There will come a time in your life when your soul whispers, “Let’s go.” It won’t be for anyone else – not for a job, a relationship, or an event. It’ll be just for you.
And, when that whisper comes, listen. Booking a solo trip isn’t just about travel. It’s about self-love in its purest form. It’s saying, “I deserve this. I’m ready to explore the world and determine my place in it.”
Solo travel gives us wings. It gives us the chance to discover our independence, curiosity, and joy. We get to do everything our way – wake up when we want to wake up, eat where we want to eat, and wander without compromise.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to take that trip of a lifetime, this is it. Get ready to spread your wings, friend. You’re about to fly.
Don’t Overthink It
Now, more than ever, is the time to trust your instincts and go where the road leads you.
It’s very easy to get caught up in planning every single detail of a solo trip (for that sense of security) or second-guessing whether you should go at all.
But, you don’t have to have everything figured out. Some of the best travel memories are made when things don’t go according to plan. Solo travel is about trusting yourself – not just your decisions, but your curiosity, energy, and desire to explore the world on your own terms.
Don’t let the “what-ifs” talk you out of it. Book the side trip. Take the ferry to that newly discovered island. Wander the charming cobblestone street alley that seems to be calling your name.
The road really does rise to meet you when you’re open to the unknown. This is your adventure, and you don’t need anyone’s permission to chase it.
Watch Your Six
As with anything in life, be smart, be safe. Keep your eyes and ears open at all times. Don’t stop in the middle of the sidewalk to take a photo. Don’t walk around with noise-cancelling headphones on so that you can’t hear your surroundings. Here are 20 safety tips for female solo travelers.
Safety isn’t about being fearful. It’s about being aware. When you’re solo, you don’t have a buddy to point out a sketchy shortcut or notice someone trailing just a little too close. You are your buddy. So, keep your head up, walk with confidence, and always be tuned in to your environment.
Keep a Journal
…or some method of recording your travels. Resurrect that Instagram page, jot down your thoughts in a café, or text pics to friends back home to document the joy of it all.
You’re going to want to remember how that café smelled and how the ocean sparkled in the morning. Keeping a journal, photo diary, or even a note on your phone can help capture the feeling of the moment — the kind of thing you’ll want to revisit down the line.
If you’re not a journaler, it doesn’t have to be a big commitment. Just jot down a few bullet points before bed, share a quick story in a voice memo, or post a daily photo with a quirky caption. You’re not doing it for likes or perfection. You’re doing it to honor your story because every solo traveler is the hero of their tale, and this is yours.
Stay Open to Meeting New People
Don’t let fear or shyness close you off. Strike up that conversation with the barista or bartender, even if you feel uncomfortable. Usually, people in the service industry love sharing their insights about the area. And, if they don’t respond kindly, who cares? You’ll never see them again!
The truth is, meeting new people when you’re traveling alone can be one of the most heartwarming parts of the experience. Locals always have the best tips, like that hidden beach just outside of town or that dumpling spot that isn’t on Google Maps. You just have to be willing to say hello and ask a question.
It might feel awkward at first, but awkward is temporary and regret lasts a whole lot longer. You’re not trying to make lifelong friends (though you might). You’re just trying to open the door to small, spontaneous moments of connection – the kind that will give your journey flavor and remind you that the world is full of kind and interesting people.
Pack Light
There’s nothing worse than being encumbered by your baggage. Do everything in your power to pack light. To help you along, here are 11 ways to pack for a week in a carry-on.
Lugging a giant suitcase up cobblestone streets or trying to jam it onto a tiny regional train doesn’t feel great. Remember, solo travel is about freedom, and you’ll feel a lot freer when you’re not schlepping 60 pounds of “just in case” gear. Stick to one carry-on if you can, and make peace with the idea that you don’t need a different outfit for every day.
Packing light also helps you keep your plans flexible. You can hop on a bus, jump in a cab, or take the stairs without breaking a sweat (or your back). Plus, if you forget something, you’ll survive – we promise. Being nimble and light on your feet isn’t just practical. It’s empowering.
Give Someone Back Home Your Itinerary
This one is simple, but important. Even if your plans are loose or likely to change, sharing a rough itinerary with a trusted friend or family member is good sense. Think of it as a digital breadcrumb trail, just in case someone needs to check in.
It only takes five minutes to send a quick list of cities, hotels, and expected arrival dates – and it gives both you and your loved ones peace of mind. Another thing you can do is share your location with someone through your phone. Again, it’s not about being paranoid. It’s just about being prepared.
Don’t Be Afraid to Go Off Track
Sort of like not overthinking it and allowing yourself to get lost, don’t be so tied to your itinerary that you get stressed out if something doesn’t go according to plan. Accept that it’s all unfolding the way it’s meant to, and you’re headed in this new direction for a reason. Something truly wonderful is at the end of that road.
Sometimes, the train gets delayed. The museum is closed. The restaurant you were excited about is fully booked. And that’s okay. When you let go of rigid expectations, you create space for magical detours – like the time you wandered into a street market and ended up dancing to a local band with a complete stranger.
The beauty of solo travel is that you’re the only one you need to consult. Feel like scrapping your plan and spending the day reading by a lake? Do it. Want to hop a bus to a town you just heard about this morning? Go for it. Spontaneity is the secret ingredient that makes solo travel unforgettable.
Love Yourself a Little Bit Harder
To be fair, there will be moments in your travels when you look around and feel like the whole world is coupled off or with friends, and you’re all alone. Don’t let those moments trick you into thinking you’re missing out. You’re actually choosing something brave and rare: the chance to enjoy your own company in a brand-new place.
There’s nothing wrong with the freedom you’re currently enjoying – the freedom to go left when you want to go left and right when you want to go right. Celebrate the fact that you’re here, doing this for yourself. Order a glass of wine and toast your courage. Sit by the sea and feel proud. Every solo traveler has that wobbly moment – and every one of them has come out stronger, more self-loving, and more confident on the other side.
Try Something You Wouldn’t Normally Do Back Home
Push your boundaries – just a healthy amount. If you see someone hang gliding and think that might be fun, try it! When you’re back home to the everyday routine, you’ll be glad you had that crazy adventurous moment, whether it’s paragliding in Paraguay, salsa dancing in Santiago, horseback riding in Hawaii, or taking a pottery class in Prague.
Part of the magic of solo travel is that no one knows you. You’re not stuck in your usual routines, surrounded by people who expect you to act a certain way. This is your chance to reinvent yourself a little — to lean into your curiosity and surprise yourself. You’re not just sightseeing. You’re living. And future-you will thank you for every brave, beautiful risk you took.
Vow to Do It Again
Once you solo travel, you’ll be astounded by the tremendous sense of empowerment it brings. You’ll be so proud of yourself for getting out there, seeing this great, big world, meeting new people, and trying new things. Share the joy of it with others and vow to do it again sometime.
The first trip might feel like a leap of faith. But, after that, it’s addictive in the best way possible. You’ll return home glowing with stories, memories, and the unshakable belief that you can do anything. You made the bookings, navigated the maps, braved the awkward moments, and savored the sights.
Don’t let it be a one-time thing. Think about where you want to go next. Maybe, now that you have your sea legs, you’ll take a longer trip next time. Solo travel isn’t a phase. It’s a way of life and, once you’ve started, there’s no limit on how far you can go.
Fly Free, Friend
We think you’ll find that solo travel is a turning point. It’s the moment when you stop waiting for the perfect companion or the perfect timing and decide you’re reason enough to go. Along the way, you’ll learn to trust yourself more, love yourself more, and appreciate just how capable and courageous you really are.
Many of our writers here at Travel Reveal are solo travelers. That’s why we can’t speak of it highly enough! We hope you’ll receive the same joys and gifts that come with it someday. As you get up your courage – and your gear – come take a look at our library of travel tips. It’s loaded with safety tips, destinations, and new ways to stay light on your feet. We can’t wait to see ya out there!