How to solo travel

When I was preparing for my first solo trip, I was terrified. I nearly canceled the whole trip out of fear of being solo. I know that every person that has traveled solo before has felt that feeling. Unfortunately, many people act on that feeling and never travel solo. When you travel solo for the first time, there are a lot of unknowns.

1. Start with Flights (because they’ll set the tone of your trip)

Just like when I plan a vacation, my first stop is always flights. Why? Because they can make or break your trip. A well-priced, convenient flight gives your travel plans momentum—and trust me, momentum matters when you’re going solo.

My go-to tool? Google Explore. It’s the secret weapon every flexible traveler needs. Pop in your departure airport (or city, if there are multiple options nearby), and let it do the heavy lifting. You’ll get an interactive map with destinations and prices that can inspire even the most undecided traveler.

Say you’re based in New York City. Plugging in NYC instead of a specific airport searches flights from JFK, Newark, LaGuardia, and Stewart. Options are king, especially if one airport is running a sweet deal. Pro tip: filter by layovers, baggage needs, and flight duration, but remember that tighter filters might come at a cost. For more information, check out my page on how to find the best flights here.

2. Pack Smart: Don’t Just Pack Light, Pack Thoughtfully

When it’s just you, every item you bring matters. A solo traveler doesn’t have the luxury of splitting gear or emergency snacks with a travel buddy. Create a list (yes, I’m a list person—lists save trips). Think about multipurpose clothing, travel-sized toiletries, and an easily accessible day bag.

A tip I learned the hard way? Keep a photocopy of your passport and an emergency credit card tucked away in a different spot from your main stash. Losing your wallet as a solo traveler isn’t fun, but being prepared for it takes the sting out.

When I travel, I tend to get a little anxious about my passport and will constantly check to see if it is still there. I would recommend designating a pocket in your backpack solely for your passport. This removes the possibility of your passport falling out when grabbing other items in the same pocket. Plus, you always know exactly where it is. Bonus points if you keep it in a pocket that isn’t easily accessible for pickpocketers.

3. Book Accommodations That Match Your Comfort Level

Not all solo travelers are alike, and that’s the beauty of it. Some people thrive in hostels, meeting fellow travelers over a shared breakfast or a game of cards. Others prefer the solitude of a quiet hotel room or an Airbnb.

Wherever you book, safety is the priority. Research neighborhoods, read reviews, and check whether the location is central enough to avoid late-night transit. If you’re feeling unsure, send the address to a friend or family member before you check in.

For accommodations, I recommend staying in hostels. You can read my article on different types of accommodations here. Hostels can seem intimidating. Going into my first hostel was uneasy because I had no idea what to expect. I always prefer staying at hostels with more reviews, even if that means staying at one with a lower rating.

4. Plan, But Leave Room for Spontaneity

This might sound contradictory, but hear me out. Before you go, map out the basics: key attractions, any tours you want to take, and the logistics of getting from the airport to your accommodation. Once those essentials are covered, leave some wiggle room.

Solo travel is about flexibility. Maybe you’ll stumble upon a local food market that eats up your afternoon, or a fellow traveler will recommend a must-see spot you hadn’t considered. The best moments are often the unplanned ones.

Even though you have activities planned, don’t forget that you are your own boss here and can do whatever you want to do! The plan I made before the trip and that plan that happened are never the same for me. I like to think that planning brings ease to traveling, but spontaneity brings the memories.

5. Stay Connected (But Not Too Connected)

One of the best things about solo travel is the chance to unplug—but don’t go completely off-grid. Let someone back home know your itinerary, and check in regularly. Apps like WhatsApp make it easy to send quick updates without racking up international fees.

At the same time, resist the urge to spend your trip glued to your phone. Be present. The whole point of solo travel is to immerse yourself in a new place, not to scroll through social media in a different timezone.

6. Be Your Own Best Friend

This might sound cheesy, but solo travel teaches you to enjoy your own company. Bring a book or download podcasts for solo dinners. Get comfortable asking strangers for recommendations. And most importantly, cut yourself some slack if things don’t go perfectly. You’re learning, growing, and (hopefully) having fun along the way.

There will be moments when you might feel lonely from all the time spent by yourself. These are the moments that I didn’t learn to value till after my travels. Afterwards, I realized how much I learned about myself by having all this alone time. It is difficult to put into words how this changed me but I guarantee it will be worth it.

However, on the flip side…

I have never been a very social person. However, solo traveling, in a way, forced me to become more social and step outside my comfort zone. This allowed me to meet some of the most interesting people I have ever met from all different backgrounds and from various corners of the world.

Some of my best memories from my solo travels were from experiences with other solo travelers. You might only know each other for 48 hours, but you become almost best friends for those 48 hours. When you go separate ways, you know that you will probably never see this person again, but that seems to make your memories of that person and experience that more sweet. If you are staying in a hostel, hang out in the communal area, talk to your roommates. That is where I have met most of my travel buddies.

7. Trust Your Instincts

You’ll hear this a lot, but it’s worth repeating: trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right—whether it’s a sketchy taxi driver or an off-putting vibe in a neighborhood—don’t second-guess yourself. Change your plans, ask for help, or move on. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Why You Should Do It

There’s nothing quite like solo travel. It’s freeing, empowering, and just plain fun. You’ll gain confidence, meet people from all walks of life, and collect stories you’ll remember forever. Plus, the only person you need to compromise with is yourself.