Taking your first solo trip is an exciting adventure, full of opportunities for self-discovery and new experiences. But if you’re feeling overwhelmed about where to start, don’t worry! This guide will show you how to plan your first solo trip, and prepare for a memorable adventure.
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I’m Hazel 👋a British travel writer and long-time solo traveller. I made a lot of mistakes when I first began planning solo trips, so now I’m here to help you do it the right way!
How to plan your first solo trip.
Planning your first solo trip may seem daunting and scary, but with the right steps, it can be both enjoyable and manageable.
Below I have set out eight simple steps to show you how to plan your first solo trip.
1. Decide where you want to go.
This may sound obvious, but many people try to start preparing for their first trip without actually having a destination in mind.
Your first step should be to choose a destination that suits your travel style and comfort level. If you’re new to solo travel, it’s often best to start with a destination that’s considered safe and welcoming for solo travellers.
Think about your interests: Do you prefer cities or nature? Are you drawn to rich history or modern culture? Research destinations that align with your interests and travel goals.
For a first trip, you might also consider starting with a place where you speak the language or one that’s closer to home or easy to get to.
If you are particularly nervous, you can even do your first trip within your home country, if that suits you better.
If you’re considering exploring exploring Europe, plenty of European cities are perfect for solo travellers.
You might consider cities like Amsterdam, which is easy to navigate, welcoming, and full of unique cultural experiences. Vienna provides a calm, elegant atmosphere with rich history and arts. Copenhagen is another great choice, known for its friendliness, excellent public transport, and gorgeous parks.
2. Set your travel budget.
Before you start planning your first solo trip, set a budget. Consider your destination’s cost of living, flight prices, accommodation rates, and daily expenses.
Knowing your budget will help you narrow down flight options, accommodations, and activities options.
Think about your preferred style of travel. Are you going on a backpacking trip based in hostels? Or do you prefer a more luxurious spa resort experience? Set your budget accordingly, leaving room for daily expenses.
It’s always good to have a cushion of extra money for emergencies or unexpected experiences. Many years ago, I travelled to Iceland and grossly underestimated how expensive it would be. I ran out of money on day 3, but luckily, I had an emergency fund that I was able to tap into.
It’s also a good idea to have money in different accounts, so if something bad happens (you lose your debit card), you can still access money from a different account. I also keep cards in separate places in separate bags, so you still have a card if your bag gets stolen or your luggage gets lost.
3. Plan your travel dates.
Choose travel dates that work with your schedule and budget. Consider the time of year and the weather. Travelling off-season can save you money and avoid crowds. Summer holidays are usually the most expensive for most destinations.
Research whether there are any significant events, festivals, or holidays happening at your destination during your planned trip, as these can impact prices and crowds.
I once arrived in Malta right slap bang in the middle of the Maltese Carnival, which I was not expecting. It was very difficult to get taxis or public transport due to the roads being closed, and there were marching bands processing past my window late at night when I was trying to sleep.
However, festival time can also be a great time to plan your visit, allowing you to experience the festivities – just be aware of road closures and inflated prices at these times.
Booking flights and accommodations in advance can help secure the best deals. Websites like Booking.com offer flexible cancellation policies, which is handy if plans change.
4. Book your flights and accommodation.
Once you’ve locked in your dates and destination, it’s time to book your flights and accommodation.
Flights
For flights, use search engines like Google Flights, Skyscanner, Trip.com or Kiwi to compare prices. Be sure to consider the cost and the length of the flight, layovers, and arrival times.
If you’re looking at a long flight time, check my guide to surviving long haul flights first.
Accommodation
For solo travellers, you might like to consider staying in hostels, guesthouses, or apartments from Booking.com.
Hostels are a great choice for meeting fellow travellers, and many offer social activities, tours, or communal kitchens, making them ideal for solo travellers. Hostelworld is the best for this. Solo female travellers can search for female-only dorms, or private rooms.
If you prefer more privacy, look for hotels or boutique accommodations. Check reviews on platforms like Booking.com and TripAdvisor to ensure the place is safe and welcoming.
Check if your accommodation offers a good location in relation to major attractions, transportation hubs, and food options.
5. Pack light and smart.
Packing light is key for solo travel, as it makes navigating airports, public transportation, and new cities easier.
If you can fit everything into your hand luggage, you can also make things much easier for yourself (and cheaper) by not having to check your luggage, which is costly, slow, and carries risks of luggage getting lost.
When packing, stick to the essentials, and think about versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched. Don’t forget important items like your passport, travel insurance, and any necessary medications.
Pack a portable charger, a good book or journal for downtime, and a small daypack for exploring during the day. A lightweight, secure backpack or crossbody bag is a great option for carrying your valuables while exploring. This backpack is airline under-seat-size-approved.
6. Plan your itinerary (but leave room for spontaneity)
It’s tempting to plan every moment of your trip, but solo travel is also about flexibility and freedom. It’s important to leave room for spontaneity – not least to avoid travel burnout.
To plan your first solo trip, research the must-see spots in your destination and create a loose itinerary with essential activities, but leave plenty of room for spontaneity. You never know when you’ll discover something amazing off the beaten path.
If you like going on tours, by all means, book tours and experiences for a few key days, but don’t over-schedule yourself. I’ve learnt this the hard way! Solo travel is about enjoying the journey, not ticking off a checklist.
7. Prepare for safety and security.
While solo travel can be empowering and mostly safe, it’s important to take precautions to ensure your safety.
Here are a few tips:
- Keep a copy of your passport and important documents: Store a digital and physical copy of your passport, visa, and any other essential documents in case they’re lost or stolen.
- Know emergency numbers: Familiarise yourself with local emergency numbers and the location of your country’s embassy or consulate.
- Use trusted apps: For navigating your destination and booking transport or tours, use trusted apps like Google Maps, Uber, and TripAdvisor.
- Be mindful of your surroundings: Trust your instincts and avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas.
- For women, read my tips for solo female travellers before your trip.
It’s a good idea to share your travel plans with a family member or friend back home so someone always knows where you are.
8. Embrace the solo experience.
Once you arrive at your destination, take a moment to breathe and enjoy the sense of freedom.
Solo travel is about making the most of your time for self-discovery, having new experiences, and being fully present in your surroundings.
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone – whether it’s trying new foods, striking up conversations with locals, or taking part in new activities. In fact, I recommend trying the local foods wherever you go! This will also help you to integrate more into local communities and show you are interested in the local customs.
9. Be flexible and have fun!
Remember, no matter how well you plan, things may not always go as expected.
Delays, missed trains, or sudden changes to your itinerary can happen – but that’s part of the adventure! Be flexible and stay positive.
Solo travel often leads to unexpected moments and unforgettable experiences.
If things get challenging, take a deep breath and focus on enjoying the moment. Solo travel is all about the journey, not just the destination.
How to plan your first solo trip: Conclusion.
Planning your first solo trip can be intimidating, but it’s also an incredibly rewarding experience. By following these steps, you can approach your journey with confidence and excitement.
Remember to stay flexible, embrace the freedom, and trust yourself – you’ve got this!
Solo travel opens the door to endless possibilities, self-growth, and new experiences. Take that first step, and you’ll soon see why so many people fall in love with travelling on their own.
FAQs about how to plan your first solo trip.
Frequently asked questions about planning your first solo trip.
Choosing the right destination is an essential part of planning your first solo trip. Start with a place that matches your interests and comfort level. Solo-travel-friendly destinations like Portugal, Spain, or the Netherlands offer good infrastructure, safety, and easy navigation.
Your budget depends on your destination, travel style, and length of stay. Factor in flights, accommodation, food, transportation, activities, and an emergency fund. Research cost-of-living expenses at your destination to help with trip planning.
Yes, solo travel can be safe with proper preparation. Choose reputable accommodations, keep digital and physical copies of your important documents, share your itinerary with a trusted person, and be mindful of your surroundings. Trust your instincts and research travel tips for solo travellers to stay informed.
A mix of both is ideal. Book flights, accommodations, and key transport ahead of time, but leave space for spontaneity. How to plan your first solo trip effectively depends on balancing structure with flexibility—you never know when you’ll stumble upon an exciting opportunity!
It depends on your preference. Hostels are great for meeting people, while hotels and guesthouses offer privacy. If you want a mix of social and solo experiences, choose a hostel with private rooms or a well-reviewed apartment from Booking.com.
Pack light and focus on essentials. Versatile clothing, a portable charger, travel insurance, and secure storage for documents are must-haves. A lightweight backpack or crossbody bag (this one has anti-theft features) is great for daily exploring.
One of the best parts of solo travel is the chance to meet new friends! Stay in social accommodations like hostels, join group tours (I use Viator), take a local class, or use apps like Meetup and Couchsurfing (for meetups, not stays). Walking tours, cooking classes, and co-working spaces are also great for connecting with others.
Feeling lonely is normal, especially the first time you travel alone. Stay social when you want to by joining tours or events, but also embrace solo experiences like journaling or exploring at your own pace. Keeping in touch with family and friends can help as well.
Overpacking and struggling with heavy luggage.
Not researching local customs or safety guidelines.
Overplanning the itinerary, leaving no room for spontaneity.
Forgetting to notify banks about travel plans (leading to blocked cards).
Skipping travel insurance—don’t make this mistake! I use SafetyWing.
Research local transport options before you go. Some cities have great public transit, while others are better for walking or cycling. Use Google Maps, Citymapper, or local transit apps. Rideshare services like Uber or Bolt can be useful, but check first if they operate in your destination.
Stay open-minded, be prepared, and enjoy the adventure! Not everything will go perfectly, but that’s part of the journey. Trust yourself, follow useful travel tips, and embrace the freedom of solo travel.
Related reading for how to plan your first solo trip.
Below are some further posts related to this article on how to plan your first trip.
- Solo Travel: The Benefits of Travelling Alone.
- Tips for Travel in Europe: Your Essential Q&A Guide
- 20 Europe Travel Essentials You Can Buy On Amazon
- Solo Female Travel Guide for Europe
- The Best Travel Books to Inspire Your Adventures
- Long Air Travel Tips: A Guide to Long Haul Flights
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General Travel Resources:
Booking.com is the best site for hotels with free reservation and cancellations.
Viator and Get Your Guide are the best sites for tours and activities.
Discover Cars is the best comparison site for car rentals.
Trip.com is good for booking flights and packages.
See my Travel Resources page for a full list of helpful booking links.
Popular Destinations: London | Edinburgh | Malta | Scotland | Madeira | Cyprus | Italy | Canary Islands
Tags: solo travel, Travel Tips
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