The Art of Solo Travel: Tips for Exploring Alone
Solo travel has this incredible way of shifting your perspective. It’s not just about seeing new places—though that’s certainly a big part of it—but also about gaining confidence, trusting your instincts, and learning more about what lights you up.
While I haven’t traveled solo myself, I’ve worked closely with many solo female clients who’ve done everything from bucket-list trips to long weekend escapes. They've come back with stories of personal growth, new friendships, and a kind of inner peace they didn’t expect—and most of them? They end up booking another trip with me not long after.
If you're curious about traveling solo but feel unsure where to start, here are some tried-and-true tips inspired by real journeys, thoughtful planning, and plenty of experience helping women navigate their first solo adventure.
Choose a Destination That Matches Your Comfort Level and Interests
You don’t need to start with the most remote place on the planet. The best destination for a solo trip is one that feels exciting and manageable. If this is your first time traveling alone, I often suggest places that are easy to get around, have a good safety record, and offer a mix of structure and flexibility.
Some client favorites include:
Iceland – Safe, welcoming, and full of dramatic scenery. Great for nature lovers and those who don’t mind some alone time on the road.
Portugal – Warm, friendly, and ideal for beach towns, city cafes, and a little wine tasting.
Germany or Austria – Great public transportation, lots of culture, and easy to navigate.
Japan – Organized, peaceful, and perfect for travelers who like a balance of tradition and modernity.
Pick a place that aligns with your travel style. If you love food, go somewhere with a great culinary scene. If you’re into art, cities with rich museum culture are perfect. It’s about crafting a trip that feels like you.
Stay Smart About Safety, But Don’t Let It Hold You Back
This is one of the biggest concerns I hear—and it’s a valid one. Traveling solo requires a little more awareness, but it doesn’t have to feel intimidating. I always work closely with clients to create itineraries that prioritize comfort and safety without taking the fun out of the trip.
Some practical tips I always share:
Book centrally located hotels or boutique stays with great reviews.
Schedule flights that arrive during the day when possible.
Use apps like Google Maps offline and download key phrases if visiting a non-English speaking country.
Share your itinerary with a friend or loved one at home.
Keep valuables in a crossbody bag or money belt in busy areas.
Most destinations are much safer than they’re made out to be, and you’ll likely find that locals are kind and helpful. You don’t have to be fearless—you just have to be prepared.
Dining Alone Doesn’t Have to Feel Awkward
This comes up a lot, especially among first-time solo travelers. There’s this little hesitation around sitting alone at a table. But the truth is, it’s often where some of the best moments happen.
Start small. Look for cozy cafés, food markets, or casual bistros with outdoor seating or counter service. Bring a journal or book if it helps you ease into the experience. Some of my clients end up chatting with locals, getting recommendations from waitstaff, or simply enjoying the opportunity to people-watch without distractions.
And if you’re really into food, consider a guided tasting tour or cooking class. It’s a great way to be social without the pressure of small talk at dinner.
Pack Light and Keep It Simple
No one wants to lug a heavy suitcase up five flights of stairs in a guesthouse with no elevator. When you’re on your own, it pays to keep your luggage light, versatile, and organized.
A few essentials my solo clients always thank me for recommending:
A compact day bag that fits your daily essentials but doesn’t scream “tourist.”
A portable phone charger and international plug adapter.
A small first aid kit with band-aids, pain relievers, and anything personal.
Digital and physical copies of your travel documents.
Layers—especially for destinations with shifting weather.
If you're the kind of person who feels better with a little bit of everything “just in case,” I can help you pare things down to what’s actually useful based on your destination.
Leave Room for Downtime
Solo travel isn’t a performance, and it’s totally okay to take breaks. You don’t have to fill every day with back-to-back activities for the trip to be worthwhile. Some of the best solo travel moments happen in the quiet: enjoying a coffee at a neighborhood café, journaling in the park, watching the city go by from your hotel balcony.
Building in some unstructured time allows for flexibility—whether that means catching your breath or stumbling across something unplanned that ends up being a highlight.
Keep Plans Flexible—It’s Part of the Fun
The beauty of solo travel is how easily you can shift gears. Feel like sleeping in instead of visiting that museum? Do it. Want to change your dinner reservation for something you saw on a walk? Go for it.
Several of my solo clients have told me how freeing it was to only consider what they wanted. No compromising, no negotiating—just following your own rhythm. And if you're open to it, you might find yourself chatting with locals, joining a group excursion, or going on a last-minute adventure you didn’t plan for.
You’re Not Alone Just Because You’re Traveling Solo
This is something I always remind my clients: being on your own doesn’t mean being isolated. You’ll likely meet people along the way, whether it’s a friendly guide, someone at your guesthouse, or a fellow traveler on a group tour.
If connection is important to you, we can build in opportunities—like small group day trips, shared dinners, or walking tours—that keep things social without overwhelming your schedule.
Solo travel is a powerful experience. It gives you space, freedom, and the chance to connect with yourself in ways that everyday life doesn’t always allow. While I haven’t done it myself (yet!), I’ve had the joy of helping many women take that first step—and then come back ready for more.
If you’re ready to design your own solo adventure—or you just want to talk through the possibilities—I’m here to help. Together, we can create a trip that feels safe, intentional, and completely unforgettable.
