How to Travel Alone: Your Traveling Solo Guide

There’s something incredibly empowering about booking a trip. It’s exciting, it’s bold, and it’s a huge step in getting to know yourself better. But if you’re anything like I was before my first solo adventure, you might feel overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure where to start. That’s why this guide will be perfect if you’re going to travel alone for the first time.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the process of planning your first solo trip step by step, without the stress and anxiety.

Travel Alone for the First Time: The Ultimate Solo Travel Guide

1. Start with a Destination That Feels Safe and Exciting

For your first solo trip, choose a place that feels manageable and has the reputation of being a safe destination. That might mean:

A destination known for being solo-traveler friendly (like Lisbon, Bali, or Tokyo)
A country that speaks the same language as you
A city that’s easy to navigate with public transport

Pro tip: If you’re nervous, start with a short trip—like a weekend getaway—to ease into the solo travel experience.

You may also like: Best Solo Travel Destinations for 2025.

2. Set Your Intention Before You Plan

Why are you taking this solo trip? To disconnect? Or maybe it’s to reconnect with yourself? To finally cross that dream destination off your list?

Knowing why you’re traveling will help you make decisions that align with your goals, from the kind of accommodation you book to the experiences you choose.

3. Make a Realistic Budget to Travel Alone

Money stress can kill the vibe fast, so be honest with yourself. Consider:

Flights and accommodation (you can research on Cheap Flights or Kayak)
Daily expenses (food, activities, transportation)
Emergency fund (always have a cushion)
Travel insurance (seriously—get it)

Use a spreadsheet or a travel planner to track everything. It makes a huge difference.

Download a FREE Travel Planner

4. Book the Big Stuff First When You Travel Alone

Once you’ve chosen your destination and set a budget, book:

Your flights
Your accommodation
Your airport transportation (if possible)

Try to book accommodations in safe, central neighborhoods—especially if you’ll be arriving late. Look for places with great reviews from solo travelers and do deep research on everything to avoid misunderstandings and bad moments.

5. Map Out a Loose Travel Itinerary

You don’t need to plan every second, but having a rough idea of what you want to do each day will help reduce decision fatigue.

Start with 1–2 key things per day (a tour, a museum, a café you’re dying to try) and leave space for spontaneous moments. Having these key things to do will help you find new activities while you’re traveling.

6. Keep Safety in Mind (Without Letting Fear Take Over)

Yes, safety matters, especially if you’re traveling alone—but you don’t need to let it hold you back. You can have a great trip without compromising your safety.

A few essentials:

Share your itinerary with someone you trust
Keep copies of important documents
Don’t share too much about your plans with strangers
Trust your gut—always

Also, download offline maps, and make sure your phone is unlocked or equipped with an eSIM/data plan.

7. Pack Light and Smart

You don’t want to be lugging around a giant suitcase by yourself, so always aim for:

A carry-on backpack or small suitcase
Versatile outfits you can mix and match
A portable charger, travel documents, and a reusable water bottle

By the way, packing cubes are your best friend. They save lots of space, and you’ll keep everything super organized.

8. Embrace the Nerves When Traveling Alone (They’re Normal)

Feeling anxious before your first solo trip is totally normal. But that doesn’t mean you’re not ready—it means you care. So, as someone who’s always been super anxious, never let the nerves stop you from chasing a dream.

Once you’re there, you’ll realize just how capable you are.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!

Planning your first solo trip doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Break it down step by step, listen to your gut, and trust that everything you need is already within you.

Trust me here, this is the beginning of something super special and life-changing!

Ready to start planning? Grab my free solo trip planner by completing the form below to help organize your ideas, budget, and itinerary, all in one place.

How to Travel Alone: Your Traveling Solo Guide

Travel Alone for the First Time: The Ultimate Solo Travel Guide