own country. There is always more to see near home. But if you want to visit another country, as many new travelers do, consider Canada , the United States , the United Kingdom , Ireland , Australia , or New Zealand .

You'll find more specific ideas for where to go on your first solo trip here.  You may also want to read  Best Solo Travel Destinations: Real Solo Travelers Love These,   Best Budget Destinations for Solo Travelers , and Summer Solo Travel: Great Destinations, Good Times Guaranteed .

Travel Solo but Not Lonely

Solo travel need not be a lonely experience. Many solo travelers say that they meet more people traveling alone than they do when traveling with others. After all, you are not focused on a companion. You are open to meeting people and that makes people feel comfortable approaching you.

However, there are things you can do to make sure you have a social experience. Here are a number of posts that will help.

• How to Travel Alone Without Being Lonely: 10 Tips & 12 Posts
• Eating Alone Is Easy When You Know How
• Expert Tips for Shy Travelers and Solo Travel Introverts

Stay Safe While Traveling Solo

There is so much to be said on this topic, especially when you are traveling solo for the first time.

Here's a link to our  Solo Travel Safety: 50 Tips post that covers just about everything you need to know.

Here are a few basics:

• Arrive at a new destination well before dark . Daylight gives you a better sense of the safety of a place.
• Take the business card of your hotel with you when you go out for the day.
• Don't tell people you meet where you're staying. Your accommodation should be your safe zone.
• Be prepared to be impolite if someone is bothering you. This comes up in Solo Female Travel Safety: Advice for What Women Worry About .
• Always have travel insurance . Since I started to travel at 15 years of age, I've always had insurance. Read: A Complete Guide to Travel Insurance for Solo Travelers .
• Use public Wi-Fi with a VPN. If you're planning to use public Wi-Fi for doing anything that requires security, such as booking a hotel room with a credit card, make sure you have a VPN. Read  Best VPN for Travel: What, Why, How & New Recommendations .
• Keep your money and credit cards in multiple places . Here's  How to Manage Money While Traveling .
• Download these safety apps . Here are 10 Solo Travel Safety Apps to give you peace of mind.

Remember, as you travel you're in a holiday mindset and a different culture. Both factors will affect your ability to judge situations. To keep you safe in a variety of situations, it's helpful to be clear on your safety rules before going. And, most importantly, trust your instincts.

Should Your First Trip Be a Tour?

When does a tour make sense?

• being alone
• your safety
• finding the time to plan
• missing important highlights
• navigating new cities
• getting lost
• If you want to go to a destination that you consider challenging.
• If you want to break up a long trip. If you're on your own for a month or more, you may want to include a tour so that you have company for a while and you can relax while someone else manages the details.

Tour companies are not all the same. There are a wide variety of experiences available and a number of things to consider when choosing a tour.

Read  How to Choose a Tour: Top Tips for Solo Travelers.

Taking a tour can be a good way to get an introduction to a destination and help you build your confidence. By adding time on your own at the end of a tour, you can then travel solo independently for the first time as well.

You'll also want to browse our solo travel tours  page or, if you already have a good idea of what you're looking for, use our searchable trips page to get to what you want faster. Solo Traveler is the best source for a continuously updated list of a variety of tour companies offering trips with no or low single supplements. If you'd like to receive it by email each month, you can sign up here .

How to Plan to Travel Alone

If you have decided that you have the confidence, that you are comfortable in your own company, and that you can take care of your safety, you may have decided that you will travel solo independently.

Here are my suggestions:

• Make a budget . Know how much you can spend so that you plan your transportation and accommodation, the two most expensive aspects of a trip, accordingly. Here's more on creating a budget , along with a handy interactive spreadsheet.
• K now the basics . Before you leave, be sure you understand the visa requirements and spend a few moments to understand the currency exchange. Make sure your passport doesn’t expire for at least three months after your trip ends as some countries have such a minimum for visitors.
• Book your flights/trains.  Yes, you check your passport and visa needs first and then book your flights. You don't want to get ahead of yourself, put the money out for a flight and discover later that you have to pay a fee to have it changed. Also, book your transportation so that you arrive before dusk. Everything looks better in daylight and, if your hotel/hostel isn't to your liking, you'll have time to make changes.
• Book your accommodation. Arriving in a new city, not knowing how it works, and still having to find a place to stay can be stressful, especially when it's your first time traveling solo. Plus, you can end up spending more than you budgeted because you just have to get a place. If you're looking for a hotel, we use and recommend booking.com . Here are a variety of other options: Best Accommodation for Solo Travelers: The Choice is Yours .
• Study a map. Maps provide a bird’s-eye view of a new destination. They give you a sense of distance between places and, therefore, what’s possible to do in a day. You’ll also get a sense of where the areas are that you want to avoid for safety reasons.
• Add important numbers to your phone. Research useful apps for your phone and download them when you have free Wi-Fi. While you may not want to stay connected with home as you travel, important numbers should be in your phone before you leave. Get the front desk staff at your accommodation to help you add important local numbers to your phone such as the one for your hotel or hostel.
• Pack light so you can manage your own things. One carry-on sized bag and a daypack or large purse should do it. Here's how to pack light . A reader recently provided an excellent reason for this from their own experience: “I used the info on your blog about traveling with only carry-on and a small wardrobe when I traveled solo to Peru. Having no checked bag saved me from missing a connecting flight in the Lima airport.”
• Arrive at the airport, train, or bus station early. Whether it’s traffic congestion or a massive lineup at the airport, many things can slow you down when trying to catch a flight.
• Don’t plan much for your first day. Take the time to settle in and get to know the city and how it works. Do people line up for the bus? What’s the street food like and where are the busiest stands? What’s within walking distance of your lodging? Take it slow and learn.

Tips from Seasoned Solo Travelers

Over on the Solo Travel Society on Facebook, there are many experienced solo travelers as well as people who are new to traveling alone. I asked those experienced travelers what tips they would offer a solo travel newbie and here's what they had to say.

• Annalie   Carry a game with you, like a backgammon set, chess, a pack of cards. People all over the world can become friends over a simple game!
• Scott   Leave the third pair of socks and the fourth t-shirt at home. Pack more smiles than you think you'll need, and more patience. Take all the expectations out of your pack and leave 'em at home.
• Pamela   Go to the market while you are traveling. The experience will shed light on cultural, culinary, agricultural, linguistic, and family composition differences. People are always willing to teach you something new and befriend a stranger with a wealth of information. My first experience of this was in Aruba. I saw very little at the market that I was familiar with, but I came out with knowledge and friends.
• Tony   Join free walking tours whenever you can! It's great for getting to know the city, learning its history, and meeting other backpackers.
• Laurie   When you travel solo for the first time–or any time, for that matter–spend Day One at your new destination getting oriented: stop at the local chamber of commerce for a free map and suggestions for must-see points of interest; if you ride, rent a bicycle, you'll cover a lot more ground and still be able to see things up close and personal; chat with storekeepers, cab drivers, and servers and ask them their thoughts about their mayor, their favorite place to eat and drink, changes they've seen in the area over the years, and where they would take out-of-town visitors. Spend the rest of your time following up on their suggestions and return to let them know how you fared.
• Toni   Give yourself the gift of strangers: ask questions, share impressions, get directions. Use Facebook or Twitter to friend or follow for ongoing exchange and learning.
• Sam   Make sure (wherever possible) that you arrive at your next destination during daylight hours. When you have to find your way from the airport or train station to your accommodation it is much less nerve-racking to do this during the day when you can see where you are going and there are lots of people around and shops open to ask for directions. Once you get to your accommodation you then still have some time up your sleeve to get your bearings, have a look around, and plan where you will start exploring the next day. Plus, if you are staying at a hostel it is good to arrive before people are making dinner or having afternoon drinks as this is one of the best times to get a feel for the place and meet new people.
• Tracey   Take the time to observe how people interact and how things work. While sitting at a sidewalk cafe, on a park bench, or just killing time standing in a lineup, I love to watch locals going about their day. If you pay attention to the little things, you can learn a lot: how to use public transit (and how to conduct yourself on it), whether to pay your bill at your table or at the counter, whether people are expected to line up in an orderly fashion or just jump in where you can, how to tip, or how to hail a cab. I find this particularly useful in a place where I don't speak the language.

Stories About First Solo Trips

What is first time solo travel really like? Well, that depends a bit on you, but here are a few descriptions by readers of Solo Traveler.

• Deborah I was a late bloomer as far as travel goes. I took my first solo trip to Nassau, Bahamas when I was 34. I was nervous at first, but I got there and made so many travel friends. I had a glorious time. I haven’t stopped traveling yet and I’ll be 64 soon. I'm planning another big trip around the world. I'm retired now and will live on the “road” until I decide to come back.
• Massy On my first solo trip I went to Japan. I am an introverted person and I get very self-conscious about myself (seriously). On January 1, 2013 I posted on my Facebook page the “2013 mission to Japan.” On my birthday in July 2013, I bought a ticket as a gift for myself. I got a lot of questions from friends because no one really went solo. I made it to Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. It was the most worthwhile and enjoyable experience. It was fascinating to see how communication clashes and cultural differences bring people together. It was just an amazing journey. I learned so much. I met new people. What a journey! It’s addictive.
• MG I went to Puerto Vallarta and I was depressed. Then I met new friends at the hotel. I didn’t expect to end my vacation having so much fun. This is one good thing about traveling solo. You get to meet new friends that you wouldn’t have if you were in a group.
• Leslie I had just gotten my professional designation, which took 7 years of exams (post-college) and I wanted to do something big to celebrate. I love to travel, but several of my friends said they couldn’t get the time off or couldn’t afford to go somewhere too far away. I finally decided I shouldn’t be held back just because no one could travel with me, so I booked a camping safari in Tanzania! I love animals and an African safari had always been one of my dreams. Surprisingly, I wasn’t that scared to get on a plane and fly halfway around the world by myself (and to a Third World country, no less). It was exciting! I learned that I’m much more self-sufficient than I thought and that traveling alone can be fun and very rewarding. Now that I know I can travel alone and be just fine, I feel like the possibilities are endless!
• Zola My first earned vacation out of college I booked a week in Mexico. I loved going on an adventure by myself. I learned a few lessons from first time solo travel that have been useful for my other solo trips I have taken to Bali, Egypt, and Thailand.

If you're looking for even more tips, don't miss The Ultimate Solo Travel Guide: Travel Alone & Love It .

Enjoy your first solo trip!

Sharing is caring!

Publisher Janice: info @ solotravelerworld.com

Editor Tracey: tracey @ solotravelerworld.com

Sales Simon: simon @ solotravelerworld.com

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20 expert solo travel tips for women from the Lonely Planet team

Nov 17, 2023 • 10 min read

Solo travel is one of the most exciting and liberating experiences you can have © Deepa Lakshmin / Lonely Planet

If you’re eager to see the world, why hold out for the ideal travel companion? Solo journeys create indelible memories.

Yet while voyaging by yourself can exhilarate, it can also be dauting– especially for female travelers. That’s why we asked a few travel-expert colleagues here at Lonely Planet for ideas that any woman setting out alone should keep in mind.

Here are 20 tips to keep you safe, grounded and ready to set out for the trip of a lifetime. All by yourself.

1. Seek out female hosts (ideally with pets)

If I’m booking accommodation online, I tend to opt for women owners (preferably with pets in their host photos!). This is partly psychological – but I’ve also found that women tend to think about things like where to go to avoid crowds or safer alternatives to more touristy places. It’s nice how protective women are of each other, especially when we’re traveling alone.

– Akanksha Singh , Destination Editor 

2. Ease into it 

It can be tempting to throw yourself outside of your comfort zone all at once, but doing things alone – solo traveling, or even just going out to dinner or the movies by yourself – can feel intimidating at first. But it’s a muscle you build up over time. Start with a day trip or an afternoon wandering a museum you’ve always wanted to see but didn’t know who to go with. When I backpacked through Australia and New Zealand , I tacked on extra days at the end of group tours so I had solo time to explore (and decompress!) after nonstop socializing and being “on.” I’d already acclimated to the new-to-me destination while traveling with the group, which meant I had more confidence and knowledge to navigate the streets on my own.

– Deepa Lakshmin , Social Media Director

3. Consider hostels for connecting with like-minded people of all ages

Hostels are a great way to meet people, especially fellow solo female travelers. I truly believe you’re never too old for hostels. Many cater to people of various age groups and backgrounds, and offer private rooms for added comfort and privacy. I find it’s easier to meet like-minded people in communal settings – the kind of people who are eager to exchange travel tips and stories with you and who genuinely want you to have a good time. I’ve made lifelong connections with people I’ve met in hostels. 

– Sasha Brady , Digital Editor 

4. Start with a solo afternoon

I’m not quite 100% to the point where I’m ready to dive into solo travel, so I like to just carve out a day or an afternoon of Rachy Adventures when I’m traveling with friends or my wife. (Said adventure often involves a croissant and an overpriced latte.) Some of my absolute favorite parts of a trip have been a rainy afternoon spent wandering alone in Boston , or sitting alone with a good book on a largely empty beach, taking in the waves.

– Rachel Lewis, Senior Social Media Manager 

5. Book some group activities

If you’re feeling apprehensive about taking a big solo trip, arrange a tour or activity for each day. This way your days will be organized around a preplanned group event. I made connections from all over the world on a solo trip to Australia in my early 20s – and 20 years on, am still in regular touch with a Swedish woman I met on a boat trip to the Great Barrier Reef .

– Fionnuala McCarthy , Editorial Director

6. Hop on a boat or a bus

I get my bearings by taking either a hop-on, hop-off bus tour or a boat tour. On my first solo trip to Paris , I decided to take a cruise down the Seine – during which I wrote out my plans for the trip and got to know people by offering to snap their photograph. I also find spending time in local bookstores to be a great way to immerse myself in the destination as well as meet fellow travelers and locals who seem very happy to help and offer tips and advice. 

– Brekke Fletcher , Senior Director of Content

7. Bring a book 

I’ve cycled and hiked and taken trains all over the world by myself, and I never did any of it without a book on hand. Waiting on delayed trains, sitting down to meals, relaxing in a bar at the end of the day: all of these situations are improved with a book. Reading can also be a useful way to put off any potential unwanted conversation. A woman on her own can be a magnet for chatterers, and I’m not always in the mood to talk to strangers when traveling.

– Amy Lynch , Destination Editor

8. Indulge your hobbies

Look for activities related to what you already like to do at home. For example, I love to thrift-shop, so I’ll often look up secondhand or charity shops in foreign cities: it’s a great way to get a sense for local fashions and find unique souvenirs. I also love to embroider, and I’ve spent hours at textile galleries, oohing over fine needlework and learning about local fiber-art traditions. I couldn’t do that with a bored travel companion.

– Morgan Wegner, Senior Operations Editor

9. Embrace “yes!” – within reason

One of the best things about solo travel is the freedom to make or break plans whenever you want. Some of my favorite travel memories (including meeting my husband!) are because I took a chance and made a plan with new friends over an impromptu drink or meal. Celebrate saying “yes” to things you wouldn’t normally do – but trust the voice in your head at the same time. If the hair on the back of your neck stands up at a turn Google is telling you to make, take a different route. Learn to expand your boundaries – while trusting your intuition.

– Erin Lenczycki, Photo Editor

10. Be present

Traveling by yourself is a great opportunity to be mindful. With no need to rush or please anyone else, I find myself doing a lot of thinking and reflecting while traveling alone. I try to limit my interaction with my phone as well to really enjoy the quiet. I find some of my most vivid traveling memories have come from these trips.

– AnneMarie McCarthy , Destination Editor

11. Plan rest days

For every seven to 10 days of travel, set aside a day to breathe. Sleep in, treat yourself to a nice meal or just give your legs a break. If you can resist the pressure to program every moment of your trip, you won’t feel like you’re “wasting” your time. This is especially true when you’re traveling solo and not on anyone else’s schedule. 

– Ann Douglas Lott , Associate Editor

12. Use apps to your advantage (and with headphones)

When navigating a new city on foot, plug your destination into a maps app, then listen to the walking directions through headphones. This allows you to avoid pulling out a map – which is equivalent to waving a flag printed with “tourist!” Most importantly, when you’re making your plans, try to resist fear (which is used to manufacture headlines and generate clicks). Language and cultural barriers can raise discomfort, which will make you hyper-aware of your surroundings. But that doesn’t mean said surroundings are unsafe. 

– Jessica Lockhart, Destination Editor

13. Go on a food tour

One thing that makes a lot of solo travelers apprehensive is the thought of dining alone. But if you join a food tour, you’ll have dining companions for the evening and the opportunity to try out a bunch of new restaurants ⁠— all while learning about the local culture. I joined a food tour of Trastevere while traveling solo in Rome : not only did I get to meet fellow travelers, but the tour included a mix of casual street-food spots (excellent for solo travelers) and restaurants. After you check these places out in a group, you may feel more relaxed coming back on your own for a solo-dining experience.

– Alex Butler , Managing Editor 

14. Travel with a power bank

Traveling alone, you will most likely be using your phone more than usual to take photos and videos, and for navigating maps. Even if your phone has a reliable battery, it’s always good to know you have a backup, especially if you’re on your own. There are plenty of small and lightweight power banks that you can purchase to slot into your bag when on the road.

– Zara Sekhavati, Destination Editor

15. Share your location 

To ensure peace of mind, I make it a habit to inform at least one person back home of my whereabouts using the Find My Friend app , which allows them to track my location in real time. While it can be reassuring for safety reasons, what I appreciate the most about it is the tangible sense of connection it provides. My family, in particular, loves that they can place me on a map and accompany me virtually on my explorations.

– Sasha Brady

16. Traveling solo doesn’t mean traveling alone

For me, traveling solo can be a great way to meet new, like-minded people. Join a tour group like G Adventures or Intrepid for an entire trip, book a day tour with GetYourGuide , find a class for something you’re passionate about like art or cooking, research some of the digital-nomad meetups, find a bar where they show the games of your favorite team…there are lots of ways to forge new friendships on the road. 

– Melissa Yeager , Senior Editor 

17. Don’t wait for a partner

I’ve traveled solo to places like Hawaii , the Amalfi Coast and the Dominican Republic . When I tell these stories, someone will occasionally say something to me like, “Oh, I want to go there on my honeymoon, so I’m waiting to take that trip.” My advice? Don’t wait. If you want to somewhere, even a place with a reputation as a “romantic” destination or a honeymoon getaway, go anyway. There are so many ways to enjoy a destination and to make your own memories, with or without another person. If resorts or entire destinations cater specifically to couples, you will see a different – and sometimes more interesting – side of it by going solo.   

– Laura Motta , Senior Director of Content

18. Don’t overshare

The temptation to share your entire trip via social media can be overwhelming – especially if you’re having a fantastic time. But for safety concerns, it’s best to avoid sharing every movement with every follower until you return home. Not only do real-time posts alert people to where you are during every part of your trip, but they also let folks know you’re not home. Consider sharing your photos and videos from the road just with a close number of friends, or wait until your trip is over to flood your social media. 

– Alicia Johnson , Destination Editor

19. Role-play at restaurants

Dining alone can be the best kind of mini-adventure. You can chat with the bartender – often a wealth of local knowledge – or other patrons. You can play at being an international woman of mystery and hunker down with a book or a notebook and pen. And if you’ve had a long day of sightseeing, sometimes it feels good to just sit at a quiet table and fiddle with your phone. The best part? Solo diners can often glide right to the front of the line at popular and award-winning restaurants, even without a reservation. 

– Laura Motta

20. Feel your feelings – and cry when you need to

Especially if you’re traveling alone for the first time. Especially if you’re far away from everything you’ve ever known. Especially if you feel confused or lonely or out of place. I’ve shed tears in more airports than I care to admit. You’re outside your comfort zone, and that’s scary! It’s normal to feel homesick and miss the people, places and routines that feel familiar to you. But you probably embarked on a solo adventure because some part of you craves something new – and any change requires getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, at least for a little bit. It’s OK to go through it.

– Deepa Lakshmin

This article was first published May 25, 2019 and updated Nov 17, 2023.

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Top 9 Solo Travel Tips

Planning your first solo travel adventure? Below are some practical solo travel tips from a (self-proclaimed) seasoned solo adventurer! 

Tip #1: If you’ve never traveled by yourself before, you’re in for a treat

Traveling alone can be a truly liberating experience. From start to finish, you’re in full control of what you see and do. Don’t feel like sticking around somewhere? Move on. Come across a potentially interesting detour? Explore at your leisure. You’re free to go about it any way you like (and be whoever you want to be).

Some are turned off by the concept – the idea of being alone in a foreign place evokes images of loneliness and boredom. As any seasoned solo traveler will tell you, these fears are overblown.

Traveling alone does not mean you have to be alone the entire time – far from it. It’s actually much easier to meet people when you show up alone. Sometimes, all you have to do is smile at people, and they will want to hear your story.

It’s also one of the best ways to get some thinking done. Solo travel clears the mind – the experience of spending parts of the day in solitude is akin to meditation. There is no more pretending or putting on a show for others – only the reality, and your reactions to it.

In short, solo travel is great way to get to know yourself.

Excited yet? It gets even better.

Thanks to our wired and interconnected world, travel couldn’t be easier. There are plenty of tools and resources online to help you every step of the way (see our “ Travel Resources ” page for a curated list).

With that said, below is some of my personal advice for aspiring solo globetrotters:

Tip #2: If you’re worried about being alone, don’t be!

Before you even set off on your trip, try taking a day off to explore your own town or city. Walk around by yourself and take in all the sights, as if you were a tourist. You may be bored or restless at first, without the company of anyone else. This is entirely normal, and just takes some time to get used to.When you are comfortable spending a full day just by yourself, go on a weekend trip to a neighbouring city or state. Take this chance to explore someplace new – on your own terms.

After a few such weekend trips, you may become addicted to the freedom   that comes with solo travel. You can go anywhere, see places in any order and be free of others’ schedules. Once the journey begins, you will see firsthand just how enjoyable solo travel is.

Tip #3: Set aside enough time and money for travel

One common piece of feedback from recently returned travelers is: “I wish I had brought half as much stuff, and taken twice as much money.” While I can help you with the former (see the “ Packing Advice ” page), you’re on your when it comes to financing your travels.

Some money tips for the road:

• Don’t plan to see everything at once – slow down. Give yourself enough time to fully explore a city before you move on. This will not only make your trip more enjoyable, but will save you money. A good chunk is typically spent on transportation (e.g. airplane tickets), and taking it slow is a great way to save.
• Try to stick to a daily budget. Some days you’ll go over, and some under. But do try to stick to one if you’re trying to stretch money out. For an idea of how much things cost abroad, Numbeo is an invaluable resource.
• Before you set off, figure out how you will be paying for things. Avoid using currency exchange services – they often have horrible exchange rates (especially the ones in airports). While your credit card will probably have the best exchange rate, keep in mind that many businesses are still cash-only (especially in third world countries). For this reason, it may make sense to go with a bank that offers refunds on foreign ATM fees (for Americans, Charles Schwab is the best choice).
• If you really need cash, simply using an ATM with your debit card is the likely the best way to get a good exchange rate.
• If you don’t have much cash saved up, consider traveling to a more affordable part of the world. South East Asia, Eastern Europe, and much of Latin America can be done on $40 to 50 USD/day, while costs go up dramatically once you set foot into North America, Western/Northern Europe, or major East Asian cities (e.g. Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore). Note: these are merely ballpark figures, and the real cost will depend on your preferences (e.g. if you’re willing to stay at a hostel).
• For some ideas based on your budget, check out the latest Backpacker Price Index .

Remember that there are many viable alternatives to traditional hotels. Consider booking a bedroom (or an apartment) on Airbnb.

There are ways to earn money while on the road (e.g. bartending, teaching English, manual labor). If you’ve got some skills and/or willing to work, you can probably make ends meet. Some travel this way for long periods of time (it pays to be resourceful). Note: if you go this route, check to make sure what you’re doing is legal. Also, double check the tax laws of your country of citizenship to make sure you’re following the rules.

Tip #4: Take advantage of the fact that you’re traveling alone

If you’re willing to be flexible with your schedule, there are all sorts of deals to be had on tickets and accommodations (e.g. airfare is often cheaper when departing mid-week). Many places have a peak (tourist) season, usually when the weather is optimal – if you want to beat the crowds, try going there near the start or end of the season (each city guide on the site has “Best time to visit” info).

Note: many travel booking sites have a “price alert” feature that will send information about price drops to your inbox – this is a great way to snag deals/discounts as they come up. Simply put, do your research ahead of time.

Tip #5: Sort out your medical needs before you leave

While there are many countries with great healthcare systems, the last thing you need is to worry about getting a prescription refill on the road. Get this sorted out before you take off. In addition, make sure you get all the relevant travel immunizations (check the CDC site for destination-specific recommendations).

Tip #6: Keep a diary of your travels

Whether it’s something as simple as an Instagram feed or a full-blown WordPress blog, try to keep a record of where you’ve been – it will be useful later, for reminiscing and sharing with others.

Tip #7: Let your family and friends know where you’re going

They miss you… and they worry too much!

Tip #8: Let your bank know you’re traveling, too

Call ahead and give them a heads up – there’s nothing worse than finding out that all your bank/credit cards have been frozen due to “illegitimate” activity (foreign transactions are flagged immediately).

Tip #9: Use common sense on the road

As a solo traveler, you have to rely on yourself. Without friends to get you out of trouble, you must learn to stay alert and observant. A good practice is to try and blend in with the locals. Follow the local customs, and don’t try to show off.

It’s also a good idea to avoid certain conversation topics – the most sensitive ones are religion, politics, and sex. One sure way to stir up an argument is by trying to “re-educate” the local population.

Some cities are considerably more dangerous at night. In any case, try to stay in well-lit areas and always in sight of other people. Keep calm, cautious and use common sense. Avoid picking fights, or starting a scene for no reason. Don’t rely on locals to help you out if you’re causing trouble.

Respect local laws, and be polite.

TL;DR : don’t worry – it’s going to be just fine.

Travel, no matter the form it takes, will open your mind to new possibilities, cultures, and ways of living.

The best part of your trip very well might be the moment you return. Travel has a way of reminding us to treasure what we already have.

PS. Don’t forget to check out our handy guides (all available from the Home Page ). Safe travels! ?

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• Solo Travel

25 Things Solo Travelers Must Do on a Trip

Traveling alone is a one-of-a-kind experience. Ask anyone who has done a solo trip and they’ll tell you. You can feel like you’re on top of the world one minute, and the next can remind you that you’re a tiny speck swallowed up in it all. But that’s part of the draw, right? That tug-of-war between adventure and risk that you don’t quite feel on a family vacation, honeymoon, or a weekend getaway with friends is catching on. According to the 2015 Visa Global Travel Intentions Study , one in five travelers took their most recent leisure trip on their own. There are endless advantages to traveling without anyone else in tow. You can choose your destination without having to consult or compromise. You set the budget, the dates, and the itinerary—and that’s all before you even arrive. While there, you have the luxury of pursuing anything that catches your eye, be it a piece of art, a side trail,your future spouse, or a nap. If it’s what you want, it’s not a waste of your time. The complete freedom of solo travel can sometimes seem intimidating, though, especially if you don’t consider yourself the spontaneous type. There are two reactions that come with knowing your entire excursion is up to you: peace and anxiety. If you’re feeling more of the latter, we’re here to help. So book your ticket, find somewhere comfortable to stay, and read up on the smartest solo travel hacks before you go, because you’re officially out of excuses. Regardless of where you’re headed, we’ve thought of 25 ways to maximize your me-time abroad. From dining out and shopping to touring and exploring, these suggestions may not all be for you, but that’s kind of the point of solo travel: to figure out what is.

1. Take yourself out to dinner

It can seem intuitive to grab food on the go or stock your backpack first, but there’s no reason a meal on your own shouldn’t be a sit-down affair—just as it would if you were meeting a date or a friend. In destinations known for group dining, you might be more comfortable finding a place where you can eat at the bar instead of at a table; most bartenders will be up for a chat. Either way, treat yourself to an awesome meal and relish that you avoided the conversational Ping-Pong of, “Where should we go,” “I don’t know.”

2. Learn the art of people watching

If your table for one happens to be on the sidewalk or by a window—or even facing the rest of the dining room—mealtime can be a great source of entertainment. Think of people-watching as a visual study of what’s different (and what’s universal) about the way passersby dress, carry themselves, greet each other, make jokes, and converse. You’ll be surprised by how interesting it is to be a fly on the wall of everyday human interaction. Post up on a park bench and observe, live-Tweeting optional, sunglasses recommended.

3. Meet the locals

Talking to strangers is one thing that can seem intimidating about traveling alone. Though chances are it will be more effortless and rewarding than you’re imagining, meeting people abroad doesn’t have to be an in-the-moment interaction. Before you leave, ask friends and family if they have any connections where you’re heading. Talk to people who have been there. You might meet an old friend of your mom’s or a distant family member with memories to share. If you don’t end up with any leads, just keep in mind the easiest go-to ice breaker: “Hi, I’m from [insert home country or city] and I’m visiting for a week, do you have any recommendations?”

4. Make a valiant attempt to speak the language

Please don’t go in linguistically blind. Good solo travelers—and travelers in general—should at least get familiar with the conversational basics of your destinations’ official language; the everyday essential phrases. Even if you botch the pronunciation, your willingness to make the effort is appreciated. Here’s a list of some of the best translation apps for travelers to help decode on the go.

5. Ditch your map app

If you’re in search of a particular address, by all means, navigate away. But if you’re not, and you’re staring down at your screen watching a GPS dot blip along the streets of Paris, stop that. You’re in Paris: your eyeballs should be looking at everything that is not your phone. You don’t have to turn it off, just stow it safely away. Spend a few hours taking rights and lefts at random, and expect to happen upon something wonderful.

6. In fact, ditch your phone altogether

If you’re really brave—or need to save battery—power down for a while. If you end up getting lost, you’ll find your way—and will walk a little taller when it’s over. You never know what you might find when you do.

7. Spend some time in nature

Like many other things on this list, you get to choose the level of adventure that appeals to you. Especially if you’re alone, you don’t need to summit a 10,000-foot mountain or dive from the top of a colossal waterfall into a plunge pool. A winding walk down some forest trails or a breezy bike ride through a park can be just as invigorating.

8. Blend into the crowds

Maybe being surrounded by luscious greenery isn’t your jam, and you’d prefer to be engulfed in a rush of colorful conversation. Scout out a local event or gathering place—a market, a sporting event, a festival, a parade—that interests you. These are some of the best places to get a feel for the energy of a place.

9. Pay extra attention

It’s not only smart to be alert and observant for your personal safety, but remembering to look up and down and around corners and over your shoulder ensures you’ll leave no detail undiscovered. In a new place, it’s easy to train your eye to notice the character and the minutiae of your surroundings. But it’s a skill you can take home with you, too.

10. Be smart and safe

Approaching your trip with a “what can go wrong probably will” attitude doesn’t make you a pessimist, it makes you prepared. Take all of the precautions you can imagine. With advice on visas and passport tips , the U.S. State Department’s travel site is a great resource, and register your trip with your destination’s U.S. consulate office. It’s also smart to make sure you leave at least a rough outline of your plans with a few loved ones before you go.

11. Be selfish

One beauty of traveling solo is the glorious break from compromise. It is the quintessence of “you do you.” You can spend your time exactly as you want to, pursuing anything that catches your eye, judgment-free. It’s easier to do when you’re actually there, but try to summon that solo freedom as you’re planning, too. If you can, don’t feel guilty about treating yourself. Book a really indulgent spa session or spend a night at a really fabulous five-star hotel.

12. Take a class in something you know

Find something you love to do at home and try it out abroad. Instead of having to miss your regular yoga session or weekly ceramics class, seek out a far-flung substitute and give it a shot. Doing an activity you’re comfortable with will keep you from feeling like an outsider, and it’s a smart way to meet locals and other travelers with mutual interests.

13. Take a class in something unfamiliar

Take your trip to the next level and schedule something you’ve always thought would be fun—a sailing lesson, a via ferrata climb, a winemaking workshop. The options to push your boundaries with a new experience are practically endless.

14. Tag along with a tour group

There are tours focused on nature, art and architecture, horseback riding, scuba diving, breweries and vineyards. Your whole trip can be one continuous tour if you’d like. More and more companies are accommodating single travelers in search of the perfect solo safari, cruise, or other guided experience. It may be helpful to work with an agent to seek out specials and companies that work with solo travelers .

15. Do some low-key learning at museums and monuments

Some people love the deep-dive history and personal anecdotes a guide can provide, but if you prefer to peruse an occasional plaque here and there, then go it alone. That way, you’re free to wander, take your time, and be exactly as interested as you want to be.

16. Keep a travel journal

Your photos will help you remember where you’ve been, but a journal can capture how it felt to be there. Document your trip and your thoughts—there will be many—however you choose. Write, sketch, tape in tickets and receipts, press flowers, paint elaborately gorgeous landscapes . Notebooks have no rules.

17. Attend a performance

Even when you go to see a show with friends, it can feel like the story playing out in front of you is yours alone. Catch a play. Take in a traditional dance performance. Spend all day at a music festival. Even if you don't understand the language, in live performance, words and lyrics are no barrier to emotion.

18. Pop into any shop that calls to you

Shopping alone is a luxury experience whether you’re stepping into a used bookstore or a pristine boutique. There will be no one waiting on the bench outside for you to wrap it up. You can ask about the price of a necklace and end up chatting for 45 minutes with the shop owner. Then, when you wear that necklace and someone compliments you on it, you get to tell your souvenir storyand go back to that sunny afternoon in Siena.

19. Send postcards

Yes, it’s true that postcards are dying at the thumbs of social media, but that only adds to their charm. If you find yourself missing the people you love, tell them as much as you can squeeze into that tiny blank rectangle—where you’re staying, what you’ve seen and done, the things that have reminded you of them or that you think they’d love to hear—the old-fashioned way.

20. Embrace the introspective moments

Unless you pack your schedule to the brim and exhaust yourself with activities, it’s hard to avoid spending some time in your head. Every traveler has baggage, and those dips into solitude are one of the many reasons people turn to a solo sojourn as a means of healing or moving on . Embrace it.

21. Bring a book and/or good music

Between the energy of new people and places and the deep peace of being alone, at some point you may crave a sweet spot in the middle. This is the perfect time to open up a book, power on your e-reader, or slide on your headphones and check out for a little while. If you’re taking any side trips, it’ll make for great en route entertainment.

22. Look into a retreat or voluntourism group

Picture your version of a grown-up summer camp and find out of it exists somewhere in the world. Head to a wellness retreat. Look into charity efforts in a country you’d love to visit. There is no standard way to travel on your own.

23. Don’t judge your choices

Try not to impose the phantom pressure of other people on yourself when making decisions. If you want to do something, it doesn’t matter whether or not you “should.” Even if it’s a nap, it’s not a waste of your time if it’s what you truly want. If you want to see the most popular tourist attractions, go. Don’t skip anything you are genuinely interested in because someone once made fun of it within earshot. You are traveling to make your heart happy and for nothing—and no one—else.

24. Trust your instincts

Listen closely to any gut feelings you have about people, places, and things, and build confidence in those strange inner twinges we sometimes choose to ignore. You have to protect yourself. The first time you realize you’ve avoided or figured out a crisis on your own—whether that’s taking a wrong turn or realizing you just left your passport in the hotel safe after checking out—is so empowering.

25. Get to know yourself

Traveling allows you to discover a destination, but that’s almost never the only way it changes you. Even if you consider yourself independent most days, you’re still surrounded by a comfort zone. On a solo trip, you leave all of that behind for a while. Your thoughts, actions, desires, and tastes may be different than you thought. Do yourself a favor and explore them.

Related Articles

How To Travel Solo Successfully: 31+ Tips For A Safe & Fun Trip

By Jessie Festa. This solo travel guide contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Want to learn how to travel solo successfully ?

Then you’re in the right place!

Solo travel can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only does it allow you ultimate freedom over your itinerary, but it can also encourage personal growth. Quite honestly, I don’t know if I would have had the confidence to start my own travel business had it not been for my experiences traveling solo.

That being said, it can be intimidating to actually book that first solo trip.

If you have the desire to travel alone but need some guidance on how to prepare for solo travel and actually enjoy it, I’m here to help.

Keep reading for my top traveling solo tips as well as bonus resources to help you successfully travel on your own.

Quick tip: When traveling solo, it’s still smart to pack a few travel safety essentials . One top pick is the She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm , which is TSA-approved and can help scare away potential attackers. Other recommendations include Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments and Speakeasy Travel Supply Hidden Pocket Scarves .

Table of Contents

Travel Solo With Confidence [Free Course]

But first, before we get into our guide to how to enjoy a holiday alone , I invite you to grab a seat in my  free Savvy Solo Traveler E-Course .

If you want to travel solo, this 6-day course is for you. It’s designed to help you feel confident about booking your first solo travel trip and exploring the world alone.

Lessons include:

• Common solo travel fears and how to overcome them
• How to choose your perfect destination
• How to tell loved ones you’re hitting the road solo
• Mentally preparing for your solo journey without losing your mind
• Essential steps for staying safe on a solo trip
• How to take amazing solo selfies

Once you’ve  grabbed your seat , read on to learn how to travel solo successfully and to snag the bonus solo female travel resources .

Is It Hard To Travel Alone?

No travel experience is perfect, though sometimes it seems like you can get pretty close.

There are both  pros and cons to traveling alone . While the experience can be both rewarding and empowering, it can get a little lonely and your safety risk is a little higher since you don’t have anyone watching your back.

I’m a firm believer that everyone should have the opportunity to experience it at least once, simply because there’s so much to learn about yourself while figuring out how to travel alone.

So, no, it’s not hard to travel alone — but you might come across different challenges you’ll need to overcome. That’s where this handy guide sharing my top travel solo tips comes in.

Tips For How To Travel Solo Successfully

On that note, I’d love to share some of my top pieces of advice for how to travel by yourself. My goal: that you feel confident taking a vacation alone and can enjoy this rewarding experience!

Before Taking A Solo Trip:

1. get clear on why you want to travel solo.

When it comes to how to start traveling alone, it really starts with mindset.

One of the main benefits of solo travel is having ultimate freedom over your itinerary. I recommend taking advantage of this aspect and really getting clear on why this solo trip is so important to you.

• What excites you about the idea of taking a trip by yourself?
• What prompted your desire to start traveling alone?
• When you visualize traveling on your own, what do you see?

In short, the best way to succeed at solo travel is to know what you want to get out of it in the first place and then plan your itinerary accordingly.

2. Set your solo travel expectations

Truth: the first few days of your solo trip will likely be hard. You’ll be diving into a completely new experience in an unfamiliar place, and you might feel lonely, homesick, and culture shock.

Also realize that as you begin exploring and immersing yourself in your destination, these feelings will subside. In fact, for many people they go away completely and turn into a love of traveling alone.

Once it really sinks in just how great traveling without needing to compromise is, your perspective can shift drastically.

And if it doesn’t and you truly hate solo traveling, know that you can always end your trip early and head back home.

3. Turn solo travel anxiety into excitement

Fun fact: fear and excitement are both arousal emotions — so when you’re feeling anxious, try to shift that toward exhilaration.

I’ve actually utilized this little mindset trick many times. Basically, if I’m feeling nervous I’ll actually visualize feeling excited — until I truly am!

4. Do your travel research

It can be fun to add a little spontaneity into your solo trip, but the best solo travel tip is to do your research and show up well-prepared so that you don’t miss anything you’re hoping to experience.

One personal travel research fail happened to me in Zadar, Croatia. I’d been really wanting to go to Plitvice Lakes National Park; however, as I was visiting during the off-season, the buses going there were way less frequent. In the end, the schedule didn’t align with my exact travel dates.

If I would have done my research, I could have easily figured this out. In fact, if I would arrived just one day earlier I would have been able to easily get there.

The worst part? The bus schedule was readily available online, but I just hadn’t bothered to look it up!

In short, knowing where you want to go and what you want to do, along with what areas you should avoid, will help make your trip enjoyable and memorable for the right reasons.

Now I may be biased, but in my opinion, one of the best ways to do research about your solo travel destination is to read blogs. These articles are typically written by people who have first-hand knowledge about the destination. You can even try reaching out to the blogger with any questions or concerns.

5. Be flexible

Curious how to enjoy a solo trip? The key is being flexible!

This is really true whether you’re traveling solo or in a group. Travel is not always the picture perfect experience Instagram leads you to believe.

There are missed trains, lost luggage, misplaced passports, and general mishaps that can pop up along the way.

But, it’s all part of the adventure.

If you avoid having a meltdown every time something doesn’t go according to plan, and instead see it as part of the solo travel experience, you’ll enjoy yourself a lot more.

Here’s an example:

While traveling solo in France on my way to Nice, the airline lost my luggage — for the entire time I was there!

And while I was frustrated, I decided that exploring and socializing in dirty jeans and an old t-shirt was better than holing up in my room and crying about something I couldn’t control.

I’m glad I did, because it ended up being a really memorable part of the trip. Not only that, but “Sorry for my appearance — the airline lost my luggage” is actually a great conversation starter among travelers, as everyone has their own version of that story to share.

6. Plan a (loose) solo travel itinerary

Now, this solo travel tip really depends on your travel style and the length of your trip. If you’ll be backpacking for a few weeks or months, I recommend booking the first few nights of your accommodation to give yourself time to settle in.

That being said, it’s smart to also leave some room to change up your plan.

When I backpacked Europe for three months , I pre-booked everything — which meant I couldn’t veer from the plan when I met fun people I may have wanted to travel with or when I learned about interesting new places I hadn’t heard of before.

Now, when I travel solo for longer periods of time, I leave room for adventure.

7. Research local customs & cultural norms

When traveling abroad alone (or in a group), it’s important to realize that not everywhere has the same norms as your home city.

Some of these differences may be small things that you’ll learn along the way, while others are vital to understand before your trip so that you don’t accidentally offend the locals.

One story that comes to mind is when I was volunteering in Thailand. The volunteers all stayed in a large dorm, and then there was a main house where we would eat and have meetings.

Before entering the house, you were supposed to take off your shoes outside and step over the threshold, not on it. Well, one volunteer missed the memo and stood on the doorframe — which deeply upset the locals running the program.

Why? Because in Thailand, it’s believed that a spirit resides here.

This is just one example of why doing this kind of cultural research is important.

8. Know how to stay safe

Building on the idea of doing research when going on a trip alone, you should also look up local scams and safety concerns to be aware of while traveling independently.

For instance, if visiting NYC solo you should be aware that there are unofficial cabs at the airport that will help you “skip the taxi line” by getting into their private black car — and then they’ll take the scenic route and you’ll end up with a hefty bill.

Being aware of these types of scams can help you stay safe and just have an overall better time taking a trip by yourself.

Additionally, I recommend packing a few travel safety essentials and keeping the usual practical safety tips in mind, like not walking alone at night and always keeping an eye on your drink if you’re at a bar.

If you’re a US citizen, it’s also wise to sign up for the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program . This allows you to enroll your trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. When you do this, you’ll:

• Receive important information about safety conditions in your destination
• Make it easier for the embassy to contact you if there is an emergency like a natural disaster, civil unrest, or a family emergency
• Make it easier for loved ones to contact you if there is an emergency

9. Make an emergency booklet to stay safe

All of the important numbers we need on a day-to-day basis are stored in our phones, but what happens if you no longer have access?

It’s a little old school, but prior to your trip grab a small notebook from the dollar store and drop all of the important information you need in it. Go beyond the obvious emergency contacts and make sure you have:

• Your passport information
• Hotel name, number, and address
• Embassy and/or consulate address, phone number, and emergency contact
• Travel insurance policy number and contact information

Essentially write down anything you might need if you were in an emergency situation but couldn’t access your phone. Hopefully you won’t have to use it, but it could be a lifesaver if you do.

Personally, I also like to save a folder with this information, as well as copies of my passport, license, and credit cards, securely to the cloud. This way, even if I lose my phone, I can still access it from another device.

10. Read bad hotel reviews before booking accommodation

People tend to write reviews for two reasons: they had an awful time and want to make sure no one makes that mistake again, or they had an amazing time and want to spread the word. Rarely do they review about a mediocre time.

While standard solo travel advice tells you to pick somewhere with awesome reviews (you should!), also make sure you read the bad ones.

You want to overlook the personal bias and watch for consistency. If every review mentions bad WiFi and you need to get work done on your trip, you might want to skip that property.

Of course, also pay attention to any reviews that mention safety concerns. When it comes to solo traveling tips, nothing is more important than paying attention to personal safety. Nothing.

Oh, and bonus tip: it’s wise to opt for an accommodation near the city center so you can walk to as many attractions as possible to save on public transportation and taxi costs.

11. Schedule your flight to arrive during the day

One piece of advice for traveling solo is to schedule your flight so that you arrive when the sun is still shining.

You’ll feel a lot safer, especially if you’ll be taking public transportation to get to your accommodation.

Plus, it gives you some time to get acquainted with your destination and ease out of your comfort zone.

12. Get travel insurance

When it comes to solo travel tips, this is one of the most important. Travel insurance should be non-negotiable regardless of how you’re traveling so that you’re protected in case anything bad happens.

However, when you’re figuring out how to vacation alone, the travel insurance safety net is not only comforting but it can help you save money in the long run.

Just make sure you read the terms and conditions before choosing a plan, because some activities aren’t covered. For instance, many plans don’t cover extreme sports or activities that take place above a certain altitude.

Personally, my favorite travel and medical insurance is SafetyWing, as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country.

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

13. Download helpful solo travel apps

No guide sharing tips for traveling alone would be complete without mentioning apps. Tech can definitely be your friend during a lone travel experience. A few to download include:

• Google Maps – an invaluable app for getting around both at home and on the road
• CouchSurfing – this popular app for solo travelers allows you to stay on local couches for free and meetup with locals and other travelers in your destination
• HerHouse – this platform makes it easy for women traveling alone to connect with background checked female hosts for free homestays, house sits, and house swaps
• Meetup – meet people who share your common interests in your solo travel destination
• Facebook – join Facebook groups focused on the destination you’re visiting and see if people want to meet up
• SoloTrvlr – an online platform with trusted travel advice — by women, for women
• TripIt – keep your travel itinerary organized in one place
• Emergency App – one of my favorite travel safety apps
• Currency – quickly and easily convert local currency so you know how much you’re paying in your home currency
• Uber (or the local equivalent) – it’s smart to download a ridesharing app, especially since in some countries hailing a taxi off the street isn’t considered safe

One quick note of caution when meeting people in real life: while most people will have good intentions, there may be times where people try to turn your meetup into a date. I’ve had this happen a few times, though fortunately I’ve never felt unsafe.

My solo travel advice here would be to always meet in a public place and, if possible, make it a group outing. You might also mention that you have a partner back home — even if you don’t — in an attempt to weed out anyone trying to make things romantic (though of course some still might).

By the way, I actually have a crazy CouchSurfing story. Don’t worry, it ended up being totally fine and I’m a huge fan of this app:

14. Learn a few words in the local language

Language learning doesn’t come easy to everyone, but it does help to learn a few words in the local language .

Sure, you’ll pick up a few things as you go along; but, learning simple phrases can get you a lot further.

Some you might want to practice up on include:

• Where is the bathroom?
• How much does this cost?
• No — this is an important phrase for solo travelers, particularly when it comes to personal safety

Of course, that’s just the tip of the iceberg — the more you know, the better.

Some great advice for solo travelers is to download Google Translate and a language pack, which allows you to use the app offline. Additionally, install a fun gamified language learning app, like Duolingo!

15. Plan for you

The only thing you really need to take away from any travel alone guide is that the experience is all about you.

You don’t have to get the prettiest pictures, have the best travel stories , and do what everyone else does. Your goal is to do and see the things that you want to.

If that means visiting the same museum three days in a row because you couldn’t get enough, eating at the same restaurant the entire trip, or skipping the Eiffel Tower because you’re not into touristy things — do it. It’s all fair game.

Basically, don’t feel like you have to conform to what everyone on Instagram is saying. It’s your trip, enjoy it however you choose.

16. Pack light but smart

You only want to pack what you’re going to use. It can be challenging to determine this on your first solo trip, but you want to minimize your packing list as much as possible.

Nothing sours a trip faster than losing your checked bag before you even get there — so if you can pack carry-on only , it’s a great advantage. This is especially true if you are destination hopping or if your flight has stopovers.

A few tips for solo travelers:

• Opt for garments that can be used for multiple purposes (like a large scarf shawl that can also be an airplane blanket or hidden pocket garments that function as clothing and a purse)
• Choose a color palette for garments that you can mix and match
• Opt for function over fashion — unless you’re traveling for a specific high-class event, you don’t need heels
• Use compression packing cubes to save space (I love these from Cambond )
• Only bring one week of clothes and do laundry if going on a longer trip

Even if you can’t narrow it down, make sure your baggage isn’t weighed down by unnecessary items and definitely leave your valuables at home. It’s just one less thing to worry about.

17. Bring a book along

Introverted? One of the best solo travel tips for introverts (and extroverts) is to bring a book along with you. 

A book can be the best companion, especially when dining alone or as a distraction if it’s your first time flying alone .

Popping open a book on the table and enjoying a solo meal is one of the pleasures of taking a trip alone that everyone should experience. It’s useful for when you’re waiting, eating, or otherwise have a little time to kill.

It can also indicate to other travelers that you’re alone and make for a great conversation starter.

Essential Tips For Traveling On Your Own During The Trip

18. ask your hotel for a few safety essentials.

These include:

• The hotel’s business card (or a piece of paper with the name and address)
• An annotated map letting you know where is and isn’t safe to wander alone

Even if you know the name of your hotel, that doesn’t mean the local taxi drivers do. In case you’re ever in a situation where you need to get away, it’s smart to have the address of your accommodation written down somewhere to quickly give to a driver in the event of an emergency.

Additionally, an annotated map is a great reference so you’re always clear on where and where not to go solo.

19. Share plans with a loved one

One of the most basic traveling alone tips is to make sure you share your plans with your loved ones. It’s important that someone knows where you are — even if that someone is back home.

Additionally, make sure you have an emergency plan in place. Your safety is important.

While traveling by yourself is an amazing experience, you want to make sure you can easily contact your loved ones if something unexpected occurs.

20. Start your day early

In most cases, you’ll find the smallest crowds and best chances for photo opportunities earlier in the day — think before anyone’s finished their breakfast.

This also tends to be the coolest time of the day to safely travel around. Try to stay inside or in the shade during peek sun hours if you’re traveling to a warmer destination, and don’t travel alone at night.

21. Bring the perfect solo selfie camera

One downside of traveling on your own is it’s tough to take your own photo — though it’s not impossible!

A few options for solo travelers include:

• Bring a small travel tripod ( like this ) and put your phone on a timer
• Bring a small but heavy duty travel tripod, like a Joby GorillaPod , and put your camera on a timer
• Bring an Insta360 camera with invisible selfie stick

The latter is how I capture fun travel photos with myself in the picture — even if I’m solo tripping.

Here is a sample video and here is an example of a photo:

22. Learn how to cook the local cuisine

When researching local things to do when traveling alone, make sure that some of the experiences revolve around food. One of the best souvenirs you can give yourself from a trip is the gift of local cuisine.

Cooking classes offer a great opportunity to learn how to make something new, meet the locals, and take something back home with you. You can use your new-found skills to share your experience with family, ignite special memories, and enjoy a delicious meal. Plus, the more you practice, the better you’ll get!

One platform to check out for food experiences while vacationing alone is EatWith , which allows you to dine in local homes, take cooking classes in local kitchens, and book food tours led by locals around the world. It’s a really great way to meet people and other solo travelers, too.

Of course, you can also dive into other facets of local culture when on a trip alone. Consider your own unique interests, and explore them locally.

For instance, if you’re interested in art, you might take a fresco-making class in Florence , a calligraphy class in China , or an Ikebana (flower arranging) class in Japan .

23. Make a solo travel scavenger hunt of it

Here is a creative addition to our list of tips when traveling alone. Building a scavenger hunt can be a great way to give you direction, even if you’re feeling a little lost.

There’s no right or wrong way to do this, but a few ideas for solo travelers include:

• Trying to check off all the best bookstores in the city if you’re a bibliophile
• Making a unique souvenir list and trying to hunt everything down
• Becoming the ultimate foodie by sampling all the top restaurants in the area
• Aiming to spend time alone on the beach in as many places as possible
• Booking an actual scavenger hunt in your destination on a platform like Viator

It’s a great way to edge yourself out of your comfort zone without jumping into the deep end. And who doesn’t love a little competition — even if it is against yourself?

24. Make friends while traveling solo

There’s no one right answer for how to solo travel, but I can tell you that going on holiday alone doesn’t need to mean  being lonely . In fact, for those that love to meet new people, there are ways to do this while traveling alone.

You can encourage yourself to meet people, including other solo travelers, by:

• Keep in mind, many hostels have private rooms, so if you’re hosteling later in life you can still keep your privacy and take advantage of common spaces for socializing
• Joining a local walking tour and chatting with those around you
• Checking out popular local digital nomad hangouts
• Using travel apps meant for socializing — like CouchSurfing , which has city-specific forums where you can meet up with locals and other travelers
• Eating and cooking in local homes through EatWith
• Meeting locals that share similar interests on Meetup.com

A quick story:

When spending my 25th birthday in Mendoza while traveling solo , I was worried I’d end up alone for the night; however, after posting a message on CouchSurfing asking if anyone wanted to celebrate with me, I ended up having 11 people take me out for dinner and dancing.

These complete strangers turned into friends, and to this day it is one of my favorite birthday experiences!

25. Watch your drinking

Speaking of nights out, one of the best solo trip tips is to curb your alcohol use.

As mentioned a few times in the previous travel alone tips, personal safety should be of utmost importance for solo travelers. You want to make sure you’re never in a position where someone can easily take advantage of you.

When you do opt for an adult beverage, watch it carefully and cover the top of the glass with your hand so that nobody can lace it when you’re not looking.

This solo travel advice isn’t meant to scare you. Almost everyone you meet while traveling on your own while likely be kind; however, the reality is you can’t trust everyone. Keep yourself safe.

26. Get a local SIM card

Unless you purchase an unlimited plan for your phone carrier, using the internet while roaming can be extremely expensive.

That’s where a local SIM card comes in. One of the best tips for solo travel is to ensure you have phone access in an emergency situation or when you need directions. I can’t tell you how many tours I’ve almost been late to because I couldn’t find the meeting point without the help of Google Maps.

Many countries have inexpensive SIM cards and budget-friendly pay-as-you-go plans. You can usually grab these at the airport or local convenience store and set them up with Wi-Fi.

27. Choose alternative meal times

Now let’s discuss solo travel tips for dining alone. One thing to note is that the best restaurants are often booked up around traditional meal times.

Instead of a nice evening dinner, try a lunch or even brunch — which allows you to savor the same food with less of a crowd.

Just keep in mind that typical mealtimes may be different than your home country, so research the local customs so you’re aware of when people tend to eat.

28. Sit at the bar when dining alone

When you go on vacation alone, one concern might be what to do during meal times. Is it weird for solo travelers to eat at a restaurant on their own?

First off, no, it’s not weird. I’ve eaten at tables on my own plenty of times, though I do think it’s less awkward to eat at the bar.

Bonus: if you’re in the mood to chat, you’ll have the bartender and potentially other bar patrons to talk to.

29. Focus on supporting local

Sustainable tourism refers to traveling in a way that positively impacts the people and environments of the places we visit — which also includes supporting the local economy.

And one of the best ways to do this is to shop local. The more you can purchase souvenirs, food, and experiences from local vendors, the more likely your tourism dollars are to stay in and benefit the community.

Plus, items are often much more meaningful when you can meet the people making them and learn their stories.

30. Listen to your gut

When traveling the world alone, realize that your gut will be your best guide.

Your intuition is almost always right. This is especially important in situations where you feel uncomfortable. Even if it means being impolite, always trust that feeling in your gut.

31. Strengthen your relationship with yourself

Traveling solo to find yourself is very common. This makes total sense, as one major benefit of traveling alone is you learn to be with yourself — and enjoy your own company.

Get to know yourself better, allow time for self care, and slow down to just enjoy the moment as much as possible.

This is also a great time to bring a travel journal to really dig into your thoughts and feelings from the trip. Very likely, you’ll learn something new about yourself!

Packing Essentials For Solo Travel

Now that we’ve covered some top tips to travel alone, it’s time to discuss packing.

Along with any clothing, accessories, and toiletries you’ll want for your holiday by yourself, you should also pack a few travel safety essentials and practical items for solo travelers like:

• She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm
• Your personal medications
• Jase Case Emergency Antibiotic Kit (snag $10 off with code JESSIEONAJOURNEY10)
• Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments (I’m never without mine when I travel alone!)
• Speakeasy Travel Supply Pickpocket-Proof Scarf ​​
• Pacsafe Anti-Theft Bag
• Door stop with alarm (to help keep your hotel room extra secure)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses (I love Rheos Sunglasses as they’re eco-friendly, lightweight, and they float)
• Passport, ID, and any necessary tickets
• Copies of all your documents (I save these to the cloud in case)
• Credit card, debit card, and money

Best Solo Trips For Women

If you’re wondering “Where should I travel alone?” this list can help! A few of the best solo travel destinations include:

Merida, Mexico

Mexico has a reputation as being an unsafe destination, but that’s not an accurate picture. In fact, there are many great places in Mexico to travel alone — like Merida.

Merida is the bustling capital city of Yucatan state, and is widely considered to be one of the safest cities in Mexico.

It’s an affordable destination that offers you the hustle and bustle of the city as well as an idyllic Mexican beach experience in nearby Progreso.

If you’re solo traveling as a digital nomad , Merida is home to a thriving community of expats living and working abroad and there are plenty of ways to make friends. 

Dublin, Ireland

Solo travel in Ireland can be an incredible experience, and no trip to this island would be complete without some time in Dublin.

Home to friendly locals and a gorgeous cityscape, it’s an ideal destination — especially as Dublin boasts a plethora of cultural and historical sites for solo female travelers to explore.

On a solo trip to Dublin , make sure to visit Dublin Castle, shop along Grafton street, and peruse art, history, and archeology in the National Museum of Ireland.

This city is particularly known for its pub life, so you can expect a lively scene after dark, especially in the famous Temple Bar District.

In terms of timing, there is a lot to do and see, so it’s recommended to spend 4 days in Dublin or more to really take it all in.

Don’t forget to bring your camera since Dublin offers a lot of photo opportunities. It’s truly one of the most memorable places to travel solo in Europe !

Victoria, Canada

Canada has a lot of beautiful places to explore as a solo female traveler, depending on the time of year you visit; but if Pacific island life piques your interest, Victoria is the place.

You’ll want to visit in the spring or summer to take advantage of the gorgeous greenery and warmer weather.

There are many fun and unique things to do in Victoria . Stroll through the gardens at Hatley Castle, watch the boats come in from the wharf, and grab a delicious seaside bite to eat.

When you’re done, you can take a ferry ride to Seattle or Vancouver!

Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto is considered to be the cultural capital of Japan , offering a little bit of everything for the female traveling solo.

Not only does it offer gorgeous gardens, delicious food, and rich cultural experiences, but you can take a peek at some truly amazing Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines.

Take in the jaw-dropping architecture and bask in the lush greenery and wonderful mountain backdrops.

March and April are especially beautiful months to visit as the city’s stunning cherry blossom trees are in full bloom.

Bali, Indonesia

Traveling solo in Bali is a dream. One of the world’s most sought-after destinations, it’s also affordable, safe, and fun.

There is so much to do and see for solo female travelers. Relax in a Bali flower bath , explore the stunning rice fields, relax on beautiful beaches, and visit the many temples that help give the destination its nickname “Island of the Gods.”

If you have at least 7 days in Bali , you might also choose to hire a guide to do an epic sunrise hike like Mount Batur or Mount Agung.

Quick tip: if visiting this incredible place, do a bit of research into when to go to Bali . For instance, if you’ll be doing a lot of outdoor activities or riding a motorbike to get around, you may want to avoid the rainy season.

Other Top Solo Travel Destinations

A few other great places to visit on your first solo trip abroad include:

• Tulum, Mexico
• Istanbul, Turkey
• Copenhagen, Denmark
• Rome, Italy
• Vienna, Austria
• Prague, Czech Republic
• Guadeloupe, Caribbean

You can check out this solo female travel guide for a full list of recommended solo trips and tips.

Solo Travel Planning Resources

While the above tips for traveling solo are a great starting point, here are some bonus solo travel guides:

• 7 Ways To Have A Blast Traveling Alone
• 13 Powerful Solo Hiking Tips For Women
• 17 Safety Tips For Solo Travelers
• 25 Important Tips For Flying Alone For The First Time
• 12 Tips For Convincing Loved Ones To Let You Travel Solo
• 20 Pros & Cons Of Traveling Alone
• How To Overcome Loneliness When Traveling Solo

You can find additional resources in this in-depth guide to traveling solo . Read it, and soon enough you’ll be a pro at taking trips alone!

Final Thoughts On How To Travel Solo Successfully

The most important piece of advice in any guide to solo travel is that you plan the vacation YOU want, and feel comfortable and confident along your journey.

Learning how to enjoy going on a vacation alone might come quickly, or it might take a few days. There’s no right or wrong answer.

Whether you’re pushing through a series of solo USA road trips or flying across the world, making sure you plan ahead and go at your own pace will ensure you have the best experience. When it comes to tips on traveling alone, this is the most important one to remember.

What would you add to this guide on how to travel solo successfully?

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Hi Jessie! cant wait to find someone to take this edventure with!! thank you so much for your info!

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Solo Traveler’s Guidebook: 16 Tips for an Unforgettable Trip

Last Updated: May 24, 2024 May 24, 2024

Solo travel is a thrilling way to see the world on your own terms. Without other people to plan trips with, you’re free to see every museum and eat in every restaurant you want without anyone slowing you down. 

Before you embark on this mission, it helps to be prepared with a list of tips on how to travel alone safely and enjoyably. In this solo travel guide, we review 16 top tips for anyone traveling by themselves.

Why Travel Solo?

Traveling solo is an empowering experience of self-discovery and adventure . Without the constraints of a companion’s schedule or preferences, you have the freedom to see the world entirely according to your interests and pace. 

Solo travel encourages independence, boosts confidence, and allows for deeper immersion in the local culture, as you are more approachable and likelier to engage with locals. Whether you’re seeking solitude, adventure, or a chance to meet new people, solo travel can provide an unforgettable and enriching experience.

16 Tips for Traveling Alone 

If traveling on your own sounds like the trip of a lifetime and you’re ready to start planning, consider these tips:  

1. Practice With Smaller Activities

Before you embark on a globetrotting adventure, try destinations a little closer to home. Consider a day trip somewhere in your state or a location you’re already familiar with. Activities like dining out and attending events alone can help you get comfortable with solitude, teach you to think on your feet, and boost your situational awareness—all of which are useful when making bigger trips to new, unfamiliar places. 

2. Research Your Destination 

Gathering important information about your destination includes things like checking travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State and researching local customs. Travel advisories, which warn of political upheaval, public health outbreaks, and other risks, enable you to plan your trip as safely as possible. 

Knowledge of local norms, such as dress codes, behavior in cultural sites, and dining etiquette, can prevent unintentional offenses and enhance your travel experience. 

3. Plan an Itinerary

Having a structured plan eliminates guesswork while you travel so you can make the best use of your time. Planning your days in advance ensures you take in all the sights and experiences that time will allow. A detailed itinerary should include travel routes, accommodations, and activities, along with an estimate of when you will arrive at and depart each destination.  

4. Carry Copies of Important Documents

In the unfortunate event that something happens to your passport, visas, identification, or other documents, having photocopies or digital backups can expedite replacing them. Taking this precautionary step can avoid potential legal and logistical issues if you have to travel without the originals. 

5. Insure Your Trip

Insuring your trip provides financial protection and peace of mind if unforeseen events disrupt your getaway. Solo travel insurance reimburses your travel costs for things like medical emergencies , trip cancellations , lost or stolen belongings , and travel delays . In case of illness or injury, having insurance ensures you can access medical care without worrying about high out-of-pocket costs. 

6. Notify Your Bank

If your financial institution sees an unusual charge overseas, they may block your credit card until they can confirm you authorized the purchase. Eliminate the chance of having your card declined by informing your bank in advance where and when you’re traveling. 

7. Stay Connected With Loved Ones

Regular communication with friends, family, or other trustworthy people ensures that someone is aware of your whereabouts in case of emergencies or unexpected situations. Sharing your experiences can also make you feel less isolated, which can be comforting when navigating new environments alone. 

8. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Even if you’ve traveled to a place many times before, it’s wise to keep your guard up. Vigilance helps you recognize and avoid potential dangers, such as unsafe areas, suspicious individuals, or hazardous situations. By staying alert, you can better navigate unfamiliar environments, spot opportunities, and make informed decisions quickly.

9. Respect the Local Culture 

Learning about local cultures in advance and adhering to their norms when traveling shows cultural sensitivity and appreciation, which can help you have more meaningful connections with people and a more fulfilling trip. Learn basic practices such as dining etiquette and clothing styles to ensure you’re being considerate. 

10. Learn Important Phrases

Knowing several common phrases, such as greetings, asking for directions, or requesting help can make your journey significantly easier. Locals will likely appreciate the effort you showed in learning their language, plus it simplifies navigating unfamiliar settings. Using key phrases can also make you feel more confident and self-reliant, which are important when traveling solo.  

11. Pack Light

Packing light enhances your mobility and reduces the physical and mental burden of managing heavy luggage. With fewer items to carry, you can move more freely, whether navigating crowded airports , boarding public transportation, or walking through bustling streets. A lighter load minimizes fatigue and stress, allowing you to focus more on enjoying your journey and exploring new places. 

12. Use Technology Wisely

Efficiently using technology means knowing when to use your devices and conserving power when they’re not necessary. Social media is great for staying connected and travel apps provide easy access to maps, translation tools, and local recommendations, but these all drain your battery. Consider saving your social media posts and other non-essential uses until you’re somewhere you can charge your phone.     

13. Be Open to New Friends

Although you’re traveling solo, it’s exciting to have some companionship along the way. Meeting new people can lead to spontaneous adventures and can provide safety in numbers. The bonds forged while traveling are often ones that endure long after the trip. 

14. Take Care of Your Body

Good health ensures you have the stamina to fully enjoy your travel experience. Injuries and fatigue can slow you down, and it can be challenging to find reliable medical care in many parts of the world. Staying hydrated; eating nutritious, balanced meals; and getting adequate rest are all crucial to maintaining your health while journeying by yourself. 

15. Bring a First Aid Kit

Even the best preventive measures aren’t 100% effective, so you may get sick or injured on a trip. Having a first-aid kit with basic medical supplies on hand allows you to quickly deal with cuts, scrapes, headaches, or digestive issues and minimize disruptions to your travel. You’ll want to pack your kit in a compact, waterproof container to keep it protected and accessible. 

16. Have a Backup Plan 

Contingency plans in case of transportation delays, lost belongings, or issues with your accommodations can save a lot of hassle while you’re traveling. Avoid disruptions and maintain peace of mind by having a backup in case your initial plans fall through. Your Plan B can also be a source of excitement you didn’t expect.  When you’re ready to travel solo, keep yourself and your trip safe with travel insurance from Squaremouth . Our policies ensure you make your way with confidence, knowing you’re covered in case of flight delays, illness, and many other issues.

Written by Casey Clague

8 Solo Travel Experts Share Their Best Tips

Find out why you should always buy postcards and stop booking tours in advance

Marco Bottigelli / Getty Images

Book a tour. Don't stay out too late. Have a charged cell phone. Pre-plan your transportation. We've all heard the tried-and-true solo travel tips—and while all these suggestions are great (and absolutely important), we wanted to go one step deeper with real solo-travel experts. These writers, photographers, and entrepreneurs have traversed the globe, from Machu Picchu to Morocco , and now we've gathered their top bits of wisdom to share with you.

Protect Yourself in Your Hotel Room

Abigail Akinyemi, the digital creator behind The Lady Who Travels , never leaves home with a doorstop , but she has a simple trick if you forget one. "Use two glass cups on the door handle," Akinyemi told TripSavvy. "If the glass cup breaks, you know someone was trying to enter your room."

Take a Tour at Night

Tours are a popular way for solo travelers to meet others and become acquainted with a new place, but lawyer-turned-traveler Jen Ruiz, founder of Jen on a Jet Plane , always recommends booking a tour at night. "I like to book tours to go out at night, like haunted walking tours or food tours ," she explained. "This way, you feel safe because you're in a group setting, and if you want to stay out a little longer, hopefully you've made some friends along the way."

Book a Night or Two in a Hostel

Yes, even if you think you're too old. While we all reach a point where we're past the hosteling lifestyle, hostels do have some perks for solo travelers, as Sophie Clapton, the writer and photographer behind  We Dream of Travel , found out on a solo trip to India. "After five days without meeting anyone, I found a hostel with excellent reviews and booked two nights there," Clapton said. "This simple change turned my trip to India into the best solo trip I ever took. At the hostel, I immediately found people that would become lifelong friends and who I went on to explore India and beyond with." (Even if you're not comfortable sharing a room, many hostels offer private rooms.)

Don't Book Tours in Advance

It might seem counterintuitive, but photographer and blogger Catherine Xu , who's been to 63 countries, learned early to stop booking tours in advance. Except for tours that often sell out, Xu prefers to find a local guide and agency shop once she's on the ground in her destination. "Once I arrive, I visit two or three tour agency offices to see what all my options are. Typically, many of these tours are not comprehensively found [online], especially in lesser-visited countries," Xu said.

Put Your Phone Down

While this advice could apply to any traveler, putting your phone down and living in the moment is even more important for solo travelers, argues Nate Hake, the blogger behind TravelLemming.com . "It can be super tempting to always have your smartphone out. It can easily become something of a social safety blanket, a way to make ourselves feel comfortable in public situations," Hake explained. "But your phone is also a barrier telling other people to stay away from you, leaving you more isolated." Hake recommends the Forest App , a game that rewards you for taking breaks from your phone. 

Don't Pack More Than You Can Carry

Lydia Mansel, the founder of Just Packed , a site dedicated to helping travelers prepare for trips, just returned from a four-month solo expedition throughout the U.K. Her biggest takeaway: pack light. "This means carrying no more than two bags, preferably a backpack as one of the two," she said. "This leaves you with a least one free hand to navigate your way as you travel to and from locations. Since you're by yourself, you need to be able to move your luggage on your own—whether it's in and out of an airplane, train, cab, or bus."

Document Your Trip

While it's easy to take selfies and post about your trip on social media, solo travel can be quite personal, and you may find yourself wanting a more profound recollection of your journey after your return. Instead of traditional journaling, Dan Meyer, the founder and director of BACK&PACK , an experiential travel program for 18 to 30-somethings, buys postcards at each place he visits and writes a journal entry on the back about his experiences. "I have a stack of these from my solo trips," Meyer said. "There's a really special feeling when I pull them out every once in a while to read through."

Stay at a Casino Hotel

Even if gambling is low on your activity list, hear us out. Leslie Carbone, the blogger behind Sancerres at Sunset , always looks for a casino hotel when she's traveling solo. She explained that they’re safe, pointing out abundant cameras and security personnel and cost-efficient since rooms are often inexpensive or comped. Also, "there’s always something to do," Carbone added. "There are restaurants and bars, spas and pools, and lots of games."

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A Solo Woman Traveling

Boutique Travel Guides & All-Female Luxury Tours

Solo Travel Guide

Become an expert solo traveler.

This solo travel guide is crafted from my experience of taking solo trips since 2009 when traveling alone looked a lot different than it does today.

Everything I learned over the last decade-plus has now become the ultimate solo travel guide for you!

Below are all the resources, guides, and itineraries you will need to craft your own solo trip!

This post may have affiliate links. When you click on a link we receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you. See  Our Affiliate Policy  for more info.

Are You Ready To Travel Alone?

Traveling alone is great for people who like being independent and want to grow personally. It lets you connect more with places you visit and have a trip that matches your interests. It can also make you feel more confident and empowered.

However, traveling alone might not be for you if you enjoy being with others all the time or feel nervous about being in new places by yourself. Deciding to travel alone depends on what makes you comfortable and happy.

Is It Time To Travel Solo?

Take this solo travel readiness quiz to discover if you’re prepared to embark on an exciting, empowering journey tailored to your personal interests!

Choose The Right Destination

The best advice for anyone planning to travel solo is to choose your destination wisely. Finding the right city to explore alone is a crucial ingredient for a fantastic trip. While destinations like London, Rome, and Paris are terrific, it’s important to ask yourself: will they be enjoyable when traveling solo ?

Safety Ratings :

Prioritize destinations with high safety ratings. Research NUMBEO and Similar Sites to understand the crime rates in potential destinations.

Cultural Openness and Language Barriers

Consider how open the culture is towards solo travelers, especially women.

Public Transportation and Walkability :

Choose destinations with reliable and safe public transportation.

Availability of Activities and Tours for Solo Travelers

Look for cities that offer activities, tours, or experiences catering to solo travelers.

Where Should You Go?

Not sure which European City is the best for you? Find out what city you might enjoy the best with this 10-question quiz!

• Is Dubrovnik Worth Visiting Solo?
• Solo Travel Copenhagen Guide
• Solo Travel Itinerary Paris
• Solo Travel Guide to Paris + Map
• Solo Travel Athens Guide
• Best Greek Islands for Solo Travel
• Solo Travel Crete Guide
• Solo Travel Rhodes Guide
• Solo Travel Mykonos Guide
• Solo Female Travel Dublin Guide
• Solo Travel Guide Milan + Map
• Solo Travel Bologna Guide
• Solo Travel Valletta Guide
• Mexico City Travel Guide for Solo Travel
• Sayulita Solo Travel Guide
• Solo Travel Lisbon Guide + Map
• Faro Solo Travel Guide
• Is Romania Safe for Solo Travel
• Spain Solo Travel Guide
• Valencia Solo Travel Guide
• Mallorca Solo Travel Guide

United States of America

• Savannah Solo Travel Guide
• Charlestown Solo Travel Guide

Travel Planning Tips

When I first considered solo travel, I felt many emotions; traveling alone, especially abroad, was daunting. Researching my destinations improved my confidence. Travel websites were invaluable in my early solo travels. Here are my favorite tips and takeaways:

Stay in a Central Area :

Choose a hotel in a central location with a rating of 8.5 or better. This ensures safety, convenience, and quality of stay.

Prebook a Small Group Tour :

Schedule a small group tour on your second or third day to combat loneliness and meet new people.

Stay Connected:

Carry a local SIM card or a portable Wi-Fi device for easy access to the internet for navigation, staying in touch, and accessing information.

Pre-plan Your Route :

Calculate your route from the airport, train, or bus station to your hotel ahead of time to avoid surprises upon arrival.

Plan Initial Meals :

Consider planning where you will eat when you first arrive to avoid being “hangry” and frustrated on day one.

Pack Light and Smart :

Opt for a comfortable and versatile wardrobe that can be mixed and matched. Include essentials like a portable charger, universal travel adapter, and a secure daypack.

Packing for Success

Packing for solo travel is not just about fitting everything into your suitcase; it’s an art form that enhances the entire journey.

When you travel alone, your pack is your companion, carrying not only your essentials but also your peace of mind.

It’s crucial to strike a balance between being prepared and being mobile, as every item you choose to bring along will be one you handle yourself throughout the trip.

Solo Travel Packing Guide

The solo traveler must optimize every inch of their suitcase, ensuring each item packed enhances, not hinders, their journey.

Travel Gear for Women

Pack smart by bringing versatile items and ditching the weighty extras. Know your needs, and destination specifics, and balance necessity with excess.

Best Carry On-Luggage

The ideal suitcase is durable, spacious, and smartly organized, turning packing into an art form and making every journey a seamless adventure.

Prepare Your Friends & Family

Unfortunately, not everyone may support your solo travel plans. Being well-prepared can help friends and family feel more comfortable with your decision. Preparation shows your commitment to safety and helps ease their worries. Here are a few tips:

Create a Detailed Itinerary

Develop a detailed trip plan including flights , accommodations, transport, and destinations.

Share Your Itinerary

Show your itinerary to family and friends to help them visualize and understand your detailed planning.

Build in Regular Check-ins

Schedule daily updates via text, call, or video to reassure and update loved ones.

Discuss Your Safety Measures

Explain your safety steps, including understanding local customs and downloading safety apps.

Involve Them in Your Planning

Engage family or friends in planning to feel connected and provide useful insights.

Provide Emergency Contact Info

Offer a list of emergency contacts, accommodation details, and travel insurance info.

Solo Travel Inspiring Articles

I have a lot of experience when it comes to facing my fears of solo travel. When I started traveling alone when I was 29 years old, and I will be honest, I hated it at first.

I wasn’t just afraid of traveling alone, I was carrying a lot of shame around being alone and thought that it meant some sad and pathetic that I hadn’t found anyone to go with me.

But as I persevered through it, I learned a whole lot and it truly shaped my life in more ways than I could ever imagine. Below are some of the articles that were born of my decade-plus of solo travel .

What is the Best Age to Travel Alone? Tips & Advice

Are you ready for solo travel take our free quiz to find out, is solo travel lonely the reality of traveling alone, ultimate guide for women solo traveling in your 40s, how to find the best restaurants for solo dining, 151 best affirmations for travel: manifest traveling, how to manifest travel & the vacation of your dreams , best places to travel for healing a broken heart, solo traveling in your 30’s: 7 reasons why it’s better, the best ways to finding your path in life, the biggest lessons of what solo travel teaches you, overcoming the fear of traveling alone: my journey from shame to empowerment, the top 5 concerns for solo female travelers, the 5 reasons & life-changing benefits of traveling alone.

FREE E-Course

7-day solo travel course.

Unlock the secrets of solo travel with our exclusive email series:

• Day 1: Embrace the Freedom
• Day 2: Share the Journey
• Day 3: Stay Safe, Wander Far
• Day 4: Plan Like a Pro
• Day 5: Selfie Mastery
• Day 6: Solo Dining, Solo Pleasure
• Day 7: Travel More, Spend Less

All Female Small Group Trips in Europe!

Our trips are curated differently! We focus on boutique hotels, mostly private excursions, slow travel style, and top-notch dining options.

September 15th -22nd 2024 Traveling to Lisbon, Cascais, & Sintra. Learn More!

Greek Islands

October 3rd – 11th 2024 Athens, Naxos, Mykonos, Paros, & Koufonissia. Learn More!

Northern Italy

October 14th – 23rd 2024 Florence, Verona, Bologna, Lake Garda, Chaniti. Learn More

Where should we go? Fill out our survey and submit your request! Learn More

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Complete Solo Travel Guide: How to Travel Alone Like a Pro

Solo travel is one of the greatest experiences one can encounter in life. Relying only on yourself, facing the fear alone and enjoying the moments without any distractions are one of the perks of solo travel. However, travelling alone is not only roses. It can turn into a pretty frustrating experience for those who’re unprepared. Read this complete solo travel guide below to make sure your next solo adventure brings you nothing but pleasure and fun.

Check out everything you need to know before travelling alone, read my solo travel tips, safety instructions and find answers to all the curious questions about travelling alone. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

WHAT IS SOLO TRAVEL & WHY IT IS IMPORTANT

What solo travelling actually means and am I a solo traveller when I hook up with a bunch of people from a hostel? Before you decide on travelling by yourself have a closer look on how we can define ‘solo travelling’ itself and why it is actually important to make journeys without fellow companions. 

SOLO TRAVEL MEANING

The definition of ‘solo travel’ is simple – it describes all the trips and travels on which one embarks completely alone, without having a single travel companion . A person decides to travel single, chooses a particular destination or trip itinerary alone and books the flight or train tickets and accommodation on her or his own. 

There is nobody waiting for a solo traveller on the destination. He or she encounters all the trip independently and travels alone . A Solo traveller wanders the city alone, hikes alone and explores all the places alone until she or he decides to connect with other travellers in the area and get on a journey with them. 

There are no differences between solo travellers who prefer getting to a place alone and gad around completely unaccompanied; and those who like to socialize . The more sociable types can after spending some time alone hang out with locals, or do trips with people from the hostel or other solo travellers they met online.

Solo travelling is usually referred as well as: travelling alone, travelling by yourself, single travelling, single trip, solo trip, solo vacations (American), going on holidays alone and so on.

WHAT IS SOLO TRAVEL LIKE? IS IT GOOD?

It is very difficult to describe what is solo travel like as it is impossible to talk about experiences of other people in general. For each person solo travelling can bring varied feelings and emotions .

For many people travelling alone is about being free and independent . Other solo travellers take it as a form of a spiritual journey to find more about themselves, for others it is fun because they meet new people. Solo travelling can be as adventurous or as relaxing as you – the single traveller – make it. 

Of course, travelling by yourself can be sometimes lonely , but still offers such a diverse knowledge, experience and skills. You can rely only on yourself. All your senses are fully activated, and you can afford to do whatever you want.

Your experience is maximized because instead of focusing on finding an agreement with a travel companion and trying to fulfil his or her needs, you’re completely soaked in the sensations from the place itself. You can read more about the whole solo travel experience in my article ‘What Solo Travel Teaches You’.

SOLO TRAVEL TIPS: HOW TO TRAVEL ALONE

How to travel solo successfully? What should be a single traveller prepared for? How to plan a solo travel tip and what kind of budget to expect when travelling alone?

HOW TO PLAN A VACATION BY YOURSELF

Planning a solo trip is crucial. On one hand, you have all the freedom with choosing the destination of your dreams, selecting the perfect time, the way you travel and activities you plan to do.

On the other hand, for your safety and enjoying the trip to its maximum, you need to be extraordinary cautious with planning your solo travels into the tiniest details. 

We can divide the planning into choosing the destination, selecting the right time, the best transport, choosing accommodation, making an itinerary of the trip, list of activities and list of necessities to perfectly pack for the solo trip. 

1. CHOOSE THE DESTINATION

I believe that every single trip starts with choosing a destination. At least, every solo travel should! This decision is completely on you and your travel bucket list.

It very much depends on what you’re fond of, what you can afford budget wise, how adventurous and solo experienced you are and of course, where you can go Visa and restriction wise. 

Did I forget anything? You got me! What else could be more important for a solo traveller than the safety itself? I will talk more about safety in the section ‘Solo Travel Safety’ (in progress) and soon you will be able to read more about destination selection at the page ‘Solo Travel Destination’.

Meanwhile, I can briefly help you with the big decision on where to travel alone by stating a few questions you need to ask before travelling solo to a certain place :

• What are your motivations to see this place?
• Does the place really meets the purpose of the trip – in terms of nature, hiking options, culture, etc.
• Is it safe? Would you feel safe and comfortable there?
• How difficult is to get to the place or the city? Do you need a car? Do you drive?
• What is the infrastructure ? Can you safely hang around using only public transport?
• Can you afford to stay in this place?
• Are there any cool places around ? Or can you imagine staying there during all your trip?

2. SELECT THE RIGHT SEASON, DATE AND TIME  

You are travelling alone so avoiding disastrous weather, especially something serious like tornados and hurricanes, is essential. Research the best time to visit your dream destinations and avoid the ‘unpleasant seasons’. 

For example, the Atlantic Hurricane season runs usually from June to November. Therefore, if you can’t imagine handling with possible weather complications during your solo travels to destinations affected by Atlantic hurricanes, you want to select a different date.

Time of arrival in the destination is also critical. When I travel solo, I prefer to spend a few more bucks on planes or trains with a reasonable arrival time. Most of the city transfers have a very limited schedule during nights , and I, personally, don’t feel very safe by crawling through the city at 1am to find my accommodation.

The other thing I am aware of are bank holidays of the country where I am travelling to. In many lands all shops and services may be closed during these days, so your arrival might be very disrupted. You may have less intercity connections, or you end up hungry because all shops are closed.

To summarize, you want to make sure that you select the perfect:

SEASON – the weather you want, no hazardous weather conditions.

DATE – how run the things in the destination during bank holidays or Sunday?

TIME – avoid late arrivals for your safety. 

3: PLAN THE BUDGET

Lucky those who can travel without the expenses in their minds! The rest of us have to get prepared on how much money we can afford to spend for the particular trip.

How to plan your solo travel budget:

• Set up a total budget (What is the maximum you can spend?).
• Allocate expenses into categories : accommodation, travel, transport, food & drinks, entrance fees, souvenirs, etc.
• Follow the currency of your destination to get the best exchange deal .
• Think how much cash you want and check ATMs available at your destination. What are the fees to withdraw money there?
• Set aside some emergency money .
• Decide on which credit or debit cards to take with you. 
• Decide where you will store your cash, cards and emergency cash.

HOT TIP : if you have more debit or credit cards, take with you only the one where you have less but sufficient amount of money . In case of pick pocketers and other thieves you lose only one credit card, the second one is safe at home.

4. BOOK THE ACCOMMODATION & TRANSPORTATION

You know where you’re going, and you know how much you can afford to spend. The next step is selecting the best travel method and choosing the right accommodation. 

SELECTING THE BEST TRANSPORTATION

Look for the safest, most comfortable and most affordable means of transportation. Even if you’re on a budget, don’t make extremely ‘cheap choices’. The differences between prices are sometimes minimal and simple 10 euros or pounds can help you to reach your destination earlier and stressless.

Yes, travelling alone can be really stressful. Because there is nobody making the decision for you . You have to do everything to put yourself in a chilled mode. Hectic, chaotic and uncomfortable travelling can turn your solo trip into a nightmare. 

Once I booked a super early flights just to save around 20 euros. I ended up travelling exhausted, waiting for my next bus for hours and hours. Don’t waste money but mostly don’t waste your time . You can earn the money later, although you’ll never get back the hours you’ve lost. 

CHOOSING ACCOMMODATION WHEN TRAVELLING SOLO

This is very subjective and very much depends on your budget and preferences . I know many travellers who prefer hostels not only to save some money, but mostly to socialize and meet new people. 

I, personally, don’t need any of those. Furthermore, I prefer having my private bathroom, toilet and peace. One thing what can ruin my light night sleep is people checking in during super late or early hours, talking or partying directly in the room. 

So far, I was lucky enough to find hotels or hostels offering single rooms, or I found a double room for a very discounted price. You can also book only 1 place in a double room, but you will end up paying so-called single supplement. 

WHERE TO STAY WHEN TRAVELLING ALONE.

Pros: comfort, safety, amenities, usually better central locations

Cons: price, hard to meet new people

Pros: budget, easy to socialize, mostly friendly and open atmosphere, kitchen,

Cons: sleeping next to a stranger, less comfort, no privacy, less safety (you never know who you share the room with)

AIRBNB SHARED ROOM / GUEST HOUSE:

Pros: home atmosphere, mingling with the locals, safety (AIRBNB takes their polices seriously), usually affordable

Cons: Less privacy, shared space; if you don’t connect with the host, it might be awkward

AIRBNB / VRBO / ENTIRE APARTMENTS

Pros: Complete privacy, home atmosphere, kitchen, comfort

Cons: Pricey, loneliness (when staying at a hotel you can at least bump into somebody or have a chit-chat with the stuff.)

COUCHSURFING

Pros: it is for free, mingling with locals, exceptional & intimate atmosphere

Cons: no privacy, again when not connected to your host it can be very awkward; shared space

5. CREATE A ‘WANT TO SEE’ LIST AND PLAN THE ITINERARY

One of my most common solo travel tips would be: ‘know where and when you go but leave some space for random adventures’. 

I believe it is vital for a solo traveller to make a proper research about the place that she or he is visiting. You want to make the best out of your trip, you want to spend your trip by exploring not by planning or getting lost in a dodgy area. 

Planning freaks like me will have no struggles by creating to do & see lists and scheduling their itineraries. The other ones can easily underestimate solo travel preparations and leave the trip to ‘go with the flow’.

I enjoy spontaneous trips and hang-outs too, but I am not a big fun of wandering without any purpose; or even worse, ending the trip with a misery of missed opportunities . 

Planning your solo trip itinerary is also important from the safety perspective . If you know where you’re heading you can’t get lost, and you don’t look like being lost. The first one causes stress and anxiety , the second one makes you an easy target for scammers and criminals.

WANT TO SEE LIST:

• Research the place.
• What do you want to see and do?
• What are the priorities of visiting these places? (must-see vs. nice to see)
• Do you plan to stay at one place or do you plan to travel from a city to city?
• Are those places safe for a solo traveller?
• Do you need to buy some tickets in advance?
• How can you get to the places you want to see?
• How much time do you need to explore the places?
• When is the best time to visit those places?
• Are those located in the same area? 
• Can you group these places or things according to the location or niche? (museum day, beach day, visiting the centre, suburbs…)
• What do you have to pack?  (hiking shoes, own food

6. MAKE A LIST OF ALL ‘TO PACK NECESSITIES’

It’s packing time! Once you know where you go and what your solo travel activities will be, making a packing list should be a piece of cake.

Pay extra attention to the weather forecast and, of course, required dimensions of your travel luggage!

Don’t forget chargers, first aid kit, medication and your passport . I’ll give you more insights in the next paragraph about packing. 

SOLO TRAVEL ESSENTIALS & NECESSITIES

How to pack for your solo trip? I usually travel on light , not only to save some money but mostly my energy .

Dragging a monstrous 20 kilo luggage which doesn’t fit basically anywhere, with +30 degrees heatwaves outside doesn’t sound like pleasing travel to me.

The secret is to know what you really need and what, on the other hand, might stay at the bottom of your suitcase during the whole trip.

What to pack when you’re travelling alone:

• Smart & light luggage
• Right clothes & shoes
• Enough funds
• Good insurance
• Reusable water bottle & food container
• First aid kit, medication & hygiene
• Chargers, adapters and other gadgets
• Personal documents & their copies
• Written cheat sheet with emergency contacts

1. SMART & LIGHT LUGGAGE

Once again, you’re not going to a catwalk (I guess). The fewer things you take, the fewer things you lose and the fewer things you carry. 

It is such a pain to wander around with heavy baggage. You may also grab much more unwanted attention than when travelling light. 

I prefer taking a medium-sized backpack or a tiny smart suitcase on wheels which I can fit nearly everywhere. Of course, the mean of your luggage depends on the destination.

If you’re about to have a city break , pick up a suitcase – it is more spacious, comfortable and in big cities you won’t look like a stranger. 

For more adventurous solo travels , when you visit further parts of the world, and you plan to change places often, then a backpack is the right choice!

2. RIGHT CLOTHES & SHOES

One more reason to have at least a tiny idea about what places you want to visit during your solo trip. Do you plan to swim ? Do you fancy a beach day ? Is the purpose of your solo travel hiking or culture hunting ? 

Once again, keep an eye on the weather in all your destinations. Always travel in the heaviest clothes to save some weight and space in your luggage. 

Is the destination conservative? Then pay extra attention to the norms of clothing of the place you head to. As a woman travelling to Muslim or other religious countries you will have to follow some rules like covering your legs, shoulders and head. 

You may want to avoid too sexy fashion as well at dodgier places. As a female solo traveller you don’t want to grab too much attention. 

HOT TIP: Check-out the fashion norms and trends of your destination to fit into the crowd and don’t look like a tourist.

3. ENOUGH FUNDS

We’re talking about money again.  Answer yourself these questions: 

• What currency you need, and what’s the current trend of its fluctuations? 
• Is it worth to exchange all the amounts before travelling, or can you find enough low fee ATMs / exchange agencies at the place? 
• Where do you want to store your money?

I usually have a higher amount of cash in the local currency directly in my purse which I carry with me everywhere (mostly in a vigilantly monitored backpack or a handbag). Then I have a debit card with a sufficient but not significant amount which I save in the hotel room, in a locker.

Finally, I have also a reserve amount of cash, hidden somewhere. This way when I get rob I can still rely on some hidden safety cash. 

4. GOOD INSURANCE

Don’t travel without insurance, especially during the corona crisis. You might be healthy and young, and you might be supremely cautious, but you never know what happens.

Insure both yourself and your journey . Double check if your current health insurance insures you also abroad and where. Are you insured against emergencies and accidents ? If not, do so!

My next tip would be – take the physical insurance card with you. Everything is online nowadays including insurance and other ID cards. I prefer to take my physical card and keep it together with my passport on a very secure place. This might be either the strictly monitored handbag or pocket of your trousers. 

I assume that thieves might be more willing to steal my phone rather than my insurance card. And when this happens, I still have my physical insurance card with a hotline number to call in case of emergencies and accidents. 

5. REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE & FOOD CONTAINER

Don’t make a single step without a reusable water bottle. Travelling takes lots of energy and the levels of hydration have to be filled frequently. 

With a perfect sized reusable water bottle you’ll save yourself some money, and you’ll use definitely less plastic. Many cities have a fresh source of tap water in parks, gardens and other public places. 

However, if you’re heading to a trickier destination where tap water is not really recommended, there you may need to spend more money on bottled water. A better solution would be to get one of those fancy water filtrating bottles. 

I like to take a small food container to have enough energy boosters on my trips. A little snack can save you from fainting during your hikes or unpleasant surprises when visiting cities where a daily shut down of all restaurants and shops is something completely usual ( siestas in Italy and Spain ).

6. FIRST AID KIT, MEDICATION & HYGIENE

Be ready for the best and be ready for the worst. Pack your regular medication, painkillers, medicaments for stomach, thermometer, plasters, bandage, tweezers, vitamins and immunity minerals like zinc and iron, energy boosters, pads , etc. 

Don’t forget sun blockers, sunglasses with high UV, lip protector, hat or a cap. FFP masks together with antibacterial gels are a must nowadays. 

Dental hygiene is important so pack yourself a toothpaste, tooth brush, floss and possible a small package of dental water. 

Moisturizing is not only for princesses! Especially when you travel to dry and windy destinations. Cracked skin aches! Take care of it before it’s too late. 

7. CHARGERS, ADAPTERS AND GADGETS TO SAVE YOUR LIFE

Do your research – again. Know what kind of plugs they use in the country you’re solo travelling to and try to get a suitable adapter before the journey (there are also some multifunctional variations, or multi USB adapters).

Of course, never forget your cellphone or tablet charger , and possibly the gadget itself (phone, camera, tablet, laptop, etc.). Make sure your credit is topped up or your roaming completely set-up for the country of your stay. 

Little example of a big fail : my friends and I managed to get to Morocco without previously checking on if our Spanish numbers and roaming were valid there. We split into 2 groups to get our rental card and guess what – none of our EU phones worked.

MUST HAVE GADGETS:

• Cell-phone or/and camera
• tablet or/and laptop
• Chargers & adapters
• Portable Powerbank

LIFE SAVING GADGETS:

If you plan a little crazier trip (like a solo wandering through an Amazon jungle or solo hiking in Iceland), I leave for you a list of hardcore gadgets:

• Portable Wi-Fi Hub
• Survival kit, 
• Pocket-Size washing machine
• goTenna Mash
• Automated travel vacuum
• Water Purified Bottle
• Tent & sleeping bag
• Compass or GPS
• High-tech foot warmers
• Female Urination Device
• Utility knife

(source: Travelaway )

 8. PERSONAL DOCUMENTS & THEIR COPIES

Make a copy of every document you take – ID, passport, insurance card, visa , etc. It may become handy in case you lose the originals. I have usually pictures of the most important documents also in a digital form – saved in Cloud, on Google Drive, or any software which is password secured.

9. WRITTEN CHEAT SHEET WITH EMERGENCY CONTACTS

Don’t rely on your phone only. It can get broken, it can be stolen, or it can be lost. Carry with you a paper cheat sheet with a list of all the necessary emergency contacts – telephone number and address of your hotel, telephone contact to your family and friends, your country’s embassy, local police, ambulance , etc.

Have those always with you, in a secure pocket or – a tip for ladies: in the back of your bra! This little piece of paper can save your life in case you get lost, your phone is having a bad moment, or in the worst scenario when it has been stolen or misplaced. Safety should always be the priority number one of your solo trip. 

Privacy Overview

How (and why) to travel alone

Smart solo travel tips to help you avoid scams, creeps, and loneliness.

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by Allie Volpe

In 2019, Alea Simone quit her job, sold all her furniture, packed her bags, and embarked on a four-month trip across 17 countries in Europe and Asia — by herself. It was the first time she ever traveled solo. The Texas native had never visited Europe or Asia before, and she admits she was intimidated. Would she be able to navigate public transportation ? Communicate in non-English-speaking countries?

“I was really scared,” Simone says, “but at the same time, I had to push myself forward because there really wasn’t much for me to go back to.”

Four years and countless solo trips later, Simone is something of an expert. She recounts her travels to thousands of followers on TikTok and Instagram , offering insight to adventurers, from cheap flight deals to a review of airport nail salon services . While she still gets anxiety ahead of solo travels from time to time, the best way to quell her fears is to hop on the plane and go.

Do you have a question or idea for Even Better?

Submit it by filling out this  form .

More travelers than ever before are choosing to venture on their own. According to a survey by the travel search engine Kayak , searches for single-person flights in 2023 are up 36 percent compared to 2022. Search interest in solo travel hit an all-time high in July 2023. The benefits of solo travel are wide-ranging, from complete flexibility to the potential for a transformative experience . Beholden to no one but themselves, solo travelers can eat where they want, spend what they want, and see what they want.    

This isn’t to say solo travelers shouldn’t take their safety seriously. “Solo travel is definitely about getting to know yourself,” Simone says, “and trusting your intuition.” Travelers of color, queer people, and women on their own may be targets for scammers , endure catcalls , and encounter racism and other forms of bigotry. Still, travel experts say the potential for negative incidents shouldn’t deter those who hope to travel alone from doing so. With no one else to depend on, solo travelers must take extra care while planning a trip, navigating around new locations, and interacting with new people. Seasoned independent adventurers offer their best advice for staying safe, yet open to new experiences.

How should I prepare to travel by myself?

Regardless if you’re traveling to the next town over to attend a concert by yourself or you’re hopping on an international flight, you need to be prepared for what awaits you. The farther you venture from home, though, the greater the opportunity for cultural miscommunications and misinterpretations. “You’re not going to read every situation correctly, because you’re in another culture,” says Janice Waugh, the publisher of the website Solo Traveler , “whether you’re from Kansas and going to New York or New York to Kansas.”

Do some Googling to see whether your proposed destination has any travel advisories and whether there are any laws that would make your visiting unsafe. But keep in mind that countries are vast places and while one city or province may not be amenable to tourists, that doesn’t mean the entire country is unsafe for a solo traveler. 

Research which neighborhoods are near restaurants, parks, public transportation, or other areas that interest you. Can you walk from place to place? Is your hostel located near all of the sites you want to visit? 

Try to identify various local communities on Instagram in your proposed destination — say, a yoga club if you’re into yoga, or a queer social club — and reach out to members for recommendations on what to do and where to stay, says travel writer Bani Amor . Amor also suggests solo travel Facebook groups where you can find intel on various businesses and locals to meet up with. 

Familiarize yourself with popular tourist scams, Simone says, so you don’t unknowingly get into what you believe is a taxi at the airport and are grossly overcharged. “It’s usually a very easy Google search,” she says. “What are the common scams in Morocco? What are the common scams in London? What are the common scams in Bangkok?”

When booking flights or other transportation, Waugh recommends arriving during daylight so you can get your bearings. While you’re coordinating your transit, make a plan for how you’ll get to your lodgings, says writer and travel expert Jessica Nabongo . Especially after a long flight where you may be tired and disoriented, knowing how you’ll get out of the airport is crucial. Nabongo is a fan of booking a car service, but for cheaper options, research the public transportation options from the airport. The app Rome2Rio provides a variety of routes, from subway and bus to train and car.

As a good rule of thumb for all travelers, Simone recommends a few crucial travel accessories: locks for your luggage and backpacks , and a portable door lock for hotel and hostel rooms. She also suggests an RFID-blocking wallet to prevent new-age pickpockets from using sensors to steal your data without having to even steal your wallet. A low-profile money belt that you can wear under your clothes helps keep your money close and out of sight. 

If you’re traveling to a location where you don’t speak the language, try to learn a few phrases, Amor says, just in case you need to ask for directions or read signs on public transportation. 

Before you leave for the airport, train station, or bus stop, or get in a car, tell a few friends and family members where you will be. You can even share your location with a contact in your iPhone or via Gmail on Android and Google Maps (you can always turn this off once you’re home). Someone should always know where in the world you are. 

Where is a safe place to stay as a solo traveler?

Travel experts sing the praises of all forms of lodging: hostels, hotels, Airbnb , staying with a friend of a friend. The main consideration is your budget. Hostels will be the cheapest option since you’ll share a room and bathroom with other travelers. However, this is a great opportunity to meet other people, some of whom may also be on their own. “I always like to suggest that people who have never traveled solo stay at a hostel, because hostels are built for solo travelers,” Simone says. “They’re always going to have tours going on you can sign up for.” Remember to always keep your items secure and locked.

For a slightly more expensive option, Amor suggests a private room at a hostel. You’ll have a door that locks and won’t need to share a bathroom. 

Hotels and Airbnbs will be the costliest places to stay. “I like the amenities,” Nabongo says. “I like having breakfast and my gym. And I like having a concierge, so I can ask, ‘What should I do? Where should I eat?’”

Take advantage of the staff and hosts wherever you stay, experts say. These people are often locals and are familiar with where you’re visiting. They can provide tour recommendations, directions, and places to avoid.

Before booking, Waugh suggests looking at the lodging’s location on Google Maps’ street view. “Make sure that the area looks like it’s active, that it’s well-maintained, and that you’re going to feel safe,” she says.

You can always tap your network, Amor says, and ask if anyone has a trustworthy friend who might be willing to let you crash. “Before I book anything, anywhere, I’m going online to my social network and I’m being like, ‘Who has got a place? Who has a friend of a friend?” they say. “If I’m a part of a radical community or a punk community, then I know we have some sort of ethos that is very mutual aid [focused].”

No matter where you stay, write the address in a note on your phone or mark the location on Google Maps so you always can find your home base.

How do I meet other people? Is that even safe? 

While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying your own company, solo travel gives adventurers the opportunity to meet new people. Group tours and Airbnb Experiences are great ways to mingle with other travelers. Opt to sit at the bar if you can since you’ll be better positioned to chat with other patrons and the bartender. These new connections might invite you to other events they have planned, Simone says, and give you strength in numbers. “You have to be open-minded and you have to be willing to say yes to things,” she says. 

Try searching for clubs or social groups that align with your interests, Nabongo says. In major cities, there’s a good chance you can find a manga lovers group, beer runners, or a poetry reading event.

However, always keep these interactions in a public place, Waugh says: a cafe, a park, a museum, a store, historical sites. Simone and Waugh caution against going out by yourself at night unless you’re with an organized group like a bar crawl. Don’t tell anyone where you’re staying either, even if they ask. You can give a general location, like “on the other side of town,” and then keep the conversation moving, Waugh says. 

Because different cultures have varying social norms around the appropriateness of certain comments or questions — what one culture considers a compliment may seem creepy to a person from a different background — you may be caught off-guard by offhand remarks. Sometimes cab drivers, for instance, might make comments about the way you look, misgender you, or ask intrusive questions. You don’t need to lie or justify who you are to a stranger, but keep the details to a minimum if you’re not comfortable. “Sometimes they’re just hitting on you, and … not everyone who’s hitting on you wants to abuse you,” Amor says. “But sometimes, it’s not fucking safe. I’ve never lied about having a boyfriend or a husband, but I usually just say ‘no.’”

Should a stranger become persistent in getting you alone, by offering to give you a ride or to veer off a marked hiking trail, consider that a red flag, Amor says. Don’t go anywhere private by yourself with someone you just met, be wary of people who are insistent you make a decision immediately (about whether you’ll join them on a day trip, for example), and don’t worry about being rude. “One thing a lot of us are trained to do is just to be nice,” they say. “You really have to put your foot down at some point.”

Continue using whatever metric you use at home to suss out new connections. If you get a weird feeling from a super-persistent person sitting next to you at the bar, signal to the bartender for assistance, move to another seat, or leave. “If you feel suddenly under threat,” Waugh says, “you just yell.”

Just as there are nefarious people wherever you go, there are kind and curious people, too. You have the opportunity to transform a local’s weeknight dinner into a charming memory. Be open to new connections, Nabongo says, and don’t assume everyone is out to harm you.

What do I do if I get sick or need help?

There are plenty of things that can go wrong when traveling, from the mundane — like getting lost — to the more serious, such as needing medical assistance. With no one else to rely on in a pinch, you may need to outsource help. For logistical issues, like asking for directions or inquiring how to purchase public transit passes, walk into a store and ask an employee or approach a family for assistance, Waugh says. 

Waugh also recommends travel insurance , which covers medical expenses should you unexpectedly get sick or injured and need to be hospitalized. (Travel insurance also covers lost luggage and missed connecting flights .) In countries that have universal health care , a visit to a doctor or emergency room is generally cheaper than in the US, but travel insurance can cover the cost of evacuating you to a location where you can get appropriate care if you’re, say, in a remote area. The local US embassy or consulate office can also help you find a medical provider. 

For less dire illnesses, local pharmacies are great resources, Waugh says. When she sprained her ankle in France a few years ago, she took an Uber ride to a nearby pharmacy, where employees helped her make an appointment with a specialist. 

If you’re a victim of a crime overseas, contact the nearest US embassy or consulate ; they can replace a stolen passport, inform your family, and provide information about local points of contact or organizations familiar with that country’s laws. Involving police may not be helpful or even safe, so it’s up to you whether you want to file a police report if you’re involved in a crime, both stateside and internationally. 

Although it’s important to be prepared for potential snafus, fear of the unknown should not hinder your experience. Millions of people live in traveler destinations — many by themselves — and don’t feel threatened by their hometowns. “In particular for women, society puts so much fear into us that I think is completely unwarranted,” Nabongo says. “The world is not as scary as they want us to believe it is.”

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20 tried & tested tips for first-time solo travelers

Travel Travel Inspiration Solo Travel Solo Travel Tips

Of all experiences in life, the one where you travel solo ranks highest (ask anybody who's done it). Often described as liberation at its purest, if and when you get an opportunity to take off on your own, you must without second thoughts. It is every bit what they say: a once-in-a-lifetime experience that teaches you more than you would know - about the world, a particular culture or even just yourself as a person. However, all things said, there are many reservations when it comes to taking this step, fear and safety being primary. So to help you, a first-time solo traveller make informed choices and live and enjoy one hell of a memorable trip, we've put together this useful guide of solo travel tips and tips for travelling solo.

Bookmark at once and pack those bags, sorry bag for one!

# 1 Plan it all out (but, leave some room for spontaneity)

Doing your homework and planning it all before heading out to adventure is, of course, the first step. But this doesn't mean overkill. It's good to have a rough outline and touch upon or rather seal important bits and bobs, the likes of bookings for stay, survival costs, and how long it takes from the airport to your hotel or the city center. The rest? Leave it to the universe!

#2 Pack light

Packing light saves you more than you think. You won't waste hours trying to put together an outfit, plus you can just walk around freely without having to lug around a huge suitcase. Most of all, pick clothing that helps you blend in as one in the crowd.

#3 Mingle with the locals

Talk to locals at every opportunity you get. They’ll have so much more to tell you about the place you’re at than any article on Google can help you with. They are also most definitely better company than travel guides and if they like you, may even let you in on local spots and secrets!

#4 Start enjoying dining alone

Among all things to look forward to, be most excited about dining alone. Much like travelling solo it makes you more mindful of your surroundings, the flavours of your food and just how great your company is.

#5 Learn the local language

Not knowing at least the basics of the local language can creep up on you quicker than you anticipate and it isn't a fun feeling. Most locals do not know English or any other language than their own and as a tourist it will become increasingly difficult for you to comprehend or get across a point. Therefore, it's important you learn at least easy phrases like hello, yes or no, how to ask for directions and the likes.

Everything You Must Know About Solo Travel

#6 sign up for organized tours.

Since travelling solo does not have the luxury of company, organized tours are your best bet. Not only will you find and enjoy meeting other travellers, many lone travellers too, this is also a great way to exchange information and decipher many other details of the trip and the location. In short, fun bonding time!

Check out the best solo travel tours & apps and make sure to download them before you set off on your solo venture!

#7 Stay in shared accommodation

Shared accomodation saves you money and possibly introduces you to good mates from across the world. Hostels are hands down the best place to stay if you're a solo traveller. Take advantage of the atmosphere, fun hostel events and free meals too!

#8 Arrive at your destination during the day & avoid night travel

Prioritise safety and always make sure to arrive at your destination during the day. Most spots are usually desserted in the nights which also means finding directions will become that much more difficult aka no locals to help guide you in unfamiliar territory.

#9 Get off the beaten track and don’t be afraid to get lost

We all know that the road less travelled is where all the fun's at, so don't be afraid to go that way. Go the extra mile to travel to the offbeat spots. This way you beat the crowds, discover something breathtaking and find people of your own kind.

#10 Learn to take your own photos

No solo trip ever happened if you do not document it. And so, you need to learn how to take your own pictures and create memories. Be sure to take many selfies with the scenery in the background, several scenic pictures of the place and to make sure you get yourself too, get a hands-free selfie stick or remote control picture taker.

#11 Always carry a portable charger

Portable chargers and power banks are real life savers. You may need your phone to take pictures, check the map or make an emergency phone call and a dying battery only deters all this and more, leaving you feeling helpless or worse, stranded. If you're carrying your portable charger, be sure to keep it in your hand luggage while checking in and boarding the flight.

#12 Download a handy set of apps

Technology is your friend and the right kind of enabler when you're travelling solo. Use it right and make life solo tripping infinitely easy by downloading a bunch of nifty apps like currency converter, GPS, translator and travel guides.

See more, save more with Headout

#13 download maps offline.

Reading an old-school map doesn't come naturally to us all which is why we have maps on our phones. This cool tool is great to be honest, but without the internet, pretty useless. To save you time and worry, download maps offline and make sure you know to read and understand it all. Locals are not always present to help you, but an offline map will be.

#14 Start your day early and wind up early

It's easy to get sidetracked and lazy on a trip by yourself but remember, the goal is to explore and go on an excursion of a lifetime. You can only do this by sticking to schedule and making an early start. That way you get to visit all the places you have in mind and also finish early to unwind and just be.

#15 Hop, Skip & Jump away from your comfort zone

Sticking to your comfort zone is a hard no. Push the boundaries a little! C'mon you already have by choosing to adventure alone so you might as well. Remember if it isn't dangerous to your life and will go down as a beautiful memory, do it. It could be as fun as taking a cooking or pottery class and learning the local language. Explore, take part, learn and go on a real adventure.

#16 Avoid appearing like a tourist & dress to blend in

How to not look like a tourist should be your number one agenda when travelling alone. To do so, simply avoid unnecessary attention by dressing like the locals and picking up certain mannerisms. This takes a good amount of research, so spend time on it and you should be able to morph into a resident in no time!

#17 Master the art of white-lying

A little white lie can come handy in many situations, but especially when you're a solo traveller. The best white lie is to always let the others know you have company or will be meeting someone in a while. It'll keep you safe, especially if you’re a solo female traveler.

#18 Don’t get too talkative with strangers

While it is nice to open up and connect with strangers, keep conversations superficial and do not divulge more than required. You never know true intentions until you witness them and the hope is you don't get that far.

#19 Leave a copy of your itinerary with friends & family

Be smart and leave a copy of your itinerary that has your flight times, hotel reservations, and maybe even a rough idea of your sightseeing schedule with friends and family. They can then at least try and locate you in case of an emergency. What's even ideal is to register your trip with the State Department so the local embassy or consulate can contact you if necessary.

#20 Trust your instincts

If all else fails, go with what your gut tells you. It never lies. If your surroundings seem fishy and your intuition kicks in, gracefully leave. In most cases you can trust your instincts to lend you a safe solo trip.

BONUS: 7 Solo Travel Tips for Female Travelers

Choose the right destination.

Ladies, you can make your first solo travel experience a lot easier by picking the right destination. This requires you to read up about the place, learn about its localities, locals, food, transport, costing, even history of hate crimes and history of attacks/sexism and more. Making an informed decision will keep you safe and as result land you a trip of a lifetime.

Buddy up with other female travelers

Meet other women travellers either through apps that help with the same or at your place or stay/hostels. This way you get to connect with like-minded individuals and who knows, even foster a lifelong bond! Or at the very least, you will have gained a temporary buddy for your solo trip. Finding and bonding with other solo female travellers means you're building a safety net or a gang to look out for you in times of trouble during or even after the trip.

Don’t hesitate to ask for help (there are always good people around)

Sure, projecting confidence is an important skill, but so is asking for help when you need it. Identify someone you can trust and try and fix hiccups together. Chances are you will also make a good friend in the process.

Learn self-defense (or carry pepper spray!)

A short self-defense session before heading out on a solo trip or arming yourself with a bottle of pepper spray is a must for every solo female traveller. You never know when danger can come knocking and being prepared will only help you stay sane and fight the situation, literally!

Always stay alert

Always, always be mindful of your surroundings, the people you interact with, the cars or people that pass you by and pay attention when just walking around. Just doing this much will help you identify predators or catch something coming. If you're walking around listening to music, it'd be best to leave one ear unplugged.

Mind the tipple

It's nice to let loose and have a couple drinks but sadly, the world we live in is not so great. Have fun responsibly and make sure you’re always aware of what's happening around you. We live in a not-so-safe world and the only way to stay safe is being vigilant at all times.

Pick a safe accommodation with good reviews

This tip is a no-brainer that we often miss out on in a hurry. Research, research and more research is key. Read all about where you will be staying on Google. Read reviews, even better if it is written by other women, and read about the location and locality nearby too. It's best to pick an all women's hostel or homestay/guest house for maximum safety. Also make sure to book through the right sources. Don't settle for a budget stay to save a few bucks.

Lakshmi Menon

Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them.

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30+ Solo Travel Tips Perfect for Your Next Solo Trip

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This article was originally published on our site Nomad Paradise. As part of a rebrand, we are publishing all our travel packing and tips content in one place for you to enjoy - The Travel Method. For world cuisine and recipes, you can keep visiting Nomad Paradise.

These solo travel tips will help you become a more savvy and aware traveler. I’ve compiled this list based on years of traveling solo.

Traveling alone can be fun, exciting, and fulfilling, but it isn’t without challenges. Whether planning a beach vacation or a backpacking adventure, these travel tips should help you plan a fantastic solo trip.

Solo Travel Tips for Staying Safe

1. Do your research in advance

Doing some research on your destination before your trip is always a good idea. When traveling alone, it’s even more important. While you don’t need to plan every detail of your trip, having a road map and knowing a little about the basics is good.

Some of the basics to consider include the following:

• the best way to get around,
• the best neighborhoods (and the ones to avoid), and
• local customs you need to be aware of (like tipping at a restaurant or wearing certain clothes).

A little bit of research will spare you time during your trip, money, and some awkward situations.

Using a printable travel planner is a great way to ensure your solo trip is well-planned.

2. Choose your accommodation wisely

This will vary based on your needs, but make sure to take all aspects into consideration. It’s often better to pay a little extra and be in a better neighborhood.

This is especially true if you aren’t spending much time in the place and want to make the most of it. A little research on the best neighborhoods may spare you a walk through unsafe streets late at night as you’re going back to your room.

3. Check safety advice and required documentation 

Checking safety advice is especially important if you are visiting at-risk places.

Travelers from the United States can check the Travel Advisories at travel.state.gov . Travelers from the U.K. can check the Foreign Travel Advice on gov.uk .

4. Pack wisely 

There’s a fine line between preparing for any kind of circumstance and overpacking. When traveling solo, you want to find the right balance.

This goes hand in hand with the research you should do before your trip. Pack the right clothes depending on the weather. Make sure you have layers but try not to bring too many. If you’re going on a longer trip, you can always wash some of your clothes along the way.

Don’t stress over the small things. If you have your money, documents, and anything fundamental for your survival, you’re good. You’ll always be able to buy toothpaste in case you forget it.

It can help to make a checklist (like this vacation packing list ) you can consult every time you’re packing for a trip. This way, you’ll ensure you don’t forget anything important.

5. Keep track of your expenses

Keeping track of your expenses is very important. It’s particularly so for those traveling on a budget .

Before your trip, estimate how much you will spend on accommodation and transportation. Then, set a budget for all the other expenses. At the end of the day, take note of what you spent so you can adjust along the way if needed.

6. Get to your destination during the day 

Try to arrive at your destination before it gets dark. This is important for safety reasons. It’s also useful to familiarize yourself with the neighborhood you’re staying in. You can take note of supermarkets or other shops you may need. Additionally, you can get familiar with public transportation or other ways of getting around.

If you’re staying in a hostel, this will also allow you to choose your bed and settle in (without having to do everything in the dark).

If you arrive during the day, you’ll also be able to save money by using public transportation to reach your accommodation (instead of having to hail a cab).

7. Ask questions, but trust your gut 

Asking locals for directions or advice is a good way to get more in touch with the local culture. You may also discover new places this way. And you’ll learn more about the place you’re visiting if you encounter people who are willing to chat.

However, it’s good to learn to trust your gut. Listen to your instincts if someone gives you some advice you don’t trust or directions through a dodgy part of town. While it’s good to be trusting, it’s also good to stay alert. As they say, better safe than sorry.

8. Keep your devices charged

When you’re alone, you want to be able to make a phone call in case of emergencies. You also want to be able to check Maps if you’re completely lost.

Charge your devices whenever you have access to electricity. And bring a power bank with you in case of emergency.

You don’t want to find yourself alone late at night, in an unknown part of town, without a phone or internet.

9. Learn a few words in the local language

Although you can get around speaking English in many countries, learning a few words and sentences in the local language doesn’t hurt.

Try to at least learn the greetings and some basic sentences. This isn’t just useful in case someone doesn’t speak English. It also shows you’re interested in knowing more about the local culture.

Even just greeting locals in their language can help you better connect with them, as they usually appreciate the effort.

Solo travel tips for how to meet people when traveling solo

10. Stay in hostels

If you’ve never stayed in a hostel, it can feel awkward in the beginning. But, this is one of the best ways to meet other solo travelers and make friends.

In many hostels, you may also get to take place in events and parties where you’ll find other travelers like you.

If you don’t know how to start a conversation with strangers, saying hello and asking them where they come from can be a great start.

11. Join group excursions

Look for organized day trips and excursions for groups. You can look online on sites like Viator or GetYourGuide .

You can also ask the hotel concierge or hostel receptionist if they can recommend any organized tours.

Apart from being a great way to meet new people, group excursions are also an opportunity to see places that are otherwise harder to reach on your own.

12. Check local events

Do some research on any local events like live music or fairs. Not only will you have the opportunity to meet new people, but you will also get to mingle with locals. To find local events, check Eventbrite , Meetup , and local online magazines.

13. Join walking tours 

If you want to combine exploring the city with meeting new people, joining walking tours is a great way to do so.

Most cities also have free walking tours. The tours are free but tips for the guide are greatly appreciated.

Ask at the hotel or hostel receptionist if any walking tours are available. Many times, you don’t even need to book. For many of them, you can just show up at the meeting point.

Feeling lonely when traveling solo can occur more often than you think. A walking tour is ideal to help you meet others while keeping some of your safety concerns at bay.

14. Sign up for classes

Another great way to meet people is by signing up for classes. Whether it’s dancing, yoga, or a cooking class, it can be a perfect opportunity to learn a new skill and make some new friends.

To find these classes, you can look on Viator , GetYourGuide , and Airbnb Experiences .

Eating alone when traveling solo

15. research restaurants in advance.

Some restaurants are more solo traveler-friendly than others. It may be useful to do some research in advance and see what the place looks like if you’re dining solo. You can do so online or by walking around and checking out the places. This doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself to some high-end dining, but at least you know what to expect.

That being said, allow yourself some room for spontaneity. If you pass by a place that looks nice, just go for it. Sometimes, the best places are the ones found by chance. Just make sure not to fall into tourist traps that will overcharge you for mediocre food.

16. Bring something to read

If you’re feeling too self-conscious as you’re sitting at your table alone, bring something to read. This will give you something to do and will distract you from the completely unfounded feeling that people are staring at you and judging you for eating alone.

17. Get takeout 

If you don’t want to eat alone at a restaurant, you still have the takeout option. This option is definitely more comfortable, but try not to do it all the time. Eating at local places is one of the main parts of experiencing local culture.

18. Just do it without overthinking  

The best advice is to stop overthinking and just enjoy yourself. The feeling of awkwardness tends to fade as you get used to the fact that going to a restaurant alone is not the end of the world.

And not doing that may mean missing out on great culinary experiences and even on the chance of meeting some nice locals.

Solo travel tips for women

19. Choose your destination carefully

The first safety advice when traveling alone as a woman is picking the right destination. Most places are safe for women traveling solo. Some places need some extra care and planning. And others would be best avoided.

Read more: Great solo travel destinations for women

20. Research the neighborhoods 

Most cities have their good and not-so-good neighborhoods. Before planning your trip, take some time to research the city and find out if there are any neighborhoods to avoid completely.

This tip is useful when traveling with other people but even more so when traveling alone as a woman, so that you can avoid attracting unwanted attention as much as possible.

21. Don’t overpack 

It’s quite easy to overpack, and this is especially true for us ladies. And in most cases, we end up not using half of the clothes we packed. If you plan on spending the whole time in one place, you might as well bring all the “just in case” items you want.

But if you plan on moving around, it’s a good idea to bring fewer clothes and plan to wash them along the way. You may also want to cut down on toiletries and makeup. If you realize there’s something you really need, you can always buy it. Try to pack light as much as you can.

Read more: 20 Great Packing Tips and Hacks You Need to Know

22. Watch your drinks

Trusting people is good, but being extra careful doesn’t harm. If you’re at a party and someone offers you a drink, try to choose something that comes in a bottle so you can see when it gets opened.

Also, always keep an eye on your drink, and avoid drinking too much unless you are with people you are sure you can trust.

23. Check local customs and dress rules

In some countries, walking around in shorts and tank tops is frowned upon. When visiting these places, it’s often safer to abide by the local rules and customs. Also, it may save you unpleasant staring situations, if not worse.

Before your trip, check the local customs and pack accordingly.

24. Avoid disclosing your exact location

If you are used to posting on social media and tagging your location, it’s preferable to keep it more general. If you absolutely want to share your real-time location on social media, limit it to the name of the city or the general area rather than the exact restaurant or landmark you are at.

This way, you don’t risk accidentally sharing your exact location with strangers with bad intentions. 

25. Stay aware of your surroundings 

Always be aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking around with your earphones or staring at your phone. Look around not only to see all the beautiful things that surround you but also to take note of anything suspicious. This is particularly useful if you’re walking around alone at night.

Resources for solo travel

26. Google Maps

Walking around without a map is the best way to experience a place and discover unknown spots. However, Google Maps can come in handy in many situations.

Also, if you think you may not have an internet connection, make sure to download the offline map in advance so you can still find your way around if needed.

Meetup is an app that allows you to meet groups of people who share similar interests. It’s a very commonly used app, especially in bigger cities. You can search for groups of other solo travelers in the city you’re in and join the next meetup. Just make sure to read the group rules, and you’re ready to go make new friends.

28. Expense tracker apps

From Money Manager to Mint and Wallet, there are countless expense tracker apps out there, you just need to find the one that works best for you.

Using an expense tracker app is much easier than writing everything down on paper and it allows you to always have an overview of your spending.

29. Noonlight

Noonlight is a safety app that can trigger a request to emergency services if you find yourself in danger. If you ever feel unsafe, you can open the app and just keep your finger pressed on the button until you feel safe again.

When you lift your finger, you’ll have to input your 4-digit pin to cancel the alarm. If you don’t input your pin, the app will send an alert to the local police and share your location.

30. Google Translate

Google Translate can be a lifesaver if you don’t speak the local language and you find yourself needing to communicate with someone or to ask for help. Download the app for easier access, or just use the browser.

Finding toilets, especially free ones, can be a struggle when traveling. Flush will show you the nearest public toilets, give you directions, and even tell you if you need to pay a fee to use the toilet. The database contains tens of thousands of public toilets, and you can even access it offline.

32. WiFi Finder

If you can’t use your mobile data when traveling, WiFi Finder can help you find a local hotspot. Just download the map for offline use in advance and search for the closest hotspot.

The app contains thousands of verified wifi hotspots and will give you useful information such as speed, signal strength, and whether you need to pay or it’s for free.

33. XE Currency 

A must-have if you’re traveling to a country that has a different currency. With XE , you can easily convert to and from any currency, so you’re always aware of how much you are paying.

The interface is very easy to use, and you can select the currencies you want to have easy access to. The conversion rate is constantly updated so you always get an accurate conversion.

34. Travello

Travello is sort of a social network for travelers. The app allows you to meet other fellow travelers in over 180 countries around the world.

You can join meetups or chats, share your travel memories or share your travel plans so that other people can join you. You can even find discounts for excursions and other activities.

35. Ridesharing Apps

Uber , Bolt , and other similar apps can be a lifesaver if you’re short on time or need to reach a more remote location. Furthermore, in some cities, they can be safer than taxis and even cheaper in many cases.

They also have the added benefit of showing the exact amount you need to pay in advance, so you’ll have no surprises. Find out which ridesharing apps are available in the place you’re going to travel to and download them in advance.

Leave no stone unturned when it comes to planning a trip on your own. A little forward thinking and research will go a long way to keeping you safe, connected, and having a great time.

Even if you’re not a particularly sociable person, these solo travel tips can help you navigate a new country or bustling city, meet many travelers in the same boat, and allow for plenty of cultural immersion while keeping yourself safe and informed.

It pays to be prepared and savvy. It can make all the difference no matter where you visit. If you can travel safely and with confidence, you can spend far more of your time and energy on what travel is all about: having a great time, making memories, and experiencing new things.

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Author: Roxana Fanaru

Roxana Fanaru is an Italy-based Romanian-born journalist. She has written for various publications in the lifestyle and travel space and is a seasoned solo traveler.

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How to travel Solo for the First Time (20 top tips)

If this is your first visit to my blog – welcome! I’m Brooke and I have been travelling the world solo for the past seven years. Over the years I have made many mistakes, booked last minute flights out of bad situations and met so many fellow solo travellers along the way. With the help of my fellow solo travel friends, I’ve put together the best tips for your first time travelling solo.

How to Travel Solo for the First Time

Book your accommodation via ratings.

There are so many hotels I have checked in to and realised they look nothing like the photos. The safest bet I have found is to check the rating overall as well as considering how many people have placed a review. If the hotel has a 5 star rating but only one person thinks so, you might wish to reconsider!

Make an effort to meet other travellers

When I first started travelling solo at twenty years of age, I would often find myself becoming more and more introverted. I found that over time conversation became easier, flowed more naturally and I soon realised I was facing the same questions from new friends: Where are you traveling from? Where are you traveling next? What are your favourite places so far? These small conversation starters can quickly form friendships and before you know it your solo dinner for one became a fun adventure with someone new.

Start your day early

I’m often asked how I manage to get photos at national monuments like the Eiffel Tower without any other travellers in the frame and the truth is to wake up for sunrise! Waking up at sunrise means less crowds, no lines, beautiful morning light and the chance to see a place almost all to yourself.

Buy travel insurance

One of the non-negotiables when I travel is buying travel insurance. When you travel alone you don’t have anyone looking out for you so for peace of mind, I always book travel insurance in case anything goes wrong. This extends to flight delays and cancellations and having travel insurance in these situations causes less stress because you know you won’t be the one footing the bill.

Something I learned early on in my travel career was to pack a light suitcase or backpack and relish in the rewards of lugging less weight up a flight of stairs! There have been so many instances where I have found myself at the bottom of 100+ stairs leading out of a subway suitcase in tow, that I have learned it is always better to pack less.

Travel alone but not lonely

Early on in my love affair with travel I realised how easy it is to make friends abroad. We are lucky to live in the age of social media and globalisation where it is possible to meet people to show their city to you before you even arrive! Smiling at locals, learning a few words of the local language and hitting up local coffee spots is a great way to meet people.

Visit Local coffee shops

Speaking of local coffee shops, they are a great place to meet interesting people or even just sit for a while and people watch. Often we get caught up in “seeing the sights” of a new city and forget to pause to take it all in. These moments are often where I have had some of my best ideas, met people I still keep in touch with today or just taken time for myself to consider my surrounds.

Travel with a book

Often when you travel alone you will find yourself with free time on your hands. This could come whilst standing in a line, waiting between courses at a restaurant or on long bus rides. I find it best to always travel with a book to immerse myself in and never feel lonely whilst accompanied by my favourite characters.

Stay sober if exploring at night

This one is subjective but it is a travel rule I have unknowingly implemented for myself. While I love a glass or two of wine with dinner, I love feeling safe more. I will only ever have a glass of wine if I plan to walk around a city by myself at night because I’d rather have my wits about me and feel safe. There are a few situations I have found myself in over the years where I have been thankful for being sober so I can make a quick escape. There is nothing worse than feeling as if you are being followed or watched when you are walking alone so be sure to get yourself out of any situation you feel uncomfortable in.

Catch public transport

Although it can sometimes be daunting using a new public transport system, it is always the cheapest and often best way to see a city. There is no better way to feel like a local than to learn your local stops and make use of the subway.

Pick your destination(s) wisely

Let’s face it: some destinations are safer than others. I’ve written before about the safest destinations for solo travellers and I stand by these as some of my favourite places I have been alone.

Go your own way

One of the most common options for solo travellers is to join a group trip but from experiencing both, I much prefer to travel on my own accord. Group trips have a way of feeling rushed and focus heavily on the main attractions, so much so that you often don’t get a feel for the place you are visiting.

Give yourself challenges

A great way to see a city is to challenge yourself to achieve a certain amount of walking each day or a visit a certain set of places each day. Sometimes I embark on a day of coffee tasting and make my way to 10-20 of the cities’ most popular coffee shops. Other times I will depart on a day of vintage shopping and dart my way all over the city in search of treasures.

See what you are capable of

One of my favourite solo travel memories and equally one of my worst was when I took a mountain bike down Death Road in Bolivia . It was the experience that sparked my interest in mountain bike riding and because of this, I found out what I was capable of.

Take your time

One of my favourite travel hacks over the years has been to slow myself down and notice more beyond the obvious. I can spend countless hours inside museums noticing the most minute details and before I know it, I’m knee deep in researching a particular artist or genre.

As much as I love my planned days with a set itinerary of what I would like to achieve, I also love getting lost and having no plan at all. I find this option is best for cities you have never discovered before as it prompts you to form an opinion without expectations. Cities I have loved getting lost in include Antwerp, Stockholm and Tallinn.

Ask locals for advice

Often the coolest cafes or concept stores I have discovered are small hole-in-the-wall finds that I never would have found without the advice of a local. I’m always asking waiters, bus drivers and baristas where I should explore and blindly travelling on their recommendations.

Consider a cruise

I know, I know: you can’t believe you are reading this. But I mean it when I say cruising has become one of my favourite ways to travel having explored the Middle East and Asia by cruise ships. This is a great way to take the stress out of travel because once you’ve checked in to your cabin, you never have to move your luggage again. You wake up every day in a new port, explore, eat, sleep, and do it all again! I would definitely recommend cruising for solo travellers who would prefer less stress and a more relaxed way to travel.

Learn a new skill

Every year I travel to Paris to learn a new skill in pastry making. Through travel, desserts and pastry have become a really strong passion of mine – so much so that I even opened my own bakery three years ago ! Learning a new skill like pastry classes, wine pairing, language lessons or even art appreciation is a great way to immerse yourself into a culture completely.

Embrace the complete freedom of solo travel

Whenever a person asks me how I gained the confidence to travel solo, I often go into a long tangent about how great it is not just to spend time alone but to love time alone. The complete freedom of solo travel gives you time to learn more about yourself, explore your interests and become a truer version of yourself.

Solo travel must haves

Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.

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I’ve never read anything more realistic than this! I used to be so scared of travelling alone because you don’t really know what to expect. It’s great seeing content like this that will help people be more confident in going out there and experiencing the world. One thing that caught my attention is the notion of making an effort to meet other travelers, especially solo ones. I believe that this can bring more color into our experiences, but a lot of people still find it hard to strike up a conversation with strangers. Do you have any tips on how …  Read more »

A very inspiring post. Accidentally stumbled upon your blog. Sometimes you really want to travel alone. Especially when all the advantages of such a trip are so beautifully described.

Thank you for sharing this one! glad that i bumped into this blog of yours since it definitely motivated and helped me a lot!

 I haven’t tried yet to travel solo, but your blog makes me want to try it. Thank you for the best tips for me to try as a first-time solo traveler.

Hey there! Useful Post, you always have good humor in your posts/blogs. So much fun and easy to read! And for the record, we are still at it on the Flash reading.

Such a well written blog. I am going to travel solo soon and this piece of writing gave me so many tips. Thankyou so much for sharing, you’re doing a great job:)

Such a good post!! I’ve never gone solo traveling before, I’ve always been too scared or too reliant on others. But recently, I’ve really had the desire to get out there and travel how I want to travel – to see the world that I want to see! Every post I read of yours makes me feel more prepared and more ready to get into the world of solo travel. So, thank you

rosie abigail ✨

Thanks Wendy, appreciate the feedback!

What a fantastic blog!, I had to go find your first London one and it was also fabulous. I am looking forward to enjoying many of your highlighted places myself.

Your blog inspired me to travel solo 6 years ago – love seeing all of these new articles to inspire other women!

Traveling alone doesn’t mean being alone. I always made amazing friends on the way and there are good people out there also traveling alone. It’s fun meeting new people on the road….

For some reason, I always avoided traveling alone. Don’t know, but it seems like I need someone to have my back if anything goes sideways. :)

Wonderful post.

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Solo travel for women: the 18 best destinations (plus tips).

Plan an independent getaway to suit your own personal travel style.

Solo Travel for Women

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For your next solo adventure, consider exploring waterfalls in Iceland, rice fields in Indonesia, beaches in Thailand and more.

Perhaps you have a bucket list of places you've always wanted to travel at the ready but you just keep waiting for the right person to go with you. But if your friends are busy, you just broke up with your partner and you're not feeling a family vacation, you don't have to wait to embark on a new adventure – just go solo .

Traveling by yourself, even as a woman, is not as challenging or scary as you might think. There are plenty of benefits: You don't have to adhere to anyone else's schedule, budget or food preferences, so you can truly prioritize yourself. Solo travel means doing whatever you want whenever you want, while seeing the places that you most want to visit. Adventuring alone as a woman can empower you to see the world on your terms.

Whether you're concerned about safety or seeking companionship, there are plenty of places around the globe to consider for your next solo trip. U.S. News has compiled this list of top solo travel destinations (and helpful tips) with expertise from women who have traversed the globe by themselves and loved it.

Barcelona, Spain

With a visit to Barcelona , immerse yourself in the local culture at your leisure, whether you want to dine at Michelin-starred restaurants or go cheer at a football (soccer) game. Writer Mona Gable says, "Barcelona is a place of wonder − medieval neighborhoods, sunny beaches, and world-class museums, not to mention Antoni Gaudí's celebrated architecture." She enjoyed exploring the Mediterranean port city, especially because of its walkability and easy-to-navigate transportation system with metro lines and buses. She also noted feeling safe on her own: "As a female traveler, I felt perfectly at ease wandering many neighborhoods alone, even at late hours, when Catalans famously dine out."

Travel tip: Gable says it's best to avoid touristy Las Ramblas – Barcelona's main thoroughfare – except to see La Boqueria, the city's legendary food market.

[See more of Barcelona:  Things to Do  |  Tours  |  Hotels  |  When to Visit  |  Photos  ]

Botswana is well known for African wildlife safaris , where travelers might encounter elephants, zebras, rhinos, lions and cheetahs while glamping in luxury tents and dining on gourmet food. "Wildlife travel offers an outstanding combination of camaraderie, safety and autonomy," says Darcie Smith, owner of Great Expeditions Travel . She recommends Botswana's green season (November to March) for solo female travelers; at this time of year the single supplement surcharge is waived at many safari camps, which offers an excellent value and means you're more likely to meet other solo travelers. It is also peak season for birding, and you'll find plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife in the lush landscape.

Many camps will send someone to meet guests upon arrival to help you navigate airports or transfers. In Smith's experience, camp guests are also escorted to their rooms at night, for an added wildlife safety element. "Solo female travelers can enjoy daily shared safari activities in intimate camps that encourage social gatherings with full independence to design the itinerary around what's best for you," she says.

Travel tip: Smith recommends making your social media accounts private when you travel so strangers can't track your location as well as learning about the customs of your destination. "This will help avoid accidentally coming across as forward or flirtatious based on local standards," she explains. "For example, while long eye contact may be considered a sign of self-confidence or being polite at home, it may come across as flirtatious in your new destination."

Picture yourself indulging in pizza and gelato, visiting world-famous museums, touring picturesque wineries, and shopping at designer boutiques – all of that is at your fingertips in Italy , writer Martha McCully's go-to travel destination. "Italians want to share their culture and it's part of their personality to welcome you," she says. "Plus, the food and wine are outrageously divine."

The idea that traveling solo means you will be alone is a misconception, according to McCully. "It's simply not true," she says. "Book a group tour at your destination, or DM a friend from your past on Instagram, which is what I did in Bologna." There are plenty of unique ways to meet fellow travelers in Italy; she recommends signing up for a cooking class in Bologna through Taste of Italy, a food tour by Curious Appetite or a painting class with Plein Air Tuscany. "The idea is you will be with like-minded travelers and someone else is doing all the organizing," McCully explains.

Travel tip: McCully suggests sticking to your wellness routine while on the road to keep healthy habits. "I like to take my rituals with me," she says. "When I ground myself with what I know makes me feel good physically and mentally, it's like I'm living in another country, not just visiting."

[Read: The Top Italy Tours .]

With glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls and hot springs galore, the dramatic landscapes of Iceland make it a must-visit destination. The "Land of Fire and Ice" is also known for puffins, its Viking history and women's empowerment, with the country's reputation as a champion of gender equality.

"Iceland is a favorite destination for female solo travelers because it is easily one of the safest countries in the world," says Jenny Ly, professional travel blogger at Go Wanderly . Iceland has one of the world's lowest crime rates and no animal predators dangerous to humans – just prepare for challenging weather and exercise caution if you plan to do any driving. Ly's itinerary recommendations include whale watching, with nearly a dozen types of whales navigating Icelandic waters; visiting Vatnajökull Glacier's ice caves; and chasing the northern lights in the darker months (October to April).

Travel tip: Ly encourages solo female travelers to not let the lack of a travel companion prevent them from exploring the world. "It can be both empowering and rewarding for women to travel solo, at least once in their life," she says. "While traveling alone can be riskier than traveling with others, it can also be more fun and gratifying." Her tip is to always be aware of your surroundings.

[Read: The Top Iceland Tours .]

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

While some women may shy away from traveling to Mexico due to safety concerns, travel blogger Jeanine Romo of lewildexplorer.com , who has ventured solo to many countries, recommends visiting the charming town of San Miguel de Allende . "I decided to go on my own and had such a wonderful time," she says. "The people are friendly, the hospitality is amazing, and there are so many things to do if you love art, incredible food, and incredible architecture." San Miguel de Allende is a great option for women travelers because the city center is easily walkable and Uber is available, which Romo says made her feel safe because she could always call a ride.

Travel tip: For women traveling by themselves, Romo advises doing research on transportation options (such as local buses, metro lines and ride-sharing app availability) before you arrive. "I like to know how walkable the city I'm visiting is," says Romo. "This helps me feel so much more confident when navigating a new city."

[See more of San Miguel de Allende: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

New Zealand

From pristine beaches on the North Island to snowy mountains on the South Island – and all kinds of geological wonders in between – the diversity of New Zealand is a major draw for tourists. Travelers can learn about the indigenous Māori culture, visit a sheep farm or go sailing in Auckland , among an abundance of other incredible things to do in this island nation.

Travel blogger Nina Ragusa of whereintheworldisnina.com enjoys visiting because of the welcoming culture, outdoor adventure and feeling of safety. "Traveling New Zealand as a solo woman is quite easy, and if it's your first trip solo, this would be a good country to start in," she says. Ragusa spent a month camping in a van by herself and said she never had to worry about her safety, even in more remote areas. "I went on hikes solo, some of them deep into the mountains for miles and miles, and was either alone or passing other tourists or friendly kiwis to wave hello to," she says. Ragusa adds that New Zealand is not the cheapest travel destination, but her personal recommendation for saving money on longer trips here is to rent – or buy and later sell – a van to live in.

Travel tip: Ragusa recommends steering clear of the outskirts of the bigger cities (particularly if you do travel by van). She warns that, as in most urban destinations around the world, those parts of New Zealand are where you're more likely to run into trouble.

El Calafate, Patagonia, Argentina

For an outdoor adventure in South America, Argentine Patagonia offers pristine ice hiking, backpacking, kayaking, trekking and wildlife viewing. Nicol Gillum-Thomas, an African-American solo female traveler whose mission is to encourage women to live life as an adventure, enjoyed her time in the town of El Calafate. "El Calafate, Argentina, was the destination that seemed the most off-putting in my imagination, but became the trip with the most adventure, awe-inspiring beauty and ease," she says.

Travel tip: Gillum-Thomas recommends a stay at the América del Sur Hostel Calafate, saying she appreciated the clean accommodations and interesting guests.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

If you dream of a getaway that includes picturesque beaches and crystal-clear water, Croatia is the perfect spot to explore. In Dubrovnik , the ancient city walls and medieval architecture of Old Town , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, set a particularly gorgeous scene when the sun goes down. Tamara Williams, owner of solo female travel-focused blog My Elated Odyssey , says the unmatched beauty of the surrounding sea and mountains is only one reason to plan a trip here.

"The locals are some of the nicest people I have ever met," Williams says. "They truly made it feel like a second home. They spoke English well, so no need to worry about a language barrier." She adds that this Balkan country is also considerably more affordable than destinations in Western Europe.

Travel tip: For solo female travelers, Williams suggests staying in the Lapad neighborhood or near Old Town. "Both are full of cafes, bars and shopping to keep you busy," she says.

[See more of Dubrovnik: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Svalbard, Norway

You can't go wrong in Norway , with breathtaking fjords, fascinating wildlife, scenic railways, outdoor adventure and the chance to glimpse the northern lights . Jurga Rubinovaite, founder of the travel blog Full Suitcase , says you won't want to miss Svalbard: a Norwegian archipelago located approximately 800 miles from the North Pole. "It is one of the most unique nature destinations in the world," she says. "Despite being so far north in the Arctic, it's extremely easy to visit and is also a great and safe destination for solo female travelers."

The main town, Longyearbyen, is the focal point of activities in Svalbard, which range from hiking and boat tours in the summer to winter pursuits such as ice cave visits and snowmobiling. "Because of the presence of polar bears, everything you do in Svalbard requires booking a guided tour, so you are always in safe hands," Rubinovaite explains. "Longyearbyen town itself is very lively and safe, with lots of accommodations, restaurants, shops, and a few museums, all within easy walking distance from each other."

Travel tip: For women traveling alone, Rubinovaite advises thorough research in advance of your trip to this Arctic locale; staying in hotels, rather than private accommodations; and booking guided tours or looking for a travel buddy when venturing out to very remote places.

Head to Ireland for a memorable solo getaway complete with rolling emerald-green hills, fairytale castles and Irish coffee. Experienced traveler Kelie Fiala of the Vacations Planned blog ranks this European country at the top of her list for solo travel spots. "Many attractions in Ireland are wonderful for solo travelers because they offer peaceful spots to stop and enjoy the gorgeous views, but also provide plenty of opportunities to meet friendly people at cafes and other points of interest," she says.

Fiala appreciates the nightlife and music scene of Ireland as much as the history and scenery. She suggests experiencing some of the country's pubs, even if you're a woman traveling alone, since you'll almost always find live music and friendly people. "Even if you start out by yourself, you'll easily find that you're having great conversations in no time," she says.

Travel tip: Fiala warns that for solo travelers, especially women, it's best to be careful how much you drink and leave the situation if you ever feel uncomfortable. But she also encourages women to not be afraid to have a chat. "You could hear some great stories, and make a new friend," she says.

Beautiful beaches, delicious food, friendly people, exotic animals and floating markets are just some of the incredible things that you can experience in Thailand . Loredana Gogoescu, head of content for Destguides.com , says she felt safe in Thailand as soon as she arrived. "Thai people are hospitable and kind," she says. "Moreover, as a solo traveler, I was surprisingly never alone. I had to book a private room for myself at one point just to get a breather, as I was constantly meeting new people!"

Travel tip: If you're apprehensive about exploring a new place on your own, especially if you've never traveled abroad before, Gogoescu recommends sorting out all the logistics like accommodations and transportation in advance so it's easier to acclimate once you get there. She adds, "If you're afraid of being alone, join different apps like Bumble and Facebook groups for the destination you're traveling to, to see if you can match up with other solo female travelers who will be in the area at the same time as you."

Netherlands

Nailah Hayward of TheresSoMuchToSee.com says the Netherlands is a superb option for first-time solo female travelers, based on ease of transportation, overall safety, the variety of things to do and other factors. "The Netherlands comes out high on all of these areas," she says. "And after multiple visits to the country, traveling through big cities and small towns, I always felt extremely safe." With the country's extensive train system, in addition to local trams and bike lanes, navigating the Netherlands by yourself doesn't pose too great a burden. Hayward also appreciates the ease of communicating with locals as an English speaker, since most people speak English in addition to Dutch.

"Whether you are into the arts scene, outdoor activities, luxury experiences, cultural exploration or culinary delights, the Netherlands has a huge variety of activities to dive into," Hayward says. "All of these elements make the Netherlands a place that I enthusiastically recommend for solo women travelers."

Travel tip: Don't carry cash. Hayward says most transactions can be done electronically, so there's no need for frequent trips to the ATM.

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Luxury family travel influencer Irina Claire Bromberg suggests Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands as a top spot for solo female travel, partially because of its high safety rating from the U.S. Department of State. There's also no shortage of activities in this Caribbean destination, with Bromberg calling Stingray City a must. "The stingrays are peaceful and gentle," she says. "They glide along the ocean floor and you're free to observe and even play with them in their natural habitat." She also recommends soaking up some sun at the renowned Seven Mile Beach .

Grand Cayman is also a foodie paradise, according to Bromberg. "The vibrant dishes are as tasty as they are exciting, representing the fascinating mix of cultures and traditions that make the island so unique," she says. Her suggestions for food to try include the classic Cayman-style lobster, coconut shrimp and Johnny cakes.

Travel tip: Bromberg recommends checking the U.S. Department of State safety rating and other solo travelers' experiences prior to booking a trip.

[See more of the Cayman Islands:  Things to Do  |  Hotels  |  When to Visit  |  Photos  ]

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Chart your course for Istanbul , the only city in the world that straddles two continents, Europe and Asia. This anomaly is one of many features making the Turkish city stand out as a unique destination; you'll get to experience its Byzantine architecture, Ottoman cuisine and landmarks like the Grand Bazaar on a trip here. Farihah Fuaad, a Muslim solo travel expert and founder of MuslimSoloTravel.com , says, "It offers the best of both worlds – East and West, Europe and Asia, modern and ancient – and lots of surprises." This lively, fast-paced metropolis is also rich in history and culture, with remnants of bygone eras visible in the skyline of Istanbul, according to Fuuad.

For solo travelers, there are endless opportunities for memorable experiences. "Wherever you go in Istanbul, multiple surprises await you at the corner of every street, its cobblestone alleys, or within the maze-like structure in Grand Bazaar," Fuaad says. The network of easy and convenient public transportation options also makes Istanbul a great choice for women traveling solo.

Travel tip: For first-time solo female travelers, Fuaad suggests taking time to adjust to being on your own: "Start small, by venturing to your next neighboring town or city first, or any city in your country first before you make the leap into solo traveling abroad." She adds, "Don't do things you're not comfortable with. Listen to your gut feelings – they're always right!"

[See more of Istanbul:  Things to Do  |  Hotels  |  When to Visit  |  Photos  ]

Bali, Indonesia

For a tropical island escape, Bali is undeniably magical. Its natural beauty spans volcanoes, waterfalls and stunning beaches, as well as sprawling rice fields, diverse nightlife and breathtaking temples. Katie Caf, travel blogger at KatieCafTravel.com , who has been traveling solo full time for the past year and a half, says Bali is by far her favorite place to visit. "The Balinese people are very respectful towards female travelers, there's no street harassment based on gender like you might find in other locations, and while no place is perfect, Bali just feels very safe as a woman," Caf says. She adds that, although Indonesia is a conservative country, she found that women traveling there aren't expected to cover up except in temples or other sacred religious sites.

Travel tip: Caf recommends that travelers always use ride-sharing apps like Uber, Gojek and Grab rather than hailing cabs off the street, since the apps' tracking features make them much safer to use for solo female travelers in foreign countries. Some of these sites also allow you to share your route with chosen contacts for added safety.

[See more of Bali:  Things to Do  |  Hotels  |  When to Visit  |  Photos  ]

Paris is one of the most iconic destinations in Europe for any traveler. Antoinette Harris, founder and owner of travel blog Frolic & Courage , considers the "City of Love" a superb option for women traveling solo due to its cuisine, cultural attractions and hands-on activities of all sorts. "I consider Paris the city of self-love because it has everything solo women travelers need to care for themselves and their interests," Harris says.

With the flexibility of traveling on your own, you can plan the Paris trip of your dreams. Depending on what you're interested in, you may choose to learn about French cooking, immerse yourself in the Louvre , attend an opera at the historic Palais Garnier or browse local shops, as Harris has done. "Uninhibited by the demands or requests of others, I was able to really take the time to focus on who I am, what I wanted and what sparks joy and life in my spirit," she says. "Traveling to Paris taught me how to truly enjoy spending time solo."

Travel tip: One of Harris' top tips is to not bring more than you can carry, as you won't always find someone to help you with your luggage if an escalator breaks and you have to take the stairs. "By keeping only the essentials, you're able to move quickly to and from your destination without worrying too much about being a target for crime," Harris says. She also recommends downloading an offline map you can reference even without internet connection and sharing your itinerary with family members or friends who could help in a sticky situation.

[See more of Paris:  Things to Do  |  Tours  |  Hotels  |  When to Visit  |  Photos  ]

New York City

It's hard to beat the allure of the twinkling lights of Times Square , award-winning Broadway shows and Lady Liberty . Melanie Musson, a travel expert with AutoInsurance.org , loves taking a solo trip to New York City , saying she doesn't even have the chance to feel lonely because the hustle and bustle of the big city keeps her sufficiently distracted.

Musson says that, while there are risks for visitors in any city, the odds of anything scary happening to you in New York are low as long as you take appropriate precautions. "New York City prioritizes tourist safety because they know they’d lose this valuable industry if visitors had frequent bad experiences," she explains, adding that you may be surprised how friendly the local residents are. "They're usually happy to help you identify the right subway line to take or bus to catch. They'll probably even give you tips on the best places to eat or things to see."

Travel tip: Musson's pre-trip tip is to check crime reports in the destination you're heading to and stay within the safe areas. "Trust your gut and get out of the area if you don't feel safe," she cautions.

[See more of New York City:  Things to Do  |  Tours  |  Hotels  |  When to Visit  |  Photos  ]

The city of Singapore is known for being clean, green and safe for travelers – as well as expensive. Singapore boasts impressive architecture, the iconic Singapore sling cocktail, street food markets and luxury shopping malls. Daina Cohen, editor at WorldlyKnown.com , says, "Singapore is a fantastic destination for solo women travelers because of its vibrant, yet safe culture and exciting sights." On a solo trip to this Southeast Asian city, you can experience the unique blend of diverse cultures and cuisines, Cohen says, in addition to other benefits. "It's easy to navigate with plenty of public transportation options, plus an excellent healthcare system, which makes it a great choice for those who want to travel solo," Cohen notes. Tourists should research Singapore's laws – such as a ban on chewing gum – before traveling there to avoid fines.

Travel tip: Cohen advises staying in a hostel (which often have options for women-only dorms) or renting an Airbnb for more privacy. You'll also want to familiarize yourself with the city's public transportation system prior to arrival.

[See more of Singapore: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Sharael Kolberg is a U.S. News & World Report contributor with a wealth of knowledge when it comes to solo travel for women. Her first trip by herself was to New Zealand when she was 19. Since then, she has traveled solo all over the U.S. and to countries such as Fiji, Argentina, Chile and Italy. Her favorite destination to travel alone is still her native California, which offers a diverse landscape from the city to the sea and the mountains and the desert.

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The best solo travel destinations, according to a long-time solo traveller

Travelling alone can be one of life's most rewarding experiences, says Tracey Davies, editor of 101 Singles Holidays

Solo travel is having a real renaissance right now. According to American Express’ latest Global Travel Trends report , 69 per cent of travellers are planning to go it alone this year, with women in the post-45 age bracket leading the charge. There are many reasons women choose to travel on their own: separation from a partner, a sabbatical from work, seeking empowerment and freedom, or simply wanting to do things their own way for a change.

So, if you’re looking for a yoga retreat in Spain , want to explore the Golden Triangle in India , or even snuffle for truffles in the forests of Slovenia , there are a million and one solo holiday ideas to garner inspiration from. Here are some of my favourites…

History in Edinburgh , thronging nightlife in Glasgow, heather-strewn glens in the Highlands – Scotland is a brilliant place to explore, period. Solo adventures to be had in Scotland could include a walking holiday in Glencoe, monster-spotting in Loch Ness or island hopping around the Hebrides .

See the best of the Highlands on a four-day Good Housekeeping tour this July, which includes a ride on the world-famous Jacobite steam train from Fort William to Mallaig. The train passes the stunning slopes of Ben Nevis, numerous dazzling lochs and the 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct (pictured), made famous by the Harry Potter film franchise.

Other highlights of this tour include a ride on the Falkirk Wheel boat lift and a cruise along the Firth of Clyde on the PS Waverley, the world's last ocean paddle steamer.

Spain hits the top spot as one of the easiest places to travel solo. It has Mediterranean beach resorts, buzzing cities abundant with cool bars and restaurants (like Granada, pictured), and small towns and picturesque villages that are perfect for pottering.

Add in a straightforward and reliable transport network, a plethora of solo accommodation options and friendly residents, it's easy to see why Spain is a great choice for a solo sojourn.

The Healthy Holiday Company offers numerous wellness trips throughout Spain. One of the best for solo travellers is Shanti Som, a small, boutique retreat in Andalusia. With just 15 rooms it offers an intimate experience plus has a yoga pavilion and gorgeous little spa that offers different treatments and therapies. FIND OUT MORE

Italy is incredibly welcoming to the solo traveller. Have you read the book or seen the movie Eat, Pray, Love ? Our hero Elizabeth Gilbert fell in love with the country’s great food, romantic language and utterly charming locals. Italy's also an easy country to get around in, thanks to its excellent transport network.

One of my favourite cities in Italy is Bologna (pictured). Known as La Grassa ('the fat one'), the northern city is a mecca for gastronomes . As well as feasting on hearty pasta dishes and locally-made wine, Good Housekeeping's six-day foodies tour (which begins and ends in Bologna) visits producers of Parma ham, balsamic vinegar and Parmesan, and includes an Italian cooking class in the neighbouring city of Modena.

FIND OUT MORE

Considered one of the safest countries in the world, Norway is the perfect destination for solo travellers, especially those looking to embrace friluftsliv , the Norwegian concept of enjoying the great outdoors.

Like other Nordic countries, Norway is incredibly well organised, efficient and easy to traverse. It also has a fantastic, solo-friendly dining scene with a focus on home-grown, seasonal produce.

Norway is one of the best places on earth to witness the Northern Lights , so join Good Housekeeping on this fantastic 12-day Norway cruise with no single supplement.

Departing November 2024 , you'll sail on a Hurtigruten ship, stopping off at the UNESCO-listed port of Bergen, the Lofoten Islands and Tromsø. As you cross the Arctic Circle, the chances of spotting the aurora borealis are almost guaranteed.

Famously welcoming, Slovenia is the perfect destination when travelling alone.

Bordering Hungary, Italy, Austria and Croatia , this small but mighty country is relatively straightforward to explore, thanks to its efficient transport system. The fact that there's also plenty to see and do – and that most people speak English – means it should be on any solo adventurer’s must-visit list.

This six-day guided Slovenia adventure , departing in October 2024, is a great introduction to Central and Southeastern Europe. The trip begins and ends in Ljubljana, Slovenia's cobblestoned capital, and includes tours of Triglav National Park, Lake Bled (pictured) and the UNESCO-listed Skocjan caves.

You’ll also enjoy wine tasting in the Vipava Valley and an afternoon learning about the art of truffle hunting.

For the original Shirley Valentine experience, look no further than Greece and its beautiful islands. Greece is ideal for solo travellers, whether you want to hoover up the ancient history in Athens or hop around the islands, relaxing on beaches and dining Shirley-style in traditional tavernas.

With an abundance of sprawling beach resorts, white-washed fishing harbours and rugged mountain villages to pick from on the islands, the hardest part is choosing which one to visit.

If you're looking to explore your creative side, check out learning holidays company Skyros . Staying in a rustic eco-lodge, this week-long holiday on Skyros (pictured), in the southern Sporades, includes creative writing sessions, stand-up comedy workshops and relaxing yoga classes.

As our closest continental neighbours, France is a good place to start when venturing abroad solo. It's easy to get around, dining alone is welcomed and the French are very accustomed to tourists.

Follow in the footsteps of Claude Monet on this four-day Good Housekeeping holiday taking in Paris and Giverny. Great for single travellers with a passion for art, the base for the trip (departing in July 2024) is the four-star Château de Montvillargenne in the heart of the Chantilly forest.

Excursions include a visit to Château de Chantilly and the market town of Senlis plus a guided tour of Monet's gardens in Giverny (pictured) led by gardening expert and writer Paula McWaters.

Considered to be one of the most captivating landscapes on the planet, Iceland is a must for any adventurer, including those going it alone.

With incredibly welcoming locals, Iceland is known as the Land of Fire and Ice, and offers visitors the chance to bathe in hot springs, climb sheer glaciers or come face-to-face with feisty volcanoes. To see this vast landscape in style, it's well worth joining a group tour (ideal for solo travellers) or hiring a car.

Soak in the famous Blue Lagoon (pictured), see the Skógafoss waterfall and hike up the Sólheimajökull glacier on an exhilarating five-day tour of Iceland. Hosted by Regent Holidays , this is a great option for solo travellers aiming to tick off a range of Iceland activities.

India was one of the first countries I ever travelled around alone (talk about throwing myself in at the deep end!) and while it was challenging in parts, it was also rewarding and transformative.

Whether you're looking to hike the Himalayas, 'find yourself' through yoga and meditation on a retreat or marvel at the Taj Mahal, India's unique culture and vibrancy is bucket list-worthy.

One of the easiest ways to explore India on your own is on an escorted tour. Solos Holidays itineraries are made specifically for the single traveller, and their Splendour's of Rajasthan tour explores the Golden Triangle of Jodhpur, Jaipur and Agra. Highlights include seeing the Taj Mahal at sunrise (pictured) and visiting the Amber Fort in the Aravalli Hills.

Gorgeous white beaches, rugged national parks and perhaps the prettiest medieval walled city in the world (hello, Dubrovnik ), Croatia is one of my favourite places in Europe to explore by myself.

Croatia is an easy country to get around, whether you want to go island hopping by ferry, catch a coach along the Adriatic Coast or hire a car to explore the country’s rugged interior.

If you want to see Croatia with a some like-minded folk, consider booking an escorted tour with Just You , a solo holidays specialist. Their Croatia and the Markarska Riviera trip focuses on the Dalmatian Coast and is bookended by stays in Zadar and Dubrovnik. It also includes a brilliant boat trip to Hvar and Brac (pictured), and a visit to Krka National Park.

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I've traveled to over 80 countries by myself. Here are 8 things I do to stay safe.

• After traveling solo since I was 18, I've hit over 80 countries.
• I've made my fair share of mistakes, but I've learned how to stay safe while traveling alone.
• Simple measures, like sharing my location, have helped me avoid unwanted situations.

I've been traveling on my own since I was 18. After visiting over 80 countries and 13 years of trial and error, I've learned a few important safety tips.

Although flight prices seem to be rising ahead of the summer surge, they're significantly cheaper than this time last year, so I'm itching to plan my next trip.

I follow these rules everywhere I travel — it doesn't matter how upscale or "safe" the destination is supposed to be.

Although some situations are unavoidable, here's what I do to stay safe and alert while traveling solo.

I always share my location and itinerary with someone close to me.

Before a trip, I always share my flight and hotel information with my mom. I've also gotten into the habit of sharing my live location with her (indefinitely).

Other than the fact that it gives her a sense of security, I know that if anything were to happen (or if she doesn't hear from me when expecting to), she would have enough information to make a few calls and confirm I'm safe.

It only takes a few minutes but can make a huge difference in the long run.

Wearing a flat crossbody or belt bag under my clothing is key.

I always avoid wearing backpacks and those trendy see-through bags — there's no need to make someone curious. I don't like having my purse and valuables super exposed because it makes me a prime target for pickpockets.

Although it's easier to wear belt bags in colder environments when I'm wearing layers, I can still manage in lighter clothing.

Lululemon's Everywhere Belt Bag, Athleta's Pacesetter Run Belt, and Peak Gear's Travel Money Belt have been my go-to for traveling . They're small and thin enough to wear under my clothing but can hold my essentials (cash, credit cards, a phone, my passport, and copies of my ID).

I don’t wear my expensive bling or designer pieces.

I typically want to look good for photos, but wearing expensive clothing and stand-out jewelry always attracts unwanted attention.

Wearing shiny necklaces and a stack of bangles while sporting a Gucci tracksuit makes it look like I have money, which is the opposite of what I want someone to think when I'm traveling alone.

It also means I'm less likely to successfully negotiate or barter a good price on items in markets.

There are basic things I research about each city or town I’ll be staying in.

I'm a super spontaneous traveler. Although I usually have a list of places I want to visit, I rarely follow a day-by-day itinerary.

Regardless, once I know where I'm going, I always take time to plan which area to stay in and book hotels in advance . I try to find the best neighborhoods, then I explore a list of hotel options and select them based on reviews, location, and overall vibe.

I also always ask the front desk staff if there are any areas I should avoid once I check in — not everything is online.

Sometimes, I'll even look for female-oriented hotels or ones with mostly female staff members because that makes me feel a little more comfortable.

Looking lost or scared is asking for trouble.

How you carry yourself is a big deal. If I'm lost, I typically use the Maps.me app, which allows me to use maps even while offline.

I try to pop into a coffee shop — or even a bathroom stall — to look at the map and get my bearings. If I can't find a place to make a pitstop, I'll walk to a more populated area with lots of traffic.

If worse comes to worse, I'll just hail a taxi to take me back to my hotel.

Looking lost makes it pretty obvious you're a tourist and gives the impression that you're willing to accept help from anyone. Unfortunately, some people take advantage of situations like that.

For the same reasons, I also never walk around looking frightened, even if I'm freaking out on the inside.

There are different transportation apps all over the world, so I make sure I have the right one.

Not everywhere has Uber or even many taxis. I always look up popular transportation apps wherever I'm traveling and download them on my phone.

I usually even enter and save my credit card information, so I'm ready to roll and don't find myself stuck when I reach the destination.

I make sure I have enough cash with me.

I've traveled to places where credit cards aren't widely accepted, or I can't withdraw cash from ATMs.

To avoid that panic, I always carry cash and exchange it for the local currency at the airport or hotel.

I don't keep it all on me when I'm exploring — I just carry some with me and leave the rest safely locked in my suitcase.

I've learned to not say yes to everything.

When I travel alone, I'm bound to meet new people, and sometimes they invite me to parties or for drinks. But I always politely decline.

Nothing good has ever come from drinking with strangers in a foreign place, in my experience. And I always want to be clear-minded enough to pick up on strange or dangerous situations.

I don't even share my plans with strangers I meet, and I never post my real-time locations on social media.

It might seem obvious, but I also don't accept rides from strangers because then they'll know my whereabouts.

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• The Best Hotels for Solo Travelers in Tokyo

Whether you’re setting out on an epic adventure or seeking a refreshing weekend getaway, get ready to create your own personal Tokyo story at one of these MICHELIN hotels.

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Tokyo by The MICHELIN Guide

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Solo travel offers a unique opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth, away from the influence of companions. It really is all about you—from choosing the destination, to deciding when to head to breakfast. With a peerless public transportation system and diverse neighborhoods, combined with an enviable reputation for being one of the world’s safest cities, Tokyo is an ideal destination for the single traveler.

TRUNK(HOTEL) CAT STREET

TRUNK Hotel’s youthful yet sophisticated vibe meshes perfectly with its surroundings in stylish Shibuya. Located in a quiet street, the boutique hotel is housed in two adjoining four-story buildings. Trunk’s commitment to social contribution shines through, with thoughtful attention to reusing and repurposing of resources. The interiors in both the public spaces and guestrooms make innovative use of upcycled materials, and even the bicycles for guest use have been salvaged from around the city and meticulously restored to perfect working order. Each spacious guestroom has a unique design, adorned with works by local artists and locally-sourced amenities. The all-day restaurant serves Japanese-Western fusion cuisine, including terrace seating, and the bar is an inviting space to reflect on the day’s adventures over a cocktail. Appealing as much to locals as it does to visitors, the atmosphere at TRUNK invites connections and creativity, making it ideal for the gregarious solo traveler who loves to meet new people.

Asakusa Kokono Club

Ascott Marunouchi Tokyo

Are you planning to combine your solo sojourn in Tokyo with business? Or perhaps you’re considering an extended stay and want some extra space and home comforts? The serviced apartments of the Marunouchi Ascott Tokyo are just the ticket, hitting the sweet spot between a high-end hotel and the privacy of independent living. The apartments come in a range of sizes, although most single travelers will find their needs are more than met by the studios with fully-stocked kitchenettes, or the one-bedrooms, which come with the addition of a living room. Guest facilities include a business center, gym, swimming pool and a lounge, and the delightful rooftop terrace is a green oasis offering panoramic views of your temporary home. The Marunouchi Ascott Tokyo provides direct access to Otemachi Station, and is within easy walking distance of Tokyo Station and the sophisticated shopping mecca of Ginza.

Shibuya Stream Hotel

Everything is at your fingertips at the Shibuya Stream Hotel, which occupies the upper portion of the Shibuya Stream shopping complex, with flexibility in the form of both superb in-house dining and a well-equipped guest kitchen. The vintage modern design concept starts in the welcoming lobby and lounge area on the fourth floor, and is carried through to the guestrooms, with furnishings carefully curated for both function and form. Indulge your tastebuds at Torrent, where Chef Nobuto Nagatsuma dishes up a French-inspired take on Japanese fare, then move to the bar to enjoy signature cocktails and live music. Guests can also take advantage of thoughtfully planned communal spaces, which include a gym and a spacious kitchen. The latter comes equipped with a microwave, rice cooker and toaster, for those times when you prefer a quiet night in. And when you’re ready to play, you’re just a short walk away from Shibuya Station and the iconic Shibuya Scramble Square.

Top Image: TRUNK(HOTEL) CAT STREET

Originally from New Zealand, Louise George Kittaka is a Japan-based freelance writer and cross-cultural specialist, with a passion for exploring the country she has called home for more than two decades. When she isn’t at her computer, Louise loves visiting waterfalls, going to afternoon tea, and collecting anything related to the Aliens movie franchise.

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