I’ve been traveling solo for a decade, and one of the most common questions I get is, “Where do I even start?” The world is big, and taking that first step can feel overwhelming, especially as a woman traveling alone. If you’ve been dreaming of solo travel but aren’t sure where to begin, here are five tips I’ve learned along the way. And of course, I couldn’t resist sharing some of my favorite solo travel photos!
Selfies are a classic choice, but my skills in balancing my phone with nearby rocks have definitely improved over the years. So, let’s rewind to November 15, 2015, at LAX—right before I took off for my first solo adventure: a 6-month backpacking trip that started in New Zealand. The photo next was about 15 hours later when I arrived in NZ and thought, “Holy shit, I’m doing it!” At 23, I felt the perfect mix of excitement and being scared shitless.
1. Start Small, Start Close
Solo travel doesn’t mean you have to jump straight into an international adventure. If the idea of traveling alone feels intimidating, start with a weekend trip to a nearby city. You could even do a staycation in your own town. This allows you to get used to planning, navigating new places, and enjoying your own company without the added stress of language barriers or cultural differences. Each successful solo trip—no matter how small—will build your confidence for bigger adventures down the road.
I used to believe that travel only “counted” if it was a long, faraway journey, but I’ve since realized that some of the most meaningful trips can be short and close to home. I had always prioritized extended international adventures, but my 72-hour trip to Lake Superior Provincial Park ended up being one of my favorite solo experiences. In just a few days, I found the same sense of adventure, beauty, and personal growth that I usually seek in longer journeys.
2. Pick One Destination, Book it, and Go!
It’s easy to fall into the trap of overthinking every possible destination and waiting for the “perfect” moment to travel. The truth is, there’s no such thing as the perfect time. I’ve booked trips during rainy seasons and experienced clear skies, and I’ve traveled during the so-called best weather times only to be greeted with nonstop rain! Instead of getting caught up in finding the ideal moment, start by setting an intention for your trip. Ask yourself: What do I want to get out of this experience? Do I need adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion?
Once you have a clear intention, set a budget. Knowing how much you’re willing to spend will help you narrow down your options and avoid feeling overwhelmed by too many choices. Some destinations are more budget-friendly than others, and your travel style—whether you prefer hostels or boutique hotels, street food or fine dining—will also influence your decision.
With your intention and budget in mind, choosing a location becomes much easier. Whether it’s a bustling city or a quiet beach town, the experience will teach you invaluable lessons about yourself and the world. If you’re nervous, consider starting with a solo-travel-friendly country like New Zealand, Portugal, Japan, or Costa Rica. The most important thing is to pick a place, book your ticket, and commit. The hardest part is taking the leap—once you’re there, you’ll figure everything else out.
3. Pack Light (Seriously!)
The temptation to overpack is real, but trust me—carrying a heavy suitcase or overloaded backpack through airports, train stations, and cobblestone streets is not worth it. Ten years later, and I’m still learning this one. First, decide if you’re a suitcase or backpack traveler, then invest in quality essentials. A good pair of hiking boots and a few pairs of black leggings are my best friends when I travel—they’re comfortable, versatile, and easy to mix and match. Stick to multi-purpose clothing, lightweight layers, and travel-sized toiletries. A carry-on and a small personal item are usually enough, even for long-term travel.
Also, if it will help you feel more confident, consider packing a few safety essentials. You could bring a doorstop alarm, a personal safety whistle, and a crossbody bag with anti-theft features. Other must-haves include a portable charger, a small first-aid kit, and a universal adapter. The less you carry, the more freedom you have to move around effortlessly. Once you decide where you’re going, simply type in “Packing list for _____”. There are so many awesome bloggers and travel companies that have published lists and blogs to help you (I even have a few)!
4. Stay Aware and Trust Your Instincts
I personally follow a sunrise-to-sunset mentality when I travel solo. I prefer to spend my evenings reading, stretching, and unwinding, so I like to be back at my accommodation right after sunset. While I know some travelers enjoy nightlife, I’ve found that most of the concerning safety stories I hear happen at night, and it’s just never been my thing. That being said, I do occasionally make exceptions—whether it’s a 4 a.m. hike or a late night out. In those cases, I always share my location with family or my host and stay extra aware of my surroundings.
As a solo female traveler, safety is key. Research the neighborhoods you’ll be staying in, read reviews, and choose accommodations that prioritize security. Trust your intuition—if something feels off, remove yourself from the situation. Keep your valuables close, avoid sharing too many real-time details on social media, and always have a backup plan for getting around safely. Apps like Google Maps, Uber, Maps.me, and offline translation tools can be incredibly useful in unfamiliar places. Taking a self-defense class before your trip can also boost your confidence and prepare you for unexpected situations. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel.
That said, while it’s important to stay aware, don’t let fear overshadow your experience. If you constantly expect something bad to happen, you’ll miss out on the beauty of solo travel. Approach your journey with positive energy, an open heart, and trust in your ability to handle whatever comes your way. Most people you’ll meet are kind and welcoming, and traveling with a mindset of curiosity rather than fear will make your experience way more enjoyable. Stay smart, but also stay open—you never know what amazing connections and experiences are waiting for you!
5. It’s Always Going to Be a Little Scary—Go Anyway
No matter how many countries I visit, I still get butterflies before traveling solo. That feeling of uncertainty never fully goes away, and that’s okay. The key is learning how to work with it instead of letting it hold you back. I use meditation, grounding techniques, and positive affirmations to manage pre-trip jitters, and I couldn’t recommend them more. Traveling solo isn’t about never feeling fear—it’s about proving to yourself that you can do hard things despite the fear. Some of the most rewarding experiences in life come with a little discomfort. Trust yourself, take a deep breath, and go. You won’t regret it.
I recently traveled to Guatemala for a solo trip, and heard a lot of “Be careful’s”, “Oh no, are you sure you should go’s?” “Aren’t you scared?” I mean like sooo many. And don’t get me wrong, I am grateful for the concern, but I’ve learned to separate genuine care from fear-based advice. The truth is, every place has its risks, just like anywhere else in the world. But if I had let those warnings stop me, I would have missed out on some of the most incredible experiences of my life—like watching the sunrise over Lake Atitlán, connecting with the kindest locals, and pushing myself outside my comfort zone in the best way possible.
Solo travel isn’t about being reckless; it’s about being prepared, open-minded, and trusting yourself. There will always be people who question your choices, but the only voice that truly matters is your own. If travel is calling you, answer it. Take the leap, embrace the adventure, and remember—you are more capable than you think. Here are some affirmations I wrote down and repeated daily leading up to my trip:
- “I trust in my ability to adapt and handle whatever comes my way.”
- “Peace surrounds me, and I carry it with me wherever I go.”
- “This journey will enrich my life and expand my perspective.”
- “I am protected, safe, and supported at every step.”
- “I choose excitement and curiosity over fear and worry.”
- “The world is full of beauty, and I am open to experiencing it fully.”
- “I release what I cannot control and focus on the joy of this adventure.”
- “I am guided by love and intuition, not fear.”
- “Each moment is an opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.”
- “I am grounded, confident, and ready to embrace this experience.”
The best way to start traveling solo is to simply take that first step. Trust yourself, embrace the adventure, and know that the world has so much to offer. Traveling solo is one of the most transformative things you can do for yourself! It teaches you so much about who you are, how you navigate challenges, and opens your eyes to the beauty and diversity of the world. You’ll never regret the experiences, the growth, and the unforgettable moments you’ll have along the way when traveling solo!
Thanks so much for reading along! If you want to read more about my travels you can check out my other posts here!
