Taking a solo trip is one of the most unforgettable experiences in a lifetime, yet at the same time, it can also feel intimidating.
Even just the idea of being alone in a different country, trying to navigate foreign cities, making all the decisions by yourself, and being careful to stay safe can bring up anxiety.
However, there is still a strong pull to jump into the unknown, taking the step with bravery, and the freedom to explore the world on your own terms.
The good news is you’re not alone in feeling that way; every person who has experienced solo travelling first time in their life once stood where you are right now.
This article will be your ultimate guide to walk you through the entire solo travel planning process step-by-step so you can replace overwhelm with confidence.
You’ll learn everything you need, including choosing the right destination, building an itinerary, preparing mentally and practically, and tackling common fears.
By the end of this blog post, you’ll see that planning doesn’t have to be as difficult as you think, and you’ll also have a clear plan to book your first solo trip, enjoy it fully, and come back home with amazing stories.
So, let’s get started!
🧭 Start Small: Choose the Right Destination
Choosing the right destination for your first solo trip is more important than you think.
You should choose more beginner-friendly countries because of their safety, affordability, infrastructure, and ease of communication.
Portugal, Japan, Thailand, or Iceland might be the top four countries on your list due to their hospitality, efficient transportation, or the fact that English is spoken.
Moreover, think about your travel personality and ask yourself these questions:
- What do you want to experience and feel on this trip?
- Are you drawn to vibrant cities, peaceful nature, or historical architecture?
- Do you want relaxation, resting, or breathtaking adventures?
The answer is the key to choosing the right destination, because it has to align with your interests and wants to make your trip more enjoyable and unforgettable.
Another important factor is safety. You can use tools like the Global Peace Index or the U.S. Department of State travel advisories to check the safety of your chosen country.
Moreover, once you choose a destination, read solo travel blogs and Reddit threads to hear real experiences and get information about neighborhoods, local customs, and travel etiquette.
Finally, if you don't experience jet lag or travel fatigue, consider time zones and choose a nearby country or domestic destination.
📆 Plan the Ideal Itinerary (Without Overpacking It)
Overplanning is the most common mistake when it comes to travel, especially for new solo travelers.
You want to make the most of every minute of your trip while avoiding boredom or loneliness, right?
But, I’m telling you, too-tight itineraries can ruin your trip!
Instead, make a balanced plan by including a few key, well-researched activities each day, and leave the rest of it for rest, wandering, or spontaneous discoveries and decisions.
Start picking places you must see and photograph, and the experiences you’ve always wanted to try.
And spread them out across 2-3 key sights or experiences per day.
You should also create an optimal route and group activities to avoid wasting time or running back and forth between places by using apps like Google Maps.
And always include buffer time for delays, breaks, or surprises (not good ones).
The other tip is: keep it short!
A 2-day city break or a 7-day scenic route is enough to enjoy your trip and settle into a solo vibe without being away too long.
Longer trips like 10+days can be great; however, they require more planning and budget.
Finally, if things don't go exactly as you want, don't panic!
It's okay to adjust, and maybe it's the chance to do something you’ve never thought to do—who knows?
✈️ Book Flights, Accommodation & Transport Like a Pro
First and foremost, book your flight at least 4-6 weeks in advance, since this is ideal, especially for international trips.
Focus on arrival time, not dates, because your priority should be booking a flight that arrives in daylight so you can navigate comfortably when you land.
Also, before purchasing, use tools like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Hopper to track price trends.
Regarding accommodations, there are many affordable and social options besides hotels, such as hostels with private rooms, Airbnb, and boutique guesthouses.
The trick is prioritizing places with higher ratings (4.5+), many reviews, and safety features like 24-hour reception, secure locks, and central locations.
By the way, I don't care how secure the locks look; always use the TikTok trick that adds extra security via portable lock, hanger, or any other genius way—just type “solo travel security hacks”.
For transportation, you can easily research whether public transport is reliable by using local apps (e.g., Citymapper, Rome2Rio).
Or, save routes offline on Google Maps and rent a bike or scooter as a more practical and fun option.
Download ride-hailing apps like Uber, Bolt, or Grab and pre-book airport transfers as an added preparation and safety measure.
These may all seem like a lot, but I guarantee you that the more you prepare in advance, the safer and confident you will feel when you arrive.
💼 Pack Smart for Confidence and Comfort
Since we’re talking about packing smart, your main focus should be carrying everything you need without being burdened by bulky luggage.
In other words, packing for solo travel is all about efficiency, versatility, and peace of mind.
I almost hear you asking, “How can I do that?”
Well, the first thing you need to do is find out what the weather will be like in the country you are going to, based on your travel dates.
Don't rely on weather apps, read and search for travel blogs or traveler platforms where you can read truly experienced information.
For example, if you are going to Scotland 🖤 (which I am dying to go there), they say, imagine experiencing four seasons on the same day.
So, bringing only your small shorts and sandals with you wouldn’t be smart, would it?
If we all agree with that, let's move on!
A medium carry-on suitcase or a sturdy travel backpack is ideal for your 2 to 7-day solo trip.
Focus on packing lightweight layers, neutral colors, and clothing you can mix and match, but of course, stick to your style, so you can feel like yourself.
There are also some travel essentials that you should include:
- Portable charger
- Universal adapter
- Power bank
- Anti-theft crossbody bag
- First-aid kit and medications for headaches or stomach issues
Don't forget to bring at least one comfort item, like a journal, Kindle, or a hobby that keeps your hands busy—it makes downtown feel cozy.
Finally, digitally, keep screenshots of reservations, passports, flight information, offline maps, directions, and emergency numbers—taking precautions doesn't hurt!
🧘 Handling Loneliness, Culture Shock & Anxiety
Even the expert solo traveler experiences emotional highs and lows—that's absolutely normal!
Think about it; perhaps for the first time in your life, you will have to be alone with your thoughts more than ever and miss comforting faces or your native language.
You may feel lonely even at quiet dinners, among couples or groups.
But, like I said, it's natural, and there are ways to manage it mindfully.
The first step is acknowledging your emotions without judgment.
Spoiler: there will be many new sights, foreign customs, language differences, unfamiliar smells, sounds, and social norms—aka THE “culture shock”!
So, be gentle on yourself, recognize that feeling overwhelmed or anxious is a temporary emotional response.
You’re not weak or doing anything wrong!
And of course, there are some things you can do that won't get rid of it completely but will make it less bothersome.
The first tip is this: (I saw on TikTok, and I’m telling you it's a game-changer!)
Every time you overthink or anxiety hits you, give your anxious thoughts a ridiculous name like “Karen” or “Todd”.
And say, “Oh great, Karen’s back with her nonsense”. I promise, you’ll see how this simple thought reduces anxiety’s power over you.
Another thing that you can do, it doesn't matter whether you're an extrovert, an introvert, or whatever type, intentionally create a moment of connection.
Stay at social hostels or guesthouses, join free walking tours, cooking classes, a handmade bag workshop, and day trips.
Don't be afraid to start small conversations with cafe owners, bus drivers, or market vendors.
This is the smallest thing you can do to change your mood and restore a sense of belonging.
You can even use apps like Tandem, Meetup, Couchsurfing, or Backpackr, which they created for this purpose: to help solo travelers connect locally.
I am not making things up here; it's scientifically proven!
The other hack for dealing with your anxiety (“Karen”) is simply using grounding strategies.
You know what they are:
- Deep breathing
- Mindfulness
- Light movement, like stretching or walking
- Meditating
- For some people, even herbal teas, essential oils, or calming playlists
But let's be real, you can control when it happens, right?
I have something for this, too.
Did you hear of Andrew Huberman from Huberman Lab?
I know him from his amazing podcast, which I highly recommend you listen to.
In one of his podcasts, he mentions how to INSTANTLY reduce your stress levels anywhere and in any situation by just breathing.
All you have to do is this:
“A double inhale through your nose. The first one is a big inhale, and then you sneak a little bit more air in at the very end.
When you do that, you reinflate those little sacks (in your lungs), and when you slowly exhale from your mouth, you discard all the carbon dioxide once.
Just one, two, or three of those physiological sighs bring your stress level down very, very fast.”
It's so simple that you can't even give a single reason not to do it.
And lastly, keep in mind that you can always reach out to your therapist online or talk to someone you trust.
I really hope this helps!
🛡️ Stay Safe and Connected Without Being Paranoid
Our motto is this: “Be aware, not afraid.”
If you stick to the basics, your trip will be safe and solid, not anxiety-inducing:
- Keep your family or friends updated on your itinerary.
- Share your accommodation information with someone back home.
- Check in regularly.
You can use apps like Life360 or Find My Friends to help them track your location if needed.
And the other, and the most important thing, is ALWAYS trust your instincts!
Especially if you’re a woman, when you feel something in your gut, something doesn't feel right, feels off, leave or decline.
You are not making this feeling up; they are here for some reason.
And I firmly believe that God gave us this feeling for our protection, so PAY ATTENTION.
And here is some additional advice that if I were your parent, I would give it to you:
- Be careful to choose well-lit areas.
- Avoid walking alone late at night.
- Don't flash valuables; use crossbody bags.
- Never leave your drink unattended.
- Always have emergency cash and a local phone number saved.
- Never, ever, ever take any medicine or pills from anyone.
You think I’m exaggerating? Nah, I think I would be a good parent.
In addition, choose a travel insurance plan that covers medical, theft, and cancellations.
Some popular ones among solo travelers include: World Nomads or SafetyWing.
Also, don't forget to research common scams in your destination and read firsthand accounts from other travelers to know what to expect.
Lastly, consider getting a local SIM card or eSIM like Airalo or Holafly for easy internet access, so you can use maps, translation apps, and contact services (WhatsApp, email) if needed.
📸 Documenting Your Journey for Yourself (and Maybe Others)
I highly recommend that you document every single experience.
Whether you're sipping coffee, watching the sunset, tasting the local dessert for the first time, or when you see a magnificent landscape/landmark, just take the picture, record a short video, and make it a never-to-be-forgotten memory.
Don't worry about the perfection (yes, even you, Virgo), focus on authenticity, and feeling.
You can use a small tripod, Bluetooth remote, or even ask someone nearby to take a photo for you.
Record your voice to make more vivid memories, and create short vlogs even if you don't share with anyone.
But if you are open to sharing your amazing experiences, share Instagram, YouTube, or even a personal blog, and inspire others to travel solo.
Finally, journal with honesty, without pressure, and use prompts like:
- What surprised me today?
- What moment made me smile?
- What did I learn about myself today?
In summary, make something meaningful for your 5-year-old version and your 80-year-old version—the only people you need to make proud of.
You’ve Got This — Just Start
As you saw, planning your first solo trip doesn't have to feel overwhelming.
I am not ignoring the learning curve, I am just saying that with the right information, mindset, and preparation, you’ll feel more ready than you think.
This guide has equipped you with everything you need, so start small but with confidence.
Just choose a destination that gives you butterflies in your stomach (of course, in a good way), plan wisely, and take it one step at a time.
And remember, even if your flight gets delayed, you take the wrong train, or your hotel room isn't what you expected, that's OKAY.
Just pause, breathe, and problem solve—I promise you will be fine:)
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