Planning Your First Solo Trip – A Beginner’s Guide to Traveling Alone

So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and plan your first solo trip. First off, congratulations! It takes courage to go it alone, whether it’s a weekend getaway to a nearby town or a two-week escapade in a foreign country. Solo travel can be life-changing—think self-discovery, new adventures, and lots (and I mean lots) of stories to tell later.

But where do you start? How do you plan for a trip where you’re your only companion? Don’t worry, friend. I’ve got you. This guide will walk you through every step of planning your first solo trip, with a sprinkle of humor and heart along the way.

Step 1: Embrace the Why

Before you dive into the logistics, ask yourself: Why do I want to travel solo?

Maybe you’re craving independence, trying to step out of your comfort zone, or simply tired of coordinating plans with friends who always cancel (we all have that friend). For me, my solo travel journey began after filing for divorce. It was a chance to rediscover myself and prove that I could thrive alone.

Your “why” will shape your trip. It’ll help you pick a destination, set your goals, and remind you why you’re doing this when the pre-trip nerves hit. (Spoiler alert: they will, but you’ll survive—and thrive!)

Step 2: Start Small or Dream Big

For your first solo trip, you don’t have to travel through Southeast Asia (unless you want to!). A nearby town or city can be just as rewarding. The key is picking a destination that excites you but doesn’t overwhelm you. Here’s how to decide:

Stay Close to Home

A nearby town or city is a great first step. Spend a weekend exploring museums, coffee shops, and local trails. It’s low-pressure and perfect for testing the waters of solo travel.

Go International

If your heart’s set on an overseas adventure, start with a destination known for being solo-travel-friendly. Think Southeast Asia or Western Europe. I once spent three incredible nights in Ubud, Bali, where I felt safe, connected, and surrounded by beauty. Plus, the breakfasts delivered to my private cottage were a delightful bonus.

Bucket List Destination

Have you been dreaming about a specific place for years? Whether it’s a Swiss chalet or the beaches of Greece, let that dream guide you. Just remember to balance ambition with realistic planning.

Step 3: The Three Biggest Expenses

Let’s talk money. Planning a solo trip is an exercise in budgeting, and you’ll want to prioritize wisely. Here’s my three-step formula for keeping finances in check:

Book Flights First

Flights are usually the biggest expense, so lock these in first to set the tone for your budget. Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to track deals. I often book during sales or opt for off-season travel to save cash. 

See My Top Travel Resources for help in planning flights, hotels, and activities.

Choose Accommodations Second

For your first solo trip, consider hotels over hostels if safety and comfort are your priorities (I get it—hostels aren’t my vibe either). Look for places in central locations that are walkable and well-reviewed. My stay at Hotel Central in Lucerne, for example, was a dream: safe, beautiful, walkable, and close to the train station.

Plan Activities Third

Once your flights and accommodations are set, think about activities. Be realistic about what you can afford and prioritize experiences that align with your goals. Love history? Book a guided temple tour. Need a recharge? Plan a spa day.

Step 4: Map Out the Logistics

Planning the nitty-gritty can make or break a solo trip. Don’t wing it—at least not the first time. Here’s what to cover:

Travel Apps

Before leaving, download essential apps and get familiar using them. Google Maps is a lifesaver for navigating unfamiliar streets and Google translate will come in handy if you don’t speak the language. And don’t forget about any apps for airlines or trains so that you can access boarding passes, tickets, schedules, etc. 

Reliable Internet Access

Make sure you’ll have reliable internet wherever you go. Whether it’s using an international SIM card, your carrier’s international plan, or relying on hotel connections, staying connected is crucial for navigation, research, and staying in touch with loved ones. You don’t want to find yourself lost in the middle of nowhere with no signal. 

When I travel internationally, I get an eSIM for that country – it’s a whole lot cheaper than the $10 a day ATT was charging me. An Airalo eSIM only cost me $5 for a whole week in Germany!

Use the code LISA41639 to get $3.00 off your first Airalo eSIM.

Transportation

Transportation includes everything from the moment you step out your front door to the moment you arrive back home. Figure out how you’ll get from Point A to Point B. 

Are you driving to the airport or will someone be bringing you? How will you get from the airport to your hotel? Will you rent a car? Take public transport? Hire a driver? Does your hotel offer an airport shuttle? What about once you’re there? Can you easily walk to what you want to see or will you take a taxi? Do you know how to get to where any scheduled tours start? 

Pack Light (But Right)

When you’re traveling solo, there’s no one to help you lug a heavy suitcase up stairs, across cobblestone streets, or through crowded train stations. Packing light means you can navigate airports, public transport, and city streets with ease. 

A carry-on bag or backpack lets you move freely and focus on exploring, not on hauling all your stuff. And don’t forget the small stuff, like a first-aid kit. Remember my mosquito bite fiasco in Bali?

Currency

When it comes to currency, it’s a good idea to carry a small amount of local currency for immediate expenses like taxis, tips, or snacks, especially in places where card payments may not be widely accepted. 

There is no need to exchange currency before you leave either. Just wait until you arrive and use the ATM or currency exchange counter at the airport (assuming you fly.) The fees at the airport will be higher than if you wait until you get into town, but you’re paying for the convenience. My first time in Bali, I thought I would skip the airport ATM and use one at the hotel to save a couple of dollars. Turned out there wasn’t an ATM at the hotel and I spent an hour trying to find one in town.  

Currency from Thailand, Indonesia, and Japan. Look at all the zeroes!

Step 5: Plan (But Leave Room for Spontaneity)

Solo travel thrives on balance. You want enough structure to feel secure but enough flexibility to embrace surprises. Here’s how I balance my itineraries:

The Arrival Day Rule

One of the golden rules of solo travel—especially for your first trip—is to take it easy on your arrival day. Whether you’ve just touched down in a new city or driven a few hours to your destination, the first day is not the time to cram in a full itinerary. Instead, use it as a chance to settle in, get your bearings, and ease into the adventure ahead.

Wander around and soak in the vibe. Look for visual landmarks that can help guide you to your hotel. You want to become comfortable where you’re at so that you don’t look lost. It’s amazing how confident you start to become when you can navigate the 2-3 blocks (or miles!) around your hotel without having to pull out your phone and look at a map.

Anchor Activities

When planning a solo trip, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the endless possibilities of what to see and do. That’s where anchor activities come in—these are the standout experiences you prioritize each day, the “main events” that give structure to your itinerary without overwhelming it.

Think of anchor activities as the pillars of your trip. They’re the must-dos that excite you most—whether it’s visiting a famous landmark, taking a guided tour, or indulging in a local culinary experience. Planning one or two anchor activities per day strikes a perfect balance between having a sense of purpose and leaving room for spontaneity.

Downtime Is Golden 

One of the most overlooked yet essential parts of any solo trip is allowing yourself time to simply be. It’s tempting to fill your itinerary with back-to-back activities to make the most of your time, but the truth is, some of the most magical travel moments happen when you slow down and leave room for the unexpected.

Downtime also lets you process your experiences. When you’re constantly on the go, it’s easy for everything to blur together. But when you pause, you give yourself the gift of clarity. Reflecting on what you’ve seen, the people you’ve met, and the new things you’ve learned enriches the overall journey. Plus, it recharges your energy for whatever adventure comes next.

Step 6: Safety First

Without a doubt, safety is a valid concern when traveling alone. Here’s how I stay safe without sacrificing fun:

Share Your Itinerary

Let someone back home know your plans, including hotel addresses and activity schedules. A quick message at the end of the day to say “All good!” is reassuring for loved ones (and keeps them from sending search parties).

Blend In

Dress modestly and avoid flashy jewelry to minimize attention. Research local customs and adapt accordingly. You don’t want to look like a tourist.

Trust Your Gut

If something feels off, don’t hesitate to bail. Your intuition is one of your best tools. On the flip side, if an opportunity feels exciting, and safe, say yes! That’s how I found myself sipping wine on a cozy balcony in Zurich, hosted by a friendly local. (More on that another day!)

Step 7: Tackle Loneliness with Confidence

One of the biggest fears about solo travel is, well, being alone. While loneliness can creep in, there are plenty of ways to combat it:

Engage with Locals

Smile, ask questions, and learn a few words in the local language. It opens doors to meaningful connections. I still remember the tour guide in the Komodo Islands who enthusiastically shared his love for his hometown.

Join Group Activities

Sign up for cooking classes, walking tours, or group hikes. They’re fun and a great way to meet people without committing to travel buddies.

Leverage Social Media

Use Facebook groups or Instagram to connect with other travelers or locals. When I felt a twinge of loneliness during a trip, chatting on a local Facebook travel group made all the difference.

Step 8: Savor the Freedom

The best part of solo travel? You call all the shots. Want to sleep in? Go for it. Craving gelato at 10 a.m.? Treat yourself. Solo travel is a beautiful opportunity to prioritize you without compromise.

One of my favorite solo travel moments? Standing in the middle of a cow pasture in the Swiss Alps, surrounded by the gentle clang of cowbells and the stunning mountain peaks. It was the kind of moment where time stood still, and I realized just how magical solo travel can be.

Step 9: Reflect and Celebrate

When you return home, take a moment to reflect. What did you learn about yourself? What surprised you? Solo travel isn’t just about seeing the world; it’s about seeing yourself in a new light.

Celebrate your accomplishment—whether it’s a solo weekend road trip or a trek across continents. Share your stories, print your photos, and pat yourself on the back. You did it!

Final Thoughts

Planning your first solo trip may feel daunting, but I promise it’s worth every ounce of effort. You’ll grow, you’ll laugh, and you might even cry (happy tears, mostly). But most importantly, you’ll prove to yourself that you’re capable of incredible things.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, book that ticket, and take your first step toward an adventure that’s all yours. And remember: the world is waiting, but the journey always starts with you.