First Time Traveling Alone? Learn How to Plan a Solo Trip

Is this your first time traveling alone? Or are you thinking about it but don’t know how to plan a solo trip? Don’t worry. Either way, I’m here for you. I’ve traveled across the United States, Europe, and even to Asia all by myself, so I’m well-equipped to give you some advice.

Woman overlooking ocean in Thailand — Solo in Thailand

Table of Contents

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, haha. 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 idealogy into my adult life as well.

You can apply this idea to your life as well. Use it as fuel. You power your own life!

A quote from my favorite Princess to inspire you!

Is Solo Travel Lonely?

I will get this question out of the way immediately because it’s the #1 question I get when I travel solo. Is solo travel lonely? 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. But—it can also equally be amazing!

I’ve met so many lovely people while traveling solo and had such great experiences that I wouldn’t have had if I had waited for others to go. Never, ever, ever wait for others to achieve your dreams. If you take nothing else away from this post, please take that.

There are also so many ways to meet people while traveling; more on that below. But please don’t let the thought of loneliness stop you from your first time traveling alone. I would not have visited MOST of the countries on this blog had I not decided to travel solo and choose my happiness above waiting for anyone else.

Woman exploring the Nasrid Palaces in Granada, Spain. — Solo in Granada, Spain

Does Traveling Alone Change You?

If you’re reading this, I know you have that marvelous feeling of wanderlust. It’s great, isn’t it?

Use that spark to get you going!! It’s a wonderful motivator. And yes, traveling alone does change you, but from my experience and others I’ve met, only in the most marvelous ways!

Solo travel has taught me not only how to be independent and confident but also how to be alone with my thoughts. It made me comfortable in the silence.

Why Solo Travel is Important

We’re all so attached to our phones and constant interaction these days that I cherish solo travel partly because it shows me how much I can accomplish independently without all the noise. 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 castles in Sintra. It is you alone who gets to take credit.

I’m very type A, so I know this plays a bit into my thrill with this, but honestly, if you’re doubting yourself, know you can do it.

One of the great things about those phones is that we get to see all the fantastic solo travelers who’ve done it before us. So yes, you may be “alone,” but you’re not without support, which leads me into my support in helping you learn how to plan a solo trip!

Solo Travel Inspiration

Here are some of my favorite movies featuring solo travelers…

How to Plan a Solo Trip

So, it’s your first time traveling alone. I will go over my quick, specific tips on how to plan a solo trip. However, I also want you to check out my other posts on planning. Why? Because honestly, traveling solo isn’t much different from traveling with a buddy. 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 an eclectic museum. Do it! You want to stay at a quirky hotel. Do it! All the choices are YOURS. And instead of getting overwhelmed by it, picture it as your birthday. You are Queen or King for your trip. Anything and everything you say goes!

Quick Tips on How to Travel Solo

Have confidence! Even if you have to fake it!
Do research (more on that below)
Get advice from other solo travelers (more on that below)
Leave your valuables at home
Bring secure items, such as a anti-theft purse
Don’t look like a tourist and be aware of your surroundings
Have common sense (more safety tips below)
Be flexible. Sometimes, the flight will be delayed. Know not everything is in your control

Alone at a rooftop bar in Seville, Spain

Safe Solo Female Travel Destinations

I see this question online a LOT! And I get it, especially as women, the world isn’t always a kind place to us, so taking precautions is a smart move. However, as I have not been to every place on this planet—just yet—the best I can tell you is to do research.

What do I mean by that? Look up blogs just like this one and see what other solo travelers have experienced. Every destination I’ve listed on my blog, I’d recommend to a solo traveler. If not, I’d note it, and I believe any good blogger would, too. If you google “Solo Female Travel Bloggers,” you’ll find tons of great resources.

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.

The best place I can recommend, especially for a female learning how to plan a solo trip, is Facebook Groups. I’ve seen the most genuine advice given there. First-hand accounts from real people, not some tourism board, real women who have experiences that can provide guidance to those traveling alone for the first time.

My top recommendations for solo female travel groups are…

Do a Practice Solo Trip

If you’re still nervous, I get it. It can be overwhelming to do something new, especially so new that it requires you to get way out of your comfort zone. But let me make a suggestion. What if you started smaller?

You don’t have to learn how to plan a solo trip to Thailand today. Start somewhere local. For your first time traveling alone, 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 that there’s someplace nearby that you’ve been wanting to go to but have yet to. I’m right, aren’t I??

Begin to learn how to plan a solo trip by starting there. Make a day of it. Pretend as if it was a trip somewhere you’re dying to go to. Doing this will help build the confidence you’ll need to get there.

Once you’ve gained that, use these posts to help you move beyond the backyard…

Woman conquering Mount Vesuvius, enjoying breathtaking view while holding a Travelon crossbody bag. — On a group tour climbing Mount Vesuvius solo

Meeting People When Traveling Alone

Now that you’ve gained confidence, here are some tips on things to do when traveling alone. But first, let me congratulate you on taking this step! I know it’s a big one. My statement about traveling solo since I was a kid may make it seem no so, but traveling solo at any age is an accomplishment! I’m proud of you for learning how to plan a solo trip!

One of the first things people usually ask is how to connect with others while traveling solo. Luckily, I’ve written a whole article on how to meet people while traveling using Bumble BFF. However, if apps aren’t your thing, let me make some other suggestions…

How to Meet People While Traveling — My travel buddy, our tour guide, and myself in Tuscany

How to Make Friends While Solo

Meetup.com – Great way to find local activities that may be a mix of locals and tourists
Hostel Events – many hostels will host karaoke, game nights, and more for their guests, so check to see what you’d like to join in on. I’ve also just 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
Travel Facebook Groups – In addition to the Facebook Groups mentioned above, there are ones that are not female-specific. A quick search on Facebook will give you plenty of options for whatever location or demographic you’re in. Some offer advice, but some also provide meetups

A Note on Making Friends While Traveling

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, but it doesn’t translate once 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!

@masterclass Don’t know who needs to hear this but we certainly did 😌 thank you @RuPaul #anxiety #mindfulness #breathe ♬ original sound – MasterClass

First Time Traveling Alone FAQ

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?

Admittedly, I started early for my first time traveling alone. However, I know that’s not for everyone, so the best advice I can give you is to start when you feel ready. But from a legal standpoint, it is best to say 18 if you don’t have your parent or guardian’s permission beforehand. Otherwise, have at it!

What are some tips for people who are easily stressed when traveling solo for the first time?

Breathe! I promise you, whatever is in your head is always 1000% worse than what actually will happen. Usually, the worst-case scenario is something inconvenient, not life-threatening. The most “inconvenient” incident I’ve had was losing my luggage for a few days in Vienna. Yeah, it was annoying, but no one was hurt or emotionally damaged. I’ve also had a car service I booked be a no-show, had a girl throw up next to me on a plane, and had a taxi driver in Thailand not understand where I wanted to go and thus headed in the wrong direction. And still, no harm was done; it was just an inconvenience and some frustration. Nothing that’ll scar me for life.
If you have any comfort items, such as favorite movies, music, or something physical like a blanket, bring it with you. Try to relax, listen to your favorite song, watch your favorite movie, and know in your heart that you can handle your first time traveling alone.
If you’re anxious, the video above offers advice from RuPaul on anxiety, so check it out!

Staying Safe While Traveling Solo

To wrap this up, I’ll add the less fun section of safety FAQs for solo travelers.

Do you feel safe as a solo female traveler?

99.9% of the time, yes, I do. However, I will note that I also avoid potentially dangerous situations, such as going out at night alone if I’m unsure of the area or drinking more than a glass of alcohol. I like to keep an eye on my surroundings and don’t want to lose track of my senses. The only time I felt unsettled was in Paris. I wandered outside the tourist area and got a lot of looks from the locals. No one did or said anything, but I felt unwelcome. The best advice I can give is to stay vigilant, and if you feel uncomfortable somewhere, get to a safe space ASAP.

What are your top safety tips for female solo travelers?

Always let someone know where you’re going, places you’re staying, and any transport you’re taking. I share my Google Doc with a friend or family member, which suffices.
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. It’s the best way to get help.
Use common sense anywhere you go, even if it’s just down the street from your home. I always avoid potentially dangerous situations, such as walking down a dark road, going out at night by myself in an unfamiliar area, 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!

Woman exploring ancient ruins at Palenque in Mexico while holding a Travelon crossbody bag. — Solo at the Palenque Maya Complex in Chiapas, Mexico

Final Thoughts on Your First Time Traveling Alone

My final thoughts are more like wishes for your first time traveling alone. I hope that you have THE BEST time! I know you can do this, and if you have any concerns about how to plan a solo trip or just a general question, feel free to comment below.

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