First Time Traveling Alone? A Useful Guide for Anxious Newbies

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So it’s your first time traveling alone? Love that for you! Seriously — welcome to the club, sis! Every time a woman decides she’s ready to step out there for her first solo trip, an angel gets their wings and I mentally throw confetti in the air because I know firsthand how challenging it can be. I’ve spent over a decade exploring the world on my own, and lemme tell you, once you start…you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. 

Sure, the ideas of traveling alone can feel intimidating at first and it’s normal to feel a little anxious about it, especially if you’re used to group tips or business travel. But trust me, the freedom, confidence, and self-discovery that are on the other side are so worth it! If it’s your first time traveling alone and you have no idea where to start or how to gain the courage to do it, you’re in the right place. Consider this your ultimate guide—equal parts practical and confidence-boosting. So grab a cup of coffee (or wine, if that’s more your vibe), pull up a chair, get comfy, and let’s dive in. 

Tips for Your First Time Traveling Alone

First things first. Now that you’re officially flirting with the idea of solo travel, let’s talk about how to make your first solo trip a success. You may have already scrolled your thumb to death on TikTok or IG, looking at all the amazing women who are solo traveling every inch of the world and believe that that’s what you should be doing too. But since you’re a newbie, don’t. Please don’t. Please don’t do that. Traveling alone for the first time isn’t about booking a one-way ticket to the other side of the world (unless that’s your free-spirit style—then go off queen!). It’s about building confidence, getting comfortable with the unknown, and setting yourself up for an amazing experience in the world. Since this is your first time traveling alone, we must walk before we crawl. These practical tips will help you ease into solo travel, stay prepared, and actually enjoy the process so let’s get into some practical tips for your first solo trip.

Tip 1: Start Small

If this is your first time traveling alone, I encourage you to start small and ease into it. Start by doing little and everyday things solo like eating out, going to the movies, or visiting a museum. You’d be surprised at how many people dream of solo traveling but hesitate at the thought of going to lunch alone. I hate to say it, but if sitting at a restaurant by yourself makes you feel uncomfortable, imagine how it will be while navigating whole new city with a different language and culture. Yeah…let that sink in. 

This isn’t to discourage you or burst any bubbles. I truly believe that if you want to travel solo, you can and will. But let’s be real for a second, everyone’s personalities and comfort levels are different. Some people dive headfirst into their first solo trip while others need time to adjust. Both are totally okay. The key is to start small and build up your confidence so that when you do that that big solo trip, you’ll spend less time being anxious and more time enjoying it. 

Tip 2: Consider Starting Locally

Once you’ve gotten comfortable doing things alone, it’s time to take another baby step—taking a short trip on your own. This doesn’t have to mean hopping on an international flight right away— although if you feel ready for that, go for it! You can start with a staycation, a day trip to the next town or city over, or even an overnight getaway to a nearby State or province. This is the time to explore a local city that’s been on your travel bucket list for ages.

Staying closer to home lets you practice solo travel while still keeping some sense of familiarity. Another big reason to start local when it’s your first time traveling alone is that it helps you decide if solo travel is actually for you. Solo travel isn’t for everyone—and that’s totally okay! The best way to find out if it’s right for you is to take a short trip and see how you feel. 

Tip 3: Solo Travel Research

One of the best things traveling solo is that you’re the boss of your own trip. The flip side of this? Everything falls on you. If it’s your first solo trip, you’ll soon find out that research and preparation are gonna be your best friends. The more research you do, the more confident and prepared you’ll feel. Start by keeping a notebook or making a digital list of places you’d like visit.

Once you’ve picked a destination, it’s time for a deep dive. Talk to friends and colleagues, read travel blogs and online articles, and let Google do some heavy lifting for you. Here are some things you might consider researching: Visa requirements, cultural and societal norms, local etiquette, language basics, must-try foods, the safest neighborhoods, and the best way to get around the city. The more details you can gather, the smoother your trip will be. If you’re short on time, this video has a few, quick things that I make sure to research before every solo travel trip.

Tip 4: Think Positively

Not everyone is going to be on board with your solo travel plans. Trust me. Even afters years of living abroad and traveling alone, I still get tons of people questioning why I do it and projecting their anxieties onto me. Most of the time, it comes from a place of love (and let’s be real, a little ignorance). It’s hard for people to understand something they’ve never experienced. While your mom might flood your email inbox with headlines like “Woman Attacked While on a Solo Trip to Coconut Town—The Destination of Her Dreams,” try to remember — she’s just worried about you and wants the best for you. 

What’s the best way to handle these situations? Try to stay positive and show your loved ones that you’ve done your research and are fully prepared for your first time traveling alone. Doing things like sharing your travel itinerary with me can also help ease their concerns, but also remember that not everyone’s opinion is worth your energy. I’ll never forget my Airbnb host in Porto, Portugal who incessantly asked me about my (nonexistent) boyfriend and insisted that I should come back to Port with one. She also tried to talk me out of visiting certain places around the city— just because I was alone. These things happen, take them in stride but also protect your peace and surround yourself with positive energy. 

It’s easy to dwell on everything that could go wrong, especially when it’s your first time traveling alone. But here’s the thing—things can go wrong whether you’re traveling solo or with a group. That’s just life. I’m a firm believer that whatever you water will grow, so focus on the good. Think about all the freedom, growth, and unforgettable experiences waiting for you instead of worrying about every little hiccup. Solo travel isn’t about fear—it’s about possibility.

Tip 5: Practice Packing Light

When you travel solo, it’s just me, myself, and I—which means packing light is a must. Yes, even if you’re traveling alone for the first time. You never need as much as you think you do, and trust me, lugging a massive suitcase while trying to navigate an unfamiliar metro system (or squeeze into a tiny café restroom) gets old fast. Just landed and gotta pee? Yes ma’am, that ginormous bag is like a toddler and will be going into the bathroom stall with you. This is why learning to pack light is essential.

Another perk of packing light when traveling alone is that it’s way eaiser to adapt if things to sideways. For example, if you have to switch hotels unexpectedly— say due to a robbery (knock on wood) or a surprise bedbug attack (yikes)—you can dip out without being suck hauling a mountain of luggage. So do yourself a favor and start learning how to pack light. Your future self will thank you later. If you need helping learning how to pack light, check out this post. 

Staying Safe When it’s Your First Time Traveling Alone

Now that we’ve covered some practical tips to get you out the door and into these fabulous solo travel streets, let’s talk about something that might be lingering in the back of your mind: solo travel safety. For many travelers, especially if you’re traveling alone for the first time, safety is a top concern—and rightfully so. But here’s the good news: a little awareness goes a long way. With the right precautions, you can spend less time stressing and more time actually enjoying your trip.

Below are some quick, no-nonsense solo travel safety tips to keep you feeling secure and anxiety-free on your solo adventures. If you want an a deep dive on this topic, check out these videos:

• Safety Tips for New and Anxious Solo Travelers
• Solo Travel Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Trip
• Six Things to Research Before Your Next Solo Trip

Don’t geo-tag your location on social media in real time

Wait until you’ve left your location or have moved on to the next city to avoid making yourself an easy target for anyone who is watching. 

Trust your gut

If something feels off, it probably is—listen to your instincts and immediately remove yourself from uncomfortable situations. This includes canceling accommodation reservations that you don’t feel quite right, even if you can’t put your finger on it. A great example of this is at 4:32 in this video. 

Don’t tell anyone you’re traveling alone

Here’s what you can say instead.

Do adequate research on your destination

As mentioned in the previous tips–know the cultural norms, common crimes, and safe neighborhoods.

Arrive and leave your destination within daylight and working hours

Try your best with this one. Travel can be unexpected and sometimes to get that sweet travel deal, you may be taking a red-eye flight or two but navigating a new place is easier and safer when you can see your surroundings and access to help is available.

Have digital and/or physical copies of your travel documents

Theft is unfortunately a real thing so keep backups of your passport, visa, and any important travel documents.

Share your travel itinerary with trusted family and friends

Let someone you trust know your plans like where you’re staying, which cities you’ll be visiting,  and flight information. You can even share you location for peace of mind.

Keep your phone charged and a portable charger on you at all times

When it’s your first time traveling alone, it is not the time to have a dead or dying phone. Stay powered up for using digital maps, travel apps, and messaging apps like WhatsApp. 

Consider travel insurance

Since you’re solo traveling, it’s better to have travel insurance than to need it and not have it. Coverage can save you in case of medial emergencies, theft, and even cancellations. 

Carry a personal alarm

These are small but mighty tools that can deter a potential threat and draw attention if needed. 

Planning Your Solo Trip

By now, you’ve got a good foundation for first solo trip. You know how to ease into solo travel, you understand the importance of research, you’re embracing a positive mindset, and you’ve got those key safety tips in your back pocket. Look at you, already leveling up! 

Now comes the exciting part—actually planning your first solo trip. Mind you, this technically isn’t your first as you’ve already taken one or two local trips. However, this is where your dream destination moves from travel inspiration on paper into a reality. From choosing where to go, and mapping out logistics, this phase is all about setting yourself up for a smooth, stress-free, and unforgettable experience. Let’s jump into the key steps to planning your first solo adventure with confidence. 

Decide What Kind of Trip You Want?

Before you start booking flights and packing your bags, take a step back and think about what kind of solo trip you actually want to take. We all travel for different reasons—some of us crave adventure, while others just need a break. Maybe you live in a big city and are used to the hustle-bustle life and want to experience a small town for a few days? Or perhaps you’ve been putting in some serious hours at work and nothing sounds better than soaking up the sun and some good R&R on a quiet beach?

This is where your research skills come into play (Remember that tip? 😉) Places like Google, ChatGPT, Pinterest, and travel blogs are your friends. Scroll, pin, read, and take notes. Keep a running list of places and experiences that spark your interest, and soon enough, you’ll start to identify patterns and see a clear picture of your ideal solo trip. 

Choosing a Solo Travel Destination

Once you’ve decided what kind of solo trip you want, it’s time to start zeroing in on a destination. And yes, I’m going to sound like a broken record here, but research (hello tip #3!) is your guide. For example, if you’re wanting a relaxation trip, there might be a certain beach town that’s been calling your name. That’s a great place to start. 

Now’s also the time to be realistic about what works best for you. Maybe your time off is limited or you’re working with a tight budget—these factors will help shape your decision. Think about accessibility, costs, and what makes the most practical sense for your situation.

Logistics and Planning

After all that research (because I know you went down some rabbit holes),  it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty: How you’ll actually make this solo travel trip happen. By now, you’ve got your destination so now it’s time to figure out the basics: How will you get there? How will you get around the city once you arrive? Where will you stay? What do you want to do? Ask yourself questions like:

• Can I drive there or do I need to fly?
• Will I need to rent a car, or is there public transportation?
• What’s my budget for accommodations?
• Are there any activities or attractions I need to book in advance?

What to Expect

Hopefully this guide has been helpful and has made traveling alone for the first time a breeze. Starting something new is always the hardest part. The learning curve is steep during those first days of a new job. The first week of a new workout routine can be brutal. Solo travel is no exception but like anything else, it gets easier. 

Society is really out here trying to convince us that being alone and being lonely are the same thing—but I’m here to tell you that they’re not. If you start feeling anxious about aspects of your trip like dining solo or wonder what people might think, remind yourself of why you’re doing this. Think back to those mini solo outings you took to ease into it. The fear will slowly fade and before you know it, you’ll be embracing the freedom that comes with traveling alone.

And don’t forget to celebrate yourself! Solo travel isn’t for the faint of heart—it takes real courage. If you’re brave enough to do it (which I know you are). To quote the 90s: YOU GO, GIRL! Good for you for not waiting around for other people and stepping outside your comfort zone. Please pat yourself on the back and be proud of yourself. Believe me when I say that this is a big deal. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard someone say, “I always wanted to go to Hippopotamus Town, but I never went because I didn’t have anyone to go with.” But you? You’re out here making it happen. *Rises with a slow clap while wiping away a proud tear* Cheers to you, my friend!

My Favorite Solo Travel Tools

Before I leave you to go plan your epic solo travel trip, I have one more thing to share with you. When it comes to traveling alone for the first time, having the right gear can make all the difference. Wether it’s staying organized, feeling safe, or just making life on the road a little easier, I’ve learned over the years (through much trial and error) which travel essentials are actually worth packing. Below is a list of my go-to solo travel must-haves—tried, tested, and loved by yours truly. These are the products I personally use on my solo travel tips! If you’re more of a visual learner, check out this YouTube video where I go into more depth about some of these products. Happy packing!