If you haven’t tried to solo travel yet, you’re missing out. There’s something powerful about waking up in a new place with no one to answer to and no plans but your own.

Whether you’re solo traveling to heal, explore, or just take a break from your everyday rhythm, solo travel can shift your entire perspective.

Key Takeaways

• Solo travel enhances self-confidence, independence, and personal growth.
• Choosing solo-friendly destinations ensures safety and enriching experiences.
• Effective budgeting and preparation significantly enhance solo travel.
• Embrace solitude and social interactions to create a balanced travel experience.
• Participating in local activities and retreats deepens cultural understanding and self-discovery.

Explore More Solo Travel Guides and Tips

• Solo Travel Safety Tips: Essential precautions and advice to ensure your solo adventures are safe and enjoyable.
• Female Solo Travel: Empowering insights and tips tailored for women exploring the world on their own.
• Hotels Black Women Should Avoid: A guide highlighting accommodations to be cautious of, based on experiences shared by Black women travelers.
• Senior Solo Travel: Inspiration and advice for travelers over 50 looking to embark on solo journeys.
• Why You Should Travel Solo: Personal reflections and reasons to embrace the freedom of solo travel.
• Solo Traveling in Your 20s and 30s: Tips and resources for younger travelers seeking solo adventures and connections.
• Best Solo Destinations: Top destinations that are perfect for solo travelers seeking memorable experiences.

Why I Went Solo

For me, it really started in Aruba.

I had just officially accepted the end of an on-and-off relationship that I was convinced was going to be the one, the kind where you plan your life around a future that suddenly… isn’t happening. I was heartbroken in a way that felt physical. My heart ached, and I actually felt it. So I did what I knew best: I booked a solo trip out of the country.

There was no travel buddy, no distractions, just me and my grief. I wandered through Aruba, unsure of what I was looking for, but I found something bigger than heartbreak. I found time to be with myself, cry in peace, eat well, nap guilt-free, and, most importantly, start trusting myself again.

That trip changed everything. It redefined what it meant to take care of myself and opened the door to solo travel as a form of self-love, not just a temporary escape.

This guide is here to help you get started, or go deeper into solo travel. Because yes, it can be healing, but it can also be overwhelming, lonely, freeing, hilarious, and surprisingly empowering, sometimes all in one day.

Why Should You Go Solo?

You’ll rebuild trust in yourself.

When you’re the one navigating train stations, language gaps, and dinner reservations, something shifts. You become your own compass. And once you learn to rely on yourself abroad, you start trusting yourself more at home, too.

Every solo traveler I know has a moment. It might be fixing a missed flight, figuring out the metro during rush hour, or just ordering a meal in a new language, where they realize, “I’ve got this!”

You get full control of your time.

There’s no itinerary negotiation, no waiting on someone to get ready, no “should we or shouldn’t we?” debates. If you want to sleep in, do it. Want to go museum-hopping or have a three-hour lunch alone by the ocean? Go for it. You move at your pace, not anyone else’s. And something about that is just so free, it’s something you have to experience.

You get space to actually feel.

That trip to Aruba wasn’t perfect or Pinterest-worthy. I cried on the beach, journaled like a therapist, felt lonely, and was also completely free. But more than anything, I got quiet enough to listen to myself and my pain. And that solitude helped me attempt to put my own life back in my hands and begin the painful process of healing.

How Solo Travel Helped Me Heal

After the trip, during which I had to sit with myself and cry through heartbreak on the beach, I came home transformed.

Local solo trips helped me rebuild trust in my instincts and my heart. I took a weekend away in North Carolina just to journal and be off my phone. While visiting, I roamed the streets alone, just to prove I could. I even did a solo staycation in my own city with no plans, just space.

Those short, low-cost trips taught me how to feel safe exploring on my own. They helped me practice everything from reading maps to eating alone in restaurants- stuff that sounds small, but honestly makes a big difference when you’re traveling solo internationally for the first time.

So, if you’re just getting started with solo travel, you don’t have to book a flight across the world tomorrow. Start local. Start with a weekend. Build confidence trip by trip.

If You’re in Your 20s or 30s – This Is the Time!

Solo travel hits different when you’re in your 20s or 30s. You might be figuring out your identity post-college, post-breakup, post-career change, or you might just want a break from constantly being on. You’ve got energy, flexibility, and curiosity at this age. This is the perfect window to go get lost (safely) and find parts of yourself in the process.

If you’re nervous, that’s fine. You don’t need to be fearless. You just need to be willing.

How to Properly Plan Your First (or Fifth) Solo Trip

Pick your destination wisely

Even if you’re a seasoned solo travel veteran, there’s always room to learn something new. Some of these destinations are ideal for first-timers, but they’re even better for repeat visitors.

Choose a place that’s easy to navigate, has good infrastructure, and feels safe. Some solo-friendly spots I’d recommend:

• Lisbon, Portugal – Easy public transport, great food, and lots of other travelers
• Kyoto, Japan – Clean, calm, and very respectful energy
• Chiang Mai, Thailand – Super budget-friendly and great for wellness or spiritual travel
• Reykjavik, Iceland – One of the safest places you can go solo
• Queenstown, New Zealand – Scenic, active, and full of solo adventurers

Don’t overplan

You’ll want to book the basics: a flight, the first few nights of accommodation, and maybe a couple of tours, but leave space for detours and rest. Some of the best solo travel moments are the ones you didn’t plan.

Prep your paperwork

• Valid passport (with at least 6 months left)
• Visas (check embassy websites early)
• Travel insurance (always)
• Backups of key documents (digital and printed)
• Itinerary and emergency info shared with a trusted friend or family member

Budgeting When It’s Just You

When I first started traveling, I was not a budget traveler. I was the “treat yourself” traveler—room service, airport taxis, spa days, the works. Especially when I was going through something emotionally heavy, I would swipe like there was no tomorrow.

And look, sometimes, you do deserve it. But after a few trips where I came home with credit card guilt instead of souvenirs, I had to get honest with myself.

Solo travel means you’re covering everything on your own. No one’s splitting the Airbnb or the Uber. No one’s helping buffer the cost of those “just one more drink” nights.

So I had to learn how to choose. What amenities actually matter? What comforts are worth paying for?

Now, I make intentional trade-offs. I’ll stay in a place without a pool if it means I can book a good massage. I’ll take the bus instead of a taxi and use that money for a really nice fancy meal. I still splurge on the little things, but I know what’s worth it to me.

That change helped me travel longer, stress less, and still enjoy the trip without feeling like I had to sacrifice the experience. It’s not about being cheap. It’s about choosing what actually adds value to your version of a good trip.

Save Smart, Splurge Intentionally

Solo travel budgeting is a different game. You’re not splitting rides, meals, or hotel rooms, but the upside? You don’t have to negotiate how you spend your money. You get to decide what’s worth it, no debates. And if you’re a light sleeper like me, you don’t have to lose out on sleep because of snores that could shake up a mountain.

Personally, I’ll sleep in a guesthouse with a fan instead of AC if it means I can afford a deep-tissue massage or a quiet sunset dinner overlooking the ocean. The key is knowing your non-negotiables and building the trip around them.

Budgeting for Solo Travel: What Actually Works

You don’t have to rough it unless you want to. Smart, small choices add up:

• Stay in hostels, guesthouses, or solo-friendly Airbnbs. Look for places with shared kitchens if you want to cook and connect.
• Eat like a local. Markets, street food, and hole-in-the-wall spots usually have the best food for half the price, and you’ll get more authentic experiences, too.
• Walk or use public transport. Not only is it budget-friendly, but you’ll see way more of the city than you would from a cab. Plus, it’s a great workout for free.

One thing that changed the game for me was using an expense tracker from day one. You would not believe I would ever be that type of person if you knew how much fear I had prior to checking my bank account on vacation.

• Trail Wallet and Spendee are popular options. They let you see how much you’re spending in real time, so you don’t hit day four of your trip and realize you’ve already blown your food budget on coffee and tapas.

Managing Money Abroad (Without the Stress)

A few things I’ve learned the hard way:

• Use ATMs instead of airport exchange counters. The rates are almost always better.
• Get a debit card with no foreign transaction fees. I use Charles Schwab, but Revolut is reliable too. You’ll save on every single swipe.
• Have emergency cash tucked away. Not in your main wallet. Not in your backpack pocket. Somewhere separate — because losing your cards while alone in a new country is not a fun plot twist.

The goal isn’t to spend the least money possible; it’s to spend on the stuff that actually matters to you. You’re not just traveling, you’re living.

Staying Safe Without Fear

One of the biggest myths about solo travel is that it’s dangerous. But honestly? With some common sense and basic prep, solo travel can be just as safe, if not safer, than group travel. The key is not to ignore your gut and not to overthink every little thing.

Choose the Right Accommodations

Start with reviews, not just the stars, but who is leaving them.

I always look for reviews from other solo travelers, especially women, and pay close attention to comments about location, noise, lighting, and the host’s vibe.

I once stayed in an apartment in Guatemala that overlooked the street. The reviews mentioned how loud it got at night because the windows were not insulated, and we ignored them. When we got there, every night was a struggle because party buses drove down the street, and we were kept awake until the early hours of the morning. Needless to say, I take reviews seriously now.

Central neighborhoods are your best friend; you’ll feel more connected, more mobile, and less vulnerable than if you’re tucked away on a quiet side street or rural area. It’s worth spending a little more for walkability and peace of mind.

Pro tip #28: Look up the building on Google Street View. It’ll tell you a lot about the real environment.

Share Your Plans

This isn’t about being scared. It’s just smart. Before I leave, I send my flight details, accommodation address, and rough itinerary to one or two trusted people. If I’m changing cities mid-trip, I’ll give them a heads-up.

You can also share your live location via WhatsApp or Find My iPhone. Think of it as your personal check-in system.

Use Local SIMs or eSIMs

Staying connected isn’t optional anymore, it’s essential. Whether you need to pull up directions, book a ride, or get out of an uncomfortable situation, having data could make or break the moment.

I use Airalo for eSIMs- no physical SIM swap, and it works instantly in most countries. If you’re more physical, grabbing a cheap local SIM at the airport or convenience store also works fine. Just make sure your phone is unlocked.

Know the Basics

Every country has its own emergency number, and most of them aren’t 911. I always write it down on paper (old school) along with:

• My accommodation address
• Travel insurance info
• Passport number
• A local contact or embassy number (if applicable)

And yes, I save them in my Notes app and email too. Backups matter when your battery dies or your Wi-Fi cuts off.

Trust Your Gut

If something feels weird, it is weird. You don’t need proof or logic to back out of a situation. Just get out of it.

• Don’t like the taxi driver’s vibe? Get out.
• Is the random guy being too friendly at the hostel bar? Exit the convo.
• Feeling unsure about that invite to a “secret beach” or “local party”? Skip it.

You’re not rude or overreacting. You’re protecting your peace and you’re allowed to take up space and walk away from anything that doesn’t feel right, and no explanation is required.

Making Connections on the Road

Free walking tours

It’s super beginner-friendly and a free exercise. The guides are usually local and give you cultural insight, but more importantly, everyone shows up alone or in small groups. It’s a great icebreaker space and room for you to ask questions on the historical aspects of the country before diving in.

Hostel events or communal dinners

Even if you’re not staying in a hostel, you can sometimes drop in for trivia night or a shared meal. These are designed for mingling without pressure, and nobody cares if you come solo.

Cooking, dance, or surf classes

These are the introvert-approved social experiences. You’re there for the activity, not the chat, but connection happens naturally. Some of my favorite conversations have happened while chopping veggies or washing some dishes.

Apps like Couchsurfing, Bumble BFF, or Meetup

Use them to find local events or meetups. Couchsurfing has a “Hangouts” feature for travelers nearby. Bumble BFF is surprisingly active in bigger cities. Meetups are more hobby-based, like photography walks, book clubs, or coworking meetups.

Coworking cafés or expat spots

If you’re working remotely or just want a steady base, coworking cafés are where solo travelers naturally gather. You’ll overhear a convo, and next thing you know, you’ve got lunch plans.

Learning to Be Alone (and Enjoying It)

This is the part that scared me most before Aruba, the alone time. No one to talk to during dinner or share the view with. No one to say “did you see that?” when I see something weird.

Learning to sit in your own silence…

The first few days were hard. I’d sit at a dinner and pretend to scroll my phone just to avoid eye contact. It felt like all the noise in my life had suddenly gone silent, and I didn’t know what to do with that quiet.

But somewhere between the mornings spent journaling and the long walks with no destination, I started to soften into it. I took myself out to dinner without headphones, learned how to people-watch without feeling awkward, and let myself cry without explaining it to anyone.

That solo time forced me to be present. To really taste my food or hear my own thoughts. To notice things I would’ve missed if I’d been distracted by conversation. I wasn’t just healing from a breakup, I was learning how to be my own company again, and not just tolerate it but really enjoy it.

Here’s the truth: being alone can be uncomfortable at first. But if you let yourself stay in it, even just a little longer than you want to, that discomfort becomes freedom.

You don’t need to force anything. You don’t need to turn it into a productivity mission or a spiritual breakthrough. Just let the trip be what it needs to be. Read. Sleep. Hike. Dance. Write. Stare out the window of a bus for hours. Let yourself feel it all. It’s all part of the experience.

Where to Go & Why It Works for Solo Travel

If you’re going for the first time and not as an experienced solo travel veteran, I do not suggest you pick a random place on the map and go. There are some places that will leave a bad taste in your mouth if you go alone because some parts of the world are actually very unsafe, especially for women.

You have to know which parts of the world to visit, when to go, and whether you can go alone. Proper knowledge of where to go is part of a safe solo travel experience.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is one of those places that makes solo travel feel effortless. You’ve got charming cobblestone streets, pastel buildings, easy public transit, and locals who are kind without being pushy. Day trips to Sintra and Cascais are simple to do alone, and the city’s café culture makes it super normal to sit by yourself and enjoy a glass of vinho verde or a pastel de nata, or three.

Kyoto, Japan

If peace is the goal, Kyoto delivers. It’s clean, quiet, respectful, and feels incredibly safe. You can walk through bamboo forests, sit in a centuries-old temple, or take part in a tea ceremony without feeling out of place on your own. Plus, Japan’s transportation and hospitality systems are smooth and solo-friendly.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Affordable, warm (in weather and people), and just laid-back overall. Chiang Mai is full of digital nomads, solo backpackers, and locals who love to share their culture. Whether you want to get a massage, take a cooking class, or spend a weekend at a retreat, it’s easy to meet people.

Reykjavik, Iceland

This place makes you feel safe and small, in a good way. Reykjavik is perfect for exploring waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanoes, all while never worrying about your personal safety. It’s expensive, yes, but the clean air, silence, and natural wonders are worth every cent. Solo road-tripping here is also a rite of passage for the adventurous.

Queenstown, New Zealand

If you want your solo trip to be full of fun and group energy, this is the place. Queenstown is like a playground for outdoor lovers, with skydiving, hiking, jet boating, you name it. The hostel and backpacker culture here is strong, so meeting people on a tour or at a local bar is easy.

Activities That Work Well Solo

The best part about solo travel is that you get to fill your days with things that you actually enjoy. No compromising, no debating, no dragging anyone to something they’re not into. And honestly? Some experiences are better solo. You move at your own pace, meet people more easily, and sometimes discover things you wouldn’t have with a travel buddy.

Group Excursions

This is my go-to. Whether it’s a snorkeling tour, a walking food crawl, or a day trip to nearby ruins or waterfalls, group excursions are the easiest way to meet people while trying something new. You don’t have to commit to an entire group trip or tour company. Just book a one-day experience through GetYourGuide or Airbnb Experiences and show up.

You start off strangers, but after a few shared laughs or a group photo, you’ve got instant travel friends, even if it’s just for the day.

Cooking Classes

Food brings people together, period. Cooking classes give you culture, conversation, and a delicious meal, all in one activity. You get to be hands-on without having to force small talk, and the people you meet often end up being the most fun and curious types.

Yoga or Meditation Retreats

If your trip is about slowing down, healing, or unplugging, retreats are a soft landing. You don’t need to be a seasoned yogi. Most retreats are beginner-friendly and full of other solo travelers looking for the same thing: space, quiet, and a reset.

It’s a great way to meet people in a calm, non-party setting, and conversations tend to go deeper and faster.

Hiking and Nature Tours

Guided hikes are a solid middle ground between being social and staying in your own head. You’re outside, doing something active, and you can talk (or not) as much as you want.

Joining a group for nature-focused experiences is great for solo travelers who want structure without feeling like they’re stuck in a group all day. You’ll usually find at least one other solo person in the mix, and that’s all it takes for a good vibe.

Volunteering Opportunities

If you want to connect with a place and its people, volunteering gives you a chance to do both. Just make sure it’s a reputable program, ideally one that’s locally run and community-led. You’ll meet people from all walks of life and get a feel for what’s really happening outside the tourist bubble.

Art Workshops or Language Classes

Creative activities are a great way to meet people without feeling like it’s a networking event. You’ll connect with people through the activity, not awkward icebreakers. You leave with a new skill, a memory, and usually someone you’ve swapped Instagram handles with.

What to Pack (Solo Traveler Essentials)

Bringing the essential items to keep you safe makes a world of difference. Portable cameras, doorstop alarms, locks, emergency documents, antitheft bags, and more will make you feel more confident about exploring an unknown area.

All of these items are on Amazon, and you can find them here.

Category	Must-Haves
Documents	Passport, visa, travel insurance, digital + printed copies
Finances	Debit/credit cards, emergency cash, backup card
Bags	Carry-on backpack or suitcase + anti-theft day bag
Clothing	Layers, comfortable shoes, 2–3 “nice” outfits
Toiletries	Basics, sunscreen, meds, feminine products, bug spray
Electronics	Phone, charger, adapter, power bank, earbuds
Safety Gear	Doorstop alarm, padlock, copies of emergency info

Optional but helpful: travel journal, scarf/sarong, mini flashlight, reusable water bottle.

Beginner Solo Travel Safety: Basic Tips

Let’s be real, safety matters. But it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. These are the basics I follow on every trip:

• Book places with solo traveler reviews, especially from women. They tell you way more than the hotel description ever will.
• Stay connected. Whether you use a local SIM, an eSIM like Airalo, or consistent Wi-Fi, make sure someone back home can reach you.
• Share your plans, even if it’s just with one person. Send your itinerary and Airbnb address, and check in every few days.
• Learn the local emergency number. Not everywhere is 911.
• Trust your gut. No second-guessing. You don’t need a reason if a place or person feels off. Walk away.

That Aruba solo trip changed me. Not because it fixed everything, but because it gave me space to feel and move forward on my own terms. That’s what solo travel is: space for healing, exploring, growing, and remembering who you are when no one else is watching.

It’s not always going to be perfect. But it’s real, and it’s yours. So if you’ve been thinking about booking that solo trip?

This is your sign. Go.