Solo Travel for Beginners: My Top 5 Tips to Start Travelling Alone

Are you thinking about solo travelling for the first time but don’t know where to start? Maybe fear is holding you back, or perhaps you’re tired of waiting for someone to join you on holiday. Whatever the reason, this guide is here to inspire you to take the plunge and discover the joys of solo travel.

For those not used to spending time alone, the idea of solo travel can feel daunting. I know this firsthand. After getting divorced at 30, I felt overwhelmed by my new independence. But it was my very first solo trip that helped me reconnect with my authentic self and gain confidence in being alone. In my blog post, Self Discovery through solo travel, I share how my first solo trip transformed my perspective on travel and life.

If you’re looking for practical tips on how to start travelling alone, overcome fear, and plan your first solo adventure, this post is the perfect place to begin.

Start small

Solo travel doesn’t have to mean booking a flight across the world. If the idea feels overwhelming, start smaller with a local day trip or an afternoon exploring your town on your own. Taking small steps helps you ease into travelling alone without feeling intimidated or overwhelmed.

Once you’re comfortable, gradually progress and push your limits:

Explore a new town nearby
Take an overnight trip
Plan a weekend getaway

Not everyone is ready to dive straight into long solo trips and that’s okay. Confidence in solo travel takes time and practice. By starting small and progressing at your own pace, you can gradually build the courage to book that very first solo trip abroad!

Get comfortable with the uncomfortable

There’s no denying that your first solo trip will bring moments of discomfort, especially if you’re not used to spending time alone. That’s why it helps to start small and practice being on your own in everyday life. I experienced this discomfort firsthand during my first solo trip at the start of my divorce. After nearly a decade in a co-dependent relationship, being on my own while travelling was a big shock to my system. But here’s the thing: discomfort is where growth happens. Solo travel will teach you resilience, independence, and self-confidence in ways nothing else can.

Trust what is beyond fear

If you’re experiencing fear or worry about travelling alone for the first time, know that this is completely normal. Fear is a natural human response to the unknown, and it can make the idea of a first solo trip feel intimidating.

The key is not to avoid the fear, but to push through it and trust the growth, freedom, and confidence that await on the other side. Many solo travellers find that once they take that first step, fear transforms into excitement and empowerment. I can certainly vouch for that!

Book yourself on a group holiday

If you want to solo travel abroad but worry about feeling lonely, group travel tours and holidays can be a fantastic solution. These trips are especially popular among singles because they allow you to meet like-minded travellers while removing the stress of booking transport, accommodation, and activities on your own. Gadventures, Intrepid and Flash Pack all offer group holiday tours worldwide.

If you prefer smaller or more budget friendly social opportunities, group day trips with GetYourGuide or Viator, free walking tours, or staying in hostels through HostelWorld are also great ways to meet people when travelling alone.

Do your research ahead of your first trip abroad

When you’re ready for your first solo trip abroad, doing thorough research and planning is essential. Understanding the basics, like visa requirements, local currency, transport options, and cultural norms, not only keeps you safe but also gives you confidence before you set off.

Planning your solo trip is also an exciting part of the journey. Choosing your first solo travel destination abroad is a unique opportunity to pick a place that truly aligns with your passions, interests, and travel goals.

By preparing ahead of time and planning your itinerary carefully, you’ll feel more confident, empowered, and ready to step on a plane the first time on your own.

Thank you so much for reading my blog post. I hope you found it useful and it inspires you to take that first step to your first solo travel adventure.

You can always reach out to me on Instagram if you have any questions or need advice on how to start solo travelling.