How to prepare for your first solo trip: a beginner's guide
- Jun 24, 2025
- 11 min read
Updated: Jul 31
Last updated: July 2026
Planning your first solo trip can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. This beginner's guide covers everything you need to know before travelling alone, from choosing your destination and accommodation to staying safe and building confidence on the road.
So, you have decided that you finally want to give solo travelling a go? Great! But now you're thinking, but where do I even start...a million questions and ideas start to flood your brain, and now you're thinking this may not even be the best idea after all...I got you! Solo travelling can be an incredible experience, but you need to be prepared a little, and know a thing or two before you get started. With this thorough guide I am here to help you every step of the way.
Everything in this guide comes from my own experience after travelling solo for 14+ years across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and South America. I've certainly made mistakes, learnt from them and discovered that solo travel confidence doesn't come before your first trip, it grows with every destination you visit.
In this guide you'll learn:
How to choose your first solo travel destination
Essential travel documents
Choosing accommodation
Planning your itinerary
Getting around safely
Solo travel safety tips
FAQs
Solo travel checklist
Before we get started I have a little something for you. If you're feeling a little overwhelmed or unsure about how to take care of yourself on the road, I created something just for you, a free Travel Wellness Routine Builder. It's a gentle, supportive guide to help you feel grounded, confident, and calm while exploring the world solo. Inside you’ll find printable checklists, simple self-care rituals, and mindset tips to help you feel more like you, no matter where you land.
Who is this guide for?
This guide is for you if:
you've never travelled alone before
you're nervous about taking the first step
you're planning your first solo city break
you're looking for practical advice rather than perfect Instagram moments
Is solo travel right for everyone?
It is not for everyone, BUT everyone should try it at least once or twice in their life. Chances are you will find it freeing and exciting, but you may also find that it isn't right for you, and that's completely okay too. Some people absolutely love the independence, while others realise they enjoy sharing experiences with someone else. I don't think either way is right or wrong. My advice is simply to try it before deciding. Even a short solo day trip can teach you a lot about yourself and what kind of traveller you are.
The most common fears before your first solo trip
Before my first few solo trips, I worried about exactly the same things most people do:
What if I get lonely?
What if something goes wrong?
What if everyone thinks it's weird that I'm alone?
What if I don't enjoy it?
In my experience these fears melt away quite quickly once you have your first 'ahha moment' or sense of accomplishment.
Mistakes I made on my first solo trip
There are definitely a few things I'd do differently. I tried to fit too much into each day, packed way more than I needed, felt like there was only one right way to explore a new city, worried too much about eating alone and underestimated how tiring constant travelling can be. Over time, I've learnt that slower days are often the ones I enjoy most. And if you would like to get more info on what to avoid and top travel tips, read my 32 travel tips I wish I had known before I started here.
How much should you budget for your first solo trip?
My biggest recommendation is choosing a destination that matches your budget rather than stretching yourself financially. Feeling relaxed about money makes the whole experience much more enjoyable. Your first solo trip doesn't have to be expensive to be memorable. It also doesn't have to be a grand trip. A solo day trip away in your home country can be just as exciting, and a good test of what exploring solo may be like. If you would like to read more on the topic, check out my budget travel friendly tips here.
How to choose your first solo travel destination
I know this sounds like I am stating the obvious, but I believe that when you start out with solo travelling, your destination is the most important part. Whether you have a good first-time solo traveller experience will depend on how comfortable you feel in your chosen location. I personally would start with a smaller city break, maybe even a day trip where you live! Solo travelling has many benefits and can be so freeing, but I will tell you, it's not for everyone, and that is completely okay. In fact, I wrote a very honest post about solo travelling, the good, the bad, and the ugly; you can check it out here! So, when you choose your first solo travel location, I would recommend starting slow and booking a day trip around where you are currently located. This will give you a feel of what it is like being your own company, sipping your morning coffee alone, or eating dinner in a restaurant all by yourself. A day trip can give you some insight into whether solo travelling is for you or not. Of course, as an advocate for this genre, I would recommend not making up your mind about solo travelling after a day trip. But the success of one day travelling alone can be a good compass. Once you feel a bit more comfortable with the whole idea, you can go on and book that city break (or whatever destination you had in mind)! To help you I collected some of the best first time solo travel destinations worldwide read it here, the best solo travel friendly cities in Europe here.
Essential travel documents before your solo trip
Once you have your destination, it is time to check for the necessary travel documents that you need. You will need to check entry requirements and what you need, such as passport expiry date, visa, travel insurance and health requirements. You may need certain vaccinations, your passport to be valid for a certain amount of time, and a visa to enter. You can also check whether you can get a visa on arrival, but if doing it online is possible, I would recommend sorting it beforehand, only so that you have less to stress about once you arrive. Not likely to happen (but happened to me before), but when opting for a visa on arrival, make sure you check what payment methods are accepted. I once tried to get my visa on arrival and was expecting to be able to pay by card, but it was cash only... As I said, not likely to happen, but you might want to be prepared. Whenever you are checking entry requirements, make sure that you always look at official government websites and not travel agent websites. Running into the latter is likely to happen due to SEO settings, but when you go through non-government websites, they charge you extra fees, and they may not be valid or reliable. Always stick to official government sites for travel info and advice. If you are ever in doubt and have questions you can't find answers to, you can always try calling the embassy of the given country. They will be able to answer many of your questions. I did call them before visiting Sri Lanka, as the website was under work and the visa process wasn't clear to me. They answered all my questions, and as a result, my arrival to the country was smooth and stress-free.
How to choose the right accommodation for your first solo trip
If being alone scares you a little (which makes sense, no shame in admitting it), then I would either recommend hotels or hostels. The former is the more luxurious option, and the latter is more budget-friendly, but what they both have in common is that they will be full of other travellers/holidaymakers, so you will feel more social. Being surrounded by people when travelling alone will help you fight your fear of being lonely. Both are great options, with hostels even offering private rooms sometimes, so you can find whatever fits your budget and preferences. As a first-time solo traveller, I would avoid Airbnbs because they can make you feel quite isolated and lonely at times. Unless, of course, you only book a room in a flat/house not an entire place, but I feel like that can be a little too much of stepping outside of your comfort zone. I believe in doing that, but I also like a balance between pushing your limits all the time and feeling cozy and comfortable.
How to plan your solo travel itinerary
This is the part where you will probably most enjoy being alone! Do you want to have an early dinner? Walk all day until your feet are sore? Visit every single museum in sight? Well, you can choose how you spend your day because you don't have to justify or discuss your decisions with anyone. You can literally do this the way you want. And in my opinion, that is the most freeing part of solo travelling! I normally don't plan my days minute to minute; I just check one or two main things to do in a day and make sure that I leave enough time for myself to wander around, browse in local shops, or sit on a terrace with a book and coffee in hand. Not fully planning your whole trip is also beneficial if you are open to more socialising, like joining the walking tours organised by the place you stay in (a great way to meet friends) or going out for brunch with the girls you just met at the hostel.
How to get around as a solo traveller
This is really important and can save you not only some money, but also some time and effort. While planning your day to day activities can be more like a "going with the flow" experience, when it comes to your transport options you do want to know what to expect. Make sure you do some research and know your options before you leave for your solo trip. I normally choose the public form of transport from airport to city, but you never know when you might need to call a taxi or its local equivalent such as Uber, Grab or Bolt. Make sure you do a quick search and download whatever app you need to get around easily and the cheapest. Knowing your options can give you a peace of mind.
What to expect on your first solo trip
Solo travelling may or may not be what you need. As mentioned above, it is not for everyone, and you may find that while you enjoy certain parts of it, the cons list is much longer than the pros in your opinion. Some people love to share every experience with others, but I think it's important to give solo travelling a real shot if you are serious about it. It is such a self-development journey, and as such, it does have highs and lows. It is expected. Sometimes in movies, the heroine leaves everything behind to go on a solo adventure in a foreign country and suddenly she meets the most handsome man ever existed on the planet, finds friends straight away, and goes on fabulous shopping trips and wine tastings. I am not saying it can't happen, but I think it's important not to have really high expectations and more of an open mind as a first-time solo traveller. Being open to what could happen can lead to much better experiences than being so fixated on what we want exactly to happen, in my opinion.
Solo travel safety tips for beginners
This might be everyone's biggest concern when planning a solo trip. If you are new to solo travelling I would recommend going somewhere that is considered very safe for solo female travellers by official websites and advice. Also try to stick to locations that are well-known and are in public. Before visiting, make sure you do a quick research on whether there are any areas you should be avoiding due to safety issues. You want to be equally careful but also not let your fears ruin your trip. Just like when at home, try to stay cautious, like don't leave your drink unattended, try to avoid badly lit lanes and keep your belongings in a secure bag. Before taking photos or videos always look around if it is safe to do so, as it is becoming very common to have your phone stolen when unlocked and trying to take photos in public. In my opinion, if you want pictures on your solo travel trip, it is best to hang out with fellow solo travellers from your hostel or accommodation. Trust me they will be happy to take a few pictures for you (and will probably ask for the same favour). I also avoid sharing my live location on social media while I'm still there. If I want to post photos or videos, I usually wait until I've already left the location. It's a small habit, but it gives me extra peace of mind, because unfortunately you just never know.
Frequently Asked Questions about first-time solo travel
Is solo travel safe?
In my experience, yes, as long as you take the same common-sense precautions you would anywhere else. I always research the destination beforehand, book accommodation in good locations and stay aware of my surroundings. Solo travel isn't about taking risks, it's about making informed decisions that help you feel confident.
What is the best destination for a first solo trip?
I always recommend choosing somewhere that's compact, easy to navigate, feels safe and doesn't have an overwhelming amount of things to do. A walkable city with good public transport is a great place to start, as it allows you to build confidence without feeling overwhelmed.
Is solo travel lonely?
It can be at times, but not always in a bad way. I've found that moments of solitude often become some of the most rewarding parts of the trip. And if you do want company, staying in social accommodation, joining walking tours or simply chatting to other travellers makes meeting people much easier than you might expect.
How long should your first solo trip be?
I don't think your first solo trip needs to be weeks long. Even a day-trip, long weekend or three to four days is enough to experience travelling alone and decide whether it's something you'd like to do again.
How do you meet people when travelling solo?
I've met people through hostels, walking tours, cafés and even while waiting for buses or trains. Keeping an open mind and starting small conversations goes a long way. That said, don't feel pressured to meet people every day. Some of my favourite solo trips have been the ones where I spent most of my time alone. I wrote a whole post about it, you can read it here.
What should you pack for your first solo trip?
I try to pack light and focus on the essentials. A portable charger, reusable water bottle, copies of important documents and comfortable walking shoes are things I never travel without. Packing lighter also makes moving between destinations much less stressful. Another topic that you can read about more here.
Is solo travel expensive?
Not necessarily. While you won't be splitting accommodation costs, you have complete control over your budget and what you want to spend more or less on. Choosing affordable destinations, travelling in the off-season and staying flexible with your plans can make solo travel surprisingly budget-friendly.
Is solo travel worth it?
ABSOLUTELY. Travelling alone has pushed me out of my comfort zone, helped me become more independent and introduced me to experiences I don't think I would have had otherwise. It isn't always easy, but it's one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. I said this before, but it is my favourite persoanl development tool.
Solo travel checklist before you leave
Before your first solo trip, here's a quick checklist I'd recommend:
✔️ Check passport validity and visa requirements.
✔️ Book accommodation in a central, well-reviewed area.
✔️ Download transport apps like Uber, Bolt or the local equivalent.
✔️ Save offline maps.
✔️ Share your itinerary with someone at home.
✔️ Get travel insurance.
✔️ Keep digital copies of important documents.
✔️ Pack a small power bank for your phone.
I hope you found this guide to solo female travelling useful! I tried to summarise everything that you should know beforehand so that you can make the best decisions for yourself. Solo travelling is full of adventure and beauty, and I would like to encourage others to give it a go before they make up their mind about it. Hopefully this guide helped you to gain courage and start planning your first solo adventure.
If you're feeling a little overwhelmed or unsure about how to take care of yourself on the road, I created something just for you, a free Travel Wellness Routine Builder. It's a gentle, supportive guide to help you feel grounded, confident, and calm while exploring the world solo. Inside you’ll find printable checklists, simple self-care rituals, and mindset tips to help you feel more like you, no matter where you land.
