How to Plan Your First Solo Trip: A Complete Beginner's Guide

Slug: how-to-plan-your-first-solo-tripPillar: Travel > DestinationsKeyword: how to plan your first solo tripExcerpt: Solo travel is one of the most rewarding things you can do — and one of the most daunting to plan for the first time. This step-by-step guide covers everything from destination to safety.

Why Solo Travel Is Worth It (And Less Scary Than You Think)

Solo travel has grown significantly in 2026, with a report from booking platform Hostelworld noting a 42% year-on-year increase in single-person bookings. The reasons are as varied as the travellers themselves: the freedom to follow your own schedule, the personal growth that comes from navigating unfamiliar places alone, and the quality of connections you make when you're not already with a companion.

The most common concern for first-time solo travellers is safety. This is understandable, but the data is reassuring: the vast majority of solo trips — even for solo female travellers in unfamiliar countries — go without serious incident when basic precautions are followed. The key is choosing an appropriate first destination and having a simple safety system in place.

Step 1: Choose the Right First Destination

Your first solo trip should build confidence, not test your limits. Choose a destination that's safe, easy to navigate, English-friendly (or widely spoken), and has good tourism infrastructure. The best first destinations for solo travellers from the UK in 2026 include:

Lisbon, Portugal — consistently rated one of Europe's safest cities, compact and walkable, with excellent public transport, a thriving food scene, and one of the most welcoming atmospheres in Europe. Budget-friendly compared to other Western European capitals. Iceland — one of the safest countries in the world (violent crime is extremely rare), stunning scenery, and a straightforward self-drive culture. Best avoided as a first solo trip if you're uncomfortable driving, as public transport is limited outside Reykjavik. Japan (Kyoto or Tokyo) — extraordinarily safe, clean, and well-organised. Signage is mostly bilingual. The cultural experience is rich and the transport system is reliable. A longer-haul option but ideal for solo travellers who want minimal safety concerns. Bali, Indonesia — popular with solo travellers, genuinely affordable, with a well-developed tourist infrastructure and a welcoming culture. Requires slightly more vigilance regarding transport and petty theft than European options.

For your first trip, consider a 5–7 day itinerary. Long enough to settle in and explore, short enough to manage logistics without feeling overwhelmed.

Step 2: Book Accommodation Strategically

Where you stay shapes your entire solo experience. Hostels with social spaces are ideal if you want to meet other travellers — look for a social rating of 8.5+ on Hostelworld. A private room in a social hostel gives you the best of both worlds: your own space plus easy socialising. Solo-friendly hotels and guesthouses often charge less than you'd expect for single occupancy — search specifically for "single room" rather than double, and use Booking.com's single traveller filters. Airbnbs with a host in-residence (private room in a shared home) are great for connecting with locals and getting authentic recommendations.

Always read recent reviews for solo traveller mentions specifically. Look for comments on how safe the neighbourhood feels, whether the reception is staffed overnight, and how easy it is to get in and out.

Step 3: Build a Simple Safety System

You don't need to be paranoid — but a few habits significantly reduce risk: Share your itinerary. Send your accommodation names, addresses, and flight numbers to at least one person at home before you leave. Set a check-in schedule (e.g., a quick message every morning) so someone knows your movements. Use offline maps. Download your destination's maps on Google Maps or Maps.me before you leave your accommodation each day. Don't rely on mobile data for navigation. Keep digital and physical copies of documents. Photograph your passport, travel insurance, and accommodation bookings. Email the photos to yourself so they're accessible from any device. Know your emergency numbers. The European emergency number is 112. Look up local equivalents for non-European destinations. Trust your instincts. If a situation feels uncomfortable, leave it. No photograph or experience is worth ignoring a genuine gut feeling.

Step 4: Plan Your Daily Budget

Solo travel does cost slightly more per person than group travel — you can't split accommodation, taxis, or private tour costs. Budget approximately: accommodation (£25–£60 per night depending on destination and style); food (£20–£40 per day for a mix of local restaurants and cafes); local transport and activities (£15–£30 per day). Total: around £60–£130 per day depending on destination. Lisbon sits at the lower end; Iceland at the higher. Factor in your flights separately — booking 2–3 months in advance and being flexible on departure day can save £100–£300 on short-haul flights.

Step 5: Plan Loosely — Leave Room for the Unexpected

Over-planning a solo trip removes one of its greatest pleasures: the freedom to change your mind. Book the first night or two of accommodation and your flights in advance, but leave at least 30–40% of your itinerary unscheduled. The best experiences on solo trips are rarely the ones you planned — they're the conversation that leads to an invitation, the left turn that reveals something beautiful, or the afternoon that stretches because you found a spot you don't want to leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is solo travel safe for women?

Yes — millions of women travel solo safely every year. Destination choice, accommodation type, and basic safety habits (not walking alone in isolated areas late at night, being cautious with alcohol, trusting your instincts) are the key variables. Destinations like Japan, Portugal, Iceland, and New Zealand are specifically noted for their safety for solo female travellers. Check resources like The Blonde Abroad and Solo Female Traveler Network for destination-specific advice.

Do I need travel insurance for solo travel?

Absolutely — travel insurance is not optional for solo travellers. If you fall ill or are injured abroad, the costs of repatriation alone can run into tens of thousands of pounds. Policies specifically designed for solo travellers often cover trip cancellation if you're the only traveller. Compare at comparethemarket.com or gocompare.com.

How do I meet people when travelling solo?

Staying in social hostels, joining organised day tours or walking tours (free walking tours exist in most major European cities), attending local events via Meetup.com, or using apps like Couchsurfing Meetups are all reliable ways to connect with other travellers and locals.

What should I pack for my first solo trip?

Pack light — a carry-on bag only, if possible. The freedom of not checking luggage is transformative for solo travel. Essentials: passport and copies, travel insurance documents, unlocked phone with an international or eSIM, portable charger, one small padlock for hostel lockers, a money belt for your passport and cards when sightseeing, and versatile clothing that layers. Leave room in your bag for things you pick up along the way.

Is it lonely to travel solo?

Moments of loneliness are a normal part of solo travel, particularly in the first day or two. Most solo travellers report that these moments are brief — and that they quickly give way to a sense of freedom and self-sufficiency that's genuinely energising. Staying in social accommodation, being open to conversations, and giving yourself time to adjust are all it takes.

For more travel guides and destination tips, visit our Travel section, or read our piece on budget travel tips for Europe.