Solo Travel.
Let’s be real, the thought alone conjures a mix of pure excitement and, honestly, a low-key dread.
For years, I scrolled through endless feeds of impossibly cool girls eating pasta in Rome, hiking through New Zealand, or finding themselves in Bali, all by themselves.
A part of me screamed, “YES! That is the vibe!” while the other, much louder part whispered, “Are you crazy?
You’ll get lost, be lonely, or worse.”
But after one too many “maybe next year’s,” I decided to ditch the excuses.
I was tired of waiting for the perfect travel buddy or the perfect time.
The perfect time was now. So, if you’re reading this, chances are you’re on the edge of that same decision.
Consider this your ultimate cheat code to finally booking that ticket.
Here’s How I Finally Overcame My Solo Travel Fear & Took My First Trip Alone.
The Mindset Shift: From “What If?” to “Even If”
The biggest hurdle wasn’t logistics; it was the monster of “what ifs” living in my head. What if I hate it?
What if I’m not brave enough?
What if I get lonely?
The game-changer was flipping the script. Instead of “what if,” I started saying “even if.”
Even if I get lost, I’ll discover a hidden street or meet a helpful local.
Even if I feel lonely for a moment, I’ll learn to enjoy my own company.
Even if a restaurant feels awkward alone, I’ll bring a book and savor every bite without having to share.
This tiny linguistic trick shifted my focus from potential problems to guaranteed growth. It reframed solo travel as a personal challenge, not a scary ordeal. The confidence, it turns out, comes after you take the risk.
Baby Steps, Big Confidence
Jumping straight into a multi-week backpacking trip across a continent where I didn’t speak the language felt… ambitious. So, I didn’t. Taking baby steps is the key to building up that solo travel muscle.
My Pre-Trip Training Plan:
Date Night With Myself: I started by taking myself out to dinner in my own city. No phone scrolling allowed (mostly). It was weird at first, but then weirdly empowering.
The Local Weekender: My first “solo trip” was a two-hour drive to a nearby town for a single night. It was low-stakes but gave me a real taste of navigating, checking into a hotel, and exploring on my own terms.
The Guided Group Tour: For my first international experience, I booked a small group tour. This is a genius hack because you’re technically solo but have a built-in safety net and instant friends. It’s the perfect training ground.
Your First Solo Trip: Picking the Perfect Destination
Where you go first matters. A lot. You want somewhere that feels accessible, safe, and has a good tourist infrastructure.
Top-Tier Destinations for Your First Adventure:
Portugal
Super safe, affordable, friendly locals, and ridiculously beautiful.
Lisbon’s walkable streets and Porto’s charm are a solo traveler’s dream.
Plus, it’s a social hub where I met other travelers and locals with ease.
Iceland
Consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world, it’s an epic choice for nature lovers.
The landscapes are otherworldly, and the roads are straightforward and easy to navigate if you choose to rent a car.
Driving the Ring Road alone is a straight-up power move.
Japan
The ultimate safe haven. Japan has a reputation for being one of the safest countries in the world, with extremely low crime rates.
The culture places a high value on honesty (the phenomenon of a lost wallet being returned is real), and public transportation is incredibly efficient, punctual, and easy to navigate with English signage in most stations.
Furthermore, dining alone is a common and comfortable experience, with many restaurants designed for individual diners.
For female travelers, some trains offer “women only” carriages for added peace of mind.
Thailand
A perfect introduction to the wonders of Southeast Asia.
Thailand is known for being incredibly budget-friendly and safe for travelers.
The locals are famously friendly, and in tourist areas, many people speak excellent English, making it easy to navigate and connect with the culture without feeling overwhelmed.
The travel infrastructure is well-established, with a network of affordable domestic flights, ferries, and buses connecting the vibrant cities to the serene beaches and lush jungles.
Your Solo Trip Toolkit: Practical Tips for a Smooth Journey
Alright, you’ve shifted your mindset and picked a destination.
Now for the nuts and bolts. A little preparation goes a long way in turning anxiety into pure excitement.
Before You Go:
- Book Your First Few Nights: Arrange accommodation for at least your first couple of nights. Knowing you have a place to land after a long journey provides a huge sense of security. It’s one less thing to worry about when you’re adjusting to a new environment.
- Plan Your Airport Transfer: Figure out exactly how you’ll get from the airport to your hotel or hostel ahead of time. Pre-booking a shuttle or knowing which train or bus to take eliminates a major source of stress upon arrival.
- Share Your Itinerary: Leave a copy of your travel plans, including flight details and accommodation addresses, with a friend or family member back home. It’s a simple step that ensures someone knows where you are.
- Pack Light: You’ll be the only one carrying your luggage, so be ruthless. A lighter bag makes navigating new cities, hopping on and off trains, and climbing stairs to your room significantly easier.
- Get Travel Insurance: This is non-negotiable. It’s the ultimate safety net for everything from a missed flight to a medical emergency.
Staying Safe & Sound:
- Arrive During the Day: Whenever possible, schedule your flights to arrive at your destination well before dark. Navigating a new place is much easier and feels safer in the daylight.
- Trust Your Gut: This is the golden rule of solo travel. If a situation or a person feels off, it probably is. Don’t be afraid to remove yourself from a situation, even if it feels rude.
- Be Mindful of Your Belongings: Keep your valuables secure and out of sight. Avoid flashing expensive electronics or jewelry. It’s also wise to keep your money and cards in multiple places.
Embracing the “Solo” Part:
- Stay in Social Accommodations: Hostels are fantastic for meeting other travelers, but they’re not all party-centric dungeons. Many offer private rooms and have a more relaxed, communal vibe perfect for making new friends.
- Embrace Spontaneity: Plan a few “must-do” activities, but leave plenty of room in your schedule to wander, get lost, and say “yes” to unexpected opportunities. Some of the best travel memories come from unplanned detours.
- Be Open to Connection: You don’t have to be an extrovert, but a simple smile can go a long way. Strike up a conversation with your barista, someone else admiring the same view, or a fellow traveler in your hostel common room.
The truth is, the fear never completely disappears.
But you learn to dance with it. You learn that being alone isn’t the same as being lonely.
And you discover a version of yourself you never knew existed one who is capable, resilient, and unapologetically free.
So go ahead, book the ticket. Your adventure is waiting.
