You’ve waited long enough for your friends to get time off, for someone to say “I’m in,” for the group chat to agree on anything. Eventually, you realize: the only person you were really waiting for was yourself. These solo travel tips are for that moment when you’re ready to stop waiting and start doing.
Why Solo Travel is Worth It
Three people. Five opinions. One group chat full of indecision. We’ve all been there. Travel for solo travelers hits different. You get all the adventure with none of the back-and-forth.
Freedom to Choose Your Own Path
Feel like sleeping in? Sleep in. Want to eat dessert for dinner or skip a landmark in favor of a street musician? Go for it. Solo travel means following your gut, switching plans without warning, and letting the day unfold how you want it to.
Personal Growth and Confidence Building
Finding your way on the metro? Total power move. Enjoying dinner alone without checking your phone every five seconds? Even better. Solo travel builds confidence, one tiny win at a time. And before you know it, the stuff that used to scare you feels like no big deal.
Planning Your Solo Adventure
Don’t let planning be the reason you don’t go. Use these traveling alone tips to keep things simple, flexible, and completely in line with your vibe.
Choosing the Right Destination
The first step when learning how to travel alone is to choose the right destination. The best places to solo travel are those that match your energy. Want to be around people? Choose a city. Need space to think? Find trees. Here are a few places solo travelers love:
- Mountain retreats, where the biggest decision is which trail to hike, and talking to squirrels is totally acceptable.
- European cities like Copenhagen or Zagreb are walkable, friendly, and full of pastry stops.
- City-meets-beach spots like Honolulu, Miami, or San Francisco are not only some of the top best U.S. cities for summer travel but also for solo travel. These are places where you can wander into an art gallery in the morning and chill by the ocean in the afternoon.
Creating a Flexible Itinerary
Solo travel is where spontaneity thrives. That café you spotted? Go. That side street with live music? Yes. Your itinerary can be as full or flexible as you want. It’s yours to make.
Staying Safe and Smart on the Road
Traveling solo can feel a little nerve-wracking at first. Keep these safety solo travel tips in your back pocket so you can focus on the adventure, not the anxiety.
Safety Tips for Solo Travelers
- Trust your instincts, they’re usually right
- Stay alert in crowds, on transit, and after dark
- Don’t wear headphones at night
- Keep your phone charged and carry a backup battery, just in case
- Stick to well-lit paths, especially if you’re somewhere unfamiliar
Staying Connected and Aware
- Download offline maps
- Screenshot your hotel name, address, and room number
- Save the local number for emergency services
- Turn on location sharing with a loved one so someone always knows where you are
Making the Most of the Experience
Solo travel doesn’t have to mean backpacking through India or scaling mountains at sunrise. It can be slow, cozy, spontaneous, whatever feels right. The trick is figuring out how to travel alone in a way that fits you, not someone else’s highlight reel.
Meeting People (Without Feeling Alone)
Solo travel doesn’t mean solo everything. Stay connected by:
- Chatting with your Airbnb host or hostel neighbor
- Striking up a convo over coffee or while figuring out a train schedule
- Joining a local walking tour or cooking class
Embracing Downtime and Reflection
Travel can be full of adventure. But it’s often the quiet moments that change you most. Don’t be afraid to embrace:
- Early mornings with coffee and no rush to be anywhere
- A park bench with a view and no agenda
- Time to journal, reflect, or simply exist
Our Biggest Solo Travel Tip? Just Do It
These solo travel tips are simple but solid: trust your instincts, pack light, and say yes more often. Leaving for a month (or maybe longer)? We’ll keep your belongings safe in one of our self-storage units while you live out your next solo travel story.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our Solo Travel post on Instagram!
