Become An Expert At Solo Travel
This solo travel guide is crafted from my experience taking solo trips since 2009.
Solo travel looked a lot different when I started compared to the way it looks today.
Everything I learned over the last decade-plus has now become the ultimate solo travel guide for you!
Below are all the resources, guides, and itineraries you will need to craft your own solo trip!
Are you ready to travel alone?
This post may have affiliate links. When you click on a link we receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you. See Our Affiliate Policy for more info.
Solo Travel Guides By Location
Traveling Solo in Europe
Lisbon Solo Travel Guide For First Timer’s + Map
Heading to Lisbon by yourself for the first time? With all the planning that goes into a solo trip, it’s totally normal if…
Solo Travel Spain Guide: Popular Cities, Safety + Map
Considering a solo trip to Spain and don’t know where to start? I’m here to help! One of my first-ever solo trips in…
Ultimate Guide for Solo Travel in Faro Portugal + Map
If you’re on the lookout for insights on solo travel in Faro, Portugal, you’re in the perfect spot! I recently visited the Algarve…
Is Romania Safe For Solo Female Travelers? Here’s What You Need to Know!
Looking for safety advice to plan your trip to Romania alone? I am a solo travel expert who visited Romania solo in 2016…
First Timers Guide to Solo Travel Mykonos + Map
Do you want to visit the magical Greek Island Mykonos, but don’t have a travel partner? It has been my experience that solo…
Milan Solo Travel Guide For Female Travelers + Map
Over the years I have traveled to so many cities in Italy alone. My first solo trip ever was to Rome! And, recently…
Complete Weekend Guide & Tips For A Solo Trip To Paris + Map
Feeling overwhelmed at the thought of planning a solo trip to Paris? Don’t fret—I’ve got you covered with the ultimate solo weekend guide,…
Athens Solo Travel Guide For First Timers: Tips + Map
Thinking of traveling alone to the capital of Greece? I have been to Athens, Greece multiple times on my own and consider myself…
Ultimate Guide for Solo Travel in Valencia Spain
If you are here for tips on solo travel in Valencia, you have come to the right place! I spent 3 weeks traveling…
Crafting A Complete Solo Female Algarve 3-Day Itinerary
Looking for an Algarve itinerary for 3 days? You’ve found the right guide! Having journeyed there myself from Lisbon, I was captivated by…
15 Best Greek Islands To Visit Alone According To Solo Female Travelers
Wondering which of the Greek Islands for solo travel are worth your time? The challenge of choosing the perfect island can feel overwhelming,…
Honest Copenhagen Solo Travel Guide + Map
Are you contemplating Copenhagen solo travel? I will tell you immediately that it’s one of the best cities I’ve ever been to alone!…
Ultimate Crete Solo Travel Guide 2024 + Map
I used to think that going to a Greek island alone would be so lonely. But not the island of Crete! Traveling solo…
Rhodes & Symi Island Solo Travel Guide + Map
Solo travel to Greece has been some of the best travel of my life. I have traveled to Corfu, Symi, Santorini, Athens, Mykonos,…
Best 4 Nights In Majorca Itinerary For Solo Travelers
Majorca, located in the Balearic Islands, is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, stunning architecture, rich pine forest, and fantastic restaurants. Sounds like…
14 Best Places in Europe to Travel Alone As a Woman
Are you pondering a solo European trip and wondering which place is best for a woman? As a single female who has traveled…
Is Dubrovnik Worth Visiting As A Solo Female?
Croatia. Located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea in central and southeast Europe. This once-troubled country has now enjoyed peace since 1995….
All The Best Things To Do Solo in Bologna + Map
Are you considering a solo trip to Bologna, Italy, and want to prepare your list with all the fun things to do? I…
Solo Female Travel Dublin Guide: Weekend Itinerary + Map
Are you planning a trip to Dublin alone in 2024? My five solo voyages to this emerald isle have not only confirmed my…
Best 5 Day Malta Trip Itinerary For Solo Females
Looking for the best Malta trip itinerary? Lucky for you I recently visited there on a solo trip! Honestly, I hadn’t heard a…
Traveling Solo in Mexico
Solo Female Traveler’s Guide to Mexico City + Downloadable Map
Are you a solo female traveler planning a trip to one of the liveliest and most populated cities in the world, Mexico City?…
Best Sayulita Solo Travel Guide For Females + Map
Considering a trip to Mexico and looking for the best place to visit alone? I made this Sayulita solo travel guide based on…
Traveling Solo in The United States
9 Things To Do Alone in Charleston SC + Map
The United States has so many cities that attract solo female travelers. One of the most popular Southern cities is Charleston, South Carolina….
Best Things To Do On A Solo Trip To Savannah GA + Map
Planning a solo trip to Savannah, GA, and looking for the best things to do? I can help you with that! I recently…
Solo Travel Inspiration Articles
Travel Planning Tips
When I started to float the idea of taking a solo trip, many emotions came up for me. Going anywhere alone for the first time can be unnerving, especially if you are going abroad for the first time!
I found the more I researched my trip, and the areas that I planned to visit the better I would feel about my upcoming adventure. Travel planning websites helped me a lot in those first few years of traveling alone.
My favorite tips & takeaways from all my solo travel research are:
- Stay in a Central Area: Choose a hotel in a central location with a rating of 8.5 or better. This ensures safety, convenience, and quality of stay.
- Pre-plan Your Route: Calculate your route from the airport, train, or bus station to your hotel ahead of time to avoid surprises upon arrival.
- Plan Initial Meals: Consider planning where you will eat when you first arrive to avoid being “hangry” and frustrated on day one.
- Prebook a Small Group Tour: Schedule a small group tour on your second or third day to combat loneliness and meet new people.
- Pack Light and Smart: Opt for a comfortable and versatile wardrobe that can be mixed and matched. Include essentials like a portable charger, universal travel adapter, and a secure daypack.
- Stay Connected: Carry a local SIM card or a portable Wi-Fi device for easy access to the internet for navigation, staying in touch, and accessing information.
- Inform Someone About Your Itinerary: Regularly update a trusted person about your whereabouts and plans for safety reasons.
- Learn Key Phrases of the Local Language: Knowing basic phrases in the local language can be incredibly helpful for basic communication and in emergencies.
- Be Aware of Local Customs and Dress Appropriately: Research and respect local customs and dress codes, especially in conservative countries.
- Trust Your Instincts and Stay Alert: Always be aware of your surroundings, avoid isolated areas, especially at night, and trust your gut feeling for safety.
FREE E-Course
7-Day Solo Travel Course
Unlock the secrets of solo travel with our exclusive email series:
- Day 1: Embrace the Freedom
- Day 2: Share the Journey
- Day 3: Stay Safe, Wander Far
- Day 4: Plan Like a Pro
- Day 5: Selfie Mastery
- Day 6: Solo Dining, Solo Pleasure
- Day 7: Travel More, Spend Less
Prepare Your Friends & Family
Unfortunately, not everyone may be as supportive as you’d hope when you share your plans about embarking on a solo trip. In my experience, being thoroughly prepared for the journey can significantly influence how accepting friends and family are of the idea.
Preparation not only demonstrates your commitment to safety and organization but also helps alleviate their concerns.
Here are a couple of suggestions to consider:
- Create a Detailed Itinerary: Develop a comprehensive plan for your trip. Include information about your flights, accommodations, local transportation, and a list of places you plan to visit. The more detailed your itinerary, the more it shows that you’ve thought things through.
- Share Your Itinerary: When you break the news about your trip, present your itinerary to your family and friends. This can help them visualize your journey and understand that you’ve planned everything meticulously.
- Build in Regular Check-Ins: Assure your loved ones by scheduling regular check-ins. Whether it’s a daily text, a phone call, or a video chat, consistent communication can provide them with peace of mind and keep them updated on your well-being.
- Discuss Your Safety Measures: Inform them about the safety precautions you’re taking. This might include the steps you’ve taken to understand local customs, the safety apps you’ve downloaded, or the research you’ve done on safe neighborhoods and reputable accommodations.
- Involve Them in the Planning Process: If possible, involve your friends or family in the planning process. Their involvement can make them feel more connected to your trip and might offer you some useful insights or suggestions.
- Provide Emergency Contact Information: Give them a list of emergency contacts, including local authorities in the destinations you’ll be visiting, your accommodation details, and any travel insurance information.
By taking these steps, you not only prepare yourself for a safe and enjoyable journey but also help your loved ones feel more comfortable and supportive of your solo travel adventure.
Overcome Your Fears
I have a lot of experience when it comes to facing my fears of solo travel. When I started traveling alone when I was 29 years old, and I will be honest, I hated it at first.
I wasn’t just afraid of traveling alone, I was carrying a lot of shame around being alone and thought that it meant some sad and pathetic that I hadn’t found anyone to go with me.
But as I persevered through it, I learned a whole lot and it truly shaped my life in more ways than I could ever imagine. Below are some of the articles that were born of my decade-plus of solo travel.
Traveling Alone is Right For You If:
Traveling alone might not be right for you if:
Choose The Right Destination
The best advice for anyone planning to travel solo is to choose your destination wisely. Finding the right city to explore alone is a crucial ingredient for a fantastic trip. While destinations like London, Rome, and Paris are terrific, it’s important to ask yourself: will they be enjoyable when traveling solo?
When selecting your cities, consider the following:
Remember, the right destination can make all the difference in your solo travel experience. Take the time to research and choose a place that aligns with your interests, comfort level, and travel goals.
Quiz Time
European City Finder
Not sure which European City is the best for you? Find out what city you might enjoy the best with this 10-question quiz!
Packing for Success
Packing for solo travel is not just about fitting everything into your suitcase; it’s an art form that enhances the entire journey. When you travel alone, your pack is your companion, carrying not only your essentials but also your peace of mind.
It’s crucial to strike a balance between being prepared and being mobile, as every item you choose to bring along will be one you handle yourself throughout the trip. Proper packing ensures that you’re self-sufficient and ready for the unexpected, whether it’s a change in weather, an impromptu adventure, or a formal event.
It’s about packing smart—bringing items that serve multiple purposes, and leaving behind things that add weight but not value. The key is in understanding your needs, the nature of your destination, and the fine line between necessity and excess.
The quintessential solo traveler knows that a well-packed bag can mean the difference between a cumbersome trip and a liberating experience. Without the luxury of sharing the load, every square inch of suitcase space must be optimized, and every item thoughtfully considered.
The goal is not to pack for every conceivable situation but to be equipped for versatility and adaptability while on the move.
Your packing choices should empower you to feel confident stepping out into the unknown, freeing you to immerse yourself in new cultures and experiences without being weighed down.
For an in-depth guide on how to pack effectively for your solo adventures, ensuring you carry just what you need and nothing more.