Solo travel is one of the most transformative things you can do. You move at your own pace, make spontaneous decisions, and discover things about yourself that group travel never reveals. Whether you're planning your first solo trip or looking to level up your independence, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Why Travel Solo? The Case for Going Alone
Solo travel forces you to engage with the world in a way that group travel doesn't. When you're alone, you talk to strangers, accept invitations, and take detours. You become more resourceful, more confident, and more present.
You also get complete freedom. Want to spend three hours in a museum? Do it. Want to skip the famous landmark and sit in a café all afternoon? No one's stopping you. Solo travel is the ultimate exercise in self-determination.
And contrary to what many people fear, solo travel is rarely lonely. Hostels, tours, and shared activities make it easy to meet people — often more easily than when you're travelling with a group.
Best Destinations for First-Time Solo Travellers
Some destinations are particularly well-suited to solo travel:
Easy and safe: Portugal (Lisbon and Porto are incredibly solo-friendly), Japan (safe, efficient, and endlessly fascinating), Ireland (friendly locals, easy English, great pub culture), New Zealand (outdoor adventures, excellent infrastructure), and Iceland (safe, stunning, easy to navigate).
Social and fun: Thailand (the backpacker trail is well-worn for good reason), Bali (huge solo traveller community), Colombia (Medellín and Cartagena have excellent hostel scenes), and Vietnam (easy to travel, great food, very affordable).
Avoid for your first solo trip: Destinations with significant language barriers, complex visa requirements, or limited tourist infrastructure. Build confidence on easier trips first.
Safety: The Honest Guide
Solo travel is generally safe — but it requires more awareness than group travel. Here's what actually matters:
Research your destination. Read the FCO travel advice for your country. Understand which areas to avoid and what the common scams are. Knowledge is your best protection.
Share your itinerary. Tell someone at home where you're going and when you expect to check in. A simple WhatsApp message each morning takes 10 seconds and gives peace of mind to everyone.
Trust your instincts. If a situation feels wrong, leave. You don't owe anyone an explanation. Your gut is usually right.
Keep copies of documents. Store photos of your passport, insurance, and bookings in cloud storage. If your bag is stolen, you'll be grateful.
Be careful with alcohol. This is where most solo travel incidents occur. Know your limits, keep an eye on your drink, and get home safely.
How to Meet People When Travelling Alone
Meeting people is easier than you think:
- •Stay in hostels — even if you book a private room, the common areas are social gold. Join a hostel pub crawl or free walking tour.
- •Take a cooking class, surf lesson, or day tour — shared activities create instant connections
- •Use Meetup.com to find local events and expat gatherings
- •Couchsurfing meetups happen in most major cities — you don't need to stay with someone to attend
- •Eat at the bar — sitting at a restaurant bar rather than a table makes conversation natural
- •Say yes more — when a fellow traveller suggests joining them for dinner or a day trip, say yes
Budgeting for Solo Travel
Solo travel has one unavoidable cost: the single supplement. Hotels and tours often charge extra for single occupancy. Here's how to minimise it:
- •Stay in hostels — no single supplement, and often cheaper than budget hotels
- •Book tours with group departures rather than private tours
- •Use Airbnb for private rooms in shared apartments — often cheaper than hotels
- •Travel in shoulder season when prices are lower across the board
On the plus side, solo travel gives you complete control over your budget. No compromising on a more expensive restaurant, no splitting costs on a taxi when you'd rather walk.
Solo Travel for Women: Extra Considerations
Women travelling alone face additional considerations in some destinations — but solo female travel is absolutely possible everywhere with the right preparation.
Research cultural norms. In some countries, dressing modestly reduces unwanted attention significantly. This isn't about limiting your freedom — it's about travelling smarter.
Trust the solo female travel community. Blogs, Reddit (r/solotravel), and Facebook groups for solo female travellers are invaluable resources. Real experiences from real women are more useful than generic safety advice.
Book your first night in advance. Arriving in a new country with a confirmed, reviewed accommodation removes a significant source of stress.
The best destinations for solo female travellers include Japan, Iceland, Portugal, New Zealand, Ireland, and most of Western Europe — all rated highly for safety and ease.
