Solo travel dos and don'ts: tips for a safe and confident trip
- Jul 7, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 25
The short version: Ease into solo travel with a small trip before a big one, always get travel insurance, research local laws and safety before you go, stay flexible instead of over-planning, trust your gut over politeness, and keep your normal safety habits no matter how safe a destination seems. Choose social accommodation over isolating ones if you're new to travelling alone.
Solo traveling may sound scary or intimidating to some, but it doesn't have to be that way. In this blog post, I collected some important things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and positive experience. From practical tips to sustainability, I tried to collect every trick under the sun to help you gain more confidence!
What are the most important dos and don'ts of solo travel? In short: start small before going all in, always get travel insurance, stay flexible rather than over-planning, and keep your usual safety habits no matter how safe a place is said to be. Most solo travel mistakes come from either overconfidence (skipping research, oversharing personal details) or over-caution (never leaving your comfort zone at all) the sweet spot is somewhere in the middle, and it gets easier to find with each trip.
Don't go from zero to hero
If you're new to solo travelling start small with a day trip or a few day city break. No need to plan a 6-week itinerary far far away from home, if you're not even sure that you like solo travelling. Things may come up on a shorter trip that will help you decide. Maybe you're not the solo-traveling-hostel-hopping kind, and that is okay!
Do your research
And this goes way beyond a saved Pinterest board with must-see attractions. Do your research on local laws, entry requirements, transportation options and safety.
Don't forget travel insurance
Some people tend to forget this step, but it is essential regardless. Trust me, you will travel with less worry! There are lots of travel insurance policies available; some of them offer great perks too (we're talking free or low-cost access to airport lounges, and let's be honest, who doesn't want that!).
Do try to go off-season
If you're traveling solo, and you can, I would recommend going off-season if possible. This especially applies to very popular tourist destinations. Off-season travel is usually much cheaper in my experience, and you will have a nicer experience as locals won't be sick and tired of tourists. Traveling off-season helps you to become a more sustainable traveler as you will not add to the masses over peak seasons. I always travel to really popular places off-season and have the best experiences.
Do stay open but cautious
Making new friends and connections while traveling is nice, but never get too comfortable. This may sound alarming, so let me give you an example: you can bond with someone on a solo trip by talking about whether you like the local cuisine or whether you think Paris or Barcelona are worth the hype. There is no need to share too much personal information like your home or stay-at address with someone.
Do stay flexible
Don't make super rigid travel plans. Being flexible and leaving some time for error or new experiences can be a very freeing experience. This way you might end up making new friends or see something that you didn't even know existed.
Do trust your instincts
If something is outside your comfort zone or perhaps you feel uncomfortable and want to get out of there, do it! Don't feel like you have to be polite or nice. If something feels off, it does not have to make sense to anybody else.
Do share your travel plans and details with your emergency contact
I know this may seem silly, especially if you're traveling far, but family or friends need to have a good understanding of what you're up to. Don't forget to share your itinerary with them!
Don't stop practising your usual safety measures just because you're abroad
No matter that people have told you that the place you're about to visit is super safe, you can still practice things like: not accepting drinks from strangers, staying aware of your surroundings, keeping your essentials secure, learning emergency contacts, and not walking alone in quiet areas, especially after dark. These are still valid practices no matter where you go.
Do use reputable accommodation
You can always read the reviews before booking. When traveling alone, especially if you're new to it, I would recommend booking somewhere social. Try to avoid Airbnbs because they can be quite isolating, at least in my opinion. You don't have to be a social butterfly to appreciate that there are people around you and a reception that may be able to help you if needed. Hotels or hostels are your best bet.
FAQs: solo travel dos and don'ts
Is it safe to travel solo for the first time? Yes, for most destinations, as long as you take the same precautions you'd use anywhere: researching local laws and safety, staying in reputable and social accommodation, and keeping your emergency contacts updated on your plans. Starting with a shorter, closer trip rather than a long one far from home is a good way to build confidence before going bigger.
What should you avoid doing when travelling alone? Avoid oversharing personal details like your accommodation address with people you've just met, ignoring your instincts to be polite, and dropping your usual safety habits just because a place has a reputation for being safe. Over-rigid planning is also worth avoiding, some flexibility tends to lead to better experiences, not worse ones.
Do you need travel insurance for solo travel? Yes, it's worth treating as essential rather than optional. Beyond covering the obvious risks, many policies include useful perks like airport lounge access, and travelling with insurance generally means travelling with less background worry.
Is it better to stay in a hostel or an Airbnb when travelling solo? Hotels or hostels are usually the better choice for solo travellers, especially first-timers, since they come with people around and staff who can help if needed. Airbnbs can feel more isolating in comparison, even if they offer more privacy.
I hope you found these tips and recommendations useful. I think there is so much beauty in solo traveling, and if done right, it can be the most expansive experience.
And if you’re looking for a way to feel more grounded while travelling, don’t forget to grab my free Travel Wellness Routine Builder. It’s packed with simple tools like a printable checklist, self-care prompts, and mini rituals to help you feel more at home, wherever the journey takes you.
