How to Travel Solo: 10 Things to Know Before You Go

Traveling solo isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about discovering what you’re really capable of. Whether you’re planning your first trip alone or you’ve done it before but want to do it better, these tips will help you feel ready, safe, and excited to hit the road.

1. Know Your Why

Why do you want to do this? Is it to challenge yourself? Take a break? See the world on your own terms? Take a minute to figure that out.
When things get tough or lonely, remembering your why keeps you grounded. It turns the trip into more than just ticking places off a list—it becomes personal.

Think of it as your North Star. When you’re deciding what to do next or second-guessing yourself, your “why” helps you choose.

2. Dive Deep in Your Research

Sure, you can just Google “top 10 things to do,” but dig deeper. Read blogs from travelers who went solo, watch vlogs for real-life street views, scroll local forums for restaurant tips.
This isn’t about making a rigid plan—it’s about giving yourself options you’ll actually love.

Try this:

• Save favorite spots on Google Maps so you can explore offline.
• Ask questions in solo travel Facebook groups—you’ll get gold nuggets of advice.
• Jot down local phrases. Even one “hello” in the local language can open doors.

3. Plan, But Don’t Overplan

Solo travel is the ultimate freedom. Why ruin that with a minute-by-minute schedule?
Have a shortlist of places you must see, but keep big chunks of time open. Let the city surprise you. Sit at a café for an hour longer if it feels right. Take a last-minute detour when someone says “You HAVE to check out this street.”

Pro Tip:

• Keep your itinerary “loose” with only 1–2 plans per day.
• Check local event calendars so you don’t miss pop-up markets or festivals.
• Allow time to get lost. Some of the best finds are unplanned.

4. Pack Light, Pack Smart

You’re the one carrying it all. Don’t weigh yourself down with “just in case” items.
But also think about connection: bring things that spark conversation. A local snack from home to share. A deck of cards. A small notebook. These things help you make friends without trying too hard.

Quick Ideas:

• Choose versatile clothes that mix and match.
• Bring a reusable water bottle with a cool sticker—great convo starter.
• Use packing cubes to stay organized (and sane).

5. Embrace Tech (But Don’t Live in It)

Your phone is your lifeline—maps, translators, bookings. But remember to look up. Watch that street performer. Notice the colors of the market stalls. Be present.
Balance is key: use tech to stay safe and informed, but put it away to really be there.

Helpful Apps:

• Maps.me (offline maps)
• Google Translate (camera mode for signs/menus)
• Meetup or Couchsurfing Hangouts for meeting people

6. Guard Your Essentials

You don’t have a buddy to keep an eye on your bag in the bathroom line. It pays to be cautious.
Get a decent anti-theft bag. Spread out your cash and cards. Make copies of your passport. It sounds boring—but it’s less boring than losing everything.

Solid Tips:

• Use a hidden money belt for emergencies.
• Keep a small amount of cash accessible so you’re not flashing your whole stash.
• Email copies of your ID to yourself or save them in the cloud.

7. Eat Local, Eat Bold

Eating alone? It’s part of the solo travel vibe. And honestly, it’s empowering.
Look for local diners, busy street food stalls, hole-in-the-wall bakeries. Not only is it cheaper, it’s where real culture lives. Don’t hide behind chain restaurants because it feels “easier.”

Suggestions:

• Ask your host or hostel for their personal favorites.
• Try markets early in the morning for the freshest picks.

8. Pick Social Stays

Where you sleep can shape your whole trip. Choose places that make meeting people easy. Hostels with lounges or events. Small guesthouses with communal kitchens. Even if you book a private room, look for places with a welcoming vibe.

How to Choose:

• Read reviews for mentions of friendly staff and social spaces.
• Look for organized activities: cooking classes, city tours, family dinners.
• Consider Airbnb stays with superhost ratings for local insights.

9. Trust Your Gut, Always

Your intuition is your built-in safety system. If someone feels off, if a street seems sketchy—trust yourself. You’re not being rude, you’re being smart.
Solo travel makes you your own best protector. Listen to those whispers that tell you to leave or say no.

Safety Reminders:

• Share your itinerary with someone at home.
• Have a backup plan to get home if things go south.
• Don’t worry about offending someone if you decline—your safety comes first.

10. Celebrate the Wins (Big and Small)

Solo travel isn’t always easy. But that’s what makes it rewarding. Congratulate yourself when you figure out the subway. When you order confidently in another language. When you navigate a setback on your own.
These moments are yours—and they’re what make you stronger.

Takeaways:

• Journal your experiences so you remember the little triumphs.
• Don’t beat yourself up if you mess something up. That’s part of the adventure.
• Treat yourself at the end of a hard day—you earned it.

Traveling solo is the ultimate act of freedom. It’s you, the world, and the endless possibility of who you can be. So go out there. Be bold. Be curious. And most of all—be you.