Become An Expert Solo Traveler
This solo travel guide is crafted from my experience of taking solo trips since 2009 when traveling alone looked a lot different than it does 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!
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Are You Ready To Travel Alone?
Traveling alone is great for people who like being independent and want to grow personally. It lets you connect more with places you visit and have a trip that matches your interests.
It can also make you feel more confident and empowered.
However, traveling alone might not be for you if you enjoy being with others all the time or feel nervous about being in new places by yourself.
Deciding to travel alone depends on what makes you comfortable and happy.
Is It Time To Travel Solo?
Take this solo travel readiness quiz to discover if you’re prepared to embark on an exciting, empowering journey tailored to your personal interests!
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?
Safety Ratings:
Prioritize destinations with high safety ratings. Research NUMBEO and Similar Sites to understand the crime rates in potential destinations.
Cultural Openness and Language Barriers
Consider how open the culture is towards solo travelers, especially women.
Public Transportation and Walkability:
Choose destinations with reliable and safe public transportation.
Availability of Activities and Tours for Solo Travelers
Look for cities that offer activities, tours, or experiences catering to solo travelers.
Where Should You Go?
Not sure which European City is the best for you? Find out what city you might enjoy the best with this 10-question quiz!
Travel Planning Tips
When I first considered solo travel, I felt many emotions; traveling alone, especially abroad, was daunting. Researching my destinations improved my confidence. Travel websites were invaluable in my early solo travels. Here are my favorite tips and takeaways:
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.
Prebook a Small Group Tour:
Schedule a small group tour on your second or third day to combat loneliness and meet new people.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prepare Your Friends & Family
Unfortunately, not everyone may support your solo travel plans. Being well-prepared can help friends and family feel more comfortable with your decision. Preparation shows your commitment to safety and helps ease their worries. Here are a few tips:
Create a Detailed Itinerary
Develop a detailed trip plan including flights, accommodations, transport, and destinations.
Share Your Itinerary
Show your itinerary to family and friends to help them visualize and understand your detailed planning.
Build in Regular Check-ins
Schedule daily updates via text, call, or video to reassure and update loved ones.
Discuss Your Safety Measures
Explain your safety steps, including understanding local customs and downloading safety apps.
Involve Them in Your Planning
Engage family or friends in planning to feel connected and provide useful insights.
Provide Emergency Contact Info
Offer a list of emergency contacts, accommodation details, and travel insurance info.
Solo Travel Inspiring Articles
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.
Am I Too Old For Solo Travel? The Truth From A Solo Traveler
Are You Ready for Solo Travel? Take Our Free Quiz to Find Out!
Is Solo Travel Lonely? The Reality of Traveling Alone
Ultimate Guide for Women Solo Traveling In Your 40s
Eat Alone Like A Pro: Tips to Prepare Yourself For Solo Dining
151 Best Affirmations For Travel: Manifest Traveling
How to Manifest Travel & The Vacation of Your Dreams
Best Places to Travel For Healing A Broken Heart
Solo Traveling in Your 30’s: 7 Reasons Why It’s Better
How Traveling Alone Can Help You Find Your Purpose in Life
What Solo Travel Teaches You: The Power of Traveling Alone
Overcoming the Fear of Traveling Alone: My Journey from Shame to Empowerment
The Top 5 Concerns For Solo Female Travelers
The 5 Reasons & Life-Changing Benefits of Traveling Alone
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
All Female Small Group Trips in Europe!
Our trips are curated differently! We focus on boutique hotels, mostly private excursions, slow travel style, and top-notch dining options.
Portugal
September 15th -22nd 2024
Traveling to Lisbon, Cascais, & Sintra.
Learn More!
Greek Islands
October 3rd – 11th 2024
Athens, Naxos, Mykonos, Paros, & Koufonissia.
Learn More!
Northern Italy
May 8th-17th 2025
Florence, Verona, Bologna, Lake Garda, Chaniti.
Learn More
Where to?
Where should we go?
Fill out our survey and submit your request!
Learn More
Looking For A Solo Travel Community?
It’s all about community! There is something here for everyone, whether you are just getting started or consider yourself a veteran solo traveler.
Find support, inspiration, and friendship by joining our community!