Solo Travel Tips for First-Time Travellers
Slug: solo-travel-tips-first-time-travelersPillar: Travel > DestinationsKeyword: solo travel tips first timeExcerpt: Solo travel is more popular than ever in 2026. These practical tips cover safety, planning, budgeting and making the most of travelling alone for the very first time.
Solo travel has never been more accessible or more popular. Search interest in "solo travel" hit an all-time high in 2026, with people of all ages choosing to explore the world on their own terms. If you are planning your first solo trip, the combination of freedom and unfamiliarity can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Here is everything you actually need to know before you go.
Choosing Your First Solo Destination
Your first solo trip should be enjoyable, not a survival test. Choose a destination with:
- Good transport infrastructure (easy to get around independently)
- A well-developed tourist trail (so you encounter other travellers easily)
- A low language barrier or clear English signage
- A solid safety reputation for solo visitors
Strong first-solo-trip destinations in 2026 include Japan (Kyoto and Tokyo are both excellent), Portugal (Lisbon and Porto are incredibly walkable and welcoming), Vietnam, Iceland and the Netherlands. All offer ease of navigation, safe environments and rich independent travel experiences.
Planning: How Much Is Enough?
Solo travel rewards a middle ground between over-planning and winging it. Book your flights, first night's accommodation and any non-negotiable activities (certain experiences book up months ahead). Leave the rest flexible — the best solo travel moments often happen when you follow your own curiosity rather than a fixed itinerary.
Use Google Maps' offline download function so you always have navigation available without mobile data. Download the maps for your destination before you leave home.
Accommodation: Where to Stay as a Solo Traveller
Hostels are excellent for solo travellers — not just for budget but for the built-in social environment. Choose hostels with good common areas, free breakfast and organised activities to make meeting people easy. Private rooms in hostels give you the social benefits without shared dormitories if you prefer your own space. Boutique hotels and Airbnbs work well when you want more independence and quiet.
Safety Essentials for Solo Travel
Most solo travel is entirely safe with sensible precautions. Key habits include:
- Share your itinerary with someone at home and check in regularly.
- Keep a digital and physical copy of your passport, insurance and key booking references.
- Use ATMs inside banks rather than on the street, particularly after dark.
- Trust your instincts — if a situation or person makes you uncomfortable, remove yourself without feeling rude about it.
- Book travel insurance before you leave, not as an afterthought.
Check the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advisories for your destination at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice before travelling.
Managing Loneliness on the Road
Solo travel can include moments of loneliness — this is normal and passes quickly. Practical strategies include staying in social accommodation, joining free walking tours (a staple of most cities), using the Meetup app for local events, and eating at the bar or communal tables at restaurants. Many solo travellers find that conversation starts more easily when travelling alone than with a group, because you appear more approachable.
Budgeting for Solo Travel
Solo travel is more expensive per person than group travel because you cannot split accommodation costs. Counter this by travelling in shoulder season (spring and autumn), choosing slower travel between fewer destinations, cooking some of your own meals, and using city travel cards for public transport. For more travel guides, visit our Travel section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is solo travel safe for women?
Yes, with appropriate preparation. Research destination-specific considerations before going, choose well-reviewed accommodation, stay aware of your surroundings at night, and connect with other female solo travellers on platforms like Solo Female Travelers or Women Who Travel for specific advice. The vast majority of female solo travellers have overwhelmingly positive experiences.
What is the best age to start solo travelling?
There is no age limit. Solo travel is done by people in their teens, twenties, fifties and beyond. The practical considerations change with age and budget — but not the core experience.
How do I meet people when travelling alone?
Stay in social hostels, join walking tours, take cooking or language classes, use Couchsurfing Meetups, or simply eat at communal tables. Most solo travellers find social connection comes naturally when you are open to it.
Do I need travel insurance for solo trips?
Yes — always. Medical evacuation from abroad can cost tens of thousands of pounds without it. Compare policies at Comparethemarket or MoneySupermarket and ensure your policy covers your planned activities, including any adventure sports.
