By: Heather Keys
Traveling solo is a thrilling experience, giving you the opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth alongside total freedom and discovery.
But it can be a little intimidating—especially for first-time solo travelers! Planning your route and finding new places to check out, all while keeping safe, requires a lot of thoughtful preparation. Let’s go over a few essential solo travel tips that will help to make your adventure enjoyable, safe, and memorable!
Plan Ahead
While spontaneous travel can be a ton of fun, you should at least plan the main elements of your trip in advance—it doesn’t have to be very detailed, but having a general itinerary and knowing where you’ll stay (at least for the first part of your trip), and options for getting around will help put your mind at ease. You may also want to share those broad strokes with a trusted family member or friend or two!
Take some time to research your destination and get an idea of the local culture, customs, and known safety concerns you might encounter. This will give you peace of mind as you travel and help you get around much more easily.
Pack Light
When you’re traveling alone, packing light is a must. The less you carry, the easier it will be for you to move around—especially when you have to manage all your belongings by yourself!
Choose versatile clothing to mix and match, and only pack the essentials you need. A backpack or a carry-on suitcase can be perfect for solo travel because it’ll give you flexibility without overloading you while you’re on the move. Plus, you can have your belongings close by and easily accessible if you need something in a hurry.
Find Accommodations with Good Reviews
Choosing the right place to stay is key to enjoying a comfortable, safe experience—you might prefer a hostel, hotel, Airbnb, or another vacation rental, but make sure to look for ones with plenty of positive reviews, especially from fellow solo travelers. You want your homebase to be a welcoming environment in a neighborhood where you can feel comfortable.
If you’re feeling more social, coliving spaces and guesthouses can offer a built-in community of travelers, allowing you to meet new people while maintaining your independence. Some spaces catering to digital nomads and other often-solo travelers may offer group tours or events, allowing you to explore with others if you want to mix it up.
Research Your Transport Options
Depending on where you’re traveling, you might find that public transport is the easiest option to get around—especially true in larger cities with a reliable metro or bus system. It’s a good idea to look up the basics of those systems so you won’t be scrambling if you do end up relying on them during your trip.
If you’re planning to drive, making sure that your vehicle is in excellent condition should be a top priority—you don’t want to find yourself stranded! Say you’re going on a road trip and you don’t fully trust that your current car is up for the task. You could make a quick sale of your vehicle and invest in a newer model (especially important if you’ll be traveling frequently or if you like to take lots of mini trips!).
And if you prefer walking, biking, or other ways to explore, be sure to read this guide to navigating new and unfamiliar cities without a car!
Choose Daytime for Exploring
While it can be tempting to wander at night, especially in cities with exciting nightlife, it’s definitely safer as a solo traveler to do most of your exploring during the daytime. Public areas tend to be safer during the day, and you’ll have more access to open shops, restaurants, and transportation options.
If you want to enjoy the nightlife, stick to well-populated areas and make sure you have a plan for getting back to your accommodation safely—whether it’s a trusted taxi service, public transportation, or walking with a group of people. It’s also a good idea to share your plans with a friend or family member, so they know where you are.
Stay Connected
Speaking of keeping your friends updated: before you embark on your journey, make sure you have a reliable way to stay connected with friends and family back home. It doesn’t matter if your solo trip is international or local—the peace of mind is incredibly important to your loved ones, and they’ll be quicker to help if you need it, and if they know where you are. Share your basic itinerary, check in regularly, and stay connected with a portable wifi device and international SIM card, if you need one.
Trust Your Instincts and Stay Aware
When you’re traveling solo, you’ve got to trust your instincts. If something feels off or a situation seems sketchy, it’s okay to leave and find a safer space! Solo travelers can be more vulnerable to pickpockets or scams, so stay alert and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas or unfamiliar places.
A great way to keep yourself safe is by blending in with the locals. Avoid flashing expensive items like jewelry, cameras, or phones, and dress appropriately for the culture. Keep copies of important documents like your passport and ID in case anything gets lost or stolen, and always be mindful of where you store your money and credit cards.
Embrace the Freedom and Have Fun!
Solo travel gives you the freedom to do exactly what you want during your vacation—whether it’s sleeping in, visiting every museum in the city, or finding that perfect local coffee shop. It’s your chance to fully embrace your independence, so don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Whether meeting fellow travelers, learning a new language, or tasting unfamiliar foods, this is your time to make the most of the experience.
The best part of solo travel is that it’s all about you. You set the schedule, decide how social or independent you want to be, and can fully immerse yourself in the places you visit. When you follow these safety tips and stay organized, you’ll find that solo travel can be one of the most enriching and empowering experiences you’ll ever have.
Over to you! What are your tips for solo travelers? Share your stories and advice with the Frayed Passport community!
About the Author
Heather is a freelance writer who loves exploring the intersection of travel and history. Read her other articles on Frayed Passport here.
Featured image by Myo Min Kyaw from Pixabay
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