I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: solo travel is amazing. But if you’ve never done it before, planning a solo trip can be intimidating. The thing is, it doesn’t have to be. After reading this blog post, you’ll know exactly how to plan your first solo trip and become the confident solo traveller you’ve always dreamt of.
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So here it is. You’ve never travelled solo but you want to give it a try. You might think that solo travel is lonely, or expensive… Or both. Let me tell you: if you don’t want it to be, it won’t.
When you can follow a few simple steps, planning a solo trip isn’t nearly as difficult as many people make it out to be. Here are some tips to help you organise your first solo trip.
Making a budget for your first solo trip is easier than you might think, as my friend Eric from Wandering Ravens explains.
The article above talks about making a monthly budget to get by day-to-day, but it can be applied to a travel budget perfectly.
It’s easy to travel solo on the cheap if you’ve set a budget beforehand and if you know what you’re willing to spend.
If there’s one thing that will impact the rest of this whole process, it’s your choice of destination.
There’s a whole lot of destinations for solo travellers out there, and, while you need to keep safety in mind, it really all comes down to personal preference.
Read more: The best solo travel destinations in Europe
And that’s the beauty of solo travel. Because you can do whatever you want. So do it.
Related: Why I visited an abandoned children’s hospital in Berlin
As for the date, that’s a bit more complicated. You’ll probably get the best weather during peak season, but you’ll also get the most tourists around you.
Don’t want to be surrounded by fellow travellers and don’t want to travel when it’s so cold that a cold shower feels warm? There’s a solution.
Shoulder season.
Prices are down, the weather is still okay and there won’t be as many tourists around you. It’s a win-win-win.
As a general rule of thumb: many countries have shoulder seasons in autumn and spring.
Once you know which budget to stick to, where you’re going and when you’re going there, it’s time to actually start booking some things.
First on the list: transport.
Whether it be long-haul flights, shorter flights, trains, buses or something else entirely: many aspects of your first solo trip depend on this.
Related: How to survive a long-haul flight
Where to find the best flights
Every travel blogger has their favourite tips to find the best flights, and I’m no different. Here are some useful tricks to help you find the cheapest flights:
Cheap trains and buses
If you’re not going to fly to your destination, you’ll still need a way to get there. Finding cheap trains and buses is easier than you might think. These tips will help you:
But, of course, planning a solo trip is more than booking flights. You need somewhere to sleep, don’t you?
My two favourite options for solo accommodation are hostels and Airbnbs.
How to find the best hostels
I always start my hostel search on Hostelworld, simply because it’s the best hostel platform out there. It has over 30,000 hostels and other budget accommodation on offer in 180 countries.
And, although you might not want to spend too much, it’s best not to be too frugal about your accommodation spending. Being a budget traveller doesn’t mean you have to pick the cheapest possible option for everything.
The cheapest hostels often are not the best choices. The main reason for this is that they tend to be unclean, uncomfortable, unwelcoming and not worth the few dollars you’d save.
Some other tips to make sure that your hostel of choice ends up being the best choice you could have made:
Airbnb for solo travellers
Admittedly, Airbnb is a less evident option for solo accommodation. The reason for that is the simple fact that it tends to be more expensive than other accommodation options.
Sign up to Airbnb here and get up to $45 of travel credit for your next adventure!
However, Airbnb for solo travellers is still viable. You can rent a room in someone’s house or apartment and make new friends with the owner.
And if you look closely, you might be able to strike a bargain and find some really unique lodging options.
After booking flights and accommodation, it’s time to start looking for more specific information about your first solo trip.
Which attractions seem interesting? What do you want to visit?
Making a travel itinerary is not difficult, and I’m here to prove it. Here’s how to make the perfect itinerary for your first solo trip, in just a few simple steps.
Research, research, research
Don’t overplan
Especially if you’re planning a solo trip, it’s a good idea not to overplan everything. You need some room for impromptu drinks with new friends or spontaneous exploring sessions.
If you’ve planned everything down to the hour, you’ll find yourself trapped by your itinerary and you might miss out on awesome opportunities to meet new people.
Are you still wondering how to prepare for your first solo trip?
If so, keep reading.
Planning a solo trip is easy, and you’ve already done the majority of the work if you’ve been following along.
Here are some more tips to make sure that you’re actually ready to take the leap.
Table for one
The most intimidating part about solo travel for me was dining alone.
The first time I stepped into a restaurant and said ‘Table for one, please’ to the waiter, it felt off. Because it felt like I was doing something that I wasn’t supposed to do.
But here we are, three years later.
If the thought of dining by yourself terrifies you, here are some tips to make it less intimidating:
Travel apps for solo travellers
There are a few very useful travel apps that can help you out when you’re on the road by yourself. So, while planning a solo trip, you might want to consider installing the following apps:
How to pack light
When you’re planning a solo trip, you need to keep in mind that you’re the only one who can carry your bags.
For that reason, being able to pack light is very important for solo travellers.
Here are a few packing tips to help you keep your bags as light as possible:
The biggest difference between solo travel and ‘regular’ travel is – obviously – the fact that you’re alone.
This means that staying safe is not as easy as it would be if you were travelling with family or friends.
Here are some tips on how to stay safe as a solo traveller.
The fact that you’re reading this blog post with the intention of planning your first solo trip means that you realise that solo travel is not a bad thing.
If you want to travel alone, you won’t be lonely.
But I get that you might be hesitant and need some tips on how to fight loneliness as a solo traveller.
Here are some of my best tips that I could have used on my first solo trip to Dublin:
If you’ve already travelled solo, is there anything I missed? Do you have any tips for people planning their first solo trip? Let me know in a comment!
Thanks for reading!
-S
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Summer is fast approaching and you want to try travelling alone for the first time. If that’s the case, you’re in luck: this post will tell you exactly where to travel solo in summer. I reached out to some fellow solo travel bloggers and I asked them what their favourite solo travel destinations were. Here’s what they came up with.
Read more: The Best Solo Travel Destinations in Europe
Written by Chrysoula (Travel Passionate)
The sunshine-filled destination of Rhodes in Greece is a wonderful location for a solo summer trip. It has gorgeous beaches, a lively nightlife and a whole host of history and culture to discover.
The Greek Islands are one of the safest places to explore as a solo traveller with warm hospitality, signs, menu and information written in English (as well as many other European languages), and decent flights and public transport so you can easily get around. Rhodes is no different!
First things first: you’ll want to explore Rhodes’ Old Town, a walled city filled with ancient ruins and castles that tell the story of the island’s history. Next you can head out of the perimeter walls. Wander along the harbour, check out local bars, shops and restaurants or head to the beach.
When you want to explore a little further afield, catch the bus to Lindos, a quaint white-washed town that is topped with the magnificent Lindos Acropolis overlooking the sea. Once you’ve spent a few hours discovering Lindos, you might want to head to nearby Anthony Quinn Bay or St. Paul’s Bay Beach for some seaside relaxation. Elsewhere on the island are vineyards, hot springs, monasteries and some epic wind-surfing spots to add to your amazing solo trip to Rhodes.
Written by Diana (The Elusive Family)
Rome is a place of wonder, history and magic. It’s a wonderful place to visit any time of year, and summer is no exception. Though it can get quite warm in Italy during the summer, Rome has a unique feel to it. The experience of venturing throughout the city during this time of year and stopping by gelato shops or popping into a wine shop or pizza parlour makes for an amazing experience.
When visiting Rome as a solo traveller, it is crucial to ensure you purchase tickets in advance when you can, such as for the Colosseum and to go early to the museums including the Borghese Gallery and Capitoline Museum. As a solo traveller, you have an advantage over the thousands of other tourists. Many of them are travelling families and tend to be about later in the day. Group tours are a great way for the solo traveller to get in on some amazing tours being offered in the city.
Must do’s include visiting the Roman Forum, Colosseum, Pantheon, including getting a gelato at Gelateria della Palma nearby, throwing a coin in the Trevi Fountain, visiting the Catacombs and spending the evening exploring Trastevere. Be sure to stop by one of the boats on the Tiber River and get information on the evening festivities which are amazing for solo travellers.
Visiting the Vatican museums and Sistine Chapel in Vatican City is a must. However, be sure to be one of the first in line to beat the crowds that begins to show up late morning. Finally, treat yourself to a dinner at any of the numerous restaurants and head over to the Spanish steps for a quick visit followed by a cup of coffee at Café Greco.
Written by Pashmina (The Gone Goat)
Belgium’s most celebrated historic city, Bruges in Western Flanders, might seem touristy and a path that is filled with well-heeled travellers. But if you look past the touristy sights, connect with the locals and even see the countryside on a bicycle, Bruges may just be one of the best solo travel destinations in summer.
There’s a reason why Bruges was dubbed as the Venice of the North. Admiring the city’s architecture, or even casually strolling through the streets with a waffle in your hand, it is easy to pause and take in the surroundings. When the crowds get overwhelming, rent a bike in Bruges and ride to the border with the Netherlands in Sluis.
Along the way you’ll see the Belgian countryside and get to see the postcard-perfect village of Damme where a themed book market every Sunday of the month. Imagine carefully reading through the books while enjoying your own company with nature on a bicycle – that definitely sounds like the perfect itinerary for a well-spent solo trip.
Written by Vicki (Vicki Viaja)
If you want to have an amazing solo trip in summer, Barcelona is the place to go. Not only is it a wonderfully beautiful city, but it’s also easy to meet new people and other travellers with dozens of events taking place every day.
With its Gothic architecture, the streets of Barcelona’s city centre provide a romantic medieval Catalan charm mixed with a modern vibe of many trendy restaurants, pubs, and tapas bars. During the summer is also the best option to spend some time at the beach where you can either relax by yourself or join a volleyball game.
Moreover, there are many attractions to see throughout the city. The most famous of all is the Sagrada Família. You can either buy a simple entrance ticket and visit by yourself or join a group tour. Either way – this famous cathedral designed by Antoni Gaudí is an absolute must-do when visiting the Catalan capital even if you just spend a day in Barcelona.
But there are many more sights throughout Barcelona that are worth a visit, such as Park Güell or Barrio Gótico. During the summer, you can spend all night outside sipping delicious Spanish vino or Sangria and enjoy the amazing Catalan cuisine.
Written by Karen (Wanderlusting K)
The Netherlands is one of my favourite solo travel destinations! As a traveller who first visited Amsterdam on her first big solo trip turned resident of the Netherlands, I fully endorse this country as being one of the best solo travel destinations due to its reliable train system, numerous cycling paths, and general safety.
With the warm weather, it’s easy to enjoy Amsterdam (and the rest of the Netherlands), exploring it on foot or by bike. If you’re a foodie, you will fall in love with the Dutch sweets from stroopwafels to pancakes. History lovers will find solace in enjoying the beautiful facades of the various buildings as well as the rich histories behind the buildings that you can learn about at many museums.
Similarly, art lovers will find that the world-class museums (such as the Rijksmuseum and the Mauritshuis) make for the perfect solo trip to enjoy viewing the Dutch old masters without anyone rushing you out of the museum. When travelling solo in the Netherlands, I always love to get lost in a city prior to finding a cozy cafe with a view to get a coffee (or a beer) to watch the sunset. The evenings last long in summer, perfect for saving up the energy to go out with your new mates from your hostel!
Related: How to spend 72 hours in Amsterdam
Written by Elisa (World in Paris)
Paris is one of the best solo travel destinations in the summer for first-timers. The days are longer and the weather is good. And apart from the usual top tourist sights the city proposes great festival and events. Yes, the French capital is marketed as a “romantic city” and “the city of lovers”. But it is also a great destination for solo travellers.
You don’t need much company to enjoy the great artworks of the Louvre or to sail and admire Paris’ most beautiful avenue on a Seine river cruise. You can also decide to take a stroll through the beautiful parks of the city. Or why not enjoy your favourite coffee while people watching from a typical Parisian cafe? If you want to meet some people, small group walking tours with a local guide are another great way to explore Paris. Guided tours are great to get a better knowledge of the city and its culture. Moreover, there is a big choice of walking tours, from historical tours to tours by neighbourhood or food & wine tours.
Finally, Paris is surrounded by beautiful small towns and French castles. These are very easy to explore by train on your own. Versailles Palace and Gardens, Fontainebleau or cute towns like Provins or Chantilly are great solo travel destinations for a memorable day.
Written by Arzo (Arzo Travels)
Zurich is one of my favourite solo travel destinations – while I love to visit Zurich at any time of the year (except for the winter), my favourite season is the summer. I am normally not a summer fan but Zurich in the summer is special.
The weather in the summer months can be moody – but most of the time it is warm and sunny and thus perfect to flock to Lake Zurich and spend your days there.
Lake Zurich is so clean and nice that you can take a swim there. It is one of the very few lakes I actually swim in. There are some nice places where you can take a rest, picnic and hop into the water (close to the “Rentenanstalt”).
At the end of the day, head to the other side of the lake and listen to the fun and great musicians – if you want to meet people, this is a great place to do so. Many young people bring their own drinks, sit down, listen to music and enjoy the lovely and friendly atmosphere. It is so easy to talk to people at that time and it is a great way to end a day.
But of course, you can do even more in the summer months: enjoy some hikes to the house mountain Uetliberg, have a coffee in one of the modern and fancy bars at the lake, and decide on which day trips to go. Whether you stay two days in Zurich or longer – in the summer months, you cannot stay long enough!
Written by Becki (Meet Me In Departures)
Spain is one of the easiest solo travel destinations. There’s great food, awesome culture and some fabulous little gems, such as Segovia.
Segovia is a UNESCO listed city you could easily spend a couple of days in, although it’s equally a super easy trip to do from the nation’s capital, Madrid.
Segovia has three main landmarks on offer. First and foremost is the infamous El Acueducto or the Aqueduct of Segovia, said to be built by the devil himself. There is also the Alcazar of Segovia, which looks a little bit like the Magic Kingdom at Disneyland and Segovia Cathedral. Of course, the Aqueduct takes the glory, but there are a ton of other things to see and do in this ancient walled city.
While you are visiting Segovia, you have to call into a cute little cafe called Limón y Mente, just off the Plaza Mayor. They serve a local sweet treat called a ponche segoviano. This delicious treat is a sponge-like cake, with a sweet sticky filling inside. The cake is then covered in marzipan before being dusted with icing sugar. Delicious!
Related: Studying abroad in Spain
Written by Ann Marie (Eco Conscious Traveller)
Thailand is one of those perfect solo travel destinations for people who want to mingle and make friends to travel further afield with! I travelled there on my own and made friends easily. I definitely recommend the islands of Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao!
Koh Pha Ngan is famous for its crazy full moon party – if you don’t make it at the right time of the month, there’s also the half moon party and many other moon parties. Koh Tao is an awesome island for diving. If you do a diving course you’ll easily make loads of friends – group activities are always a good way to go for social souls! There’s also a crazy pub crawl on the island starting in a bar called Choppers almost every night of the week so a good option for partying.
Both islands have incredible beaches and I also love the beaches on Railay (Railay’s on the west and Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan on the east). If you’re looking for solo travel destinations and really want some time out by yourself there are lots of quieter islands too, such as Koh Chang – a good option not far from Bangkok. Enjoy!
Written by Mike (Live Travel Teach)
One of my favourite solo travel destinations in summer is Java, Indonesia. I personally loved the adventurous volcano hikes and how much more affordable it was than the more touristy Bali. I took public transportation between cities and found guest houses everywhere I went. The people I met told me to watch the sunrise over distant mountains as two volcanoes slowly erupt inside the Tengger Supervolcano. The most famous of these peaks is Mount Bromo, which is constantly erupting, but mild enough that many people hike across the sand sea to the rim.
Mount Ijen is another amazing volcano where you can see a blue fire volcano just a half day away from Mount Bromo. I heard stories of sea turtles hatching along Java’s coast and know many other solo travellers who went all the way north to Borobudur, a 9th century temple and the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Basically, Java has LOTS to do and the great thing about visiting in the summer is that the Indonesian monsoon season doesn’t follow Southeast Asia. Most of the popular solo backpacking spots are getting torrential rains for the summer. Java, however, is pristine at that time of year and should definitely be added to your list!
Written by James (Travel Collecting)
Rajasthan is great for solo travellers, because there are so many opportunities to meet local people and other travellers. A great way to meet local people is to take classes. In Jaipur, you can take a workshop on hand block printing, for example. It’s also possible to learn traditional tie and dye and to take Indian cooking classes. These are also a great way to meet like-minded travellers. You can also do fun activities, like taking a camel safari into the desert and adventure activities such as zip-lining over Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur.
The one downside to travelling in Rajasthan in summer is the heat. I personally like dry desert heat, but it does get very hot. If you need to cool down, head to Mount Abu, where there is a lovely hill station and plenty of other travellers hanging out. Alternatively, go to Udaipur, which is set around a beautiful lake.
Another great way to meet people, cool down and experience Indian culture is to stay at a heritage hotel. Splurge a little on one with a pool; you’re bound to meet other travellers. Many hotels also have rooftop restaurants, with breathtaking views and cooling night breezes. There is so much variety in Rajasthan that every solo traveller should experience it at least once.
Read more: 3 week Rajasthan road trip itinerary
Written by Priyanko (Constant Traveller)
Vietnam is a fabulously cheap solo travel destination for anyone looking for a wholesale immersion into Southeast Asian culture. Summertime is ideal for exploring the breadth of the country, as there is little chance of getting caught in tropical storms. You are likely to find a lot of other solo travellers as well.
If this is your first time in the region, fly in to Ho Chi Minh City first. This is the most ‘Westernised’ city in Vietnam with the tourist district full of great bars and an eclectic nightlife scene. Dip your toes in the country’s history with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels or take a ride along the Mekong Delta.
Fly in to Hoi An, an impossibly cute city where you are sure to feel like you have time-travelled to the past. The pedestrian area is worth strolling around. From ancient temples to old preserved houses and even cooking classes on offer, this is a city that will stay with you long after you’ve left it.
Come to Hanoi and gorge on the fabulous street food while taking in the sights. From the country’s military history to the embalmed Ho Chi Minh and historic Old City, Hanoi is full of things to see and do. If possible, do try to go on a trek to the mountains of Sapa and take in the sights of Halong Bay before departing the country.
Written by Michael (197 Travel Stamps)
Tokyo is different. It is huge, full of people, quirky, hectic and yet relaxing at the same time. You can walk over world’s busiest pedestrian crossing in Shibuya one minute and relax in Yoyogi Park a minute later.
Tokyo is also a place where tradition and the modern world meet like nowhere else. You can stroll the streets of the traditional Asakusa neighborhood to discover the old way of living in Japan or you can watch the endless lights of Akibahara.
Travelling to Tokyo is a perfect solo travel destination in summer, since you will be able to explore the beauty of the city in perfect weather conditions. I especially like travelling to Tokyo as a solo traveller because I’ve had so many opportunities to meet fellow travellers and engage with them. One of my best experiences was spending a night in a capsule hotel in the neighborhood of Shibuya, one of the best areas to stay in Tokyo. While the entire experience felt so truly Japanese, it was also a great opportunity to meet and start conversations with fellow travellers.
Related: 15 essential experiences for your first time in Tokyo
Written by Marie (Be Marie Korea)
Summer in South Korea gets extremely hot, so it’s best to escape the big cities, like Seoul and Daegu, and make your way to the coast line. The best place to escape to is Busan on the south coast. It is the third-biggest city of South Korea, but, as it is located along the coast, it is much fresher than other major cities. Busan has many stunning beaches and coastline activities like surfing.
Apart from being a great solo travel destination in summer, it is also great for solo travellers all year around. The city is easy to navigate, safe and friendly to foreigners. At one of the many hostels around Haeundae beach, it is easy to meet other travellers and go out together for the evening. It is also quite popular for hostels to organize events and pub crawls, especially in the peak season.
It is recommended to stay at least 2 days in Busan, as there is so much to visit and to see. Book a hostel around Haeundae beach as that’s where all the bars and beach restaurants are.
Written by Jules (Don’t Forget To Move)
In the Indonesian island of Lombok, secluded white sand beaches, gorgeous waterfalls and volcano hikes await the solo traveller looking for a new adventure this summer. This island paradise is just a short trip away from the crowded tourist island of Balii, yet offers so many of the same amazing qualities in a travel destination. Starting in the small tourist hub Kuta Lombok, solo travellers have many opportunities to meet other adventurers or venture off on their own to explore.
If you’re up for a challenge, rent a scooter and head out on a self guided tour of the island. In the south, there are over two dozen stunning beaches that you can get to within an hour’s drive of Kuta Lombok. Each beach is more secluded and isolated than the last. Head inland to find uncrowded waterfalls where it’s just you and Mother Nature admiring the powerful water flowing over the rocks. Or if you’ve had enough of your solo adventures and want to party it up with other crazy tourists, hop a boat over to Gili Trawangan island, where a party awaits every night. With so many things to see in Lombok the only problem you’ll have is fitting them all into your itinerary!
Written by Bradley (Dream Big, Travel Far)
Somewhere I strongly believe all passionate travellers should try to visit in Sri Lanka. Having visited in the summer of 2018, I really was shocked by how many incredible things there were to do there and how breathtakingly beautiful the country was. Best of all, Sri Lankan people are very friendly and welcoming which really helped make for the ultimate getaway.
Which is even better if you are travelling solo and are always looking for friendly new people to meet. There is a very sociable vibe amongst the main backpacking destinations, and you have ample chance to meet fellow travellers and share in adventures. And these adventures can be anything you wish! Around the coast, there are some of the world’s best surf spots.
Then, further inland, there are tonnes of wonderful hiking opportunities that offer up dramatic views. Getting around Sri Lanka is very easy and there are public buses and trains that allow you to get from town to town very quickly and very cheaply. Or for a true solo adventure, you can even rent a tuk tuk and drive yourself around, like I did!
Written by Daniela (Andes and Beyond)
If you’re looking for a different kind of experience this summer, give it a try with Peru’s Amazon rain forest. July, August and September are relatively dry months and therefore a good time to visit this fascinating, wild and yet fragile region of our planet.
Peru’s most popular Amazon tourist destinations are Iquitos, which is situated directly at the Amazon river and can only be reached by plane (or boat), Puerto Maldonado in the south of the country and Tarapoto in the high jungle in Northern Peru.
There are direct flights between Iquitos and Tarapoto but you’d need to fly back to Lima to reach Puerto Maldonado. In all three places, you can either book accommodation in the city and do some half-day or day tours or you can choose a tour of two or more days and stay at a jungle lodge.
As it’s not advisable to venture out alone into the jungle, it doesn’t really matter if you’re travelling solo or not. You’ll be spending quite a bit of time with other people, anyway. Make sure to book with a local company for your tours.
For half-day or day tours, it’s not necessary to make reservations in advance, there are plenty of local options which tend to be cheaper, too. If you have two days left before returning home, I recommend visiting Ica and the Huacachina desert oasis which can easily be reached from Lima by bus.
Written by Daisy (Beyond my Border)
Colombia can be counted among the most beautiful solo travel destinations. During my solo backpacking trip across the country, I fell in love with the country’s gorgeous landscape, fun-loving people, and vast greenery. One of my favourite backpacking towns within Colombia was the Cocora Valley in Salento. Located in the premier coffee region of Colombia, Salento was a calm space that oozed a sense of serenity. Its tranquility and natural beauty are ever more present in Cocora Valley, which is a known valley where hundreds of wax palm trees tower over the small roads along undulating hills.
As a female traveller, I always take precaution prior to a solo trip. I thought Salento and Cocora are both great solo travel destinations not only because of their beauty, but I felt completely safe while embarking upon my backpacking journey. There were lots of other backpackers I met on the road, and plenty of female travellers at that. In addition to coffee bean tours and lots of hiking, you can enjoy the colourful architecture and charming streets. There is a lot to do in and around the town, which makes it the perfect solo travel destination during the summer.
Have you ever travelled by yourself? What’s your favourite solo travel destination in the summer?
Thanks for reading!
-S
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