How to Travel Alone for First-Timers: Advice for Women on How to Enjoy It
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Thinking about taking your first solo trip but feeling paralyzed by the “what ifs”?
It’s perfectly normal to feel nervous about your first time traveling alone.
I’ve been traveling solo since middle school—yes, really—and have explored everything from the temples of Thailand to the castles of Sintra all on my own. What started as a necessity (my mom couldn’t get time off work) has turned into my preferred way to see the world.
Through 26 solo trips across Europe, the United States, and Asia over the past decade, I’ve learned that most of our worst-case scenario fears never materialize—and when minor hiccups do happen, you’re much more capable of handling them than you think.
Whether you’re worried about eating dinner alone, navigating foreign cities without backup, a safety-conscious woman, or have friends who never seem ready for that dream trip, I understand the unique challenges you’re facing as you venture into your first trip alone.
I’ll share the honest truth about solo travel, including when it feels lonely, how to meet people on the road, the safety tools I actually use, and my guide to turning that first nervous solo trip into a confidence-building adventure that changes how you see yourself and the world.
My First Time Traveling Alone
I was still in middle school the first time I went on a plane solo. My mother had to work, so I was sent to visit family from New York to California alone.
I don’t recall being especially scared. I was more concerned that the flight attendant who was told to look after me didn’t, LOL.
My mother thinks I act like a grandma, and yes, sometimes I do.
From that point on, solo travel didn’t really bother me.
I think that’s partly because I’m used to being independent, especially as an only child in a single-parent household.
As my mother worked, I was responsible for myself quite a bit, so if I didn’t do something myself, it was unlikely to get done. I’ve taken this ideology into my adult life as well.
My first trip abroad alone was to Dublin, Ireland, in 2013, which is an amazing starter city for solo travelers!
Is Solo Travel Lonely?
This is the #1 question I get when I travel solo.
The answer—sometimes.
That’s the truth. It’s not always puppies and rainbows.
Sometimes, you feel a bit on the outside of the world and wish you had someone to turn to and say, “Look at that cool thing.”
But this happens only infrequently, and I usually strike up a conversation with someone even briefly, and that’ll shake off the feeling.
Is Solo Travel Weird?
Occasionally, yes.
I’ve had a few experiences where others made me feel awkward, and sometimes it became a superpower.
As for weird, I had a guide in Bangkok that went into every temple with his hands in a prayer position, saying “boyfriend, boyfriend, boyfriend,” and then told me to do it.
As for the superpower, on a boat tour of the Phang Nga Province outside Phuket, I was the odd man out as all the canoes were for two people.
But instead of my guide, who rowed the boat, making it weird, he kept telling people I was the VIP, and that’s why I was solo, which made me feel marvelous.
Is Solo Travel Boring?
Not at all!
If anything, I find that the need to do it all myself makes me more focused on my surroundings, rather than drowning out reality like I tend to at home via TV, my phone, music, etc.
Everything feels heightened in ways I don’t feel at home, even while solo there.
Does Traveling Alone Change You?
Yes, traveling alone does change you, but from my experience and others I’ve met, only in the most marvelous ways!
It’s taught me how to be independent and confident, which is a major pro for solo travel.
At the end of a travel day, I have no one but myself to praise for making it up Mount Vesuvius, climbing temples in Thailand, or exploring the caves of Belize.
It is you alone who gets to take credit.
I’ve also learned how to be alone with my thoughts.
It made me comfortable in the silence.
Solo Travel Inspiration
Here are some of my favorite movies featuring solo travelers to inspire your first time traveling alone.
- A Tourist’s Guide to Love – A travel executive goes undercover in Vietnam. Along the way, she finds adventure and romance with her Vietnamese expat tour guide.
- Last Holiday – After discovering that she has a terminal illness, a saleswoman withdraws her life savings and jets off to Europe, where she lives like a millionaire.
- The Holiday – Two unlucky-in-love women agree to swap homes—Hollywood and an English village. Soon enough, both bump into local lads.
- Eat Pray Love – Newly divorced and facing a turning point, Liz embarks on a quest of self-discovery that takes her to Italy, India, and Bali.
- Queen (2013) – Rani is devastated after her fiancé leaves her just before the wedding. Undeterred, she decides to go on their honeymoon alone to Europe, where she rediscovers herself.
Book Recommendation
In addition to watching the movie with Julia Roberts, I read Eat Pray Love and found it to be a quick read! If you’re looking for some inspo, it’s certainly the ticket!
I get my audiobooks from Libro.fm—they split the profits with an independent bookstore of your choice.
How to Get Started
Do a Practice Solo Trip
This is my #1 solo travel tip!
If this is truly the beginning of your journey to learn how to travel alone, you may want to start with a practice run.
It can be overwhelming to do something new, especially when it requires you to step way out of your comfort zone. But let me make a suggestion. What if you started smaller?
You don’t have to plan a solo trip to Thailand today. Start somewhere local.
Why not start in your own backyard? Pretend you’re a tourist in your state or county.
I know it can feel a bit weird, but I bet you $5 there’s someplace nearby you’ve been wanting to go but haven’t yet. I’m right, aren’t I??
Start there. Make a day of it.
Pretend as if it is a trip somewhere you’re dying to go to.
Doing this will help build the confidence you’ll need to get there.
Gaining confidence through a practice trip within your own country can provide valuable experience and self-assurance for future, more challenging trips abroad.
Plan to Do What You Want
Learning how to travel alone isn’t all that different from traveling with someone in the planning phase.
If anything, there’s a major bonus. You get to make all the decisions!!!
How cool is that?
You want to eat sushi. Do it!
You want to check out a Scottish castle. Do it!
You want to stay at a quirky caravan hotel. Do it!
All the choices are YOURS. And instead of getting overwhelmed by it, picture it as your birthday. You are the Queen or King of your trip.
Anything and everything you say goes!
Try New Things
If you’ve ever only traveled with others, also remember to try new things, as you may find something you didn’t know you’d like.
My cousin wasn’t thrilled with the idea of a food tour in Belize until I took her on one.
Now she’s doing them even without me!
Learn How to Travel Alone from Others
Look up solo travel blogs, just like mine, and see what other solo travelers have experienced.
I’d recommend every travel destination I’ve listed on my blog to a solo traveler. If not, I’d note it, and any good blogger would, too.
Social media is also another great place to source information.
Look up a destination you’re interested in and see if anyone has recently posted about their experience.
If you’ve got a specific question you can’t find in either of those places, try Facebook Groups.
I’ve seen the most genuine advice given there. First-hand accounts from real people, not some tourism board.
My top recommendations for solo travel groups are:
- Girls LOVE Travel® – the best group I’ve been in
- Foodie (Girls LOVE Travel ®) – niche version of the larger group
- Women Who Travel – Group by Condé Nast
- Travel Community – Group by Going
- The Solo Female Traveler Network – solid advice
- Solo travelers group – newish to this one but it’s large and non-gender specific
Pack the Solo Travel Essentials
I don’t go anywhere without my anti-theft purse, solo or not.
It helps keep me safe from thieves and pickpockets.
I also make sure all my luggage has TSA-approved locks, so if the hostel doesn’t have lockers or there isn’t one available, I have some protection.
These are also great for when you’re traveling on a train and step away to use the bathroom, so no one sneaks into your bag.
Always pack a portable charger; it’s one of my female travel essentials, so that you’re never without your phone.
If you feel you’ll need your alone time at some point, bring along a pair of noise-canceling headphones.
Lastly, leave your valuables at home. I don’t bring anything I’d regret losing aside from things I need like my passport.
For a more comprehensive list, check out my travel packing guides.
How to Be Safe
Always let someone know where you’re going, places you’re staying, and any transport you’re taking.
I share my Google Doc or Sheet with a friend or family member.
If you feel unsafe, say something. Find a trusted person to tell, such as the hotel concierge, an employee at the local attraction, or a police officer.
Tell someone about whoever is making you feel uncomfortable or acting suspicious.
Use common sense anywhere you go, even if it’s just down the street.
I always avoid potentially dangerous situations, such as walking down a dark road, going out at night by myself in an unfamiliar area (there are safe things to do at night you can discover with a bit of research), or drinking more than a glass of alcohol (I don’t want to lose track of my senses).
Keeping an eye on your surroundings is always crucial, and try not to look like a tourist (e.g. carrying a big map, wandering in circles).
Even if I’ve never been somewhere, I just confidently walk. Apparently it works as I’m often asked for directions.
Meeting People While Traveling Alone
One of the first things people usually ask me is how to meet others while traveling solo.
Luckily, I’ve written a whole article on using Bumble BFF.
However, if apps aren’t your thing, even though I have some favorite solo travel apps, I’ve got some other suggestions:
- Meetup.com – Great way to find local activities that may be a mix of locals and tourists
- Hostel Events – many hostels host karaoke, game nights, and more for their guests, so check what you’d like to join. I’ve also made friends with my hostel bunk mates, so there’s that opportunity if you’re open to a shared room
- Group Tours – I’ve met many people while on group tours. It’s a lovely way to bond quickly over an experience
- Cooking Class (or other type of class) – I hadn’t even tried a cooking class until my travel buddy asked me to. It was a lovely way to learn and hang with some folks for an evening
- Bars/Lounges – If drinking isn’t your thing, this won’t likely be for you, but I’d be remiss not to mention how much easier it is to meet people abroad in bars than it is in America
A Note on Making Friends
I have met many people while traveling solo! Some of whom I’ve stayed in contact with for over a decade.
But it’s important to note that sometimes you connect with someone abroad, only for it not to translate when you get home, and that’s okay.
I tend to get attached, so I say this not only to make you aware but also to remind myself.
Sometimes we’re just ships in the night, and that’s okay! Don’t take it personally in the slightest!
Be Flexible
Sometimes, the flight will be delayed.
The bus will break down.
The tour will be canceled due to the weather.
Know that not everything is in your control and release the anxiety of whatever isn’t changeable.
Best Destinations for First-Time Solo Female Travelers
I’ve ranked and rated dozens of European cities for solo travel in my full European city-by-city solo guide, but if you’re looking specifically for a strong first solo trip, these six stand out.
Dublin
Dublin was the very first city I ever visited solo, and it remains one of the easiest places to start.
Everyone speaks English, the pub culture makes it nearly impossible to feel lonely, and the city is small enough that you won’t lose half a day figuring out transit.
I felt safe at any hour, especially in the city center, and striking up a conversation in nearly any pub is the norm, not the exception.
London
London earns the “best for newbie solo travelers” spot in my city rankings, and for good reason: English-speaking, an excellent Tube system that reaches virtually anywhere, easy day trips if you want to venture out, and enough free museums to fill a week without spending much at all.
I’ve wandered London at night with no issues; the only real caution is staying alert for pickpockets on public transport.
Belfast
Belfast is my personal #1 pick for solo travel in Europe, full stop.
I went in with modest expectations and was blown away by how friendly everyone was.
It’s affordable by UK standards, easy to navigate (small enough that you’ll barely need public transit), and the social scene, especially around live music pubs, makes it almost effortless to meet people, even solo.
Budapest
Budapest surprised me, too, in the best way.
It’s one of the most budget-friendly cities on this list, walkable, steeped in history, and home to genuinely excellent social hostels (the Loft Hostel remains my favorite hostel stay anywhere).
I walked the Danube alone and even attended nighttime events solo, including a spa party at Széchenyi Bath, without ever feeling unsafe.
Lisbon
Lisbon has become one of Europe’s biggest solo travel magnets, and it’s easy to see why: affordable, beautiful, and home to an excellent, well-established hostel and digital-nomad scene that’s used to solo travelers.
I felt completely safe there, even visiting during a quieter post-pandemic stretch.
The one practical note: Lisbon’s hills are real, so factor some fitness into your packing list and pace.
Seville
Seville is the most laid-back option on this list and a great choice if Barcelona’s reputation for pickpocketing makes you nervous.
I felt safe even walking the narrow streets of Barrio Santa Cruz, thanks to well-lit pathways throughout.
It’s compact and walkable, with a romantic, unhurried energy that makes solo travel feel like a treat rather than something to brace for.
FAQs
Is it normal to go traveling alone?
Of course! Some people in your life may make it seem “weird” to travel alone, but it’s not. See it instead as an expression of your independence. Or, if you want to make it more fun, as going in the single-rider line at Disneyland. You get to speed ahead of all those others “waiting” for someone else!
What is a good age to start traveling alone?
Start when you feel ready. But from a legal standpoint, 18 is best if you don’t have your parent or guardian’s permission beforehand.
Do you feel safe as a solo female traveler?
99.9% of the time, yes. The few times I felt unsettled were in Paris (odd looks), Istanbul (mean tourists and a guy who pressed up on me on the tram), and Krakow (where I got yelled at by a tour guide).
Is traveling alone hard?
It’s more challenging because you have to do all the work, but it isn’t hard, as the benefits outweigh the effort. Solo travelers answer to no one, so you can do whatever you like!
Related Solo Travel Guides
- First Time Traveling Alone? Female Advice on How to Enjoy It
- The Best Places to Solo Travel in Europe: City-By-City Guide
- Is Solo Travel Lonely? Sometimes—Here’s How to Deal with it
- 30 Best Apps for Solo Travelers: Safety, Savings & Community
- How to Plan a Solo Trip: My Step-by-Step Guide for Women
- 13 Pros & Cons of Solo Travel You Need to Know Before Booking—Female Traveler Advice
- How to Meet People When Traveling Alone: 10 Ways I’ve Loved
- 15 Solo Female Travel Tips I’ve Learned Over 10+ Years to Help You Stay Safe
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This is such an encouraging guide for anyone preparing for their first solo trip! I really appreciate the practical advice and honest perspective, which can help make solo travel feel less intimidating and much more exciting.
Thanks so much for the kind words!