Solo travel tips can turn your dream of traveling alone into a reality—even if you’re not quite sure you can do it.
These 20 tips will prepare you for an unforgettable trip, whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a blowout overseas adventure.
Don’t let fear or anxiety stop you. With common sense and expert knowledge (that’s where I come in), you’ll absolutely rock your solo vacation.
1. Get Travel Insurance
This should be non-negotiable. Travel insurance is affordable—and not having it can be very expensive.
2. Set Your Budget
Before you leave, know how much you can spend. You’ll enjoy your trip more when you know what you can afford.
3. Only Take a Carry-On
Traveling light = less stress. No baggage claim. No lost luggage. Just freedom.
Tips for First Time Solo Travelers
If this is your first solo trip, you might feel overwhelmed—but these simple actions can boost your confidence and safety:
4. Use Social Media Wisely
Avoid posting in real time. Share highlights after you’ve left a location. Turn off geotagging, especially where you’re staying.
5. Use WhatsApp to Communicate
It’s free and easy for texting, calls, and sending photos to loved ones back home.
6. Send Daily Pics to Family/Friends
Send a daily photo of yourself. It keeps your people in the loop—and it’s smart safety.
7. Use a Taxi or Uber at Night
Don’t risk walking at night, especially in unfamiliar places. A quick ride is worth the cost.
8. Don’t Open Your Map in Public
Step into a shop or café to check directions instead. Looking lost can make you a target.
Tips for Solo Female Travelers
As women, we have extra things to consider when traveling alone—but that doesn’t mean we can’t do it. These tips are smart, simple, and powerful:
9. Don’t Flash Name Brands
You’re fabulous without flashy labels. Luxury items can make you stand out in the wrong way.
10. Learn Basic Greetings
Even a “hello” or “thank you” in the local language can make a big difference.
11. Rent a Room in Someone’s Home
Skip hotels. A room in a vetted home often feels more personal and safe.
12. Take a Walking Tour
Walking tours are affordable and a great way to meet people while exploring safely.
Tips for Travelling Solo and Loving It
Solo travel doesn’t mean you have to be alone all the time—or eat every meal in silence. These ideas will help you enjoy your own company and connect when you want to:
13. Eat Out at Lunch
Restaurants are less crowded, prices are lower, and you’ll feel more relaxed eating solo during the day.
14. Sit at the Bar for Dinner
It’s easier to chat with others, and you won’t feel as “on display” as you might at a table for one.
15. Don’t Get Drunk Alone
Enjoy your drinks, but don’t overdo it. If you’ve been drinking, use a ride share instead of walking.
16. Ditch the Earbuds
Staying alert helps keep you safe—and lets you experience more of your surroundings.
Benefit of Solo Travel: Freedom, Confidence, and Growth
Solo travel teaches you to trust yourself, make decisions on the fly, and soak up every experience without compromise. You’ll come back stronger, more confident, and full of stories no one else can claim.
17. Protect Your Phone
It’s your lifeline. Use a sturdy case (I swear by Otterbox!) and keep it close.
18. Verify You Can Check In
Don’t assume someone will be there if you arrive late—always double-check.
19. Always Carry ID
Even if you’re just stepping out, have your ID and emergency contact info on you.
20. Learn Basic Greetings
Even a “hello” or “thank you” in the local language can make a big difference.
21. Use Common Sense
If something feels off, trust your gut. Pay attention. You don’t have to be paranoid—but stay aware.
Use common sense always, but especially when traveling alone
Common sense is the working clothes of the educated. I heard that on NPR and it’s so true. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.
If it looks dangerous, stay away from it. You don’t (or shouldn’t) walk around in your daily life without being aware of your surroundings, so don’t do it on vacation.
Do these 20 tips for solo travel sound like things you can do? Traveling by yourself can be an amazing experience, especially if you let common sense be your guide.
Don’t wait around for someone to travel with you, you go this!
If solo travel to Mexico is on your list, don’t go anywhere until you check out Tomiko from Passport and Grubs guide to traveling solo in Mexico.
Let me know where you want to go! I’d love to hear what your travel plans are Roni@ronithetravelguru.com.
Of course, if the thought of planning your trip is overwhelming, I’m happy to take that stress away from you! You can focus on the tips for solo travel and I’ll do the planning!
What if you’re traveling alone for the first time? I’ve got you covered!
Roni you give excellent information on ALL travel tips. I am going to have to start being a solo traveler because I am missing out on so much since I don’t really have “travel buddies”. Thanks for all sharing all your adventures and advice with us.
No problem! Thanks so much for reading.
Hey Roni, Thanks for sharing this. It is really empowering since I’ll be traveling around solo and I know how important it is to stay safe and sound. You really covered a lot and that’s a good thing. But it would be nice if you mentioned a few website names, which helps travelers to organize solo traveling.
I liked this article too, while I was looking for Safety Tips for Women Traveling Alone: https://www.gogaffl.com/blog_posts/safety-tips-solo-women-traveler
You can check this post and share your feedback with me.
What a thorough list of tips, Leigh! I wish I could learn to travel with a carry-on only. I have done it for 3 or 4 days but I’m not sure I can do any longer than that. And I get stressed out when I only have a carry-on bag worrying about whether there is going to be any space left in the overhead bin when I get aboard!