I’m going to change your mind about solo travel.
Five years ago, I couldn’t imagine stepping on a plane alone. Newly divorced, I wanted to see the world but was trapped by fear. Fear of eating alone, fear of feeling awkward, fear of not being safe. But waiting for the “right person” to travel with wasn’t getting me anywhere.
So, I made myself the right person. With help from a therapist, I learned to enjoy my own company, trained myself up with solo coffees and hikes, and eventually booked my first weekend solo trip, then the ultimate adventure to Costa Rica, just me and my backpack!
Now, after many trips (including my recent solo weekend in Wales), I can tell you this: solo travel isn’t scary when you plan it well. It’s empowering, life-changing, and addictive.
This blog is my no-BS guide to planning your first solo trip, so you can skip the panic spiral and get straight to the good bit: freedom, adventure, and memories that are 100% yours.
People often tell me, “I admire you; I could never solo travel.”
I want you to know, the me of five years ago would’ve said exactly the same. And yet here I am. Thinking back on how far I’ve come is why I’m sharing this… because you can do it too. Keep going!
My Path to Solo Travel
I guess the first question to ask yourself is, ‘How comfortable are you in your own company?’. If you have very little experience with taking yourself out, take a read of my blog “From Silence to Self Love…” where I talk about the beginning of my single journey…. How I started with solo walks, lunches, and the ideal solo date. Over time the “me time” that felt so alien, felt safe, and I started to feel less anxiety and more enjoyment.
My first solo trip was everything I wanted: outdoors, space, reflection, group meetups. It gave me a checklist of what I use today when I plan each and every trip.
But this is YOUR journey and only you know what YOU need.
Solo Trip Tips
Are you planning your first solo trip? Here are my top tips from learnings gathered from my own travels. So, if you’re ready to go from dreaming about it to actually booking it, here’s exactly how to plan your first solo trip step by step.
Start Small
Don’t try to conquer the world on your first outing. I began with weekend hikes and activity breaks. This built up my trust in myself. If I’d jumped straight into backpacking through hostels or long flights, anxiety would’ve overwhelmed me. Trust me, many on socials do the same…they go big before they feel ready, then end up hating parts of their trip. Start with something manageable and build yourself up.
Pick a Short Break Close to Home
What does your ideal trip look like? Picture it now. Maybe it’s a mountain hike + country pub, or a relaxing stay with yoga. Research places within a couple of hours from you. Write down 3-5 things you’d love from your trip and set yourself a budget that is realistic.
Plan the Activities Before Accommodation
For me, meeting people is huge. So I choose locations based on things I want to do…Surfing, coasteering, hiking? What are you into? Jot down your ideal activities, research options, then find accommodation nearby. Airbnb is always a winner for me, not only is it usually cheaper, but staying with locals gives you insights into hidden gems: where to eat and what to see. But always check reviews: safety and comfort are important!
Don’t Spend Every Moment Alone
Solo doesn’t have to mean being isolated. Use sites like Meetup, GetYourGuide or walking groups like Ramblers. They bring people together around passion. Even joining one group hike, a workshop, or cooking class will give you human connection and boost your confidence.
Build In Downtime
You don’t have to be on the go-go-go. A morning wandering, sitting with a journal or enjoying an early morning coffee… These are not fillers, they are essential. Tips: Download offline maps in case WiFi fails. Be gentle with yourself; solo travel can be emotionally intense.
Celebrate Your Wins Daily
Write down one thing each day that scared you and that you did anyway. These little wins add up fast. On my first solo trip, I forced myself to go to dinner alone. By the end of the night, I’d made friends with a group of rugby lads, played pool with them, and even joined them coasteering the next day. I’ll never forget their cheers as I leapt off the rocks..terrified but grinning like a loon. Those are the moments that stay with you forever. And they only happen when you step outside your comfort zone.
Pack Smart
Less is more. You’ll thank yourself when you’re rushing to catch a train and don’t want to drag a suitcase. Also, less stuff = less to worry about.
Food & Soul
Find food that nourishes your heart and your body. If eating alone in public makes you anxious, bring something to occupy you. I’ve had many evenings lost in a really good book or struck up conversation with strangers who became friends. A few conversation starters helps: “I’m just visiting for the weekend. What’s one place I can’t miss here?” is a great opener!
Safety Essentials
- Buy travel insurance and keep copies of your documents.
- Share your itinerary with someone you trust; use location sharing back home.
- Think about practical safety gear: a money pouch, secure bag, phone charger, basic first-aid kit (plasters, antiseptic).
- Arrive in daylight if possible; arriving late at night can spike anxiety.
The Final Countdown Before You Go
A few days before: make that playlist, pick your favourite snacks, journal about what makes you nervous and excited. Let yourself feel the anticipation. Visualisation helps: imagine walking along the coastline, sipping coffee alone, watching a sunset. Let that be the fuel to support you!
Advice for Managing Solo Travel Anxiety
Because when fear shows up, you’ll want tools beyond tips:
- Acknowledge your anxiety: naming it (“this is my travel fear”) helps you see it as temporary.
- Relaxation & mindfulness: breathing exercises, grounding or meditation. Even 5-minutes a day.
- Organise in advance: lists, packing + book big things early. The more you do beforehand, the less the “what-ifs” will haunt you.
- Focus on positives: make a list of what you’re looking forward to, not all the things that could go wrong. Reframe fear as excitement.
Solo Travel Stats
If you’re feeling anxious about solo travel, you’re not alone. According to Solo Female Travelers club, 70% of respondents worry about safety when traveling solo. But that worry does go down the more you travel solo. Safety concerns are real, but many simple precautions go a long way. Gov Uk write about the importance of trusted reviews, planning, staying alert and sharing your location.
Over the past two years, solo travel bookings surged by 42%, driven by single-room-friendly options. Among motivations are freedom and flexibility. Many say they travel solo to see the world without compromise, to grow confidence, to follow their own pace.
Interestingly, Women dominate solo travel, making up approximately 84% of solo travellers globally, compared to just 16% men, according to Condos Ferris.
My First Solo Trip Q&A
| Question | Answer / Tip |
|---|---|
| Is it safe to travel solo? | No guarantees in life, but yes, you can travel solo safely. Use trusted accommodation, avoid risky areas, share your plan, trust your gut. Every time I travelled, I learned more about staying safe rather than letting fear stop me. |
| What about loneliness? | It happens. But solitude + being alone are different. You can be alone but not lonely. Group activities, talking to locals, relaxing in cafés, journaling, it all helps. And often, it’s in quiet moments I’ve found peace, clarity, even joy. |
| How much budget does this need? | Varies. Short local breaks will cost less. Big trips naturally more. But planning, researching, staying in mid-budget accommodation, sharing spaces, choosing off-peak times can stretch your money. |
| What if I hate it? | That’s okay! Not every trip will be perfect. Sometimes discomfort = growth. If a solo trip doesn’t feel right in one place, change plans. You don’t owe anyone anything. If you hate it, you’ll learn something, and it’ll only help with next time. |
Final Thoughts
If I were to speak directly to that girl I was five years ago, I’d say this: You are braver than you believe, stronger than your fears, and more deserving of your own company than you’ll ever know.
Solo travel doesn’t mean giving up others; it means giving yourself permission. Permission to explore. Permission to heal. And permission to find out what you actually love.
So start small. Plan carefully. Listen to your heart. And let your first solo trip be the beginning of many more, each one teaching you something new.
You’ve totally got this! Book that first coffee, hike, or weekend away today. Your future self will thank you, I promise! The hardest part is hitting ‘book.’ The rest will unfold as it should and you’ll come home a little braver, a little lighter, and already planning the next trip.