The Ultimate Guide to Taking Your First Solo Trip: Everything You Need to Know
Sunrise in Oia, Santorini
Have you been dreaming of taking a solo trip but feel nervous about taking that first step? You’re not alone! Many first-time solo travellers worry about safety, loneliness, or just not knowing where to start. But trust me—once you take the plunge, solo travel can be one of the most empowering and life-changing experiences you’ll ever have.
I still remember my first solo trip. I was nervous as I boarded the plane, wondering if I’d made a huge mistake. But by the end of my journey, I had newfound confidence, incredible memories, and the realisation that I was capable of so much more than I had ever given myself credit for. If you’re ready to embark on your own solo adventure, this guide will help you overcome your fears and plan an unforgettable trip.
Choose Your Travel Style
Being a solo traveller doesn’t necessarily mean you need to travel alone. Do you want complete independence, or would you feel more comfortable joining a group tour? There’s no right or wrong choice - it all depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.
Independent Solo Travel: Explore your destination completely on your terms. Benefits include total freedom, personal growth, authentic local experiences and flexible budgeting. There are downsides of course. While solo travel is empowering, It can feel lonely at times. There’s more planning required and more safely considerations. This option is great if you’re comfortable making decisions and problem solving on your own.
Group Trips as a Solo Traveller: If the idea of solo travel excites you but you’d prefer some structure and company, joining a group tour is a great option. Benefits include gaining instant travel companions, less planning and stress, and safety in numbers. On the other hand, group trips offer less freedom and flexibility, varied group dynamics, and higher costs if you’re not open to sharing a room (and opt for a single supplement). This option is great if you’re nervous about going completely solo, or if you’re looking to travel to destinations that may be less safe to travel on your own.
Personally I’ve experienced both. You may also like to blend the two. When exploring Sri Lanka I joined a group yoga retreat for the first half of my trip, where I made friends and created shared memories. I then went solo for the rest of my journey, where I had a truly immersive experience and felt a lot of personal growth and independence. Both experiences were incredible and my time in Sri Lanka wouldn’t have been the same without them.
Climbing mountains solo in Sri Lanka
Choosing the Perfect Destination for Your First Solo Trip
Picking the right destination can make or break your first solo experience. Start with destinations known for being solo traveller-friendly, with low crime rates and strong tourism infrastructure. Research the safety of specific neighbourhoods before booking accommodation. Here are a few destinations that are ideal for first-time solo travellers:
Best Solo Travel Destinations for Beginners
1. England – Especially London, is a fantastic solo travel destination with excellent public transport, world-class museums, and plenty of cosy cafés to people-watch. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant city life or taking day trips to the countryside, it’s the perfect blend of history and modern luxury.
2. Bali, Indonesia – Bali is known for its retreats, culture, stunning beaches, and friendly locals. With a thriving solo travel scene, yoga retreats, and co-working spaces, it’s a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation amongst like minded travellers.
3. New Zealand – If you love nature and adventure, New Zealand is the perfect place to explore on your own. It’s one of the safest countries in the world, and the locals are incredibly welcoming.
4. Italy – If food, history, and stunning landscapes sound appealing, Italy is a great place to start your solo travel journey. Cities like Rome are easy to navigate, and you’ll be too busy indulging in gelato to ever feel lonely.
5. Japan – Safe, efficient, and full of incredible cultural experiences, Japan is a dream destination for solo travellers. English signage in major cities makes getting around easy, and the locals are kind and helpful.
Your Flight: Tips for a Smooth Start
Once you’ve chosen your destination, it’s time to book your flight. Here are a few tips to make your journey stress-free:
Opt for Direct Flights – If it’s your first solo trip, minimising layovers will make the journey easier.
Arrive During the Day – This makes getting to your accommodation safer and less stressful.
Arrange Transfers In Advance - Take the stress out of haggling with taxi drivers by arranging a transfer from the airport to your accommodation in advance. Ask your hotel if this is something they can arrange. While it may cost a few extra bucks, it’s worth the extra reassurance knowing exactly how you’ll get there.
Where to Stay: The Best Accommodation for Solo Travellers
Finding the right place to stay is key to having a great solo travel experience. Consider these options:
Hostels – Great for meeting other travellers, especially in common areas or through hostel-organised events.
Boutique Hotels & Guesthouses – A balance of comfort and social interaction, often run by locals who can give great recommendations.
Airbnb & Private Rentals – Perfect if you prefer privacy but still want a local experience. I prefer to book private hosts through trusted platforms such as Expedia.
Trusted Hotels Chains - You may feel more comfortable booking accommodation for your first solo trip with a brand you know and trust.
Pro Tip: Read reviews on platforms like Expedia to find accommodation that is highly rated by solo travellers. View the location in Google Maps using street view to ensure the area looks safe and matches what you see in the accommodation listing.
Off grid accommodation in the Scenic Rim, Queensland Australia.
Sightseeing & Exploring: How to Make the Most of Your Solo Adventure
One of the best parts of solo travel is the complete freedom to do exactly what you want. Here’s how to make the most of it:
Join Walking Tours – Free walking tours are an amazing way to get familiar with a new city and meet fellow travellers.
Try a Cooking Class – A fun way to experience the local culture and make new friends.
Go on Day Trips – Explore beyond the city by taking guided tours, while meeting fellow travellers.
Visit Cafe’s & Bars – Sitting at the bar or in a communal space can be a great way to start conversations.
Embrace Spontaneity – Some of the best travel memories come from unexpected adventures! While keeping safety in mind, ensure you don’t close yourself off to incredible experiences.
How to Make Friends as a Solo Traveller
Worried about feeling lonely? Here are some great ways to connect with people while travelling alone:
Stay in Social Accommodations – Hostels and co-living spaces naturally bring people together.
Use Meetup & Facebook Groups – Many cities have expat and traveller groups that organise events.
Join Group Tours & Activities – Whether it’s a food tour, surf lesson, or hiking trip, shared experiences lead to new friendships. Find highly rated tours on Get Your Guide.
Offer To Take A Photo - At attractions, offer to take people’s photo. It’s an easy way to start up a conversation, and they’ll likely offer to take your photo also (you’ve made a friend AND have some amazing photos of your solo trip).
Be Open & Start Conversations – A simple “Where are you from?” can spark a great connection.
I’ve met some great people simply striking up a conversation with the person sitting beside me at a cafe, or the deck chair beside me by the pool. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to meet people when you’re open to it!
Solo Travel Safety: Tips to Feel Confident & Secure
Safety is often the biggest concern for first-time solo travellers, but with the right precautions, you can feel confident and secure throughout your journey. Here’s how to protect yourself while embracing the adventure:
Trust Your Gut – If something doesn’t feel right, remove yourself from the situation.
Share Your Itinerary – Let a trusted friend or family member know where you’ll be. Share your itinerary, check in regularly, and use apps like Find My Friends (iPhone) or Google Location Sharing so someone knows where you are.
Stay Connected - Consider an eSim so you can remain well connected and informed throughout your trip.
Stay in Well-Lit Areas – Especially at night, stick to busy, well-populated places.
Use Travel Apps – Apps like Google Maps (download offline maps), WhatsApp, Uber, Google Translate and a currency exchange App to make solo travel smoother.
Stay Sober & Drink Responsibly - If you enjoy nightlife while travelling, set personal limits. Know your drink limit, never leave your drink unattended, and plan in advance how you will get home safely.
Avoid Telling Strangers You’re Travelling Alone - If someone asks, you can always say you’re meeting a friend or waiting for family. Avoid sharing too much personal information with people you’ve just met.
Learn Basic Local Phrases - Knowing how to say “help,” “police,” or “I need assistance” in the local language can be useful in emergencies. Even basic greetings can help you blend in more and avoid unwanted attention.
The Life-Changing Benefits of Solo Travel
Still on the fence? Here’s why you should take that solo trip:
No need to wait - Travel when you’re ready, without feeling the need to wait for other people’s circumstances to align.
You’ll Gain Confidence – Navigating a new country on your own is an empowering experience.
You’ll Learn to Enjoy Your Own Company – Solo travel helps you discover what truly makes you happy.
You’ll Meet Incredible People – Travelling alone doesn’t mean being lonely; you’ll connect with like-minded travellers from all over the world.
You’ll Have Total Freedom – No compromising on plans—everything is on your terms!
You’ll Become More Resourceful – Problem-solving becomes second nature, making you more independent.
Ready to Take the Leap?
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to take your first solo trip—this is it! Don’t let fear hold you back from experiencing the world in a whole new way. Book that flight, embrace the unknown, and trust that you’ll come back with stories, friendships, and a whole new level of confidence.
Your first solo adventure is waiting. Where will you go? Let me know in the comments!
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