15 tips for beginner solo travelers: What I wish I’d known before my first solo trip

15 solo travel tips for first-timers 

Unexpected challenges will come up on your first solo trip and you can't plan for them — that's the beauty of it. However, the following tips are designed to make your first solo trip run smoothly enough that you'll be craving more in the future. We'll cover budgeting tips, packing and pre-travel logistics, and the digital tools worth bringing along.

1. Consider staying in a hostel

Look, I get it — the idea of sleeping in a room of strangers, some of whom snore loudly enough to shake the windows, isn't for everyone. But it's such an incredible way to meet people from all corners of the world. If you're on a budget, the Hostelworld app is a great option — you can book quickly and conveniently, and you'll be automatically added to a city-wide group chat where you can connect with other solo travelers. If you do go for hostel hopping, pack slippers and a towel for the shower. You'll thank me later.

2. Keep your itinerary flexible

I like sifting through TikToks to find the best restaurants in a city as much as the next person, but the most memorable sites and bites I've come across were found by accident. Sure, if you have nonnegotiable spots that require pre-booked tickets, do yourself a favor and plan ahead. But allowing yourself to get "lost" in the city and seeing what you find is part of the magic of solo travel.

3. Get an eSIM

To this day, one of my least favorite parts of traveling to London is dealing with the Heathrow Airport Wi-Fi. Most of the time it simply doesn’t let me connect and when I do, the connection isn’t good enough for me to even set a route to my accommodation. Landing without a connection is a frustrating start to a solo trip — but it’s one I’ve said goodbye to because I always opt for an eSIM. You could grab a physical SIM card when you get to your destination, but I find that installing an eSIM before I leave for my trip and having mobile data the moment I arrive ensures that I won’t have to deal with the frustrations of airport Wi-Fi or, God forbid, incurring roaming charges. eSIMs are safe, affordable, and convenient. 

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4. Make a checklist or two 

Contrary to popular belief, it’s often not the trip itself that is the most stressful part of travel, but it’s all the logistics of getting there that make you feel overwhelmed. To limit those “&@!%, I forgot to pack that” and “did I leave the AC running???” moments, I like to make two lists before my trip: a packing list and a “things to do before my trip” list (e.g., check in to my flight, take out cash). Putting together these lists only takes a few minutes and it takes the metaphorical weight off my shoulders before I have to endure the literal weight of my backpack. If you need some guidance, you can check out our international travel checklist.  

5. Travel light 

Speaking of lugging around a backpack — if that's the route you're taking, do your future self a favor and pack light. Stick to the essentials: underwear, socks, versatile outfits with tops that can be mixed and matched, and basic toiletries. Keep in mind that some toiletries can be bought at your destination, so you don't need to bring every hair product in your bathroom cabinet. If, however, you're treating yourself to a hotel and checked luggage on your first solo trip, then pack away!

6. Talk to locals

Anthony Bourdain once said to “be a traveler, not a tourist.” What he meant was not to seclude yourself by only engaging with restaurants, sites, and experiences curated for visitors from abroad. One of the best ways to be a traveler is by striking up a conversation with locals. Start with something easy — what's your favorite place to eat around here? Any hidden beaches worth visiting? You'll be surprised how generous people are with their recommendations when you show a genuine curiosity about their home country. And who knows — you might leave with a couch to crash on in the future. 

7. Use travel apps 

Travel apps can help you with everything from booking flights and accommodations, organizing your itinerary, and finding local spots specific to your niche interests. As a specialty coffee lover, my personal favorite is the European Coffee Trip app, but you can check out our full list of the best travel apps to see what piques your interest. Remember that many apps require an internet connection to function, so make sure you have an affordable mobile data plan sorted before your trip.

8. Keep emergency numbers handy

Not every country uses 911, so it's worth knowing the local equivalent, just in case. In most of Europe, for instance, it's 112. Beyond emergency services, keeping your country's embassy contact details handy in case you lose your passport is a smart move.

9. Don’t be afraid to eat alone

For many people, strolling around a city alone doesn't sound half bad. But for some inexplicable reason, it's dining alone that tends to be the bigger challenge for a lot of first-time solo travelers. It can especially feel awkward when everyone else at the restaurant is eating in a pair or group. My tip for easing the discomfort is to give your attention somewhere to land — a journal, a book, or your headphones. Or, challenge yourself by fully leaning into it and embracing the solitude.

10. Understand how scams work

Scams can range from someone convincing you to sign a "petition" in Paris to a tuk-tuk driver in Bangkok taking you to a massage parlor you didn't ask for because they earn a commission. Do some research beforehand on common street scams in the specific city or country you're visiting. That doesn't mean you need to have your guard up at all times — but being a solo traveler can make you a more visible target, and a little awareness goes a long way.

11. Download offline maps

You may not think you need offline maps until you're stuck in an area with spotty service, cursing yourself for not planning ahead. Ideally, you’ll stay online throughout your trip by downloading an eSIM app that has an auto top-up option so that your data never runs out. But having Google Maps available offline will make sure you aren’t left stranded if your internet ever cuts out. 

12. If you’re on a long trip, treat yourself to a comfy accommodation for a night or two

If you're budget traveling for an extended stretch, spending a night or two in a private room with a comfortable bed can give you the recharge you need to keep going. No bunk beds, no snoring strangers, no shared bathrooms. 

13. Set mini personal challenges

Setting personal challenges looks different for everyone (duh, they’re personal!). Do you need to challenge yourself to go skydiving on your first solo trip? Absolutely not (though I commend those brave enough to do so). Solo travel simply presents a unique opportunity to push yourself a little — to talk to a stranger, befriend someone at your accommodation, or try a cuisine you’ve never had. Any of these small acts build confidence and, over time, quietly reshape how you move through the world.

14. Understand that you might feel lonely at times

Yeah, you might feel lonely while you're out there solo traveling. Sometimes it hits when you're sitting on a park bench, wishing you had someone to share the moment with. For those of us who book a solo trip to process a breakup or a loss, a quieter grief can loom in the background. Does that discomfort mean solo travel was a mistake? Absolutely not. Try to lean into those pangs of loneliness and turn them into introspection. For many people, this is the first time they've truly been alone with their own thoughts and their own company. It's uncomfortable, and it's valuable. Give yourself the space to sit with it.

15. Mail postcards — to friends, family, or yourself

Mailing a postcard is a way to keep a vintage tradition alive, immortalize a moment in time, and let your loved ones know you're thinking of them — a win all around. If you'd rather not send one to anyone else, mail one to yourself. Write about what you've done so far, who you've met, and how you're feeling. It makes for a wonderful memento to look back on down the road. And as a bonus, learning the postage system of another country is always an interesting challenge.

Essential safety tips for solo travel: Do’s and don’ts

Safety is a huge concern for a lot of first-time solo travelers — even if the trip is in a country or city that’s conventionally safe. The good news is that a little common sense and basic preparation will help you feel more safe and confident on your journey. Take a look at our essential travel safety tips for your first solo trip. 

First time solo traveling? Try these 3 destinations

If you’re only thinking about taking your first solo trip but haven’t made any concrete plans, consider these three recommended destinations for first-time solo travelers — beginner-friendly, widely accessible from the US, and packed with things to do on your own. 

1. Portugal. Portugal has become one of Europe's most beloved solo travel destinations, and for good reason. It's safe, affordable, and English is widely spoken in cities like Lisbon and Porto, making it easy to navigate even if you didn't get around to brushing up on your Portuguese past obrigado. The locals are famously warm and welcoming, which makes striking up conversations feel natural. Spend your days wandering Lisbon's hilly neighborhoods, hopping between Porto's wine cellars, or taking a day trip to the fairytale town of Sintra. The hostel scene is lively and social, and the food is so good and affordable, you won't want to eat alone for long.

2. Japan. Japan might not be the first place that comes to mind for a first-time solo traveler, but it's arguably one of the most solo-travel-friendly countries in the world. It's extraordinarily safe, punctual public transit makes getting around a breeze, and solo dining is not only accepted — it's part of the culture. Ramen bars with single-seat counters were basically designed for the solo traveler. Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are all well-trodden by US tourists, with plenty of English signage and no shortage of things to fill your days. For more information, check out our article “is Japan safe to visit?” and our Japan travel guide.

3. Ireland. If the idea of a language barrier adds an extra layer of nerves to your first solo trip, a country like Ireland might be the best option for you. Ireland is English-speaking, culturally familiar to many Americans, and has a reputation for some of the friendliest locals you'll encounter anywhere. Dublin is compact and walkable, with a pub culture that practically invites you to sit down next to a stranger and start talking. Beyond the capital, you’ll have plenty to explore in the countryside, like the famous Cliffs of Moher, the Wild Atlantic Way, and the Ring of Kerry. It's also a short transatlantic flight compared to other European destinations.