Useful & Practical Solo Travel Tips From a Seasoned Traveler
Have you hiked the misty Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or observed Buckingham Palace’s changing of the guard? Well, I have, and I did it solo. Five continents, 18 countries, over a year of solo travel and thousands of memories later — I’m ready to give you the honest, practical tips every solo traveller needs.
Jump to Section
- How To Travel Solo Successfully?
- Solo Travel Tips For Beginners
- Tips For Solo Travel As A Woman
- Solo Travel Tips For Guys
- Solo Travel Tips For Introverts
- Solo Travel Tips FAQs
How To Travel Solo Successfully?
Your first solo trip is a whirlwind full of ups and downs. Like all trips, both domestic and international, issues pop up. Flights get delayed, weather strikes hard, and, when you’re all on your own, solving these issues falls to you alone. Still, with the right preparation and mindset, solo travelers can overcome every obstacle.
As a single traveler, you get to set the itinerary and the pace. You’re free to make friends and mingle or take time for impactful self-reflection. So, how do you travel solo successfully? You prepare. Solo trips are made and broken during the planning phase.
- Set Your Budget: All in, how much do you have to spend? This includes airfare, lodging, food, activities, souvenirs and any extras.
- Pick Your Destination(s): Consider the local weather, your specific travel goals, and the allotted time.
- Create a Travel Planning Document: List your general itinerary, plan how many days to spend in each city (if applicable), and start investigating lodgings and per-city itineraries.
- Do a ‘Bucket Budget’ Exercise: Separate your budget into categories, including flights/transportation, lodgings, expensive activities, estimated food and estimated ‘extras’ (like travel gifts and clothes). This will help you cut out or add to your trip based on what you can really afford.
- Set Planning Reminders: Often, planning a solo trip requires extensive research and time. Keep on track by setting weekly reminders to book and plan.
What Is The Best Way To Travel Solo?
Good preparation isn’t just about research, itinerary creation, and booking. The best way to travel solo isn’t always the most popular. You need to leave the giant suitcases at home. Now, if you’re planning on spending time in only one or two cities, then skip this recommendation. However, if you’re planning to visit multiple cities or even multiple countries, then a European-sized carry-on and a backpack are all you should bring.
Solo Travel Tips For Beginners
The process of planning your first solo trip should be exciting, not overwhelming. Use these tips to plan a stress-free trip like a seasoned pro.
1. Don’t Overstuff Your Itinerary
It’s tempting to try and see everything, but cramming too much into your schedule can leave you exhausted and unable to enjoy the experience. Leave space for downtime and try to have some wiggle room in your schedule.
For example, when I visited Seoul for the first time, I had a few nighttime activities that I could switch, depending on my mood and schedule. So, I could go to the top of N Seoul Tower, explore Gwangjang Market, or visit the National Museum of Korea at late hours on any night. This helped me create a balanced itinerary that wasn’t glued down.
I got to wait and go to N Seoul Tower on the one clear night of my trip. I also got to eat my way through Gwangjang Market on a rainy night (it’s covered). The best options for flexible switching are places that don’t usually book out, only require walk-ins, or are free.
2. Get Travel Adapters & Portable Chargers
Different countries have different plug shapes and voltages, so packing a universal travel adapter is essential. This simple tool ensures you can charge your phone, camera, or laptop wherever you are. Don’t skimp on this purchase. A decent travel adapter protects your devices from voltage spikes.
And even though you can find sockets to charge your items (even buses have USB chargers now in some countries), a decent, lightweight portable charger can be a lifesaver when your smartphone battery decides to jump down to 5%. Try the UGREEN Magnetic Power Bank, but make sure it's compatible with all your devices.
3. Check Vaccine Recommendations
Most countries provide vaccine recommendations tailored to their specific populations. For example, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a searchable vaccine recommendations by country list that is constantly updated.
Some areas may be at a specific risk of diseases like malaria or rabies. Depending on your existing vaccines and where you’re traveling, you may not need to get any new ones.
4. Consider Medical Insurance
I’ve personally never gotten this, but it’s nice to have a plan if things go south. Most travel medical insurance plans are designed to cover you in case of a dire incident. In many countries, you can see a medical professional for things like the flu, strep throat and minor cuts for relatively cheaply.
This means that if you’re going to be mountaineering or traversing the Amazon, consider a medical travel policy. However, if you’re just going sightseeing in Dublin, you may be better off saving your money. It’s up to you, your concerns and your budget.
For example, our editor (also an avid solo traveler) got something called Scombroid after eating refrozen fish on a Bali beachfront BBQ and had to be rushed to the hospital. And on the same trip, he got a terrible eye infection while sightseeing (how ironic?) Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Sometimes, you can't plan for these things; who even knows what Scombroid is? Because he had travel insurance, both trips to the ER cost next to nothing, when they would have been severely high otherwise. Ultimately, it's up to you and your risk tolerance.
5. Learn Basic Phrases (If Needed)
Even if you’re not fluent in the local language, learning a few key phrases can go a long way. It's great that we have smartphones now and can hop over to ChatGPT or Google Translate, but learning basic greetings like “thank you,” “please,” and “where is...” are particularly useful. Locals usually appreciate the effort, and it can help you navigate situations where English isn’t widely spoken.
Consider learning basic solo travel phrases like “table for one” and “one person,” along with any dietary restrictions you may have.
Top tip: Google Translate has a download language feature on the app. So it will work even if you aren't connected to the Internet when traveling up Mount Kinabalu in Borneo or the jungles of Ratanakiri in Cambodia.
6. Prioritize Mental Health
Culture shock, physical exhaustion and loneliness can make solo travel draining. Between museum hopping and wine tastings, be sure to set aside time for reflection and self-care. There are a few ways you can put your mental health first:
- Practice mindfulness activities for five minutes when you wake up in the morning.
- Book wellness activities like relaxing at a Japanese onsen or enjoying a Thai massage.
- Engage in mental health activities like journaling (more on that later) and photo documenting.
7. Download Local Apps
Before your trip, check if there are country-specific apps that can make your travel smoother. These might include public transit maps (like Naver for South Korea), food delivery apps (like DiDi Food for LATAM), or rideshare services (like Go! For Japan). Some of your most beloved apps in your own country may not work well in the designated destination. Uber, for example, is okay in Spain, but Freenow and Cabify work much better. Same for South Korea where Kakao T is so much better than Uber.
Having them downloaded in advance may be necessary, as many of these apps require text authentication. If you’re not paying for a phone plan abroad, then you won’t be able to download once you land.
8. Don’t Just Look For Hotels
Hotels aren’t the only lodging option. Unless you have a special deal or want to stay in a specific hotel, it’s best to compare your options:
- Hostels: Budget-friendly, social lodging with shared rooms that may be co-ed or separated by gender and a smaller number of private rooms.
- Airbnb: Options range from a couch to single rooms to entire apartments or houses, giving you a "home-like" experience.
- Vrbo: Vacation rentals like larger homes or condos, ideal when you're combining your solo trip with a family meetup or group gathering. Or if you just want to feel a bit luxurious and would like more space and amenities.
All lodgings should be assessed based on reviews, location, amenities and price. You may also need to consider other factors. Do you need accessible access or a workspace? Are you someone who needs a gym? The more requirements you have, the more you may need to pay.
There are also multiple house swapping and housesitting apps available, like Trusted Housesitters, Swaphouse, Rover, and Workaway. You can stay for free (although some platforms are subscription-based), as long as you look after Mr. Fluffles for the duration of your stay.
Tips For Solo Travel As A Woman
Being a woman can be challenging and even dangerous at times. However, fear shouldn't be your primary reason for not traveling alone. We often hear about the few dreadful stories on the news, and not the millions of amazing ones that happen every day. Use these tips and advice to plan appropriately for your first solo trip as a woman.
9. Plan Ahead, Especially at Night
Do you know the phrase, “Nothing good happens after midnight?” Although it may not be entirely accurate, more crimes do occur at night. As a solo female, you shouldn’t be scared to be out at night, especially in heavily touristed areas, but planning your nighttime itinerary can give you peace of mind.
The best rule of thumb: If something feels strange, it most likely is. Trust your intuition.
Take it from me, even the grounds of the Champ de Mars in Paris can feel a little spooky after dark. Use these tips to stay safe after dark:
- Plan a loose itinerary before the sun sets.
- If plans change, do your research/make a new plan in a safe space. For example, plan to visit a different cocktail bar while you’re still at dinner.
- If you plan to spend the evening with new friends, make sure you stick to public spaces.
- Exercise more caution with potential romantic partners than you would in your home country.
- Write your current address, the country’s emergency phone number and your emergency contact in your phone and on a physical piece of paper.
10. Share Your Itinerary
Full disclosure, I often forget to do this. All forms of travel can be hectic, and solo-travelling can be especially overwhelming. Between changing plans, missed trains and weather interruptions, it can be challenging to keep your close ones updated.
However, sharing your itinerary is one of the best ways to keep yourself safe. It is reassuring to know that trusted friends and family know where you are and what you’re doing. You can create a group chat for this purpose, share your location, or share your calendar with your inner circle. But also, tell your mom and dad to relax, checking their phones a million times will only create more nerves and sending you a million texts will disturb the freedom that comes with solo travel.
11. Be Aware Of Modesty Norms
Most cultural modesty practices are the same for all adults. For example, in some parts of South Korea, people of all genders may be stared at for wearing tank tops or spaghetti-strap tops. However, around the world, women may be required to adhere to specific dress codes or behavioral standards, especially in places of worship.
A good rule of thumb is that religious places of worship, such as those of the Buddhist, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Hindu faiths, require covering of the shoulders and knees. Some require coverings from wrist to ankle. Famous mosques and temples are more likely to provide shawls or coverings at the door, but don’t count on it. Pack a scarf for multi-uses.
Some places of worship will require women to cover their heads, though in most instances, it’s just a sign of respect and isn’t necessary. Bring a shawl just in case. It usually isn’t necessary to take your shoes off at Christian and Buddhist places of worship (unless you visit the main temples), but it may be at other sites. You can typically leave your socks on.
I traveled through Southeast Asia for a few months and used one light shawl as a modesty cover. It doubled as a beach towel and once as a laundry sack.
12. Don’t Be Afraid to Travel Alone
For every bad story you hear about a woman travelling alone, there are thousands of lovely stories you don’t hear about. Use the same level of common sense and reason that you would in your homeland. Be prepared, know where you're going, and, most importantly, have fun!
At the time of this posting, I have traveled to five continents and a few dozen countries all on my own. Have I had some spooky moments? Of course. But I’ve come out of them stronger and more prepared.
For most women, a solo traveling experience is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that’s well-deserved. Women and girls may have to prepare a bit more, but we can have just as much adventure as the boys — and maybe a bit more.
Solo Travel Tips For Guys
Men also have to make special planning accommodations. Use these tips to travel safely and respectfully as a man.
13. Be Aware When Making Friends
Some men are naturally boisterous and excitable, prone to making friends easily. However, when traveling as a single man, it’s best to approach locals and fellow travelers first with kindness and passivity. Make it clear through your behavior and mannerisms that you mean no harm and are hoping for a safe and enjoyable time.
Be aware that, in some cultures, it’s not considered appropriate for men (of any sexuality) to approach women in public for friendship or romance. That being said, as long as you are reacting appropriately to social cues, you should be fine. It may be best to read up on those unwritten rules before traveling to the destination. For example, when out drinking in South Korea, the youngest will always top up the oldest person's glass. It's not "weird" or "strange," it's just different and customary. That should be your motto when traveling abroad.
On the other end of the spectrum, be careful when meeting new mates. They could have ulterior motives, and that friendly facade could be a cover for a scam. Use your intuition and remember, you can always leave — there is no need to people-please when traveling solo. Take care of YOU first.
14. Be Aware Of Modesty Norms
You may not be required to cover your head or wear a skirt, but men still have to follow cultural norms. This usually means wearing long shorts or pants and shirts with sleeves in religious places.
Don’t be that one guy at Angkor Wat who’s wearing 5-inch inseam shorts and a tank top.
Solo Travel Tips For Introverts
Not every solo traveler is super chatty. Introverts can have a fulfilling and even sociable trip with these tips.
15. Get an eSIM with Plenty of Data
Many introverts are exhausted by social interaction and need time to recharge. They may feel uncomfortable or exhausted by the prospect of making friends at every restaurant and coffee shop they visit.
A good way to navigate the conundrum of eating alone is to ensure you either pay for a phone plan while abroad or obtain an eSIM with ample data. That way, you can watch YouTube, Netflix, or surf the web in any setting.
Don’t feel weird about watching your comfort show over a warm bowl of pho or during a classic English Sunday roast. You’re on your own, and you deserve to enjoy yourself, not just stare at the wall during every meal. Think of it like the best solo date idea. Just make sure to bring headphones and look up occasionally to enjoy the people-watching, too.
16. Travel With Books or Journals
If you don’t love the idea of being glued to a screen, no problem. It’s easy to take a small book or journal with you everywhere. I usually find an English book in every country I visit and try to speed-read through it before I hop on a plane to the next country.
I have so many fond memories of reading The Return of the King in France and The Three-Body Problem in Argentina. Alternatively, a journal is an excellent way to recap your day while having something to do during mealtimes. Even though you snap a million photos on your phone, you'll easily forget the smells, tastes, and particular experiences if you don't write them down. It's great to look back at your travels through your own very personalized lens.
17. Join Group Events
Just because you’re an introvert doesn’t mean you don’t enjoy occasional social interaction. The best way to easily make friends abroad and have a good laugh is via a group event or tour. You can take a global cooking class in places like Mexico, Italy, France and more.
Solo Travel Tips FAQs
Is 27 Too Old To Solo Travel?
No, there is no age that is "too old" for solo travel. Age alone does not disqualify you from solo travel. The only reasons one should not solo travel are if they require physical assistance to complete daily tasks or if they struggle with being alone for extended periods.
Is 2 Weeks Too Long For A Solo Trip?
Definitely not. How long you should spend traveling solo depends on where you are going and your itinerary. For most countries, such as Germany, Japan, Australia and Morocco, two weeks is generally enough time. Remember that the day you land and the day you leave are often thrown out and involve admin-heavy tasks like travel, checking in and navigation.
For single-city trips, two weeks could be overkill, though. It very much depends on the size of the city and the activities available. Two weeks on Tioman Island, for example, could be pretty boring if you're a super active person who loves the city. It's basically beaches and snorkeling. Two weeks in Seoul, on the other hand, is the perfect amount of time because there is so much to do and see and day trips are also available, like visiting the DMZ. So it really does depend on what you love to do and where you're going.
We hope these solo travel tips have prepared you for the adventure of a lifetime. We can personally attest that there are no highs like sipping wine in Saint-Émilion, learning Thai history firsthand, and diving with manta rays in the Java Sea, all on your own. As a solo traveller, you can experience anything your heart desires, be in charge of your own adventure, and learn so much from experience. The itinerary and every step of the journey are completely up to you.
Turn to Classpop! for some of the best global itinerary activities to meet new people and engage with the locals. We'll see you there. Happy travels!
