I travelled solo to Kazakhstan and it was amazing.
Thinking about taking your first solo trip? Do it. Travelling alone can feel intimidating at first, but it can also be one of the most freeing and rewarding ways to travel.
After years of travelling, these are some of my biggest solo travel tips — especially if you're heading off on your own for the first time.
1. Tell Someone Where You're Going
Before you leave, make sure someone you trust knows your plans and has access to your itinerary. It’s a simple safety precaution, but one that can be incredibly useful if something unexpected happens.
2. Don't Share Your Live Location
I love sharing my travels on social media, but I wouldn't recommend posting your exact location in real time. Share the photos and stories once you've left, particularly if you're travelling alone.
3. Do Your Research
A little preparation goes a long way. Before travelling somewhere new, look into local customs, transport, weather, entry requirements, accommodation and any areas you might want to avoid.
You don't need to plan every minute of your trip, but knowing the basics can make arriving somewhere unfamiliar much less overwhelming.
4. Keep Copies of Important Documents
Keep digital copies of your passport, visas, travel insurance and other important documents somewhere secure. I also recommend having access to your booking information offline in case you don't have Wi-Fi when you need it.
5. Keep Your Valuables Secure
If you're staying in hostels or shared accommodation, use the lockers provided and bring a decent padlock with you.
It’s also worth being sensible about where you keep your phone, passport, money and cards when you're out exploring.
6. Don't Travel Without Insurance
Travel insurance is one of those things you hope you'll never need — until you do.
Make sure you understand what your policy actually covers, particularly medical expenses, cancellations, lost belongings and activities you plan to do.
7. Learn a Few Local Words
You don't need to become fluent in the local language. Even learning how to say hello, please and thank you can make a difference.
People generally appreciate the effort, even when your pronunciation is absolutely terrible!
8. Don't Be Afraid to Eat Alone
This was something I think many first-time solo travellers worry about.
Eating alone can feel strange at first, but honestly, you'll quickly realise that most people aren't paying nearly as much attention to you as you think they are.
Bring a book, sit at the bar, enjoy people-watching or simply enjoy having complete freedom over where and what you eat.
After years of travelling, these are some of my biggest solo travel tips — especially if you're heading off on your own for the first time.
1. Tell Someone Where You're Going
Before you leave, make sure someone you trust knows your plans and has access to your itinerary. It’s a simple safety precaution, but one that can be incredibly useful if something unexpected happens.
2. Don't Share Your Live Location
I love sharing my travels on social media, but I wouldn't recommend posting your exact location in real time. Share the photos and stories once you've left, particularly if you're travelling alone.
3. Do Your Research
A little preparation goes a long way. Before travelling somewhere new, look into local customs, transport, weather, entry requirements, accommodation and any areas you might want to avoid.
You don't need to plan every minute of your trip, but knowing the basics can make arriving somewhere unfamiliar much less overwhelming.
4. Keep Copies of Important Documents
Keep digital copies of your passport, visas, travel insurance and other important documents somewhere secure. I also recommend having access to your booking information offline in case you don't have Wi-Fi when you need it.
5. Keep Your Valuables Secure
If you're staying in hostels or shared accommodation, use the lockers provided and bring a decent padlock with you.
It’s also worth being sensible about where you keep your phone, passport, money and cards when you're out exploring.
6. Don't Travel Without Insurance
Travel insurance is one of those things you hope you'll never need — until you do.
Make sure you understand what your policy actually covers, particularly medical expenses, cancellations, lost belongings and activities you plan to do.
7. Learn a Few Local Words
You don't need to become fluent in the local language. Even learning how to say hello, please and thank you can make a difference.
People generally appreciate the effort, even when your pronunciation is absolutely terrible!
8. Don't Be Afraid to Eat Alone
This was something I think many first-time solo travellers worry about.
Eating alone can feel strange at first, but honestly, you'll quickly realise that most people aren't paying nearly as much attention to you as you think they are.
Bring a book, sit at the bar, enjoy people-watching or simply enjoy having complete freedom over where and what you eat.
Bukhara, Uzbekistan in May 2025 during a solo trip
Solo Female Travel
Solo female travel has become incredibly popular, and there are now so many resources, tours, hostels and communities specifically for women travelling alone.
For me, the most important thing isn't whether somewhere has been labelled a "female-friendly destination". It's doing your own research and deciding what feels right for you.
Popular destinations for solo female travellers include:
I'd also recommend packing light, giving yourself time to settle in when you arrive and being mindful about how much personal information you share with strangers.
Is Solo Travel Worth It?
Absolutely.
Travelling alone isn't always easy. There will probably be moments when you feel lonely, overwhelmed or wish you had someone beside you. But that's also part of the experience.
Solo travel can teach you to trust yourself, make decisions independently and become comfortable in your own company.
You meet people you might never have met otherwise, and you get to experience a destination completely on your own terms.
And you might just discover that travelling alone suits you far more than you ever expected.
If you've been waiting for someone else to travel with you, maybe it's time to stop waiting. Your next adventure doesn't need a travel companion.
FAQs About Solo Travel
What is the best destination for solo travel?
There isn't one destination that's perfect for everyone. Japan, Australia, Thailand, New Zealand and Vietnam are popular choices because they offer good transport, lots of activities, different accommodation options and plenty of opportunities to meet other travellers. Read my blog about the my favourite solo travel destinations that I highly recommend for everyone.
What makes a destination good for solo travellers?
Reliable transport, comfortable accommodation, things to do, opportunities to meet people and a destination where you feel comfortable can all make travelling alone easier. Read more about what makes a destination good for solo travel in my latest blog post.
Where is best for solo female travel?
Japan, Portugal, Australia, New Zealand and Denmark are often popular with solo female travellers. However, the best destination depends on your own experience, travel style and comfort level.
What should I consider before travelling alone?
Think about your budget, accommodation, transport, travel insurance, entry requirements, local customs, weather and the time of year you're travelling. You don't have to plan everything, but getting the basics sorted before you leave can make your trip much easier.
Is travelling alone lonely?
Sometimes — but solo travel doesn't mean you have to be alone.
Stay in social hostels, join group tours, take day trips or simply be open to conversations with other travellers. Some of my favourite travel memories have come from people I met along the way.
Solo female travel has become incredibly popular, and there are now so many resources, tours, hostels and communities specifically for women travelling alone.
For me, the most important thing isn't whether somewhere has been labelled a "female-friendly destination". It's doing your own research and deciding what feels right for you.
Popular destinations for solo female travellers include:
- Japan
- Uzbekistan
- Portugal
- Denmark
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Canada
I'd also recommend packing light, giving yourself time to settle in when you arrive and being mindful about how much personal information you share with strangers.
Is Solo Travel Worth It?
Absolutely.
Travelling alone isn't always easy. There will probably be moments when you feel lonely, overwhelmed or wish you had someone beside you. But that's also part of the experience.
Solo travel can teach you to trust yourself, make decisions independently and become comfortable in your own company.
You meet people you might never have met otherwise, and you get to experience a destination completely on your own terms.
And you might just discover that travelling alone suits you far more than you ever expected.
If you've been waiting for someone else to travel with you, maybe it's time to stop waiting. Your next adventure doesn't need a travel companion.
FAQs About Solo Travel
What is the best destination for solo travel?
There isn't one destination that's perfect for everyone. Japan, Australia, Thailand, New Zealand and Vietnam are popular choices because they offer good transport, lots of activities, different accommodation options and plenty of opportunities to meet other travellers. Read my blog about the my favourite solo travel destinations that I highly recommend for everyone.
What makes a destination good for solo travellers?
Reliable transport, comfortable accommodation, things to do, opportunities to meet people and a destination where you feel comfortable can all make travelling alone easier. Read more about what makes a destination good for solo travel in my latest blog post.
Where is best for solo female travel?
Japan, Portugal, Australia, New Zealand and Denmark are often popular with solo female travellers. However, the best destination depends on your own experience, travel style and comfort level.
What should I consider before travelling alone?
Think about your budget, accommodation, transport, travel insurance, entry requirements, local customs, weather and the time of year you're travelling. You don't have to plan everything, but getting the basics sorted before you leave can make your trip much easier.
Is travelling alone lonely?
Sometimes — but solo travel doesn't mean you have to be alone.
Stay in social hostels, join group tours, take day trips or simply be open to conversations with other travellers. Some of my favourite travel memories have come from people I met along the way.
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