A Guide to Traveling by Yourself

👉 Jump to: Tips | Best Destinations | What to Pack

Embarking on your very first solo trip soon? Get ready. You’re about to have the time of your life. As exciting as it is, you’ll need a few tips to successfully travel alone. 

After traveling all over the world as a solo female traveler, I cannot recommend the experience enough. Solo travel gives you the freedom to do anything you want and it builds up your independence. 

If you’re feeling a bit anxious about the endeavor, don’t worry. The tips in this guide will help you get through your first solo trip without making any rookie mistakes.

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7 Tips for Traveling Alone

Tip #1 – Go At Your Own Pace, But Try New Things

A big part of solo travel is stepping out of your comfort zone and conquering your fears. Don’t be discouraged by the nervousness. Embrace it!

Was I absolutely terrified to scale stairs down the side of a mountain on an island in Indonesia? Yes. Was it a beautiful experience and completely worth it in the end? Also, yes. 

You’ll discover amazing things on the other side of fear. You learn that pretty fast when you start traveling on your own. 

Tip #2 – Pack Light, But Bring Extra Essentials

As a solo traveler, you need to carefully walk that fine line between being prepared and not overpacking. 

Lots of things are difficult to impossible to find at local shops in foreign countries. For example, medication or prescription contact lenses. Not having access to these types of things can make for a worst-case scenario. 

At the same time, you don’t want to overpack and weigh yourself down. You’ll have to carry every single thing yourself and I promise — you’ll feel the weight if your bag is too stuffed.

Check out Lea Rose’s packing list for solo travelers for a full break-down of what to bring.

👉 Get a free, printable version of our solo travel packing list here

Tip #3 – Learn A Little Of The Local Language

Although you can’t become fluent in the language of every country you visit, you should know a few basic phrases to get by. Especially if you’re traveling solo.

At the very least, it’s nice to know “hello” and “thank you” in the local language. If you want to be extra prepared, you can throw in a few additional phrases like “I need help” and “Where’s the bathroom?” 

Learning these key phrases in the local language shows that you respect a country’s culture and ensures you’re ready if you need to communicate quickly.  

It’s even worth considering taking in-person language classes ahead of your trip like Taylor does.

Tip #4 – Do Research Beforehand

I’m all for being a spontaneous solo traveler and letting the journey take you where it’s meant to. 

However, ample research and prepping beforehand is still recommended. You don’t want to get lost during the journey from Point A to Point B. Or, wind up in trouble because local accommodations are all booked up during the high season. 

Remember – solo traveling means you only have yourself to rely on. A little research can mean the difference between a beautiful experience and a total drag.

Tip #5 – Plan for the Worst With Travel Insurance

Travel can go wrong and you’ll be glad to have a plan if it does. To prepare for any scenario, I never go anywhere without travel insurance. While I’d suggest it for any trip, travel insurance is an absolute must when you’re traveling alone.

I personally use World Nomads travel insurance. They offer simple, flexible insurance plans and you can file a claim online from anywhere in the world.

Tip #6 – Meet New Friends At Hostels

Traveling alone doesn’t have to be lonely. It’s surprisingly easy to meet fellow travelers along your journey, even if you’re not the most sociable person. 

Many people wonder if hostels or hotels are better for solo trips. If you want to make friends, the answer is simple: hostels, by a landslide. Staying in hostels is one of the best ways to link up with other travelers because they typically provide a social atmosphere. 

But if you’re not as excited about sleeping in a dorm with strangers, there’s a solution. Just rent out a private room at the hostel! You can meet a travel companion while still having your own space. Joining a tour is another great way to make friends while traveling in a different country.

Tip #7 – Do Things You Like, But Be Smart  

You don’t have to stop doing the things you love just because you’re traveling by yourself in a new place. For instance, I adore music festivals and I’ve discovered they’re just as fun abroad! 

Part of the reason I love solo travel so much is that you have the freedom to explore all types of fun things in a different environment. It’s okay to hit up a club at night or go to a concert alone. Just make sure you use a little extra common sense. And be sure to share your plans with loved ones back home before you go out.

6 Best Destinations for Traveling Alone

If you’ve never traveled by yourself before, these 6 solo travel destinations are an excellent place to start. For more ideas, check out my full list of 20+ destinations for traveling alone.

Spain

A lively country with a diverse tapestry of cultures that varies greatly from north to south. 

Solo travelers in Spain will be spoiled with a gorgeous variety of places to visit in the country. Whether your goal is to relax on the beach, dance the night away, or just enjoy tapas and sangria. There are plenty of things to do across Spain for anyone. 

Better yet, you can experience a bunch of unique cultures in Spain without ever leaving it. 

Catch a Flamenco show or check out an art museum when you stay in Madrid. You can always find a party in Barcelona or lounge the day away on the beaches of Palma de Mallorca. Seville was one of my favorites as someone who loves indulging in the local cuisine and wandering around pretty streets. 

Japan

An extremely safe, easy-to-navigate destination offering both futuristic cities and traditional towns. 

If you’re worried about your safety as a solo traveler, Japan is the perfect destination to put those fears to rest. According to the World Population Review, it is one of the top 10 safest countries in the world [Source]. In addition to being safe, Japan is one of the top destinations for solo travel for many other reasons, too. 

First of all, it is extremely easy to get anywhere around the country. Even first-time visitors can quickly get a handle on public transportation in Japan. You can even use the country-wide luggage shipment service to get your bags between cities. 

Secondly, you can experience a wide variety of things in Japan. Stay in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, or, venture into smaller, traditional towns such as Otsu. Within these destinations, visitors will discover ancient cultural attractions, stunning places to take photos, and all the delicious food they can eat. 

You can even stay in a ryokan for a traditional Japanese experience. 

Thailand

A solo traveler’s paradise that draws in visitors from around the globe for its lush nature, divine food, and affordable prices.

Whenever I talk about Thailand, I can’t help but speak with a little extra love in my voice. Even though it’s far from the U.S., it’s one of the best places for first-time solo travelers. There are thousands of other people exploring alone and meeting people in the country is effortless. 

Thailand has so many amazing places to visit from the bustling capital of Bangkok to the breathtaking islands in the south. I especially recommend Chiang Mai for its delicious nightly food market and bounty of intriguing activities like temples and ethical elephant sanctuaries. And then there’s Phuket if you want some sand and sun. 

The food, ambiance, and one-of-a-kind sites make Thailand an unbeatable destination for solo travel. Not to mention, Thailand has some of the cheapest and safest hostels around the globe.

📚 Related Reading: Thailand Travel Tips for Solo Travelers

Australia

A large country renowned for its outdoor adventure opportunities, versatile wildlife, and long-term working holiday visa. 

Australia is an incredible solo destination for outdoorsy people. You’ll find just about every kind of photogenic natural wonder you can imagine in the Land Down Under. Animal lovers will have the chance to spot a variety of critters in their natural habitat. 

It’s also a convenient location if you want to travel long-term. The country offers a one-year working holiday visa for travelers who want to be able to make money and explore. There are so many amazing places in Australia that you could easily spend a year there hitting all of them. 

Italy

A heaven for foodies and history buffs with acclaimed destinations that are on practically every traveler’s bucket list. 

Ask a random person where they want to visit the most and there is a decent shot that they’ll reply “Italy.” It has just become such an iconic destination over the years. Even though there are a few solo travel tips for Italy to keep in mind, it can be a beautiful country to travel alone. 

Every destination in Italy offers something a little different to travelers. The fashion capital of Milan is the spot to shop until you drop. Florence houses some of the most notable pieces of artwork in history. There are beautiful hikes along the Amalfi Coast and mouth-watering pizza in Naples.

Wherever and whenever you go, you’re guaranteed to dine on delectable food. Between the pasta, pizza, and tiramisu, it’s by far one of the best places to eat in all of Europe.

Cambodia

This Southeast Asian country is rich in pristine islands and historic sites like the UNESCO-registered Angkor Wat.

Cambodia wasn’t even in my sights until it was suggested to me by another traveler in Southeast Asia. It ended up being one of the most memorable places I’ve ever been. 

Of course, there’s the massive and impressive Angkor Wat in the north near Siem Reap. For travelers who prefer relaxation, there are also a bunch of magical islands in the south.

I can’t tell you how many travelers I met who worked at hostels in Cambodia. This makes Cambodia an especially compelling option if you’re hoping to land a work-for-stay situation.

👉 Bonus Tip: Double-check that your accommodations have Wi-Fi or other amenities that you might be used to. In more remote areas of Cambodia, it’s not always a guarantee. 

What to Pack for Traveling Solo

Dependable Backpack

When you’re traveling by yourself, your travel backpack becomes your best friend. 

I brought this Osprey Farpoint 55 with me when I traveled solo around Asia for six months. Throughout the trip, I thanked my past self profusely for investing in this bag.

For me, it’s the holy grail of backpacks for its durability and comfort. Plus, it provides peace of mind to know that you’re backed by Osprey’s all-mighty guarantee. For more on why I love it, see my full Osprey Farpoint 55 review.

Flexible Sneakers

Sneakers are another essential ingredient to a successful solo vacation. But you don’t want to bring a stiff pair that won’t bend in a packing cube. These women’s running shoes and men’s sneakers are perfect for traveling. They cram into a bag tightly without getting misshapen permanently. 

Waterproof Bags for Paperwork and Documents

You always want to be sure that your important travel documents are secure in any situation. Without things like your passport and vaccine certifications, your trip can be ruined in an instant. That’s why this Fireproof Document Bag is a total lifesaver when you’re on a solo exploration. 

First Aid Kit Customized to Your Needs

Having a first aid kit is like getting travel insurance. It’s just something you should always have on your carry-on packing list, whether you’re traveling alone or otherwise. 

This All-Purpose First Aid Emergency Kit is a good place to start, but you should add any other items you might need personally. For example, prescription medication or equipment such as an inhaler or EpiPen. 

A Toiletries Bag

Having a water-resistant toiletry bag is a must when you’re traveling by yourself and staying at hostels. You don’t want to carry a bunch of soaps and shampoos to the showers every time. Plus, there’s never anywhere to put them in the bathroom.

I love this toiletry travel bag for this very reason. It hangs on the back of the shower door and makes everything simpler. 

Flip Flops

If you’re planning on staying at hostels at all on your solo journey, you need to bring a pair of flip-flops. Trust me. The shared hostel shower is not a place you want to be barefoot.

The Crocs Unisex Crocband Flip Flops are an excellent choice for your next trip. They come in multiple colors, they’re comfortable, and are well-made enough that they won’t break on day one.

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Thanks for reading my guide to solo travel! By now, I hope you’re feeling more confident about traveling alone and even more pumped for your trip. 

Still feeling a bit nervous? Check out my article on how I manage solo travel anxiety to ease your mind a little more!