How to Take Your First Solo Trip
Thinking about traveling solo but don’t know where to start? Well, that’s why you’re here! So I’m going to tell you how to do it—what to pack, where to go, and how to not panic at going to dinner by yourself.
So, you’re flirting with the idea of a solo trip.
Which means your group chat couldn’t commit, your friends made a million excuses about why they can’t go with you, you just got out of a relationship or aren’t currently in one, or maybe you’ve realized that waiting around for someone else to want to go to the South of France or see the Eiffel Tour with you is just not worth it anymore. Social media shows you people living their dreams and it’s time to live yours too.
If you want to feel inspired, read why I went on my 1st solo trip.
Either way: I’m rooting for you! Because reading this means you’re thinking about it which means you’re ready. Taking your first solo trip is one of the most empowering things you can do. (It can also feel stressful, lonely at times, uncomfortable, and so much fun—but we’ll get into that.)
Here’s my how-to guide on how to take your first solo trip.
1) IT’S OKAY TO START SMALL
You don’t need to go on an eat, pray, love type of trip for your first solo trip. A weekend getaway counts too! If a cross-country trip is out of your comfort zone, then that’s okay. My first time traveling purely by myself was for work and I feel like this was a good warm-up. People don’t think of it like this but it allows you to get comfortable navigating the airports by yourself. Decide what kind of solo trip you want it to be: weekend away in the states or getting a new passport stamp.
2) PICK A DESTINATION YOU ACTUALLY WANT TO GO TO
Don’t pick somewhere just because TikTok says you should visit. It should be a place on your list that you’re excited about. And some places are better for solo travelers than others. You want somewhere easy to navigate, safe for solo (female) travelers, and is the vibe you are interested in.
Here are some great solo travel destinations:
Portugal
Costa Rica
Charleston, SC
NYC
Spain
New Zealand
3) RESEARCH & PLAN
Now that you have a place, it’s time to start researching. You don’t need to have a full-blown hour by hour itinerary. I did for my first solo trip because I was SO nervous but it’s not necessary. Here are things I would prioritize:
Your hotel: the area you stay in on a trip can make or break. You will want somewhere that is easily accessible and safe and near food and tourist attractions so you don’t have to worry about transportation.
Things to do: pick 3-4 things you want to see or do in the place you’re visiting. If it requires a ticket, I’d go ahead and purchase that in advance too.
Transportation: I would be aware of what the transit situation is. So you know how to get from the airport to the hotel and how to generally get around (public transit, ubers, taxis, etc).
Food: save a few restaurants on maps if you are into food!
The most important thing is to not make it overwhelming and feel like you have to see everything. Just pick a few things and have room for flexibility!!
4) BOOK EVERYTHING & COMMIT
Just book it! Book the flight and hotel, you can figure out the rest later!! You got this. Make sure you loop in some friends or family on where you’re going and staying. For safety reasons. I love using Wanderlog to plan my trips and you can invite people to your trip and share it on the app!
5) EAT ALONE
I know, I know, it’s weird. But it’s fun! You can even practice going to dinner alone before your trip so that it feels more natural.
I always try to sit at the bar because that’s where most people who are also dining solo will be. The bartender is also a great person to strike up a chat with or even ask for recommendations! You will meet people while dining alone!
6) KEEP CALM & STAY SAFE
The #1 question I get about solo travel: Is it safe?
Short answer: Yes—with common sense.
Long answer: You’ve watched enough true crime. Trust your gut (always) and lie when you need to, avoid sketchy situations, and share your location with someone. Don’t go out and drink a bunch of alcohol and not be aware of your surroundings. I feel like this goes without saying.
7) EMBRACE THE UNCOMFORTABILITY
I’m going to keep it real - you might feel lonely, you might panic, you might get homesick, or even overwhelmed trying to translate another language. IT’S OKAY.
Take a deep breath and remain calm. I have gotten lost so many times, missed trains, struggled with language barriers and shed tears because of it. It’s okay because I would call someone back home, get grounded, and devise a plan forward. Traveling can be hard and stressful but it will only make you that much stronger when you rely on yourself to get through it. This is where your independence will shine!!
7) ROMANTICIZE YOUR TRIP
This is your chance to be the MAIN CHARACTER. Solo traveling is one of the only times you get to do literally whatever you want! You don’t have to follow a schedule or appease someone else.
So… have slow mornings, sit outside with a coffee or cocktail and people watch, take in the scenery, wander around aimlessly. Romanticize it!
🎒 Need Help Packing?
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