If you’re thinking about taking your first solo trip, you’re probably a mix of excited and straight-up terrified. You’ve seen the Instagram reels, the aesthetic cafe pics, the “I found myself in Bali” captions—but let’s be real: it’s not all sunshine and smoothie bowls.
This is your no-fluff, totally beginner-friendly guide to planning your solo trip—especially if you’ve never left the country, don’t have a huge budget, and kinda want to cry every time you look at flight prices.
Step 1: Pick a Destination That Won’t Stress You Out
You want somewhere that’s safe, easy to navigate, and doesn’t make you feel like you need a PhD in travel to get around. Here are 3 solid first-time solo spots:
1. Lisbon, Portugal
Super walkable, friendly locals, and lots of English speakers. You’ll eat well (pastel de nata is a must), ride cute trams, and have stunning viewpoints at every turn.
- Stay in the Alfama or Bairro Alto neighborhoods for easy access to cafes and views. Check reviews and deals here so you don’t end up in a sketchy area or overpaying for a bed.
2. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Thailand is solo-travel heaven. Chiang Mai is quieter than Bangkok and packed with digital nomads, so you’ll blend right in even if you’re a little awkward (hi, same).
- Hotels and hostels here are insanely affordable. Use this filter to find something with great Wi-Fi and common areas so you can meet people without trying too hard.
3. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Not on every list, which is kinda why it’s perfect. Ljubljana feels like a fairy tale city but without crowds or chaos.
- It’s one of the safest cities in Europe, and flight deals to Ljubljana are surprisingly decent if you fly mid-week. Plus, it’s a great base to hop into Lake Bled or the Julian Alps.
Step 2: Actually Book the Essentials
This is where people panic and overthink. Don’t. Just book the three core things:
- Your flight – Use a flexible date search to see where the cheapest option lines up. Here’s a tool that makes it super easy without making you scroll through 49 tabs.
- Your accommodation – Don’t just go for the cheapest. Pick a place with solid reviews, especially from other solo travelers. Compare options here—they let you sort by safety, staff, and walkability.
- Your data/eSIM – You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not hunting down random Wi-Fi. Install this eSIM before you fly and it’ll activate as soon as you land. Done.
You don’t need to book every single thing in advance, but locking in these three = less stress and fewer “uh oh” moments.
Step 3: Know What to Do Once You Get There
You don’t need a rigid itinerary, but having a loose plan keeps you from just sitting in your hotel Googling “things to do” every morning.
In Lisbon:
- Ride the 28 tram early in the morning to beat the crowds.
- Chill at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte at sunset.
- Take a day trip to Sintra (yes, the castles are actually that pretty).
Find skip-the-line tickets and walking tours here if you want to avoid standing around confused or missing the cool stuff.
In Chiang Mai:
- Elephant Nature Park Visit the Elephant Nature Park (ethical only, please).
- Do a half-day Thai cooking class—it’s fun and you’ll eat really well.
- Explore the Old City and chill in a garden cafe.
If you’re solo and don’t want to join a big bus tour, book group activities here where you can meet a few people but still keep your independence.
In Ljubljana:
- Walk the river at night—it’s lit up and feels super safe.
- Climb up to Ljubljana Castle (you can hike or take a funicular).
- Day trip to Lake Bled for that island view.
Step 4: Don’t Overpack or Panic Pack
You do not need 5 pairs of shoes. What you do need:
- Clothes you can mix and match
- A crossbody bag you can zip up
- A universal adapter (don’t be the person begging at reception)
- Download your eSIM BEFORE you leave—Wi-Fi doesn’t always work when you need it
Also, pack a little extra patience. Things will go wrong. Flights get delayed, you might cry in a train station. That’s part of the charm. You’ll be fine.
Bonus Section 1: How to Meet People Without Feeling Awkward
Solo travel doesn’t mean solo lonely. If the idea of chatting up strangers sounds like your personal nightmare, here’s the cheat code:
- Join group tours or cooking classes (small groups are the best for low-pressure socializing).
- Stay somewhere with a communal lounge or kitchen—hostels, guesthouses, or some boutique hotels have these, and it’s basically a built-in social scene.
- Use apps like Meetup or local Facebook groups to find casual hangouts or language exchanges.
You don’t need to be a social butterfly, just a friendly caterpillar. And who knows, you might make a travel buddy for life.
Bonus Section 2: Safety Hacks for Solo Travelers (Because, Yeah, It’s Important)
Being solo means being your own bodyguard. Nothing scary, just smart stuff:
- Always keep a digital and physical copy of your passport and emergency contacts.
- Use apps like Google Maps offline and find my phone features.
- Trust your gut—if something feels off, it probably is. Better to be “that person” who walks away than the one stuck in a bad spot.
- Keep your valuables in a zippered crossbody bag or a money belt under your clothes.
- Share your daily plans with a friend or family member. Just a quick “Hey, I’m at this cafe” text can make a big difference.
Bonus Section 3: How to Keep Your Budget in Check Without Feeling Miserable
Solo trips don’t have to drain your bank account. Here’s how to stretch those dollars:
- Book flights with flexible dates to snag the cheapest days to fly.
- Use apps to find last-minute hotel deals or book refundable rooms for peace of mind.
- Eat like a local — street food or markets are delicious and budget-friendly.
- Skip taxis; public transport or walking are your friends.
- Pick one or two “splurge” experiences (like a nice dinner or a cool tour) and treat yourself — it’s your trip!
And for booking flights or hotels? Check out these easy-to-use sites that help you compare prices and find the best deals without the headache.
Bonus Section 4: What to Pack (That You Actually Need)
Spoiler: You don’t need half the stuff you think you do. Pack smart with these essentials:
- Versatile clothes you can mix, match, and layer.
- Comfy walking shoes (because your feet will thank you).
- Portable charger (phone battery dying in the middle of an adventure? No thanks).
- A lightweight rain jacket — weather can surprise you.
- Travel-size toiletries and meds you use regularly (don’t rely on finding them overseas).
Final Tips to Not Feel Like a Total Newbie
- Take screenshots of important stuff (hotel address, confirmations, Google Maps pins)
- Always have offline maps
- Talk to locals—they’ll point you to better food than any blog post
- Try not to cram too much into each day
You don’t need to “find yourself.” You just need to start.
