The Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel: How to Plan Your First Trip Alone
Thinking about traveling solo for the first time? Here's how to choose a destination, stay safe, and actually enjoy the freedom — without the overwhelm.
9/12/20263 min read
The Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel: How to Plan Your First Trip Alone
Solo travel is one of the most transformative things you can do for yourself. No compromises, no group votes on where to eat, no waiting around for everyone to be ready. Just you, your itinerary, and the world in front of you.
If you've been thinking about a solo trip but keep talking yourself out of it, this guide is for you.
Why Solo Travel Is More Accessible Than You Think
The biggest thing holding people back isn't logistics — it's fear. Fear of being unsafe, fear of being lonely, fear of looking silly eating dinner by yourself. Here's the truth: all three are way more manageable than they seem.
The solo travel community is huge, and it's welcoming. Most popular destinations are genuinely set up for solo visitors — you're not going to feel out of place. And that "sitting alone at a restaurant" fear? Grabbing a seat at the bar solo is one of the best ways to strike up a conversation with locals or fellow travelers. It tends to invite connection rather than isolation.
Choosing the Right First Destination
For your first solo trip, look for somewhere with strong tourist infrastructure, English widely spoken or signposted, and a solid safety track record. You want a place that makes it easy to figure things out as you go — not one that adds friction to an already new experience.
Some go-to picks for first-time solo travelers: Iceland, Portugal, Japan, Ireland, and New Zealand. If you'd rather stay closer to home, Nashville, Asheville, or pretty much any major U.S. city works beautifully as a low-stakes first solo trip.
Safety Tips That Actually Matter
You don't need to overthink solo travel safety — you just need a few smart habits in place before you go:
Share your itinerary with someone at home before you leave
Keep digital and physical copies of your passport and travel documents
Use reputable transportation — pre-book airport transfers, stick to licensed taxis or rideshare
Trust your gut. If something feels off, leave.
Stay in well-reviewed accommodations in central locations
Keep a small amount of local cash on you at all times
None of this is about being paranoid. It's just the kind of prep that lets you relax and actually enjoy the trip.
Solo Travel Doesn't Mean Isolated Travel
Here's what surprises a lot of first-timers: some of the best connections happen when you're traveling alone. You're more approachable. You're more open to conversations you'd normally skip. You're more likely to say yes to something spontaneous because there's no group to check in with first.
A few ways to build in connection without giving up your independence: small group tours for a day or two, cooking classes, food tours, hostel common areas (even if you're not staying in a dorm), and hotel bars. You get the best of both — your own pace, plus company whenever you want it.
Budget Considerations for Solo Travel
Let's be honest about this one: solo travel does cost more per person, since there's no one to split accommodations with. But there are real ways to offset that.
Travel in shoulder season. Pick destinations where your dollar stretches further, like Portugal, Southeast Asia, or Mexico. Look at boutique hotels or apartments instead of big luxury resorts. And if a cruise is on your radar, ask about solo-friendly cabins — some cruise lines have started waiving the single supplement on select sailings, which can make a huge difference in the math.
Working With a Travel Advisor as a Solo Traveler
This is where solo travelers benefit the most from having someone in their corner. I can point you toward the safest neighborhoods to stay in, the most social accommodation options, and the tours that tend to be the best fit for solo travelers — and I handle the logistics so you can just focus on the experience.
And since I'm paid by suppliers, working with me doesn't cost you anything extra.
ADHD Tip: Solo travel is genuinely one of the best things an ADHD brain can do. You set the pace. You change plans without negotiating. You follow your energy and interest instead of a group schedule. That freedom is the whole point. Just make sure someone at home has your itinerary, and keep your documents in the same spot every single trip — future you will thank you.
Ready to plan your first solo adventure? I'd love to help you do it right — and it's completely free. Let's get started!