Solo Travel for Beginners: How to Explore the World on Your Own Terms
There’s something undeniably liberating about boarding a plane, train, or ferry on your own. No schedules to coordinate, no compromises over where to eat or what to see—just you, your curiosity, and a world waiting to be explored.
Solo travel has grown in popularity over the last decade, with more people—especially women—embracing independent adventures. Whether it’s a weekend city break, a coastal road trip, or a month-long backpacking journey, travelling solo offers a unique kind of freedom that’s hard to find elsewhere.
If you’ve ever thought about taking a trip on your own but hesitated, this post is for you. Here’s why solo travel can be one of the most empowering experiences of your life—and how to do it safely, confidently, and joyfully.
Why Travel Alone? The Benefits of Solo Adventures
Freedom to Choose Your Own Path
Travelling solo means complete control over your itinerary. Want to linger over your tea at a local café or watch the sunset from the beach? You can. Prefer museums over markets or early mornings over late nights? You decide.
Without needing to compromise, you’re free to listen to your instincts and follow your own rhythm. That flexibility often leads to unexpected discoveries—hidden restaurants, local markets, or quiet corners that might never have made it onto a group itinerary.
Confidence and Self-Discovery
One of the most surprising rewards of solo travel is how capable you feel along the way. Navigating a new city or managing travel hiccups builds confidence fast.
Being alone gives you space to reconnect with yourself—to reflect, think, and truly notice your surroundings. Many solo travellers describe it as a reset: time to check in with who you are and what matters most.
My Own First Step Into Solo Travel
I didn’t jump straight into a big solo adventure. My first taste came recently on a solo work trip—the first time in years I’d boarded a plane alone. It turned out to be a wonderful way to ease into the idea of travelling solo without the pressure of planning everything myself.
There were small, simple moments that stood out. Someone kindly helped me get my suitcase down from the overhead bin. The person sitting next to me on the flight struck up a conversation, and we ended up trading stories about our hometowns and our favourite travel spots.
At my hotel, the staff offered local restaurant recommendations that led me to a lovely dinner spot I’d probably have missed otherwise. Throughout the trip, I noticed how easy it was to meet people and connect—something that doesn’t happen as often when I’m travelling with my family.
Of course, there were also moments when I thought, “My kids would love this,” or “My husband would love this restaurant.” But instead of feeling lonely, those thoughts made me more present. I was noticing things in a different way—taking them in for myself and imagining how I’d share them later.
That trip reminded me how energising and rewarding it can be to step out of familiar routines. It made me realise that solo travel doesn’t have to mean a grand escape—it can start with something simple and close to home.
Meaningful Connections
Ironically, travelling alone often leads to more social experiences. When you’re not part of a group, you’re more approachable—and often more open to conversation. You might share a meal with a local, chat with fellow travellers, or strike up a friendship that lasts beyond the trip.
Small hostels, local tours, and community events make it easy to meet people. And because these connections happen naturally, they often feel genuine and memorable.
Mindful Exploration
Solo travel encourages mindfulness. Without distractions, you’re more present—you savour your meals, notice details, and connect deeply with the places you visit.
It’s travel at a slower, more intentional pace, where each experience feels your own.
Planning Your Solo Trip: Getting Started
1. Choose the Right Destination
Your first solo trip doesn’t have to be halfway around the world. Start with a destination that feels both exciting and comfortable—perhaps a nearby city, island, or country known for safety and ease of travel.
For first-time solo travellers, destinations like New Zealand, Portugal, Japan, or Scotland are often recommended for their friendly locals, reliable infrastructure, and solo-friendly activities.
If you’re based in Canada, Vancouver Island, Whistler, and Tofino offer the perfect mix of adventure, community, and solitude.
2. Do Your Homework (But Leave Room for Spontaneity)
Research helps you feel prepared. Learn about local customs, transportation options, and safety tips. Read reviews for accommodation, especially those from other solo travellers.
That said, don’t over-plan every detail. Part of the magic of solo travel is following your intuition when an opportunity arises—like joining a local food tour or staying an extra day somewhere you love.
3. Book Accommodation That Feels Safe and Social
Where you stay can make or break your solo experience. Choose accommodation that offers both comfort and connection.
- Hostels and guesthouses are great for meeting people, especially if they host communal dinners or tours.
- Boutique hotels or B&Bs often provide a more peaceful, personal experience.
- Airbnb stays let you live more like a local—especially if you stay with a host who enjoys sharing local recommendations.
Look for accommodation with excellent reviews for cleanliness, safety, and hospitality.
4. Pack Light and Smart
When you’re on your own, managing your luggage easily makes travel smoother. Pack versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched, and keep valuables in a secure cross-body bag or money belt.
Essentials include a portable charger, photocopies of travel documents, a refillable water bottle, and a small first-aid kit. For more on packing, check out this post.
Staying Safe While Travelling Solo
Safety is often the biggest concern for new solo travellers—and rightly so. The goal isn’t to worry, but to be aware and prepared.
Top Safety Tips
- Stay connected. Share your itinerary with a friend or family member and check in regularly.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels off—whether it’s a street, a taxi, or a person—leave.
- Arrive in daylight. Plan travel so you reach new destinations before dark when possible.
- Use technology wisely. Download offline maps, translation apps, and ride-share tools before you go.
How to Enjoy the Experience
Embrace Solo Dining
Many first-time solo travellers find eating alone intimidating—but it can be one of the best parts of the trip. Choose cafés with bar seating, outdoor terraces, or communal tables. Bring a journal, book, or simply people-watch.
You’ll often find yourself chatting with locals or fellow travellers, turning what might have felt awkward into something genuinely enjoyable.
Try Group Experiences
Joining short tours or classes adds variety to solo travel. Think cooking lessons in Italy, kayaking in Croatia, or guided hikes in British Columbia.
These activities create natural opportunities for connection while giving structure to your day.
Capture the Moments
Travelling solo means you’ll be your own photographer—so get creative! Use a tripod or phone stand for photos, and don’t be shy about asking others to snap a picture.
Journalling or blogging about your experiences also helps capture the emotions behind the trip, not just the sights.
Savour the Solitude
Solo travel offers a rare opportunity to be truly alone with your thoughts. Whether you’re sitting by the sea, hiking through forests, or wandering a museum, you’ll experience moments of calm and clarity that are hard to find in everyday life.
These quiet pauses often become the most memorable parts of the trip.
Returning Home: What Solo Travel Teaches You
Coming home after a solo trip often feels different. You realise how much you’ve grown—how capable, curious, and independent you truly are. Many travellers say solo adventures have lasting ripple effects: they inspire career changes, new friendships, creative projects, or simply a greater appreciation for life’s small details.
Whether you’re exploring your own backyard or halfway across the globe, solo travel invites you to slow down, step outside your comfort zone, and rediscover your sense of wonder. So, if that trip you’ve been dreaming of keeps tugging at your thoughts—don’t wait for the perfect time or the perfect companion. Pack your bag, trust yourself, and go.
