The Reluctant Solo Traveler: Traveling with Confidence on Your Own

Thinking about traveling alone for the first time? Whether your partner isn’t as excited about travel as you are or you simply don’t have a ready-made travel buddy, the idea of solo travel can feel both exciting and intimidating.

So how do you take the plunge and explore the world without feeling overwhelmed?

Here’s your step-by-step solo travel guide to help you start small, stay safe, and enjoy the freedom of traveling alone.

Start Small and Build Confidence

You don’t have to hop on a plane to the other side of the world right away. Try a short weekend getaway or add a few solo days to an existing trip with friends or family.

That’s what I did — after years of traveling with others, I added a three-day solo stop in Barcelona after a 10-day trip through Portugal with a friend. It was the perfect baby step: a vibrant city, easy to navigate, and full of energy. That experience gave me the confidence for my next adventure — a 30-day small group tour through Spain, Portugal, and Morocco!

Get Tech-Savvy (or at Least App-Comfortable)

Make sure you’re confident using travel apps — especially Google Maps. It sounds simple, but many travelers get tripped up by basic navigation when they’re abroad.

Here are a few apps to master before your first solo trip:

• Google Maps – for navigation and saved locations

• Rome2Rio – for comparing transport options

• Uber, Bolt, or Lyft – for safe rides

• Google Translate – for language help

• GetYourGuide or Viator – for booking local experiences

Knowing your way around these tools makes your trip smoother and gives you more independence — a big confidence boost for first-time solo travelers.

Have Reliable Data (and a Battery Backup)

This one’s non-negotiable: get a solid international data plan. You can’t rely on Wi-Fi when you’re out exploring solo. Also, carry a portable power bank — between using maps, taking photos, and checking travel details, your phone battery will drain quickly. Staying connected keeps you safer and less stressed.

Plan Your Arrival: A Key Solo Travel Safety Tip

Before you depart, plan how you’ll get from the airport or train station to your accommodation. One of the best solo travel safety tips is to avoid arriving after dark when possible.

If you do arrive late, it may be worth paying for a taxi, Uber, or Bolt instead of navigating unfamiliar public transport.  A little pre-trip research — like checking your route on Google Maps and saving your hotel’s address offline — goes a long way toward peace of mind.

Pack Light for Stress-Free Solo Travel

When traveling solo, you can’t count on strangers to help hoist your bag into an overhead bin — so pack light!

A carry-on-sized suitcase and a small backpack is usually enough. Traveling light makes it easier to handle train stations, cobblestones, and staircases — and gives you more freedom to move around comfortably.

Hotels vs. Airbnb: Finding the Right Stay for You

Both hotels and Airbnb’s have their advantages, but if you’re new to solo travel, a hotel often feels more comfortable and secure.

Hotels usually offer:

• A 24-hour front desk for emergencies

• On-site breakfast and a bar

• Central, easy-to-locate areas

Airbnbs can be wonderful too, especially for longer stays, but they could add stress — like coordinating check-ins or finding a nearby grocery store. For your first solo trip, prioritize safety and convenience.

Dining Solo Without Feeling Awkward

Eating alone can feel awkward at first, but it doesn’t have to be. The trick? Ease into it.

Book a walking food tour your first night in a new city. You’ll meet people, taste local food, and discover restaurant ideas for later.

Once you’ve broken the ice, dining solo feels liberating — you get to choose exactly what and when to eat.

Tips for dining alone:

• Bring a book, travel journal, or Kindle

• Sit at the bar or a communal table

• Try lunch or brunch spots before tackling dinner

• Enjoy people-watching — it’s one of the best solo travel pleasures

Join Group Tours or Local Experiences

Solo travel doesn’t mean spending your trip alone. Small group tours and local experiences are an easy way to connect with others.

Try booking through platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator for:

• Cooking classes

• Bike or walking tours

• Cultural workshops

• Wine tastings or day trips

You’ll meet fellow travelers, learn from locals, and sometimes even find future travel buddies for your next adventure.

Enjoy the Freedom of Traveling Alone

The best part of solo travel? You’re in charge. Wake up when you want, eat wherever you like, and spend the day doing exactly what excites you — no compromises, no negotiations.

That freedom is what makes solo travel so empowering. You’ll learn to trust yourself, make decisions confidently, and appreciate your own company.

So go ahead — take that first step. Solo travel can be eye-opening, confidence-building, and incredibly rewarding. Once you experience that sense of freedom, you’ll be hooked!