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Traveling Alone – Shed Your Fears and Feel Empowered

Traveling alone can be scary at first but the rewards far outweigh the intimidation. With good planning, research, and a journaling technique, ace your solo adventure, reflect on it, and share it with others. 

But most importantly, you can grow. Because when you travel alone, you challenge yourself. And when you challenge yourself, you learn about your limits, and abilities, and learn how to push them. And that is one of the ways we grow and break through personal challenges.

In this post, I will discuss the benefits of solo travel and the adversities you can face when you travel alone.

Why You Should Travel Alone at Least Once In Your Life

Most people think that people who travel alone are crazy. If not for the safety concerns, for the solidarity. After all, great memories are meant to be shared right? 

Well, yes they are. But much like hiking or fishing alone, there’s a special purpose to solo travel. And that purpose is to better oneself by learning more about who you are when you’re with yourself.

Imagine a breathtaking landscape—the sound of its nature, the feel of its air, the smell of its earth. It’s just you and that place. Now imagine it with other people. These two experiences aren’t the same. So why not have them both? 

When we travel alone we have the freedom to go where the wind takes us, and that’s where true adventure lies. Apart from adventure, being alone in exciting new places is empowering.

Think about telling someone that you just returned home from Paris with your family. You likely did the standard tourist gig of museums, restaurants, shopping, and historical places. You kept to yourselves, had to keep everyone happy, and didn’t go off the beaten path.

Now think about telling someone that you just returned from Paris from a solo trip. Immediately their eyebrows raise because that’s not only impressive but interesting. And it’s interesting because no one could possibly anticipate the adventure you had.

And that’s empowering. When we travel alone we get a sense of pride that we can conquer so much more. Maybe it’s a project or work. Or maybe it’s a new chapter in life or grief. 

There’s an incredible sense of self-worth, growth, pride, and empowerment that comes to use when we travel alone.

The Hurdles and Rewards of Traveling Alone

When people think of travel, their minds are often filled with images of full moon parties in the Asian tropics, backpacking through the medieval streets of Europe, or going on an adventure trek through exotic jungles.

But solo travel is so much more than these romanticized adventures. 

Solo travel is about getting out of your comfort zone, exploring new things, and gaining a better understanding of yourself and the world around you. It builds character and confidence, and leaves you cultured with a deeper understanding of just how small we all are on this grand design we call “Earth.”

Getting out of your comfort zone can be intimidating. There are times when a traveler must go at it alone, and in doing so, they will walk into a world unraveled from the familiar.

Taking a drive on the opposite side of the road , for example, is terrifying! But there is beauty in this. Around every corner lies excitement, exploration, and real culture, but only if the traveler can overcome the hurdles that come with traveling alone.

The Rewards of Solo Traveling

Traveling alone is a completely separate experience from traveling with someone you know. Exploring new lands with a group is an experience in and of itself.

The way a traveler takes in their surroundings changes when they’re with a travel partner. Go at it alone they have no option but to experience it themselves, in a manner that cannot be colored by anyone else other than the locals they are experiencing it with.

Dropping the other members of a group also means that the traveler operates on their own time and pace. No longer are they waiting for the slowest member of the group to get things rolling, or being rushed to a museum or tourist spot by a well-meaning guide because they had to keep a schedule.

By going at it alone, the traveler can truly savor the sights, sounds, and experiences offered by their destination. Likewise, they also have the ability to skip things that are of no interest to them simply.

What are some of the hurdles?

The feeling of aloneness is often a source of woe to solo travelers because it forces them to face their fears, both internally and externally. Humans are, by nature, social creatures, so when the concept of a social support structure is removed from the equation, it triggers a quasi-fight or flight response.

In this sense, a flight response would be to remove themselves from a particular situation (e. g. leave that area, go back to somewhere familiar, go home).

The fight response is tackling the problem head-on, enduring the pains but also enjoying the rewards of doing something correctly. For decades now, lone voyagers would seek social solace in places like dorms or hostels. Here, they would find fellow journeymen and others seeking a reprieve from the road.

The world has never been closer thanks to technology. These days, if a traveler has a stable WiFi connection they can chat, call, or even carry on a video conversation with friends and relatives overseas on the other side of the globe.

Some purists believe that this constant connectivity is ruining the travel experience. There may be some truth to this, but for the vast majority of vagabonds, the internet represents an emergency parachute that they can use to save their trip as much as their sanity.

But the whole idea begins with respect. As a traveler, it is imperative that you treat locals and fellow travelers alike with respect as well as demand some yourself.

Using one’s common sense is also high on the list, as well as keeping yourself informed of any hostile activities in the area. If the government and tourist websites say that you should avoid a city, town, or area at night, do not proceed to walk down there in the dark with jewelry displayed.

Travelers should also travel with confidence, or at least with an air of trust. Crime exists in all parts of the world , and just like in the animal kingdom they are attracted to creatures that look like and act like prey.

It is not to say that a traveler should be unfriendly, but it does mean that they walk, talk, and act with strength. Predators are not prone to attack prey that looks like they are more than willing to put up a fight.

You should understand ways to avoid being a target of crime when traveling , especially when you’re alone.

Traveling alone reveals truths about a person that they may not be comfortable with. But breaking down that barrier gives an opportunity to see the world at their speed, truly savor experiences and make a lasting connection to people and places.

You can mentally profit from the experience as well as financially (if you decide to publish essays on your adventures) all while creating incredible memories as part of your legacy.

While traveling alone will test a person’s will as well as their cunning, intellect, and ability to overcome hardship nothing will empower a human more. So, what are you waiting for? 

Christa Thompson is the Founder and Chief Editor of The Fairytale Traveler. She started traveling the world in 2003 when she attended a summer abroad study at the University of Cambridge in England. Since then, her wanderlust has been fierce. Her three passions in life are her son, traveling, and being creative. The Fairytale Traveler brand gives Christa the opportunity to do all of these things and to live intentionally every day. "It's never too late to believe in what you love and to pursue your dreams." -Christa Thompson

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Why Traveling Alone is a Great Idea: Insights from Solo Adventurers

Ready to embark on an exhilarating journey of self-discovery? Solo travel might just be for you. This post explores the transformative power of traveling alone, through the eyes of seasoned solo adventurers.

I’ll share insights about the unparalleled freedom, life-changing experiences, and invaluable lessons learned on the road. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or just contemplating your first solo trip, this post will open your eyes to the unique allure of solitary exploration.

Benefits of traveling alone

Freedom to make your own decisions.

One of the greatest benefits of traveling alone is the freedom to make your own decisions. When you embark on a solo adventure, you have the power to go wherever you want and do whatever you want, without having to consider anyone else’s preferences or plans.

Whether you want to explore a bustling city or escape to the tranquility of the countryside, the choice is entirely yours. You can stay in a destination for as long as you like, without worrying about affecting someone else’s itinerary.

Plus, you don’t have to wait for anyone to get ready in the mornings, allowing you to make the most of your day and experience the world at your own pace. So, embrace the freedom of solo travel and let your wanderlust guide you to incredible destinations.

Opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth

Traveling alone provides a unique opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth. When you venture out on your own, you have the chance to truly get to know yourself better.

You can reflect on your decisions, listen to your gut, and discover what truly makes you, you. Spending time in solitude allows you to embark on an inward journey of self-discovery, where you can uncover your strengths, weaknesses, and passions.

It’s a time to reconnect with yourself, gain a deeper understanding of who you are, and cultivate a sense of self-awareness.

Through this process, you can develop a stronger sense of identity and purpose, leading to personal growth and a greater sense of fulfillment. So, embrace the opportunity to travel alone and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery.

Flexibility in itinerary and schedule

Another advantage of traveling alone is the flexibility it offers in terms of your itinerary and schedule. While it’s important to do some planning for your trip, being spontaneous can lead to incredible experiences, especially when you’re traveling solo.

Meeting other travelers along the way may inspire you to stay in a place for a few extra days or even change your plans altogether.

By building flexibility into your itinerary, you can embrace the freedom to go with the flow and make decisions on the fly.

This flexibility allows you to have heaps of fun, meet great people, and create unforgettable memories. So, don’t be afraid to change your plans and let the spontaneity of solo travel guide you to new and exciting adventures.

Chance to step out of your comfort zone

Traveling alone presents a wonderful opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone and embrace new experiences.

When you’re on your own in an unfamiliar place, you’re more likely to push yourself to try new things and break free from your usual routines.

Whether it’s trying a new activity, exploring a different neighborhood, or simply taking time to relax and unwind, traveling alone allows you to challenge yourself and discover new aspects of your personality.

Stepping out of your comfort zone can be exhilarating and empowering, and it can lead to personal growth and a greater sense of self-confidence.

So, embrace the unknown and let solo travel take you on a journey of self-discovery and adventure.

Increased self-confidence and independence

Traveling alone has a profound impact on your self-confidence and independence. When you’re on your own in a new place, you have to rely on yourself to navigate unfamiliar surroundings and make decisions.

This forces you to be resourceful and find solutions to problems, such as getting lost or booking transportation.

Successfully overcoming these challenges can give you a tremendous confidence boost and a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, traveling solo allows you to shape your experience exactly how you want it.

Whether you want to socialize and meet new people or spend hours alone with a book, you have the freedom to do so without judgment.

This independence and the ability to make your own decisions can greatly enhance your self-confidence and empower you in all areas of life.

Exploring new cultures and meeting new people

Immersion in local customs and traditions.

When you travel alone, you have the unique opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the local customs and traditions of the places you visit.

Without the distractions of companionship, you can fully engage with the local culture and truly experience the authenticity of your destination.

From participating in traditional ceremonies and festivals to trying local cuisine and learning about ancient customs, solo travel allows you to connect with the local community on a deeper level.

By immersing yourself in the local way of life, you gain a greater understanding and appreciation for different cultures, broadening your perspective and enriching your travel experience.

So, embrace the chance to immerse yourself in local customs and traditions, and let solo travel open your eyes to the beauty and diversity of the world.

Opportunity to make meaningful connections

Traveling alone not only allows you to explore new cultures but also provides an incredible opportunity to make meaningful connections with people from all walks of life.

When you’re on your own, you’re more approachable and open to meeting new people. Whether it’s striking up a conversation with a fellow traveler at a local cafe or joining a group tour, solo travel creates the perfect environment for forming genuine connections.

These connections can lead to lifelong friendships, cultural exchanges, and even collaborations on future adventures.

By stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the unknown, you open yourself up to a world of possibilities and the chance to create lasting memories with like-minded individuals.

So, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and make meaningful connections while traveling alone. You never know who you might meet and the impact they may have on your life.

Experiencing different perspectives and ways of life

Traveling alone provides a unique opportunity to experience different perspectives and ways of life. When you venture out on your own, you are more likely to engage with locals and immerse yourself in the local culture.

By interacting with people from different backgrounds and experiencing their way of life, you gain a deeper understanding of the world and broaden your own perspective.

Whether it’s learning about traditional customs, trying new foods, or participating in local traditions, solo travel allows you to step outside of your comfort zone and embrace the diversity of the world.

Through these experiences, you not only gain knowledge but also develop empathy and a greater appreciation for different cultures.

So, embrace the chance to experience different perspectives and ways of life while traveling alone, and let it enrich your journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

These connections can lead to lifelong friendships, cultural exchanges, and even collaborations on future adventures. By stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the unknown, you open yourself up to a world of possibilities and the chance to create lasting memories with like-minded individuals.

Enhancing problem-solving and decision-making skills

Taking full responsibility for your travel experience.

When you travel alone, you are solely responsible for your travel experience. This means making all the decisions, from choosing your destination to planning your itinerary and handling any unexpected situations that may arise.

Taking full responsibility for your travel experience enhances your problem-solving and decision-making skills. It requires you to think critically, adapt to new environments, and find creative solutions to challenges along the way.

By navigating through unfamiliar territories and relying on your own judgment, you develop a sense of resourcefulness and resilience that can be applied to various aspects of your life.

This newfound confidence and ability to take charge not only enrich your solo travel experience but also empower you both personally and professionally.

So, embrace the opportunity to take full responsibility for your travel experience and watch as your problem-solving and decision-making skills flourish.

Learning to adapt to unexpected situations

Traveling alone provides a unique opportunity to learn how to adapt to unexpected situations.

When you’re on your own in a foreign country, you don’t have the luxury of relying on others to solve problems for you. Instead, you have to think on your feet and come up with creative solutions to navigate through unfamiliar territory.

Whether it’s dealing with a missed flight, getting lost in a new city, or facing a language barrier, solo travel teaches you how to stay calm, think critically, and find your way out of challenging situations.

These experiences not only enhance your problem-solving and decision-making skills but also build your resilience and resourcefulness.

So, embrace the unexpected and let solo travel teach you the valuable skill of adaptability.

Developing resourcefulness and resilience

Traveling alone requires you to be resourceful and resilient. Without the support of others, you must rely on your own problem-solving skills to navigate through unfamiliar situations.

From finding your way around a new city to dealing with unexpected challenges, solo travel pushes you to think creatively and find solutions on your own.

This process of problem-solving and adapting to new environments helps you develop a sense of resourcefulness and resilience that can be applied to various aspects of your life.

By embracing the challenges of solo travel, you not only enhance your problem-solving and decision-making skills but also build the confidence to overcome obstacles in other areas of your life.

So, embrace the opportunity to develop resourcefulness and resilience through solo travel and watch as these skills positively impact your personal and professional growth.

Gaining a sense of accomplishment and empowerment

Traveling alone allows you to gain a sense of accomplishment and empowerment. When you embark on a solo journey, every decision and action is solely your own.

From planning your itinerary to navigating through unfamiliar places, you take full responsibility for your travel experience.

This sense of control and independence can be incredibly empowering, boosting your self-confidence and self-esteem.

As you successfully navigate through challenges and overcome obstacles on your own, you develop a sense of accomplishment that can translate into other areas of your life.

So, embrace the opportunity to travel alone and experience the empowering feeling of achieving your goals and taking charge of your own journey.

Embracing solitude and self-reflection

Time for introspection and self-care.

Traveling alone provides valuable time for introspection and self-care. When you are on your own, you have the freedom to focus on yourself and your needs without any distractions.

This dedicated time allows you to reflect on your thoughts, emotions, and goals, and gain a deeper understanding of yourself.

Whether it’s journaling, meditating, or simply enjoying moments of solitude, solo travel provides the perfect environment for self-reflection and self-care.

It gives you the opportunity to disconnect from the daily stressors of life and recharge your mind and body.

By embracing this time for introspection and self-care, you can enhance your self-awareness, cultivate mindfulness, and foster a greater sense of well-being.

So, take advantage of the solitude that comes with traveling alone and use it as a time for personal growth and rejuvenation.

Opportunity to disconnect from daily stressors

Whether it’s journaling, meditating, or simply enjoying moments of solitude, solo travel provides the perfect environment for self-reflection and self-care. It gives you the opportunity to disconnect from the daily stressors of life and recharge your mind and body.

Recharging and rejuvenating your mind and body

This dedicated time allows you to reflect on your thoughts, emotions, and goals, and gain a deeper understanding of yourself. Whether it’s journaling, meditating, or simply enjoying moments of solitude, solo travel provides the perfect environment for self-reflection and self-care.

It gives you the opportunity to disconnect from the daily stressors of life and recharge your mind and body. By embracing this time for introspection and self-care, you can enhance your self-awareness, cultivate mindfulness, and foster a greater sense of well-being.

Traveling alone offers a unique opportunity to disconnect from the daily stressors of life. Without the distractions of work, relationships, and responsibilities, you can fully immerse yourself in the present moment and focus on your own well-being.

Whether it’s exploring a new destination, indulging in self-care activities, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet, solo travel allows you to escape the pressures of everyday life and recharge your mind and body.

By disconnecting from the daily stressors, you can reduce anxiety, improve mental clarity, and restore your overall sense of balance and harmony. So, take this chance to step away from the hustle and bustle and prioritize your own self-care during your solo adventures.

Deepening self-awareness and mindfulness

Additionally, it increases self-confidence and independence, allows for the exploration of new cultures and the meeting of new people, and enhances problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Moreover, it provides a space for embracing solitude and self-reflection, recharging and rejuvenating the mind and body, and deepening self-awareness and mindfulness.

So, if you’re looking for a transformative and empowering experience, consider embarking on a solo travel adventure and unlock the countless benefits it has to offer.

Why travelling alone is better?

Advantages of solo travel include it broadens your horizons, forces you out of your comfort zone, gives you the opportunity to meet new people, and creates new memories.

What does Traveling alone say about a person?

Solo travellers will usually be equipped with a degree of self-confidence. But this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be an outgoing, extrovert personality: many solo travellers enjoy the solitude of their own company without the need to make lifelong friends with everyone they meet.

What does travelling alone teach you?

New experiences can give you more confidence and make you more creative. Travelling alone can challenge you in different ways, allowing you to develop into a well-rounded individual. One of the best things about travelling solo is that you make your own decisions on where to go, what to do, and what to eat.

Why traveling is a great idea?

Travel takes us out of our comfort zones and inspires us to see, taste and try new things. It constantly challenges us, not only to adapt to and explore new surroundings, but also to engage with different people, to embrace adventures as they come and to share new and meaningful experiences with friends and loved ones.

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Solo Traveler

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

The Ultimate Solo Travel Guide: Travel Alone & Love It

January 4, 2024 by Janice Waugh

What is solo travel? After 15 years of traveling solo, I've concluded that it is two things. Solo travel can be done independently or on a group tour. Essentially, solo travel is when you leave behind everyone you know and embark on a trip. Independent solo travel is when you plan and navigate the travel yourself. Group solo travel is when you join a tour or cruise alone. Both provide the unique experience of exploring the world without family and friends who have expectations of you. It's about discovering who you are when no one (that you know) is looking.

Traveling alone delivers access to the world in ways that other forms of travel don't. It is an essential mode of travel, at least some of the time.

However, not everyone takes to it naturally. Some worry about traveling solo. There are concerns around loneliness, safety, and more.

While we have hundreds of articles on the site that get into the details of how to travel solo, here, in one place, is the ultimate guide for those who want to travel alone. The tips in this post will help you have the best experience possible. They will help you travel alone and love it.

If you are traveling independently, read on.

If you plan to go on an organized tour, don't miss our page of tours with no or low single supplement . It's updated at least once a month and if you'd like to receive it via email you can sign up here .

Table of Contents

Why You Will Love Solo Travel

When you travel alone, you travel on your terms. You get to do what you want, when you want. You can connect with people if you wish or avoid them completely. Those are the obvious benefits for going solo as a traveler.

But there are many benefits of solo travel that affect your whole life. The experience encourages you to stretch and grow as a person. You gain confidence and get better at problem solving. You understand yourself better, become more independent, and become a more interesting person.

For more, read Why Travel Solo? 15 Reasons Going Alone Makes Travel Better . Now, let's get on to the ultimate solo travel guide.

Your Guide for Planning to Travel Alone

Planning a solo trip takes a bit of time and thought. To cover everything, this would be an extremely long article. Instead, I'm pointing you to some of the basic planning posts on Solo Traveler. There over 600 posts on Solo Traveler. This just takes you to the ones that cover the fundamentals.

• Solo Travel Planning Guide with Trends, a Checklist, and Insider Tips
• Solo Travel Safety: 50+ Proven Tips to Keep You Safe
• Carry-On Packing List That Makes Sense: Traveler Tested
• Best Accommodation for Solo Travelers
• A Complete Guide to Travel Insurance for Solo Travelers
• Eating Alone Is Easy When You Know How

Ultimate Tips to Travel Alone and Love It!

Let's get into the experience of traveling alone.

For some people, enjoying a solo trip comes naturally. Others have to work at how to travel alone. Most who do, fall in love with it. Here are a few things you can do to ensure a great solo adventure.

1. Visualize the trip you want. It's all about you.

Start thinking about the opportunities that are present when you travel alone long before you leave. Is it down time you really want? Build that into the plan. Are you after a creative travel experience ? Research the opportunities before you go and then dream on them until you get there.

2. Gather firsthand knowledge before you go. Personal stories tell you more.

Talk to people who have already traveled to your destination. Doing this was so incredibly helpful when planning my trip to Patagonia. At the time, no amount of research helped me plan the logistics. Talking to people who had made a similar trip gave me insight into the travel options and tips on how to avoid the mistakes they had made. Use your social network to find people. Join online meetup groups based in your destination. Find expat groups at your destination. By talking to people you will learn more about things to do as well as things that are not really for you.

3. Learn to chat with strangers.

Starting conversations with strangers can be a challenge, especially when you're an introvert like I am. However, these conversations can be trip-changing, if not life-changing. There are many skills that can be developed for this and one is never too old to learn them. In fact, it was only when traveling alone after my husband passed away that I learned how much I had grown and taken on the techniques of an extrovert. I learned that I could talk to strangers easily.

4. Tap the experience of the people you meet. Get current information.

As a solo traveler, you'll meet more travelers and locals than those who travel with a partner. Ask a traveler about the best thing they've done so far or a local for the best hidden gem restaurant in the area. The people you meet and the advice they offer will greatly enrich your trip.

5. Be flexible with your plans. Opportunities arise!

When suggestions or opportunities arise from these chance encounters, be flexible enough to act on them. There are times when flexibility must reign and the schedule should be thrown away. I do this most often on road or rail trips.

6. Don't over-plan. You will absolutely need relaxing time.

Managing your travels yourself takes more energy than if you are with someone else. It is important to have extra time in your itinerary to wander a market leisurely, linger over a coffee at an outdoor café, or take that trip into the mountains you hadn't considered.

7. Be patient. Take time to settle in and learn how the city works.

It can be difficult arriving in a new city alone. Take your time. Take a day to relax, watch the city function, and settle in. Read Solo Travel Confidence: How to Be Strong, Capable, and Safe .

8. Explore your destination at different levels. Gain different perspectives.

In London, it's natural to take the Tube. However, riding on the top of a double-decker bus gives you another perspective on the city. But you still wouldn't want to miss the Tube as it's an experience unto itself. My point is, explore the city in as many ways as possible: on foot, by bicycle, via public transit. Take a taxi and talk to the driver. Rent a car and learn what it's like to park or drive on the opposite side of the road. Every mode of movement offers new perspectives.

9. Take in local events. Get to know the daily life of a culture.

Whether it's a street festival or a sporting event, these are opportunities to rub shoulders with locals, offering insight into the culture and, potentially, fun conversations. Events made for tourism will not be as successful for this as events created by and for locals.

10. Be proactive if you’re unsure of yourself.

Ask for help. Standing around looking dazed will not get you where you want to go and it may get you noticed by the wrong people. Go ahead, smile, and ask for help. It's one of the fundamentals of staying safe as you travel solo .

11. Eat locally! Discover the culture through food.

There is nothing like exploring the local cuisine. It gives you a new path into your destination's culture, history, and geography. There is always a reason, historical or geographic, for a specific cuisine that can be explored through your tastebuds and your mind.

12. Shop where the locals shop.

Are you into home renovations? Then a hardware store in another country could be quite interesting. Are you a foodie? Go to the grocery store or the street where all the specialty vendors are located. Are you into fashion or interior decorating? Again, explore (you don't have to buy) where the locals shop.

13. Know which way is up. An old-school map is your friend.

Study a map of your destination. Get to know it. Get a sense of direction using major landmarks like Central Park in New York City or the CN Tower in Toronto. This will help you explore cities happily, with greater confidence. Read How to Navigate a New City Solo .

13. Find people who share your passion.

Whether it's chess or poetry or badminton or books, there will be hubs or groups that share your passion at your destination. Many destinations have an English bookstore which is typically a great resource for events you will want to attend. Google search or find them on meetup.com. What a great way to combine your love of travel with your love of other things.

14. Take day tours and classes.

There are many benefits to punctuating your independent trip with local tours such as cooking classes . You have new ways to better experience your destination, enjoy some social time (after all, solo travelers are not necessarily loners), and you get to take a break and let the tour company run the logistics and planning of the experience.

15. Have great evenings out.

Just because you're traveling solo doesn't mean you have to stay in at night with a book. There are many options for things to do in the evening. If you're in a country where you don't speak the language, music is a good bet. Read What to Do at Night When Traveling Alone and How to Enjoy Going to a Bar Alone When You Travel .

What If You Don't Love Solo Travel?

Let's face it, not everyone likes the same thing. Some people will travel alone and, for one reason or another, not enjoy it.

The first thing I suggest is that you be patient. You're not going to find your solo travel groove on the first day of your first trip. You need to give yourself some time to settle into your destination and apply some of the many travel alone tips above.

If, then, you're still not loving it, read  What If You Travel and You Don’t Love It ? and the advice of other solo travelers in Feeling Overwhelmed? How to Conquer First-Day Solo Travel Anxiety .

Round Out Your Guide to Solo Travel with These Resources

Here are a few posts to explore to help you plan your best solo trip.

• How to Save Money for Travel
• How to Plan Your Travel Budget: Luxury or Frugal
• Best Solo Travel Destinations: Real Solo Travelers Love These
• Feeling the Pinch? Solo Travelers Save Money at The Airport
• How to Get Through an Airport by Yourself with Ease
• Carry On Packing List That Makes Sense: Traveler Tested
• Checked Baggage: Top Planning and Packing Tips.
• Best VPN for Travel: What, Why, How & New Recommendations
• Road Trip Alone with Confidence: 10 Tips for a Great Trip

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Editor Tracey: tracey @ solotravelerworld.com

Sales Simon: simon @ solotravelerworld.com

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My first experience with solo travel (and what I miss most about it)

Contributed by traveller Dorcas, who is a travel junkie, proud coffee machine owner and professional opinion-giver. In her free time, you can find her telling people “yeah, that’s my real name. No…really.”

Up until I hit twenty, I have never eaten alone in a public place.

Most people who have never travelled alone before often describe their first solo travel experience almost like a spiritual awakening – and at the risk of sounding too cheesy, so do I. I had spent most of planning my vacations with my parents nagging me about how it was dangerous for females to be in a foreign place, even with company. I wouldn’t venture out alone overseas – not even to convenience stores.

In April of 2018, I decided that all that was going to change.

For starters, my first step was to pick the easiest place to settle in. I had been to Melbourne countless times with friends and family so I knew my way around. It was also a short flight (about 8 hours) to go there, although this time there would be no one waiting for me at the airport, it was still a familiar landscape to start on.

So began my journey to self-discovery.

Solo travel can be a form of self-indulgence

As someone who liked to leave things to the last minute, my first relief was that I didn’t have to plan an extensive itinerary four weeks ahead. I relished in the fact that I could do anything and everything my way, and at any time I wanted.

READ MORE : We identify the 15 best places for solo travel around the world

This was one of the first things I realised about solo travel, whether it was the executive decision to sleep in or to jet off to Sydney on a whim – it was completely up to me.

I am someone who enjoys sightseeing, my friends hate it. Every group trip I had been on involved me whining until I convinced my companions to walk around staring at colonial buildings for an hour. This time, there was no negotiation involved.

Being alone forces you out of your comfort zone

My first challenge began when I landed. Having always had a ride to the city planned ahead, it never occurred to be that I had no idea how to get there.

One of the things I often leave out when telling the story of the empowering, soul-binding experience of solo travel is that I spent an hour at the airport wandering around looking for a train station to the city, not realising that the Melbourne airport did not have one.

In hindsight, it seemed foolish to not just ask for help, but prior to this, I was someone who avoided speaking to strangers or service staff at all cost . After walking past the SkyBus booth for the twelfth time in a row, I sheepishly mustered up the courage to approach them, only to realise how easy it was to get help.

Throughout the week I was in the city, I had to do that dozens of times more, and each time it got easier. What most shy people, including me, fail to grasp that no one is going to get annoyed if you take up a minute of their day to ask for directions.

Some of the most wholesome experiences come from people you don’t know

To be honest, being in complete solitude for days would have driven me out of my mind. The fleeting moments with strangers kept me grounded and fuelled my next few hours alone.

One of my fonder memories of that trip happened on my third night in the city. I had just finished a round of drinks and felt pretty invincible as I walked back to the apartment when a group of teenagers came up to me and started following me. As I groveled at the fact that my mother was right, a passerby walked up to me with a big smile and said “Hey! I didn’t expect to run into you here!” before leading me away and walking me back to the apartment.

READ MORE : Everyone needs to read this guide before their first solo trip

On the way, we talked about how I was in Melbourne on the ultimate Eat, Pray, Love and she gave me a list of underground bars, restaurants and stores to visit.

In the spirit of doing things on a whim, I also third wheeled on a Great Ocean Road trip with a Japanese couple I met in a bar – a place I had never been because I just never bothered to rent a car.

It was stunning. Plus the free ride and crash course on Japanese? Incredible.

Travelling alone exposes you to more interactions with strangers, and most of the time it is a fulfilling experience. The charming thing about meeting new people when you are alone is that you give them an unbiased reception to their stories. At the same time, you learn about new cultures and worldviews that you wouldn’t get at home.

You get to live in the moment because there is nothing else to do

The biggest takeaways – and thing I missed the most – from solo travel is that I had to live in the moment.

I have always been guilty of taking too many selfies: a quick scroll through my travel albums would show more of me than the scenery. With no one around to tell me my best angle or way to pose, I had the chance to seize the day in real time.

One of the feelings I find most alluring about being alone in a new place is the sentiment that the world is my oyster – with never-ending possibilities.

You will get to experience this several times throughout your trip at the strangest places. This could come the first time you order coffee in a hidden cafe you discovered by yourself, or when you are standing over a cliff on the Grampians looking out at an endless horizon, or even when you stand in a corner people-watching in Queen Victoria Market .

Since my first encounter with solo travel two years ago, I have not looked back. Since then, I have been to Phuket, Kuala Lumpur and Da Nang by myself and every trip has provided me with a completely unique adventure. It has also made me more comfortable with being in isolation during quarantine.

Needless to say, I’d still take being alone in a foreign place than in my living room.

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On Breakups and Taking Your Dream Adventure Solo

Our writer and her partner were about to embark on a longtime plan when their relationship abruptly ended. Despite her fears of doing it alone, she’s hitting the road—it was always her fantasy to be realized, anyway.

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“I think I need to bow out. Of this trip, and of this relationship.”

This is how my 26-year-old boyfriend informed me that the dream we had just started of renovating a recently purchased 1995 Firan Telstar RV, moving into it, and traveling wherever we wanted for as long as we wanted was over.

I can’t say I hadn’t seen it coming.

Throughout the researching, shopping, and planning stages of the project, I’d encouraged him to speak up if he didn’t like a direction I was going in, to do his own research so he didn’t feel like he was just riding shotgun on my dreams, and to reassure me that this was what he wanted to do. The affirmative responses he gave were so quick and easy that, looking back on it, they might have been indication that he wasn’t ready to make a decision like this.

I wanted to believe him, so I took him at his word. He was mostly a really good boyfriend and had even put his savings into buying the RV himself, so I—a 37-year-old woman—often forgot about the differences that came with our age gap and disparate expectations.

Like he eventually told me, he just wasn’t ready to be the person he needed to be for me.

Surprisingly, losing this version of my Road Warrior dream didn’t kill it altogether.

As we sorted through the “conscious uncoupling” (or whatever we’re calling a break-up where you vow to be good to each other through it these days) of two people in the very early stages of creating a life together, I found myself less concerned with what I was losing—that part came later—and more concerned with how to restructure this plan without him.

After all, traveling and living out of a van has been a goal of mine for as long as I can remember. The first version of my “life beyond four walls” fantasies came from reading The Boxcar Children  as a very young kid. The idea of living in the woods like that, the freedom of it, was so appealing to me. When the kids eventually went to live with their grandfather and turned the boxcar into a playhouse, I felt duped and put the series down forever.

It helped that I have a couple of outdoor enthusiasts for parents: my father is a former hippie who worked for the Forest Service at the Grand Teton National Forest (now Park ) in his twenties, and my mother attended Utah State University for college and quickly took to the region’s outdoor mountain lifestyle. Together, they made sure that getting outside as often as possible was a family value in our household.

Family hikes, bike rides, fishing trips, ski weekends in the Sierras, and camping on the coast or in the Redwoods were among the year-round activities that made up my childhood in Northern California. Summer vacations were for explorations further afield: Zion , Bryce Canyon , the Badlands , Joshua Tree are some of the backdrops I remember most. My parents made sure my brother and I knew that the magic of this country exists first and foremost in the land itself.

During these travels, including an infamous 30-day family cross-country road trip in the summer of 1996, I had the opportunity to check out all kinds of different rigs that served as recreational vehicles. For that trip, my dad had built out a platform and storage for the back of our Isuzu Trooper, which got the job done. As we drove around and car camped, I was already fantasizing of some day owning a Class B campervan or small RV.

The first van I ever fell in love with was my Uncle Lamar’s. It had captain’s chairs that swivel 360 degrees, brown formica tables, and a fully-carpeted interior.

He was my favorite uncle in that way that all cool uncles are totally wacky and ever so slightly embarrassing. He exclusively called me Vic-Vic, reminded me of Tigger from Winnie the Pooh, was the official family photographer even though it took him ages to snap a single shot. To this day, we still have a family saying of “take the picture, Lamar!” if someone is taking too long behind the lens. He also had the best music collection—thinking of him and his van always makes me hear Earth, Wind, & Fire.

When he was 64 years old, my Uncle Lamar was shot and killed in his own driveway in Richmond, California, on my 16th birthday in January of 2000. I often wish I could recall memories of my uncle and his van without also remembering this traumatic piece of history, but ultimately it informs the woman I am, my connection to those memories, and the way I move through the world so, acknowledging it here feels like the right thing to do.

In my early 20s, when I started hearing about people tricking out conversion, Sprinter, and cargo vans to live in, I was sold. To not have to live in a city, to have a reason to get rid of most of my stuff, to be able to drive around, pick a new spot, set up shop for a little while, enjoy some nature, and then move on—it sounded like heaven.

Like many of the amazing outdoor adventures I dreamt of undertaking as an adult, though, it also sounded like something you needed a partner for. Something that before the age of 35, I had never managed to secure long term.

Refusing to allow my perpetually single state to force me to miss out entirely, I tagged along on day-trips and excursions with groups and couples. I also rode chair lifts alone, erected my solo tent in the rain, told folks not to worry about me, and learned to love hiking at my own pace. It wasn’t long before I got over my anxiety about asking strangers to belay me at the climbing gym.

Most of the time, it was fine. I’ve always been good at going it alone, but sometimes, I wished the person on the other end of the rope was my person.

On a friend’s annual birthday snowboarding trip in Stratton, Vermont, when I caught my toe edge and fell head first 20 feet down the mountain, I landed on a lump of ice, which resulted in a bruised trachea and a concussion. I wished that I had my own somebody to look after me rather than my increasingly drunk (and wonderful) friends who had a concussion-check alarm set and came to check on me throughout the night.

When I met my ex, I finally had that person. We camped, hiked, biked, and dreamt of all the adventures we’d go on together. In direct contrast to my upbringing, he hadn’t had a very outdoorsy childhood. I couldn’t wait to show him my version of this beautiful country.

He was the best cheerleader—always encouraging and complimentary, and at ten years my junior, he inspired me to go faster and further, but never pushed too hard. In him, I finally had the perfect co-pilot (or so I thought) for the nomadic adventure I’d been dreaming of for almost a decade.

On one camping trip at McCormick’s Creek State Park in Spencer, Indiana, about an hour south of Indianapolis, where we both lived at the time, we hiked among trees covered in vibrant red, orange, and yellow fall leaves that led down into a dramatic limestone canyon through which the park’s namesake creek runs. I shared the tidbits about trees, plants, rocks, and water that I’d picked up from my dad, the Girl Scouts, and my own adventures. I told him about other places, like the natural slides and seats in the rocks that New Hampshire’s Swift River carves out as it winds its way through the White Mountains , the smell of a coastal redwood forest as the fog creeps in with the dusk, the vastness of the desert sky at night and its innumerable stars that almost make you believe you’re on another planet. To be able to gift these indelible moments to someone I loved seemed like the best way to thank my parents for instilling a reverence for them in me in the first place.

We made the decision to hit the road together with the same casual ease that we made most decisions in our relationship. We had been watching something on TV that got me talking about vanlife and I mentioned some friends of mine who had already done it. I’m pretty sure I said something like, “You wanna?” and he said, “sure!”

With the perspective that time often gives, I can see that there was probably always quite a short shelf-life to our relationship; getting ready for the trip just accelerated the process.

When things did end, something changed in me that transformed going on the road from something I was certain I could only do with a partner into something that I know I can do on my own. After selling the RV, I bought myself a 1998 Evergreen Pearl two-wheel-drive extended-cab Tacoma, and am getting ready to hit the road.

There are still things about going it alone that I’m not looking forward to.

As a Black woman, I am very pragmatic about the realities of this world, and I know that traveling in remote places with a white man would’ve afforded me some degree of safety that I will not have by myself. Getting pulled over on my own will be a very different experience than getting pulled over with my ex.

For a few months in 2020, I was experiencing intense anxiety and panic attacks while driving around town, as a result of the constant news cycle of police violence against Black people. I’ve since recovered and rediscovered my love of driving, but I also know that trauma isn’t something you can never fully heal from.

I’ve also spent enough time engaging in outdoor pursuits to know that being out there on your own as a woman (and especially as a Black woman) is a lot different than being out there with a guy. When attached to a man, there’s a lot less unsolicited advice or people making sure you know what you’re getting into “for your own good.” Instead, people mind their own business when you have a companion, assuming that the man you’re with knows what they’re doing. That won’t always be the case when I hit the road, trail, or wall as a solo woman.

When I think about some of the bike rides, hikes, climbs, and other adventures I hope to tackle, I don’t relish the idea of having to do them alone. I’m no stranger to a solo physical challenge—“attempting feats of strength and agility beyond my abilities” has been the only constant interest on my online dating profiles for years now—but I had grown quite fond of having my own personal cheering section to keep me going.

I refuse to let the why nots dictate my life, though. There are always a million reasons not to do a thing, but as soon as I decided that not having a partner to go with me wasn’t an important enough obstacle to stop me, the other things just didn’t seem like that big of a deal.

What is a big deal is that I’m still doing it—because, despite the reassurance I sought from my then-boyfriend, the truth is, going on the road was always my dream. As welcome as his presence would’ve been, I didn’t and don’t need him to make it a reality.

If you see me out there after I set out in August, don’t be scared to ask if you can share my fire, give me a belay, or just cruise in tandem for a bit. It’s not that I need the company, but I certainly wouldn’t mind it.

• Travel Essays

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Why Self-Care Is Important for Solo Travelers | A Personal Essay

When you search “solo travel” in Google, the top articles that appear are always ones promoting it, tour companies (ugh), or encouraging you to just quit your job and travel, thus “glamorizing” it.

Why isn’t there more of an open dialogue on the correlation between mental health and travel? 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health disorders affect one in four people , which is a staggering statistic. To date, more than 40% of countries have no mental health policy. Over 30% have not instated mental health programs. Around 25% of countries have no mental health legislation at all.

This is an ongoing issue that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. This year, the topic of mental health is even more relevant than ever with the hardships of COVID-19 and quarantine.

Here are some of the main reasons why self-care is of utmost importance before, during, and after traveling. Especially for solo travelers. 

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You Only Get One Life and One Body

Be mindful of the fact that you only get one life, one body, and one state of wellbeing. 

Sure, you can twist this to seem more like, “YOLO, I’m just gonna travel the world and live my dreams.”

However, if you don’t take care of yourself and your mental health before stepping on a flight by yourself for the first time, you may crumble without a strong support system and adequate resources (especially if you’re in a country where English isn’t the native language).

That Time I Moved Home from Japan

In 2015, I moved to Japan to teach English. Due to my prior experience of moving abroad, I thought I’d love it.

Instead, I was faced with the tough decision of sticking out my job in a rural area (where no one spoke English) and risking my mental health or coming home to reevaluate my future career.

I ended up flying home. It was the first time in years that depression had resurfaced again. I felt the full brunt of it during my short-lived time in Japan, and in my interim period at home. I felt like an absolute failure who had just thrown away her career objectives, and I was too embarrassed to reach out to friends for support.

However, everything happens for a reason . I needed those few months to reflect and recuperate. I was able to piece myself back together before ultimately deciding to move abroad again. This time, to Thailand, which was far better for my mental health. Had I chosen to stay in Japan in that particular job, I’m adamant that my mental health and wellbeing would have severely suffered. 

Remember, things are a lot more difficult when you’re thousands of miles away from the comforts of your home.

Treat your body and life with the respect you deserve. You wouldn’t tell your friends and loved ones to stick out a job that makes their mental health suffer, would you? We put so much inherent pressure on ourselves to always live up to our expectations, that we often forget about the more important things: proper self-care and self-love .

You only get one life and one body, so do everything you can to preserve and take care of yourself. Whether you’re already abroad or thinking about traveling (when it’s safe to do so).

Solo Travel Can Be a Double-edged Sword

Like most things, solo travel has a full list of pros and cons. Unfortunately, online media ( especially Instagram) depicts solo travel as this luxurious, picture-perfect lifestyle because the harsh realities rarely align with anything you ever see on highly Photoshopped feeds.

As glorious and freeing as solo travel may be, it can also serve as an inherent danger and catalyst for mental health issues. For instance, if you’re an introvert like me, you may tend to hole up and not reach out to anyone when you’re struggling on the road. 

Thus, any internal struggles and stress may fester inside of you. Slowly eating away your mental health, creating more health issues than you began with.

Any reputable solo traveler will tell you that traveling alone is 100% not easy and blissful all the time. Our social media feeds never tell our full stories.

Read More : First Aid Kit For the Body and Mind: My Ultimate Health Travel Kit

That Time I Was Depressed While Being Paid to Travel the World

For instance, I was severely depressed when I was posting photos of every new country I was in during my second year working on cruise ships. No one knew about the countless times I cried in the shower or the times I isolated myself in my cabin. During that time, I also developed anxiety to the point where I felt crippled making the simplest of decisions while shopping, eating, or determining whether or not to hang out with people.

It may sound incredibly entitled, almost like I’m a spoiled brat, to say that I was secretly struggling with depression while getting to see over 50 countries in a 6-month contract. Yes, I was getting paid to see the world. However, you can be traveling and not even realize you’re depressed or ticking off all the symptoms for a mental health illness if you don’t take the time to improve your wellbeing in the first place.

It’s extremely important to be honest with yourself and get the help you need if you’re struggling while on the road. You can find a list of free global resources here .

Running Away Doesn’t Solve Everything

Travel isn’t an instant remedy, solution, or cure for your struggles.

There were a few times in my travels where my friends told me that it seemed like I was just running away from certain things at home by continuously moving abroad. Everyone has their reasons for traveling (whether on your own or with a partner), but it’s important to evaluate why you’re going rather than the act of traveling itself.

Depression is one of the most common mental health issues among travelers. According to WHO , an estimated 264 million people are affected by depression globally, and more women are affected than men.

In many ways, traveling with depression or any other mental health illness is extremely dangerous if you’re by yourself. Picking your life up and planting it elsewhere in the world won’t make you invincible from yourself and your issues. 

While travel does give you a fresh start and new perspectives, just be very mindful of how you approach it.

Traveling With a Mental Health Issue Is Possible, But Everyone’s Situation Is Different

Even if you have a mental health issue, it is possible to travel . 

However, everyone’s situation is different. Just because you read success stories online, it doesn’t mean you should book a ticket abroad in hopes of finding yourself (especially not this year).

That Time I Tried to Hide My Mental Health Issues On a School Trip

When I was 14, I was diagnosed with an eating disorder and depression. My road to recovery took years, and research states that you’re never truly “healed” from an eating disorder, due to long-lasting psychological effects.

I got away with “hiding” my Anorexic tendencies for a chunk of my 8th-grade year. I couldn’t imagine trying to “hide” this while traveling. Especially while being immersed in a new country and all of its beautiful intricacies. 

It’s dangerous to realize how easy it is to hide a mental health issue if you’re traveling alone.

As mentioned earlier, I relapsed into depression a few other times, even during some of my travels. Other than my mom, no one I knew was aware of my struggles. I was ashamed and hated the thought of burdening other people, so I never was honest to admit my negative headspace.

If I had chosen to move abroad while struggling with an eating disorder and depression, I wouldn’t have had the physical or mental strength to walk 30,000+ steps a day, experience everything to its fullest, nor eat all of a country’s most famed local dishes. I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy all of my priceless moments abroad.

Ironically, I went on my school’s 8th-grade trip while struggling with Anorexia. As a result, I don’t remember any of it. I have photos from everything, but the only fleeting moments I recall were making excuses not to eat meals and just drinking iced lemonades for dinner.

While there are always ways to travel with a mental health illness, remember that only you can determine whether or not you’re in the right state of mind to move abroad or travel.

Overcoming Adversity Makes You Stronger

We’re all human. We’re bound to make mistakes and have hiccups in our lives in some way or another.

When I was struggling with Anorexia, my therapist said something to me that truly resonated. “If you can overcome this, you can overcome anything in life.”

Many have started sharing their stories on how travel helped them recover . By sharing your struggles and being vulnerable, you become more relatable, authentic, and strengthen bonds within your communities. 

Struggling with a mental health illness may feel like the end of the world when you’re in these moments. But it’s these experiences that inevitably make you the strongest version of yourself. There is beauty in sharing your story with others. Especially when so many of us have endured similar types of struggles in our journey to “happiness” and fulfillment.

Wellness and Travel Go Hand in Hand

There is a distinct correlation between wellness and travel, which makes the title of this site even more impactful. 

Mental health and wellbeing should be more actively discussed and prompted with solutions within the travel industry. For long-term expats and anyone who has traveled, it’s apparent that wellbeing and travel are synonymous. 

Without our mental wellbeing, how would we fully enjoy our new experiences around the world? Without wellbeing, we wouldn’t be able to focus on the new sights, sounds, and smells in front of us; we would instead be worrying, stressing, and engaging in negative thoughts.

There are so many ways to practice self-care while traveling . I’m a huge advocate of hiking and getting fresh air outdoors, as well as the therapeutic act of daily journaling. Remember to make the most of your travels, but take care of yourself first and foremost.

This is meant to be a rational article that shows varying perspectives and the realities of travel and mental health. Overall, travel is effective for improving mental health, but everyone has different situations and should never treat their wellbeing the same as someone else’s.

You need to do what’s best for you (and only you truly know that). Take care of yourself first before you travel. While you’re on the road, be sure to do daily check-ins with yourself, whether via meditation or journaling, to ensure that your wellbeing is being monitored.

Travel is extremely transformative. Nearly every person I’ve met has not regretted their experiences (you shouldn’t regret anything in life). Just be mindful of the fact that solo travel comes with its struggles just as much as its triumphs. 

How you overcome these challenges is what empowers you to help others and share your stories with a nuanced perspective. All while making your mental health a top priority.

About the Author

Debbi Shibuya is an avid hiker, animal lover, food monster, pun aficionado, Star Wars geek, and professional bargain hunter. She’s traveled to over 75 countries and 6 continents so far. On her website, Debbi Shibuya, she writes about solo female travel and outdoor adventures.

My   Health & Wellness Resources  page contains helpful sites, phone numbers, and information for anyone needing mental health + wellness assistance.

• Hostel Cooking Tips for Solo Travelers
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Thanks for such an amazing and personal post. It’s true that travel is always glamourised and you rarely see the hard part of travel. It’s definitely important to look after yourself when you travel.

I absolutely love this! I had a really tough time in my semester abroad. I was in such a negative place and didn’t take advantage of every moment. Somehow, I pushed through and that’s the biggest reason Italy will always be a special place to me. After that time, I realised that it was normal and okay to struggle during solo travel! Thanks for the validation, Debbi!

These are great points!

Yes – I love Debbi’s perspective on this!

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Why adventure is as much about the people as it is about the places

The first time I went on an Intrepid Travel trip – exploring India from Delhi to Goa  –  I was late for the welcome meeting.

Sure, I was exhausted, having arrived from Ottawa via London earlier that same day and the hotel bed felt amazing after two days of plane seats and airport benches. But my sluggishness wasn’t just jetlag. As I fumbled around in my hotel room, battling my bedhead and desperately trying to freshen up, some tiny mechanism deep in my subconscious was slowing me down, procrastinating, delaying the inevitable.

Truthfully, I was a little anxious about what was to come next. This was my first solo trip with a group, and I was about to meet my travel companions for the next 14 days – the ‘mystery people’ as I had come to think of them. Who were they? Would they like me? Would I like them? Would spending two weeks with strangers ACTUALLY be fun? I was stepping far out of my comfort zone, and these questions, which had seemed so abstract and inconsequential when I booked my trip, now seemed all too real and very consequential.

It was blistering hot outside, but suddenly I had cold feet.

Two weeks later, one of the best experiences of my life came to a close. India was incredible. I was awestruck by the Taj Mahal, and I was thrilled to dip my toes in the warm Arabian sea at Goa – a place that had been on my wishlist for years.

Another highlight of the trip: Udaipur

But perhaps my warmest memory of the entire trip was the evening I spent drinking Kingfisher lagers on a rooftop patio overlooking the pastel city of Udaipur with a couple from Britain – a pair with a wild streak that, on a whim, had traded in a conventional vacation to instead trek through India. And when the trip was all over, that goodbye was particularly hard. I had expected India to be epic and iconic, but I hadn’t expected that.

READ MORE ABOUT THIS WRITER’S STORY: “LIFE AFTER CANCER ON AN INTREPID TRIP IN INDIA”

As it turned out, friendships forged on dusty Delhi streets, on sunrise hikes to Hindu temples, on crowded overnight Indian trains had become surprisingly strong, fast.

I had uncovered the best-kept secret of group travel. I was hooked.

My Intrepid group in India

Why travel anyway?

There are so many reasons why people travel . To break out of our daily routines. To see beautiful landscapes and iconic sites. To experience life lived elsewhere. To learn and to challenge ourselves. To fulfill dreams and feel alive. I am no different. Going somewhere – anywhere – is exciting, challenging, new, and expands your own world. Group travel makes it easy.

But at least for me, now there’s something else. What I came to realize on that trip to India is this: the adventure is as much about the people you are with as it is the places you go. Discovering who your travel companions are – sharing experiences, sharing perspectives, sharing laughs – is woven into every step of your journey, and when you get back home, you can’t help but feel richer for having shared a small slice of life together.

Think about it. When you travel with a group, you are setting out on a social adventure. You are on the road with a motley crew. You would likely never cross paths with these people in your daily life. They may not even be anything like your friends at home. Now, don’t get me wrong: we cherish the people that fill our lives on the regular, but isn’t different what you are looking for?

Scenic spots in Morocco

Still, despite the newness, the hint of the unknown, something binds you together – after all, you are all there, in that one place, ready to go. You are all wanderers. You are all like-minded souls. That is powerful common ground.

The best of the best

Looking back on that first day in India, I really need not have been anxious at all, and science seems to back that up. Research suggests that there are three important conditions for making friends: proximity, opportunities for spontaneous and recurrent interactions, and a setting that encourages people to let their guard down and confide in each other. And this is what groups travel is all about.

READ MORE ABOUT THIS WRITER’S STORY: “REDISCOVERING TRAVEL AS A MOM”

Fast forward to my next Intrepid Travel trip one year later, this time to see the Best of Morocco . Was I late for that kick-off meeting? Absolutely not. I could hardly wait for the adventure to begin.

Marrakech, with new Intrepid friends

The group was (self-described!) the best: two couples from Canada – one from Vancouver on an epic retirement journey across multiple countries, the other from rural Ontario, the kind of people you’d want by your side if you were ever lost in the woods; a foodie couple from India with high-end tastes; two solo women from big American cities, one from Las Vegas with a bit of the wild west in her blood, the other a straight-talking New Yorker with an insightful mind and a heart of gold; a 20-something man from the U.S. who hadn’t really been home in years; an unflappable German woman whose quiet energy was limitless; and me, a suburban mom of two boys. How lucky was I?!

Three days into the trip, we had outlasted the locals at the neighbourhood couscous restaurant in Fes. The tone was set.

BROWSE ALL OF INTREPID’S SMALL GROUP TOURS IN MOROCCO

And the connections were as stellar as the experiences – in fact, they were one and the same. Imagine being out on the sand and under the stars in the Sahara, huddled under camel hair blankets, talking and laughing the night away with a kindred spirit while everyone else was asleep in the tents.

Awestruck in the Sahara

Or, sharing a breathless moment as you and your friend are pulled to safety by a local vendor when a fight breaks out in the Essaouira fish market where you’ve decided to go for lunch. Then at last, drinking ridiculously expensive but brilliantly mixed cocktails at the Royal Mansour in Marrakech with your girl squad, getting teary-eyed at the thought of the trip coming to an end. All true stories, and when I think of them, the memories are so good.

Now, back home months after Morocco, I sometimes find myself recalling snippets of conversations, or considering how a particular person might react, when something comes up in my life, and I see this as a testament of how meaningful and influential these compact friendships are, at least to me. Even if I never see the squad in person again, that’s alright. Those ladies left their mark on me – in fact, everyone did in their own way.

I’m ready for the next adventure.

Ready for your next adventure? Check out Intrepid Travel’s top trips in 120+ countries.

(All images courtesy of author Lani Innes and taken on her adventures with Intrepid Travel.)

Feeling inspired?

A Canadian, Lani Innes works as a policy analyst in the federal public service. She resides in Gatineau, Quebec with her two sons, their dog and their budgie. A visit to Costa Rica in her late teens sparked a wanderlust that took her to the Caribbean, Mexico, Peru and Spain in her younger years, and later to the United Kingdom and France through work. Her favourite cities – so far! – are London and Miami, and going forward, she has firm plans to fill every page in her passport.

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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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The Solo Trip: Explore at Your Own Pace

By Julie Weed

Solo travel has the power to transform: Think of the memoirs “Eat Pray Love” or “Wild.” But you don’t have to circumnavigate the globe or hike 1,100 miles to see why some people choose to go it alone. The freedom to explore at your own pace, open to connecting with people you meet along the way, can feel as intoxicating as a tropical breeze. But solo travel can be daunting, too, especially when problems arise. And of course, solo travelers need to keep certain safety considerations in mind.

So, are you ready to plan your adventure for one? Here’s how to get the most out of it.

Start off easy

“Keep your first trip simple,” said Carolyn Ray, who runs JourneyWoman , a website for solo travelers, and has visited more than 40 countries on her own. Overcome your trepidation by picking a destination in your own country or at least where people speak your language, she advises. Also, choose accommodations with communal spaces where you can meet others and that are close to the sites you want to see.

Wield the power of one

At even the hottest restaurants, solo diners without reservations can sometimes squeeze in at the bar. And singles can often snag discounted seats at shows and performances by looking for just one ticket close to showtime, says Kat Fleischman, 36, an American public relations professional who has been taking international solo trips since she was 18. She also advises travelers to inquire about single-occupancy discounts at hotels. Travelers on their own can also hop into faster-moving singles lines at amusement parks, filling in spots left empty by groups. Universal Studios Hollywood and Six Flags Magic Mountain , near Los Angeles, and Disney World, in Orlando, Fla., all have a handful of rides with singles lines.

Join group activities

Websites like Meetup and Fun JetSetter can help break the ice with others who share your interests. An internet search can reveal an array of options: Book dinners with locals and other travelers on the website Eatwith . Find fellow nature lovers through local groups like Alaska Outdoors , in Anchorage, which organizes hikes. Find new places to enjoy your favorite activities through sites like Pickleball NSW in New South Wales, Australia . Facebook groups devoted to people living abroad, like Spain’s Expats of Málaga group, can offer local advice and people to meet.

Some hostels and guesthouses also organize outings. You might find yourself going to a kayaking lesson, a singalong, a drag show or a dance club. The hotel chain Selina , for example, offers co-working spaces along with group outings in more than 100 locations in countries such as Peru, Israel and Thailand.

Talk to the locals

If you are eating alone, sit at the bar, where you are more likely to strike up a conversation with those around you. One trick: “Sit with an English-language book to attract other English speakers,” Ms. Ray said. Some dating apps have “friend” settings that solo travelers can use — take the usual precautions, of course, by meeting in a public place and telling others where you’re going and with whom.

Don’t overshare, and use a financial ‘safe word’

Be cautious about sharing personal information, accepting invitations or leaving your belongings with someone you just met. And consider packing a rubber doorstop to add an extra layer of security to your hotel room or Airbnb, and a loud key chain alarm, Ms. Ray said.

If you’re lost, Ms. Fleischman advises, instead of standing on the street to consult your phone, step into a cafe or a store. And rather than looking at your route on your phone as you’re walking, use your earbuds to get directions from mapping apps.

Come up with a term that only you and a chosen few people back home know, so that if you are genuinely in trouble and need money, they’ll know it’s not a criminal impersonating you . Leave an electronic copy of important documents like your passport, health or travel insurance, and itinerary with those people, too. You may also want to share your location with them using a cellphone app.

Leave space for spontaneity

“Stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the unusual can lead to some of the most memorable experiences during your solo travels,” Ms. Ray said. Make plans that you can choose to change.

Keep a journal

Solo travel is an opportunity to “foster and cultivate your own sense of empowerment,” said Ms. Ray, and it will help to understand what you’ve learned if you keep a record — written, audio or video — of your goals, setbacks and triumphs.

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

The Alaska Highway:  On an epic road trip, a family plots a course from Alaska to the Lower 48, passing through some of Canada’s most spectacular scenery .

Minorca:  Spend 36 hours on this slow-paced Spanish island , which offers a quieter and wilder retreat than its more touristy neighbors.

Japan:  A new high-speed train stop unlocks Kaga, a destination for hot springs, nourishing food and traditional crafts , as an easy-to-reach getaway from Tokyo.

London:  The Victoria and Albert Museum is a treasure trove of art and design. Here’s one besotted visitor’s plan for taking it all in .

slow • solo • sustainable

23 Tips For A Beginner’s Guide to Solo Travel

I remember feeling extremely jittery and anxious yet exhilarated before setting out for my first solo trip experience. I wasn’t sure of how I’ll do it, but I was sure that this was my calling and I wanted to do it, come what may. Fast forward to 3 years later, here I am writing this beginner’s guide to solo travel, in hope that more and more people (especially womxn) will be able to take the plunge as I did all those years ago because believe me, you learn so much.

I understand there are often way too many questions around the subject and many end up never going on a solo adventure because they might not ever feel fully prepared. Well, if you’re wondering how to travel alone for the first time in India, my biggest tip to you is, no one is ever “fully prepared”. We all learn as we go and try to do better the next time around. But to help navigate through some of the most obvious (and some not so obvious) solo travelling woes, here are a bunch of travelling experts on how to make the most of your first solo trip!

What's In Here

Choose Someplace Familiar

This is the approach I took for my own first solo trip in India to McLeod Ganj in Himachal Pradesh. Since I had already been to the town a year ago with college mates, I was slightly familiar with its surroundings, its roads and landmarks which helped calm my nerves a little bit – I was going to a place I had already been to, after all! That sense of familiarity is often underrated when thinking of how to prepare for your first solo trip. Especially when the question comes to how to travel alone as a woman, the comfort a familiar place can bring sometimes makes all the difference.

Time and again this has been my top tip for a beginner’s guide to solo travel. Sometimes rediscovering an already visited place, without the company of known people can be quite an adventure in itself. Taking baby steps is okay, and if you’ve been wondering how to travel alone for the first time in India, these tips to travel alone would definitely be my answer to you!

Here are some McLeod Ganj and Dharamshala tours you might want to join as a solo traveller:

• 3-Hour Nature Walk in McLeod Ganj
• Heritage & Cultural Trails of McLeodGanj
• Triund Trek with Camping
• Pottery, Yoga Sessions & Waterfall Trek

Plan the Right Itinerary

By joydeep phukan of the gypsy chiring.

Travelling solo is one of the best gifts one could give to oneself. It teaches us planning, adapting and experiencing a moment in its true sense. Among the things that a solo traveller should keep in mind is planning the right itinerary for the trip. A travel itinerary, in general, refers to the set of details like the names of the proposed destinations, dates of visit, transportation, and the accommodation at those places. Being aware of the details always help in saving time and money. Having the right itinerary is definitely one of the most important tips to travel alone for a beginner’s guide to solo travel.

Doing a bit of research, reading  travel blogs  and guide books, and consulting with individuals who have previously visited the locations is always a good idea. The next step would be to make a tentative blueprint of the trip based on it. Solo travel is synonymous with slow and genuine exploration of places and culture. During your visit, having a general itinerary will allow you to set your own pace and decide accordingly. While planning the itinerary, the budget issue is also sorted. It gives a fair idea of the travel expenses – from logistics to hotel stays. A flexible itinerary is an advantage for a solo traveller. 

Speak to the Locals

By becki rendell from meet me in departures.

If you’re new to an area, it can often feel daunting knowing where to go beyond what’s written in the guidebook, especially if you’re on your own. And quite often, the guide books overlook some absolute gems. One of the best ways to get some honest and first-hand information on a place is through the locals who live in the area.

The easiest way to meet locals is by staying in a family-run guest house or homestay, true they might not be as lavish as a high-end hotel, but they are more than comfortable and also you get a real insight into the places locals know about. Ask them about the best places for authentic food, and hidden gems that the guide books don’t tell you about. This was certainly the case while I was  travelling in Jordan  when I was tipped off by the owner of my accommodation on the best falafels and local cuisine in the area. I ate like a queen during that trip! Locals are also a great source of information regarding anywhere you shouldn’t go or scams to watch out for – making this beginner’s guide to solo travel tip really handy.

Another great way is to speak to local café and restaurant owners which are a little more off the beaten track . The language can be a barrier, but more often they genuinely want to help and share their country with you. You’ll be surprised how far body language, being polite and a genuine smile go.

Choose Someplace Close to Home

For some people, adventures in moderation is the key. Deciding on setting out for your first ever solo trip is exhilarating in itself. But it’s important to keep your boundaries and comfort level in check. True, travel is all about challenging yourself but when trying new things for the first time, you might want to test the waters slowly. As I said before, taking baby steps is okay and that’s why my tip for a beginner’s guide to solo travel is to choose a destination that isn’t too far from home.

For the first few solo trips of my life, I didn’t explore beyond a 500 kilometres radius of my home in New Delhi. (You’d be surprised to know how much I could cover in that seemingly small radius!) My point is – you don’t have to push yourself far and wide if you’re not comfortable with it. Great adventures can take place right around the corner of your own home. On the plus side, if something goes and wrong and you don’t feel too comfortable where you are, you can always quickly go back! If you’re looking for tips for first solo trip – this is it! This tip might also work out great for your first solo trip in India.

Prevent Getting Pickpocketted

For many solo travellers , staying safe is the biggest concern. An issue that can be faced in most large cities is that of pickpocketing. A place which is very busy and there’s a lot going on around is the easiest place to be pickpocketed as you may not be fully aware of everything around you. When I travelled to Colombia,  staying safe in Bogotá  was a very prevalent issue especially when it came to pickpocketing. Other situations like your first solo trip in India might also require the same precautions, making it one of the best tips to travel alone.

My beginner’s guide to solo travel hack for this issue is that I usually walked around with either a backpack or a satchel bag. The satchel bag I always wore to the front and I only did this with the backpack if I went to very crowded places or I was on the bus. You may see the locals not adhere to the advice that others give you when travelling to a city, but it’s always different for a foreigner when eyes are on you. I never carried anything in my pockets, even the front ones that were safer than back pockets. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Learn Some Phrases of the Local Language

By daniel james from layer culture.

When travelling alone and arriving in a new country for the first time, one thing many new travellers overlook is the power of learning a few words and phrases in the local language or dialect. Not many realize it, but this beginner’s guide to solo travel tip can be very useful. When I first arrived in South America and was planning my itinerary, I had no idea how easy it would be to start picking up some  Colombian Spanish  because I was under the impression that each country spoke differently and therefore having a foreign accent would make it harder to understand or communicate with locals. It turned out that the people I met were very accommodating and helped me with my Spanish along the way. This was all because I had something to work with based on what I had practised before I arrived, making my first solo trip experience enjoyable. So if you want to get a head start when it comes to navigating your way through foreign lands as a solo traveller , try learning a few words or expressions in the native language before you arrive.

Consider Joining a Group Tour

I know, I know. It sounds a little counterintuitive, but hear me out – this is one of my favourite beginner’s guide to solo travel tips. Not everyone is naturally okay with being alone, with travelling solo and that’s alright. For me too, my first solo travel experience for the first few initial months was…HARD. I felt “bored” when I was alone and not surrounded by other people. And more often than not, I felt lost. But I learnt to enjoy my own company, I learned to keep myself entertained and I found my way around this whole shebang of solo travelling and you can too. But until then, maybe sign up for a group tour? Don’t take friends or known ones along. Let it be just you, putting yourself in an unfamiliar place, surrounded by unfamiliar people for a couple of days. That should give you practice enough until you feel you’re ready for the whole package – especially if it is your first solo trip in India. There are several solo travel groups in India. Many companies like Trekatribe, JustWravel, Chindi Safar etc are great for young, solo travellers wanting to try out something extraordinary!

Book Your Stay at Hostels

By shrinidhi hande of enidhi.

Hostels are a great stay option for solo travellers. Travelling in hostels is a lot cheaper than hotels and hence help in saving you money. Hostels also house multiple individuals from diverse backgrounds, providing you with a great opportunity to converse with fellow travellers, learn about their culture, fine-tune your itinerary or simply team up with some of them for the day’s plans. Regardless of what help you need – from the best beer in town, cheapest place to rent a motorcycle, is an area safe to walk around at night, to even what is a fair price for airport taxi, and how to use the city’s public transportation – your hostel mates are always ready to help and share a real-time firsthand experience.

Our ideas and understanding of the world are often limited by what we have seen and experienced in our daily life. Hostels with guests from various parts of the world let you learn a lot about various countries. Hostels often also have community kitchens where you can cook your own food. While a proper meal in a restaurant costs 15-20 USD, it is possible to cook your own simple meal for less than 3 USD. Thus hostels help you save a lot of money which you can use for more travel – a beginner’s guide to solo travel tip that you can definitely use later!

But remember, not all hostels are the same. For a hassle-free experience, it’s best to stick to packing hostel essentials so there are no unavoidable surprises on your solo journey!

Spend Time in Cafes

By mal hellyer from  raw mal roams.

Eating out when travelling solo can be super awkward and a little intimidating if you’re not used to it, so having a good strategy for eating out solo can really be a game-changer, a beginner’s guide to solo travel tip that you’re sure to remember. If you’re a solo travel newbie, I recommend having your dinners early and choosing cafés over evening restaurants. There are many advantages of eating in cafés . They are usually a lot cheaper, more casual, and generally, it is more socially acceptable to eat alone in cafés than in restaurants. An added bonus of having an early dinner in a café is getting back to your accommodation before it gets dark, which is always advisable when travelling solo. A good idea for eating out solo is bringing an interesting book with you or your favourite playlist. Listening to music, reading or people watching from a quiet table in the corner of a café will make eating alone a lot more enjoyable, one of the important tips to travel alone!

Memorize a Fake Name

By charu from travel with cg.

Not everything is always sunshine and sunflowers. A thing to keep in mind when preparing for your first solo trip is memorizing a fake name, especially if you are wondering how to travel alone as a woman. Since solo travellers often intrigue other people a little more than usual, there may be scenarios where you would come across strangers who are interested in your identity and life – for all the wrong reasons.

During my first solo trip to  Copenhagen , I found myself in this situation a couple of times. From taxi drivers to people sitting at the table next to me in cafes, to local shopkeepers and other tourists, quite a few people I wasn’t comfortable giving my information to would ask why I am travelling alone and where I am staying. In such cases, this beginner’s guide to solo travel tip has always come handy for me.

So, to avoid giving out details to people you have just met, I recommend memorizing a fake name, accommodation details, and contact number in advance. Doing this would help you get away with uncomfortable situations without seeming rude. And might also end up being safer than answering honestly.

Save All Important Information in a Handy Notebook

By katja mamacos from wandercapetown.

When travelling solo, I’ve found it super valuable to back up important information by writing it down in a notebook. You’ll have everything you need on your phone – important numbers, accommodation addresses, flight numbers. But one of the most common things to be stolen by petty thieves is cell phones. And most of us are completely at a loss without our phones. We don’t even know our mother’s number!

Petty crime is also one of the most common threats to tourists, as you’re often carrying everything important on you. But usually, they’ll slip something out of your bag, rather than trying to much more conspicuously carry off the whole bag. And that thing will be your phone or wallet. So, a good precaution to take – and a useful beginner’s guide to solo travel tip – when you’re travelling on your own and depend entirely on yourself is to note down everything important in your little travel booklet or journal. You may also find that it becomes a valuable keepsake of your travels – especially if you’re exploring long-term, and really filling up those pages.

Find a Community Through Facebook Groups

By victoria heinz from guide your travel.

Travelling alone often presents many challenges that are not always easy to overcome, and a lot of solo travellers are focused on finding friends immediately. Travelling to a foreign country, where a different language is spoken, and you don’t know anyone, can be scary for first-time solo travellers. For this reason, this beginner’s guide to solo travel tip is a helpful way to get in touch with people who have been there before, or even better, are still there. It can be beneficial to look out for groups on Facebook or similar social media platforms to find like-minded people. There are groups for backpackers of almost every country to connect or to exchange ideas, questions or stories. You don’t have to be afraid to post in one of these groups to ask for advice or tips. The people in these Facebook groups are actually always very nice and helpful and are also interested in meeting new people. Knowing that you know someone in the foreign country you are travelling to and possibly even meeting that person or several people can take a lot of pressure and fear away. So if you’re wondering how to prepare for your first solo trip, this might just be your answer – one of the best tips for first solo trip.

Research the Place Well

By vipin from misfit wanderers.

You may be scared, overwhelmed, or simply overthinking all sorts of danger that can happen when you’re out there, alone. But believe me, you’ll know it’s untrue after you complete your first solo trip. For the time being, I have a beginner’s guide to solo travel tip for you that can help you take the leap of faith and go solo. What’s it? Just research the place! I know it helps because I have been through the same feelings you’re feeling right now when I was planning to go on my first solo trip, a quest for peace – my first solo trip essay on my first solo travel experience.

Researching the place will make you aware of the area you’re planning to visit, thereby increasing your confidence in the light of knowledge. It helps conquer the fear of the unknown. It also helps you get an idea of the place’s culture and traditions. You might not fully understand them until you get there, but it’s good to have a fair idea to be able to respect local cultures. Researching a place well also helps in knowing what to avoid. If there’s something off about the place, it’s most likely that netizens have already shared it. Therefore, with good research, you’ll know the places that you should avoid. Lastly, it also helps in not getting scammed. It’s not that you’ll be immune, but you’ll know if there’s a common scam that happens at that particular place. These are the best ways in case you’re wondering how to plan your first solo trip, some of the most important tips for first solo trip.

There are several ways you can research the place. Number one is by reading online blogs and articles. This age is of the information, and today every third person is likely to have a blog. Read experiences of people on their blogs who have been to the place you’re planning to visit, ask them in the comments if you have any particular questions. Next, watch YouTube videos and vlogs. YouTube videos and vlogs are one step ahead — you’ll be able to see visuals of the place. Plus, if you’re not into reading, this is your saviour. And lastly, ask in travel communities. Facebook and Quora are packed with a bunch of travel groups and communities. Additionally, you can ask in company-focused travel communities such as TripAdvisor or Tripoto . People are generally delighted to help — at least you’ll know it after your solo travel! So if your question is how to plan a solo trip in India, this research method will definitely be useful.

How to Click Your Own Pictures When Solo

By raksha prasad of solo passport.

One of the challenging things about solo travel is capturing memories through pictures . Over the years, I have discovered a few techniques that can help in taking those beautiful pictures during my travels. Even though there are many tips in getting pictures taken, my topmost beginner’s guide to solo travel tip is to always carry a small tripod that is compatible with your camera or phone. This is one way where one can be independent and take pictures with beautiful backgrounds without asking strangers or compromising on the pictures taken.

If you are not carrying the tripod, use the resources that are easily available, such as small rocks or bags, as tripods to take pictures. These resources act as tripods and capture good pictures if the object is not moving.

When you want to take quick pictures, then the best thing to do is to ask other travellers around, especially solo travellers. The fellow travellers usually understand and oblige by taking your pictures. Make sure to set your camera and the angle you want before giving the camera to the person taking the picture. This way you can be rest assured that the picture will be taken closer to the way you want.

Share your Locations with Trusted People and Latergram your Travels

By kat from biker girl life.

If you are planning your first solo travel experience, one of the best ways you can share it with friends, family, or anyone interested in following your adventures is on social media. However, it’s important that you don’t overshare and give away your real-time location. This is important at any time, but especially when you’re travelling alone. Don’t share where you are when you are there; wait until you have left or are about to leave before posting your location and photos. Similarly, don’t share where you are planning to go next. Sadly, you just don’t know who’s reading or what their intentions might be.

If you’re doing something slightly more dangerous, like  solo motorcycle touring,  and you want to make sure someone knows where you are, you can share your location with them via an app like ‘Find my Friends’- that way someone can find you, should things go awry and an accident happens. This beginner’s guide to solo travel often comes in handy, especially if you’ve been thinking of how to travel alone as a woman.

Suggested read: “Bike Ride to Nubra Valley, Ladakh”

Get a Travel Insurance

By amélie gagne from mostly amelie.

You never know what could happen when you expose yourself to the world, and  getting travel insurance  could be the difference between spending a few extra bucks on something you will not need (the ideal case scenario) and having a medical bill that sends you right back home with a big debt and a broken ego (and maybe more). Better safe than sorry is always my motto when I travel, and all new travellers should know that medical expenses can be extremely expensive — no matter where you travel to. Moreover, you never know what kind of nasty viruses and bacteria you could be exposing yourself to in foreign countries. Travelling and changing your routine and nutrition can affect your immune system, and the local cuisine could also be hiding something unexpected. Not only can a random fever hit you anywhere you travel to, but things could also get stolen or missing when you travel. Having comprehensive travel insurance will cover all bases from medical emergencies to stolen belongings, and generally at a very affordable price. If there is one thing you should not gamble on when you travel for the first time, my one top beginner’s guide to solo travel tip, it’s getting good travel insurance. If you’ve been looking for advice on how to plan your first solo trip, this is an important thing to consider!

Start by Travelling Solo in Your City

This is yet another important beginner’s solo travel guide tip if you’ve been contemplating the idea of solo travelling, but aren’t quite sure where to begin. Warming up and practising by spending time alone in your own neighbourhood helps. Whether it is taking a walk in your park, grabbing a bite in a cafe or visiting a landmark near your house, it helps you ease into the process before plunging into the unknown. Similarly, try out exploration within your own city. Go see that famous tourist spot, take a food tour of your own city or better yet – book a stay at a hostel in your city for a day or two. It will definitely help you get warmed up to the idea of solo travelling, without having to give up the sense of comfort and familiarity completely. There is also a lot of talk on first time solo female travel destinations – which ones are safe and which ones aren’t. Exploring your own city helps you trust and rely on your own self a lot, making the answer to this question much easier. This is one of my hottest tips for those who are planning their first solo trip in India. For those thinking of how to plan your first solo trip, this might actually be a lot of help – important tips for first solo trip!

Read: 15 Best Solo Travelling Destinations in India

Sign Up for a Class or a Workshop

By claire from claire pins travel.

A smart way to meet locals when you travel solo is by signing up for a class or workshop on a topic that interests you like art, cooking, dancing etc.  While you can often meet other travellers quite easily in hostels or on walking tours, a class or lesson offered by a local institution can be a great way to actually  meet people from your destination  rather than just fellow travellers, since these kinds of events aren’t usually marketed just to visitors. 

To find classes or events, try the event websites or scout Facebook groups which list all sorts of upcoming activities in your chosen destination. Another option is to check for classes and workshops being offered by local museums and galleries, these are often affordable and you might end up with a nice souvenir of your trip to take home after the class. Additionally, sometimes local universities or colleges might even offer unique workshops, lectures or special events open to the general public, so check out their websites to see what is available. If you are worried about a language barrier, consider choosing an activity like a dance class or art workshop where you can follow along visually if you have any issues with translation. This beginner’s guide to solo travel tip often also becomes a great ice breaker, and helps build memorable friendships!

Create a Travel Budget

By alex sumuel from wander with alex.

A travel budget is something every solo traveller should consider. This is especially true if solo travel has become a hobby! Creating a travel budget ahead of time will help you with your itinerary and allow you to see and do as much as possible without breaking the bank. Here are a few tips for this beginner’s guide to solo travel which you can use as a template for creating your travel budget.

First, don’t wait until the last minute to book your big-ticket items, such as airfare and accommodations. To  find cheap flights , sign up for Google Flights or Skyscanner alerts as soon as you know where you’re going. These alerts will keep you in the know when it comes to price changes. As for accommodation, if you don’t have your heart set on a hotel, try a vacation rental from a site such as Airbnb.

Next, you’ll want to do some research into your trip activities. Make a list of all the things you want to see and do, and price check them. Don’t forget, there are usually tons of free things to do in just about any tourist destination, so add them to your list! Lastly, don’t forget about miscellaneous travel costs! Things like food and alcohol, laundry, checked baggage fees, vaccinations, and transportation costs – all of these smaller trip activities can add up quick! If you’ve been wondering about how to plan your first solo trip, do consider this tip!

Keep a Backup of Your Important Documents

By becky from its just becks.

It’s just a fact of life that not everything will always go to plan. To ease nerves about what will happen if something goes wrong, having a backup of important and necessary documents is essential and reassuring. Think of the things you absolutely could not travel without like passport, visas, insurance, bank details, and have a digital copy that you can access from anywhere (email a copy to yourself) or take a photocopy and leave it with someone you trust back home. Sadly, sometimes things are lost or stolen and having to deal with this alone will feel like a challenge, but having backups of the information will make things easier, something to remember for a beginner’s guide to solo travel.

It’s also a good idea to have backup money, as this is the thing most commonly lost or stolen. If you travel with just cash, it’s best practice to not leave it all in one place. For those with an overseas spending card, consider having a second account or card that you can leave securely in your accommodation when you go out with your main card. This way, if something happens to your main card while you’re out and about, you won’t be left with no access to money while the problem is resolved.

Join a Food Tour

By rose munday of where goes rose.

Surely one of the downsides of solo travel is the eating arrangements. Dining alone in a restaurant can feel awkward and then there’s the problem of trying all the local dishes during a short trip. Usually, after one heavy meal, you’re full. It would be nice to graze and try lots of different dishes but sometimes solo travel doesn’t allow for this.

A top tip to get the best of a country’s or region’s culinary cuisine without blowing the budget (or gouging yourself senseless) is to take a food tour. This is a great idea because your guide will buy dishes and share them with other guests on the trip. You get to try a bit of everything while also learning about the history and culture of the food from your local guide. Moreover, you also get to meet fellow travellers and interact and share ideas – something worth mentioning for a beginner’s guide to solo travel!

An extra bonus is that often on food tours, couples are given a dish to share and solo travellers get a whole one at no extra cost. Winning! There are several solo travel groups in India that also do food tours. Be sure to check them out.

By Soumya Nambiar of Travel Books Food

As a solo traveller, my best beginner’s guide to solo travelling tip for anyone who wishes to travel solo is to pack light. This is especially true if you are going to be on the road for weeks. When I started travelling solo, I was never a light packer. I was one of those people who believed that I needed to carry lots of luggage. But over the years, I have learnt that it is not worth it when you are tugging your luggage up 3 flights of stairs to a dorm room in Salzburg with a high-grade fever or you could have avoided being pickpocketed in Madrid if you had less number of bags on you. Learn the art of layering your clothes for winter and how you don’t need everything in your wardrobe for your trip. Learn to use packing cubes to segregate and keep your luggage capacity to a backpack or a carry-on. I always end up doing laundry at least a few times during each of my multi-week/month trips. I also buy stuff on the road and donate some of my stuff on the road if I no longer feel the need for it.

Dealing with Lost Flight Luggage

By džangir kolar of dr jam travels.

Lost luggage is a pain that all travellers are afraid of, but don’t have control over it. If it is lost at the beginning of your trip it means you will have to supplement your belongings before you continue on your way even if you get your belongings later. While the airline is responsible for this event they should compensate for your additional expenses. But if you want to get this amount refunded you will need some kind of proof. So the best thing to do is to save all the bills you get for new things you have bought. But don’t go on a shopping spree and buy expensive items like Gucci bikinis and such, while they have a limit for compensation depending on which airline you’re flying with. Also, the same thing applies if it happens on your return and luggage is lost and not returned back longer than 21 days (until then treated as delayed). But it would be harder to save bills for all the things you are taking with you. Usually, you will get a reduced value, 10% less per year. Hopefully, you will not need this advice, but it’s good to remember just in case especially when looking for a beginner’s guide to solo travel.

Just Go! Don’t let fear hold you back

By linda jane of muy linda travels.

Do you have a list of places you want to see but you just haven’t found the right time to go? There are always reasons to put off taking a trip and my advice to a first-time solo traveller is, just go! 

For the bonus last tip on this beginner’s guide to solo travel – don’t hold yourself back and don’t let fear get in your way. If you’re waiting for someone to travel with you, you could wait forever. And although you might be afraid to travel alone, it’s one of the most liberating experiences you can have. You’ll discover that you’re a capable, confident, independent person who can take care of yourself.  

The sense of freedom and accomplishment that solo travel brings is truly life-changing. You’ll be able to say “I’ve done that” and “I’ve been there” and start ticking things off your bucket list.  

The first step is to research your trip and plan thoroughly. If you know where you’re going, how you’ll get there and where you’ll stay, you’ll feel more confident. Researching your destination will also help you to avoid pitfalls and mistakes along the way. Then it’s time to book your ticket and get on the plane.  

What are you waiting for? You’ll have an amazing time! 

Beginner’s Guide to Solo Travel – FAQs

What should i do on my first solo trip.

Treat your first solo trip – just like any other. the only difference is…well, that you’re by yourself! Depending on where you’re travelling to, go cafe hopping, wander in local markets, visit architecture and heritage marvels, visit museums or art galleries and go for that hike and swim in a waterfall or river. If you choose to stay at a backpacking hostel, chances are that you won’t be alone after all. Instead, you’d have mingled with fellow travellers and made plans with said hostel buddies!

Where should I go on my first solo trip?

Honestly, for your first solo trip, there is a whole ocean of possibilities. Depending on where you live and how much money you can spend on this trip, you can literally go anywhere your heart wants! As mentioned before, you can try wandering around in your own city or try tourist places close to your home. But if it feels right, don’t be shy to go all the way and visit a foreign country or someplace far from home too – it really all depends on what YOU feel comfortable doing! For some inspiration on the best solo travelling destinations in India, click here . If you’re a digital nomad and planning to stay long term in a new place, check out this post .

How do I prepare to travel alone?

If you keep these few beginner’s guide to solo travel tips handy, you should be ideally good to go. As I said before, you can never be fully prepared as we all learn something new with each trip and try to do it better the next time. So keep an open mind with the experiences you’re going to have – both bad and good and don’t forget to enjoy!

How long should a solo trip be?

A solo trip can be as long as you want it to, depending on your budget and your availability of time. For some, their first solo trips last not more than 3 to 5 days. While others go on their solo trip and never look back. For me personally, it started off as a few small trips every now and then and now I’m a full-time traveller who doesn’t have a fixed “home”. In a nutshell – you do you!

Can I travel by myself if I’m 16?

There is no minimum or maximum age limit when it comes to travelling solo. Of course, you can start travelling solo at 16 – I started at 18 and I know people who started at 40 as well! When you’re younger, you do make more mistakes but as you grow older, you learn to do better. All in all, what matters is that you keep your spirits free and wild while remaining sensible and cautious at the same time. The magic lies in the balance!

Should I go on a trip alone?

YES. Do it. Seriously, go on that trip alone!

For more solo tips and inspirtation, follow me on Instagram !

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A twenty-something solo adventurer, Avantika finds comfort in learning about various cultures, its people and listening to age-old folk tales. When not on the road, she can be found cuddled up with her dog in her room, with a book in her hand.

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Amita Chaturvedi

Excellent article, answering almost all the queries

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The Pros and Cons of Solo Travel

Solo travel is something everyone should try at some point in their life. There's no better way to get to know who you are as a person than by spending time with yourself away from the distractions of life.

Solo travel, couple travel, and travel with friends all have their pros and cons and it can be tough to know which will suit you best. This article outlines the advantages and disadvantages of hitting the road on your own for the first time .

Personal Growth and Setting Your Own Schedule

One benefit of solo travel is that it forces you to become independent, make decisions, and step out of your comfort zone on a regular basis—something you wouldn't necessarily do if you weren't traveling alone.

When you travel solo, you have nobody to rely on but yourself, and that pushes you to learn how to function in the world. It's sink-or-swim time! If something goes wrong , it's down to you to figure out how to get out of the situation.

Another great benefit to solo travel is not having to compromise on your travels. You can wake up whenever you want, eat whatever you want, decide to have a lazy day, or choose to go on a 12-hour hike. When you're traveling solo, you can be selfish and change your mind every few days and not have to consult anybody else.

Meeting People and Building Confidence

One of the biggest benefits of solo travel is how easy it is to meet people on the road . All you need to do is wander into a hostel common room and within minutes, someone will strike up a conversation with you—it really is that easy!

You'll also find that when traveling solo, you're much more approachable than when you're in a couple or a group. A lot of travelers will assume that if you're already in a group, you don't want to be disturbed, and will turn to the solo traveler almost every time.

Solo travel can be helpful for your mental state, too. Solo travel builds confidence as you navigate an unfamiliar city, converse with strangers and figure out how to get from one place to another. Your social skills will also improve as you meet more and more people and get used to introducing yourself and making conversation.

Freedom and Time for Reflection

Another item in the "pro" column for solo travel is that is can be a time for reflection and solitude and can help bring peace to your mind. You'll get to know yourself better than you ever have before, learn what truly makes you happy and what you need to work on to improve as a person. It can often be challenging to face these truths but learning to overcome them is all part of the process of growing.

You can spend time working on a hobby, reading books in coffee shops around town, hiking every day, or simply sitting and meditating. When you're on your own, you can do whatever you want without having to worry about anyone else. That freedom is incredibly liberating. 

Avoiding Loneliness

One downside of traveling alone for long periods of time with no constant in your life is that it can be draining, and you may struggle with issues of loneliness. Not having someone to share all those amazing experiences with can be disheartening and lead to depression. Homesickness is something every long-term traveler deals with, and the effects can be amplified when you're alone.

Higher Costs

For budget-minded travelers, another downside is that traveling alone nearly always works out to be much more expensive than traveling as a couple. As a couple, you can share meals, stay in private rooms and split many of your expenses. You'll also often find that for private tours you'll be charged a lot more if you plan on taking it alone. There's no doubt about it: solo travel supplements suck. 

As a solo traveler, you'll have to pay a single room supplement if you're going to be in private rooms, you have to stay in Airbnb apartments without having someone to split the costs. In some parts of the world, like South Korea, meals are served family-style so you'll even have to pay more to eat alone in a restaurant or rely on fast food. It makes sense that businesses would charge more money for one person, but it certainly does punish solo travelers for something they can't control. Time to start making friends and sharing rooms so you can split the cost!

Safety Considerations

While solo travel isn't unsafe , it's definitely less safe than traveling with other people, making the safety issue a "con" of traveling alone. You're more vulnerable when you're on your own because you only have you looking after you. When you're in a group, you'll have other people to look out for scams, to steer you away from danger, and make you less likely to get lost. 

So while this shouldn't make you avoid solo travel, you should take extra precautions in order to keep yourself safe. Things, like being cautious when out alone after dark, researching unsafe neighborhoods before you arrive, and not getting too drunk when out with hostel friends, are all things that will improve your safety levels on the road. 

Missing the Human Connection

When you travel all the way to Sydney and stand in front of the Sydney Opera House , sometimes it's a little underwhelming. You don't have somebody to turn to and discuss how incredible it looks and how amazing it feels to be living your travel dream. Instead, you snap a few photos, you sit and look at it in awe and silence, and then you leave. Solo travel is one of the best things you can do for yourself, but it sometimes it's a little underwhelming when you don't have someone you love to share it with. 

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I grew up trying to win my parents' approval. I ended up getting a Ph.D., but it was solo travel that changed my life.

• Angela, an American academic, started traveling solo in November.
• Angela said she felt burned out after not taking any time off for many years.
• She felt tied down by expectations to get married, but solo travel felt freeing.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Angela, an academic and content creator in her early 40s who travels solo in Europe. Angela requested that her last name not be shared for privacy. This essay has been edited for length and clarity.

In 2020, I had a major setback. I was engaged and supposed to get married but realized that my fiancé wasn't the right person for me. I was living my life for other people's expectations and in fear of judgment. It was one of the most challenging years of my life.

I was born in Beijing and was raised by a traditional Chinese family that told me succeeding academically was the only way to find success in life. I spent most of my time studying and never got to travel or enjoy hobbies.

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In the early 2000s, I moved to the US on my own to pursue my education as an international student. I lived in Florida, Texas, and Southern California before moving to the San Francisco Bay Area in 2017. While I initially faced language and culture barriers, I adapted quickly to life in the US. I'm someone you call a "third culture individual" — I identify with both my American and Chinese cultures. I feel at home in the Bay Area, a place that celebrates diversity and inclusion.

Since moving to the US, I've earned a Ph.D. in information science and now work at a university as an academic. After living in the US for the past 20 years, I'm also a naturalized US citizen.

I traveled solo after breaking off my engagement

Apart from visiting family in China — my last trip to Beijing was in 2018 — I hadn't traveled solo until last year. I had always lived my life according to my parents' expectations. Like most Chinese parents, they expected me to succeed academically, get married, and have kids by a certain age. I never felt I was doing enough.

After breaking off the engagement, I worked on healing myself. Last year, I decided to try something I'd never done before, which was to travel solo internationally. For the first time, I felt like I was prioritizing myself and putting what I wanted to do first. I began documenting my solo travel on TikTok and Instagram .

I found it easy to connect with people abroad

I started my journey with a solo trip to Denmark and Sweden in November. A month later, I embarked on a monthlong solo trip traveling to eight cities in Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Vatican City. And in February, I traveled to Iceland to celebrate my birthday on my own.

In addition to my regular time off, I have over 30 days of vacation a year I can accumulate. Because I work at a university, I also follow the academic calendar. For the monthlong trip to Europe, I took 3 weeks off and had a week of holiday leave for the Christmas break.

In total, I spent around $8,000 on that trip. All of my years of hard work have provided me with enough savings to fund my trips.

One of the things that I loved most about traveling solo was being able to meet and socialize with people from all walks of life. I'm an outgoing and social person, and it helped that I stayed in hostels so I could meet other travelers. But I realized that it was easy to meet people anywhere just by starting a conversation and saying hi.

In Rome, at the Colosseum , I met another solo traveler. After taking photos of each other, we ended up chatting and spending the rest of the day exploring the city and having dinner together. I met several different people in the same way.

Solo travel helped push me out of my comfort zone

Solo traveling is such an empowering experience. I have the complete freedom to decide what I want to do and where I want to go. I enjoy solitude when I want and socialize when I want.

It is the serendipity that makes solo traveling beautiful. I did a lot of self-discovery and self-growth. I learned that you don't have to live life a certain way. The world is big, there are many ways to live a fulfilling life. It's helped me gain clarity and put things into perspective.

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What It's Really Like to Travel Alone in the Era of Social Media

My wanderlust started with a Billy Joel song. Yes, some might say it's stupid to visit a city just because of a catchy tune. (They'd also probably say that it's stupid that I fell in love with said song, "Vienna," after seeing the movie 13 Going on 30 , and I'd have to agree with them on that.) But that's how I made my way to Austria--solo--with only good ol' Billy for a travel buddy.

In college, I took part in a spring work/study program in London, and while I loved the U.K. and my job working for a health website, what excited me most was the opportunity to travel. I spent my weekends sipping sangria in Barcelona with my roommates and admiring Edinburgh accompanied by friends, but no one wanted to stay and explore Europe more extensively after our 16 weeks were up. Except me.

So, I decided to go alone. I wanted to see more of France, more of Italy, and, most importantly, I wanted to see Vienna.

I didn't set out wanting to travel by myself. It's something that young women are discouraged from doing: My own mother was desperate to talk me out of the idea. "It's dangerous for girls to travel by themselves," she'd warn me every time we spoke. I insisted that I knew women my age who'd done it (which was a bit of a stretch: I knew of girls who'd traveled alone), and that I'd be fine. My friends back home were skeptical, too. "Wait, no one's going with you?" they'd ask. No doubt they wondered who would be taking my Instagrams. (God bless the selfie.)

But after convincing them that just because I'm a Millennial woman does not mean I have to be constantly surrounded by a crew, I had to make myself believe it. The night before my departure, I was terrified. While everyone else was flying back to the States, I'd be on the Chunnel to Paris to start my two week trip alone. The thought was crippling. I've always been a person who recharges with alone time, but this suddenly seemed like too much to take on, especially in unfamiliar places.

I was forced to remind myself of my somewhat cheesy screensaver quote: "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." I sucked it up. I wanted this badly enough to outweigh both the safety risk and the potential of FOMO.

The journey was, in a word, liberating. While I was nervous that my first meal alone would be pretty damn awkward, I wasn't tempted by the idea of eating takeout in my hostel bunk bed, either. So I faced the fear. I slipped on the flowy (albeit a tad wrinkly) LBD, channeled my inner Cool French Girl, and stepped out into the cool spring air of the Montmartre quarter. I was going to dinner.

It ended up being one of my most memorable dining experiences of my life. I savored the otherworldly steak frites for which Le Relais de l'Entrecôte is famous, observed the elegant Parisian women adorned in their Saturday evening pearls, and even ordered in the language of love. I enjoyed my glass of cabernet and devoured a plate of the most mouthwatering profiteroles in the entire City of Light without fear of judgment. No one knew me; I didn't know anyone.

This freedom ended up being one of the most indulgent aspects of my trip, and for once, that didn't mean feeling guilty. I spent hours riding on a vaporetto in Venice; I decided not to climb the Duomo in Florence because it just seemed like too many stairs; I read for hours in the lush gardens of the Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna. (The trip wasn't without its uncomfortable moments, of course. A couples' wine tour in Tuscany was a mistake, for sure.)

I spent the final hours of my trip wandering around the gorgeous, pastel façade-lined streets of Vienna. 15 minutes prior to leaving, I pulled out my iPod and listened to "Vienna." After the familiar piano trills, Billy's familiar voice flooded in: "Slow down you crazy child," he sang. "You're so ambitious for a juvenile." I began to cry—partially from exhaustion, perhaps, but mostly because the moment felt intensely profound. Here I was, in a city I'd always escaped to in my mind through a song, closing out the most incredible experience of my life. A little crazy, a little ambitious. All me.

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Essays About Traveling: Top 5 Examples and 10 Prompts

Discover our guide with essays about traveling, including topic prompts that will make you write about traveling and hit the road for your next adventure. 

Traveling is a much-loved activity by many; exploring the world and seeing new and beautiful places can be a great way to unwind and recharge. Many fond memories are created during holidays abroad, and we carry these precious times with us. But for those who only travel for official business purposes and never really get to explore destinations fully, travel can be a more stressful experience. 

Beyond the anxieties one endures in planning a travel or boarding flights, traveling can do wonders for mental health, open our eyes to new experiences, help us be closer to nature, and allows us to reflect on our progress and accomplishments in life.

5 Essay Examples 

1. rebooting the economy: restoring travel and tourism in the covid-19 era by patrick l. osewe, 2.  humans may dream of traveling to mars, but our bodies aren’t built for it by charles wohlforth and amanda hendrix, 3. what’s sustainable about soaring private jet use by terry slavin, 4. instagram travel bragging is killing the family vacation by meagan francis, 5.  pre-travel stress by sally black, 1. travel bucket list, 2. your first solo travel , 3. travel to ghost towns, 4. how technology transformed travel, 5. how movies influence our travel preference, 6. learning cultures from traveling, 7. earn from travel vlogging, 8. traveling through time, 9. your most memorable travel experience, 10. benefits of traveling while working .

“Even as travel restrictions and lockdowns have relaxed, cautious return-to-travel behavior among travelers—due in part to lingering health and safety concerns—suggests that the recovery process for the industry will be long and slow.”

The travel industry was one of the hardest hit during the COVID-19 pandemic. With its importance to the economy, especially in Asia, where the industry could easily account for 80% of the GDP, a fast recovery is imperative. To make this goal more attainable, multisectoral coordination in planning and implementing safety rules will be essential. You might also be interested in these essays about holidays with family and essays about journeys .

“Even a short, sortie mission to Mars and back would be extremely hazardous to human health. A Mars colony is out of the question. Living long-term on its surface is beyond the capacity of our bodies to survive.”

Amid the excitement over sending humans to travel to Mars, there has been emerging research that highlights the dangers of such missions. The space between the Earth and Mars already poses many obstacles. And even if, by rare luck, man reaches Mars, staying will be the next paramount challenge as consequences could mean a halt in blood circulation or blindness. 

“When it comes to the carbon footprint of travel, there is nothing worse than traveling by private jet… Yet despite all the net-zero rhetoric from the corporate sector, and pressure from the flight-shame movement, private jet use is booming.”

As private jet use is starting to burgeon, society is demanding greater accountability from the ultra-rich and the commitment to invest in sustainable technologies for air travel. This could compensate for their use of private jets, a single one of which is estimated to ​​be several times more polluting than commercial planes.

“What, I wonder, does the financial strain of planning a trip you can’t really afford do to your expectation level — and how much can you enjoy your vacation once there? When the bill arrives, do most find that the experience was worth the stress after all?”

The culture of bragging on Instagram is destroying the true meaning of family vacations. Where such experiences used to be for relaxation, fun, and strengthening of family bonds, family travels are now a ticket for boasting, requiring ridiculous expenses for which some families are willing to be in debt. 

“While a vacation maybe me one of the highlights of your entire year, the days leading up to departure can be stressful. For some people, this stress can bubble over into a full-blown anxiety or panic attack complete with physical symptoms.”

Pre-travel stress is a common symptom for many. Worries often stem from hoping for the vacation to be smooth sailing. However, unpleasant incidents may always occur. On our part, we must focus on those we have control of, such as how we pack and how we address our ultimate pre-travel concerns.

10 Topic Prompts To Help With Your essays about traveling

How far have you progressed in completing your travel bucket list? Take this essay to share your experiences in traveling to your dream destinations. If you haven’t started ticking anything from your travel bucket list, you can simply enumerate these places and explain what drove your attraction. For example, you may visit Italy for tasty authentic Italian food and drink.

If you’ve traveled solo, this is the essay prompt for you. Turn this essay into a guide for helping people travel solo. So, provide tips on planning a solo trip and making the proper arrangements. Share the places you’ve gone to and travel hacks that helped ensure your safety, especially as safety is a chief concern when traveling solo. Finally, don’t forget to write down what made you bold enough to try a solo flight and how it has benefitted you.

For seekers of thrilling adventures, ghost towns are the best place to travel. First, find a ghost city that allows tourists. Then take on a story-telling essay by narrating the town’s story from its birth to its abandonment. Finally, ensure to provide your readers with a list of what they must do to enter the ghost town’s premises.

Efficiency and convenience in travel are the best gifts technology has given modern generations. Gone were the days when you still had to scout for a hotel upon arriving at your destination. For this writing prompt, compare today’s travel experience with the days before the computer. You may extend your essay by adding what more digital advancements the tourism industry has in store for travel lovers.

Almost always, the setting of a favorite movie becomes a part of your travel bucket list. This desire stems from the longing to connect with your favorite characters and mentally relive your favorite movie scenes, this time with yourself in the picture. For your essay, write about film-induced tourism becoming a key strategy for marketing travel destinations. 

Traveling is the best way to immerse in cultures and better understand the many worlds beyond your own. Share your experience traveling has helped open your mind to new cultures, practices, languages, and beliefs. To help your readers appreciate your trip, write a few paragraphs about the place, starting from its main point of attraction and its economic and socio-cultural statures. You can also interview other travel enthusiasts for this cultural essay. 

Travel vlogging is one of the best ways to earn money while having the best time. First, give a short overview of the travel vlog industry to entice your readers into travel vlogging. Next, gather reports that inform how one can generate money from this venture and how much they can expect in time with quality content. Then, provide a list of recommendations. You can use tips from other successful travel vloggers as well. 

Movies that tinker with time travel machines always appeal to many of us. This is certainly true for those thrilled over the possibility of visiting an era we can only imagine through our history books. If you were to time-travel, what historical period would you like to visit? Reveal this in your essay and explain why.

Share the most memorable travel experience with your readers and help them picture it with adjectives and vivid detailing. Your story doesn’t have to be a luxurious experience. It can be as simple as a scenic drive around the lake, a tan from a sunny beach, or your first travel by plane or boat.

Looking for more? Check out our guide on how to write a postcard .

The COVID-19 pandemic has made us realize that work can be done from a distance, pushing the telecommuting trends higher and fulfilling people’s travel vengeance. This essay cites the physical and mental health benefits of traveling while working. Share your opinion on whether companies should incentivize arrangements that allow work while traveling.  For more help with your writing, read our guide explaining persuasive writing . If you are interested in learning more, check out our essay writing tips .

Yna Lim is a communications specialist currently focused on policy advocacy. In her eight years of writing, she has been exposed to a variety of topics, including cryptocurrency, web hosting, agriculture, marketing, intellectual property, data privacy and international trade. A former journalist in one of the top business papers in the Philippines, Yna is currently pursuing her master's degree in economics and business.

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The highs (and lows) of travelling solo

The first tentative steps can be terrifying, but this seasoned traveller revels in the ‘addictive’ sense of freedom gained from being a party of one 20 of the best group trips for solo travellers

S tanding in a fug of heat outside Cairo airport, taxi drivers shouting at me, night falling fast and without a single coherent idea about what I am to do, I stare into space, resisting the urge to turn around and buy a one-way ticket back to Heathrow. I have left England only once before, on a school trip. In my pocket I have £300 and the Nairobi address of a distant relative I’ve never met. This is supposed to be my great African adventure. It doesn’t feel that way.

It was 1982 and if anyone had asked me on that night, “What are the pleasures of solo travel?” I might have burst into tears. What I did was take a bedsheet from my backpack, creep to a dusty space under some trees, lie down and hide beneath it, pretending to be asleep. Solo travel, it seemed at that moment, was the worst of all possible worlds.

And so it can be. You are vulnerable and isolated, prey to crime, depression and homesickness. For female travellers there are extra challenges and dangers. There’s no one to watch your bag, or your back, no one to take the strain, not for a moment; and there’s never anyone to remind you why you came, remind you of the dreams that inspired the trip. Several times at the start of my first solo trip, I found myself pulling that sheet over my head, either literally or metaphorically.

But … Some weeks later, having survived my Cairo ordeal, I got off a truck in the Sudanese region of Kordofan. The town – I can’t even remember its name – proved to be a village. There was no hotel, but there was a secondary school. There I found a lone teacher – Muhammed, I later learned – packing his bags for the holidays. Two bicycles were parked inside the staff room.

I introduced myself and asked if he knew of anywhere I could stay while waiting for the next truck south. He looked me up and down. “There will be no more trucks for a few days. Can you ride a bike?” I nodded.

“Can you eat our food? Drink water from holes in the ground?” I nodded, perhaps less confidently.

“Then you can come with me to my village.” He gestured to the bikes.

Twenty-four hours later I was with the Baggara tribe, sleeping on a palm mat in a grass shelter and drinking the greenish water that seeped into dry river courses. For about a week I experienced a way of life that neither I nor those around me realised was soon to disappear: a life without electricity, running water, communications, plastic, indeed almost anything from the outside world apart from two Chinese-made bicycles. It was, and remains, one of the most remarkable episodes of my life and it happened because I was alone. There were only two bikes.

That is when it works. You are forced into contact with people. Villains are soon spotted, trustworthy individuals embraced. You ask questions and opportunities come your way. You make decisions and your route changes drastically, without anyone to argue against. You draw pictures and learn languages. The sense of freedom that comes, after a time, is addictive, even euphoric. At least, I would say it will come, if you resist the lure of the internet and the phone, the modern siren voices to wreck the solo traveller’s odyssey.

I would not launch upon a first solo trip lightly: do some short practice runs close to home. When I was 16, I hitchhiked to Cornwall with a friend, and followed up with some solitary multi-day treks through the Peak District and Lakes. I wish I’d done a short European trip too, but I was impatient. And don’t discount group trips, where you can share common interests with strangers.

A friend’s daughter, embarking on a trip to Thailand, recently asked my advice. I said, watch out for people spiking drinks, and take things slowly. The most vulnerable moments are when you arrive, so prepare for that. Find a base, among people you trust, and stick around for a while. If solo travel works out and you find your feet, I recommend a hard-nosed attitude to communications. You emerge at the other end, perhaps a little scorched by homesickness and hardship, but able to survive and make your way through almost any tricky circumstances. And when you find a friend, you never forget them.

Like Muhammed. We rode all over his area, meeting other tribes who were passing through. There was a memorable breakfast with the Ham’r camel-herding tribe. There was an interview with a chief. One evening a man came galloping over to the hut on a fine horse to deliver the news that a souk truck was waiting for me by the three baobab trees. I hadn’t even understood that Muhammed was taking care of all this.

Next morning he and I rode for two hours through a delicate pinkish sunrise and I climbed aboard a truck laden with sacks of onions. I never saw him again, but we exchanged letters for a few years. Since then I have travelled alone a great deal. The lows are still lower, yet the highs are higher. It remains more intense, more extreme, and the experience is always much richer.

SoloTravelerWorld.com and Facebook community Solo Travel Society are good resources for lone travellers

Browse The Guardian’s selection of self-guided and escorted holidays designed for solo travellers on the Guardian Holidays website

• Travelling solo
• Sudan holidays
• Africa holidays

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Home / Essay Samples / Travelling / Adventure / Advantages and Rewards of Solo Travel: an Independent Exploration

Advantages and Rewards of Solo Travel: an Independent Exploration

• Category: Travelling
• Topic: Adventure , Tour , Trip

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