15 Solo Travel Tips That Worked For Me

Last Updated: August 04, 2025

Tweet

I have been traveling for the past 7 years—sometimes with a team, but many of my most meaningful journeys have been solo. Solo travel gives you a unique sense of freedom, emotional clarity, and self-awareness. It helps you discover parts of yourself you may have never seen before. Honestly, I believe everyone should experience a solo trip at least once in their life.

While solo travel sounds amazing—and often is—my journey hasn’t been without challenges. I’ve faced language barriers, cultural differences, and even security risks at times.

But through it all, I’ve learned a lot. Over the years, I’ve developed a set of personal solo travel tips that I follow every time I head out alone. These are the tips that have helped me stay safe, feel confident, and truly enjoy the ride—and I believe they’ll help you too if you’re planning your own solo adventure.

Before You Travel

There are a few things like packing smartly, planning an itinerary, and having travel insurance that you need to do before travelling.

1. Plan a Flexible Itinerary

When you’re on a solo trip, your plans can change—and that’s normal. Around 40% of travelers end up changing their itinerary during the trip, so it’s better to plan with flexibility in mind.

Instead of planning every single detail, make a rough outline. Note down the key things you want to do and the must-visit places, and leave the rest of the day open for spontaneous plans.

A good approach is to plan your next day each evening. Center your day around one main activity, and leave the rest for things like walking around, trying local food, or simply relaxing. In short, keep things flexible so they can shift based on the destination and your mood.

2. Make a Solid Budget (include emergency funds)

Budget planning matters the most during solo trips. Always set aside money for the most important things like accommodation, meals, and your return flight.

Use budgeting apps like Trail Wallet or TravelSpend to track your expenses in real time and stay on top of your finances.

Lastly, always carry at least $100 in local currency. It’ll come in handy when cards or mobile payments aren’t accepted.

3. Take Travel Insurance

Do your research and get travel insurance from a reliable provider. It matters more than you think—it gives you peace of mind when you're on your own.

You’ll never regret taking it. But if you don’t, chances are you’ll wish you had. In fact, 62% of travelers who skipped insurance ended up regretting it.

4. Pack Smart and Light

Keep your luggage light, but don’t leave out any essentials. Pack things like an extra phone charger, universal adapter, wired and wireless earphones, a safety travel wallet, and other small must-haves. If your bag gets too heavy, cut down on clothes or snacks—not the important gear.

If you're on any medication, consult your doctor ahead of time to make sure you’re bringing everything you need. Also, research nearby clinics or pharmacies at your destination—just in case.

5. Create a Travel Playlist

Music can be a real companion when you’re traveling solo. It lifts your mood and keeps you company during long bus rides or those quiet, lonely moments. So, create a playlist of your favorite songs before the trip.

And if you love reading like I do, bring along a good book or two—fiction, travel stories, or whatever you enjoy. Not sure where to start? You can always try one of my favorites: The Night Circus.

Solo Tips While Travelling

Now comes the most important part—what to actually do while you're out there.

Make new friends, enjoy meals on your own, connect with locals, and try to dress like them too. These little things will make your solo trip more memorable, meaningful, and beautiful.

6. Make New Friends

Yes, you're there to experience solo travel—but that doesn’t mean you have to be alone the whole time. Making friends during your trip can give you company, support, and even better memories.

So don’t hesitate to connect with people in your group or on the road. Don’t worry—your trip will still be solo. In fact, around 60% of solo travelers end up making new friends during their journey.

Personally, I love making local friends, chatting with people I meet on the road, and just being kind to hotel staff and strangers alike. It makes the experience warmer and more meaningful.

7. Enjoy Eating Alone Without Feeling Awkward

As an introvert solo traveller, eating alone or having a solo coffee is one of my favorite things—and I truly recommend you give it a try. If you’ve never experienced solo dining before, you can even practice it at home first.

During your trip, try visiting the same café or restaurant more than once if possible. It helps build a small connection with the staff—and honestly, they’re usually super sweet.

8. Learn Some Local Phrases

Before heading out on your solo trip, try learning a few local phrases. You don’t need to go all in—just the basics like greetings or how to say “hello” in their language.

These small phrases go a long way. Locals really appreciate it when a foreigner makes the effort to speak their language, even just a little.

It also helps you connect with people more easily. You might even make local friends and get the chance to talk about their culture, history, and festivals. Just remember—some cultures can be very different from yours. Always stay open-minded and respectful, no matter what.

9. Dress Like a Local

If possible, try wearing local clothing. It’s a great way to blend in, respect the culture, and experience daily life the way locals do.

Plus, dressing like a local can help you avoid unwanted attention. Unfortunately, every place has a few bad apples—and sometimes, foreigners are seen as easy targets. Blending in with your clothing helps you stay safer and more connected to the local vibe.

10. Capture Every Moment

Take photos of every moment you spend—whether through selfies, a tripod, or whatever works for you. But always remember: never capture others without their consent. Respect people’s privacy.

Also, make it a habit to back up your photos and videos whenever you get internet access. Use services like iCloud, Google Drive, or Backblaze. That way, even if you lose your device, your memories stay safe.

11. Limit Social Media Time

You’re traveling to enjoy the place and connect with the moment—not to scroll endlessly on social media. I used to make this mistake during my early trips, spending hours online. But over time, I built the habit of limiting it.

Get lost in the beautiful streets, the scenery, the local environment—and in real conversations with people around you.

Set a limit of 15-30 minutes a day for social media. Use it to share memories or photos, but avoid posting your live location. Always share updates the next day or after you’ve left that place—for your own safety.

Staying Safe and In the Present

When you're traveling solo, your safety comes first—always. Trust your instincts. If a place or situation feels off, don’t second-guess—just leave.

Yes, you might be wrong sometimes. But even if your gut is right just once, it’s worth all the other times you played it safe.

12. Research Places Before Visiting

Before heading to any new area, do a bit of research. Look up common tourist scams, local customs, and general safety tips so you know what to expect.

Use online forums, Google reviews, or travel blogs to get real insights from other travelers.

Also, don’t hesitate to ask your hotel staff about local safety. They often know which areas to avoid and can warn you about common issues in the area.

13. Stay Connected With Someone You Trust

Always share your real-time location with someone you trust. You can use Google Maps live sharing or similar apps to let them know where you are.

But remember—never share your live location publicly or on social media. Keep it private and safe.

14. Carry Safety Devices

Always carry basic safety tools like a whistle or pepper spray—no matter your gender. Safety matters for everyone.

Also, try to avoid going out at night. If you must, use private transport like a trusted taxi or rideshare app. Avoid night walks or using public transportation late at night, especially in unfamiliar places.

Wear a Ring If You’re a Woman

If you’re a married woman, wearing a wedding ring or symbolic ornament can help signal that clearly. Even if you're not married, wearing a fake engagement ring can sometimes help deter unwanted attention.

It’s a small trick, but many solo female travelers find it useful for avoiding uncomfortable situations.

→ Also Read: Solo International Travel Tips for Female in 2025

In the End

These solo travel tips truly work—pack smart, stay safe, enjoy dining alone, connect with locals, make friends, and plan like a pro. They come from real experiences, and while these are the essentials, feel free to add more based on your own needs and instincts.

Solo travel is all about freedom and joy—but always with respect for others and a focus on your own safety.

If you’re planning your next solo trip, these tips will definitely help you out. And here’s one more pro tip: choose a travel agency that’s reliable and supportive. If you need a recommendation, I suggest Volunteer FDIP—I've been traveling with them for the past 4 years, and they’ve always had my back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is Solo Travel Safe?

Yes, solo travel is generally safe when you take proper precautions.
Always research your destination, stay aware of your surroundings, and avoid unsafe areas—especially at night.

Q2. What's not to do on a solo trip?

Avoid over-planning, traveling at night, losing contact with family or friends, wearing flashy jewelry, drinking excessively, and ignoring your instincts. These actions can put you at risk or lead to serious problems.

Q3. Is 27 too old to solo travel?

No. 27 is not too old. Soloo travel is for everyone, no matter your age. In fact, starting your solo adventures in your 20s can be a great experience, but it's never too late to begin.

Q4. How to not feel awkward when travelling alone?

It's normal to feel awkward at first, but you can ease this by picking up solo-friendly habits. Try reading novels, listening to your favorite music, or enjoying meals on your own. These activities can help you feel more comfortable and even happy in your own company.

Q5. Is solo travel good for mental health?

Absolutely. Solo travel helps you connect with yourself, build confidence, and grow emotionally.
It teaches you how to manage your time, emotions, and independence—all of which are great for your mental well-being.

To share this link:

Copy Link >>