Guide to Solo Travel: Solo Travel Tips from 17 Travel Bloggers

If you’re thinking of traveling solo for the first time, these 17 tips from professional travel bloggers will teach you how to plan a solo trip.

Deciding to travel solo often isn’t easy—many people worry about safety, which is fair. In this guide to solo travel, I’ve rounded up 17 of my favorite travel bloggers to inspire those new to solo travel.

Here’s some advice for how to travel alone for the first time and have a fantastic experience.

Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet?

The Insurance companies I recommend are Hey Mondo and Safety Wing

Hey Mondo is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single-trip cover, annual multi-trip cover, and long-term travel cover. Safety Wing is great value, with monthly coverage starting at $45.08. It’s super easy to use, and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy.

Read my full travel insurance post here, where I go into detail about all companies. 

Traveling Solo for the First Time: 17 Tips from Travel Bloggers

1. Ana – World Untamed 

“Traveling alone is one of the most liberating things you can do for yourself. To me, it meant confronting fears and anxieties—meeting strangers isn’t scary after all! I found myself more open and approachable while on a solo trip, and it resulted in really memorable experiences.“

Follow Ana on Instagram.

2. Svetlana – The Stylish Voyager

“Even though I was a bit nervous the first time I traveled by myself (to Italy), it turned out to be one of the best trips ever. I had all the time and space to myself and learned how to be comfortable with and enjoy my own company. It also pushed me to get out of my comfort zone and connect with strangers, making friends along the journey.”

Follow The Stylish Voyager on Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.

Tip: For those who get bored being on their own, Couch Surfing is a great place to meet up with locals or fellow solo travelers.

3. Trisha Velarmino – P.S. I’m On My Way

“Traveling solo will give you the chance to the journey of self-discovery. When you are out here, you will realize how amazing the power of the human soul is. We are capable of anything! I was so scared when I first started backpacking South America by myself, but when I learned that we can endure everything, if we try, everything will fall into place. Trying will give us the best memories of our youth.”

4. Tom – The Travelling Tom

If you want to step outside your comfort zone and see what you’re made of, then solo travel is for you. Try it, and you might surprise yourself!”

5. Diana – MVMT Blog

“Be curious about the different people you’ll encounter, the different places and sights you’ll see, and the different cultures and customs you’ll experience. You’ll get the most out of your travels this way, I promise.”

You can also follow MVMT on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

6. Jub – Tiki Touring Kiwi

“When you’re approaching someone to start talking with, make your accent as neutral as possible and speak slowly. If people can understand you from the get-go, generating conversation is a lot easier.”

7. Nathan – Foodie Flashpacker 

“If you’re thinking of going, just go. Regret is way worse than fear. This should tell you everything you need to know: I left on a six-month trip. Next month, I’ll have been gone three years. I don’t think I’m halfway through my trip yet.”

8. Eve – Eva’s Foot Prints

“Going away on your own takes a lot of courage, but it is also very rewarding. You are your own boss, you can go with the flow and not care what everybody else thinks. You learn how to be alone, learn things about yourself, and how to trust yourself—it will boost your confidence. Re-invent yourself and go on a solo adventure.”

Follow Eve on Facebook.

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9. Katherine – Tara Lets Anywhere

“Think good thoughts! If you’re familiar with the Law of Attraction, you know that thoughts help create your experiences. Visualize yourself enjoying that solo trip and meeting all sorts of people.”

10. Alison – Eternal Arrival

“Embrace it! Traveling with friends can be stressful and difficult. When you travel by yourself, you can develop the itinerary exactly the way you want it and see as much or as little as you want. Plus, you’ll meet great new friends on the road.”

11. Jack

You will never have “enough money,” you will never have “enough time.” If you make those your barriers to travel, then you will never make your dreams come true. Stop everything now and book your flight. You can figure out the rest.”

Jack is an avid traveler and virtual assistant for hospitality, travel, and tourism—you can follow him on Facebook.

12. Michael – Round The World Guys

“My piece of advice is for people my age, 47. Don’t be afraid to stay in hostels full of twenty-somethings! You’ll learn a lot, and it will give you a boost of energy seeing how excited people are who are just starting their own journeys. Plus, hostels are great for people my age because I never have to guess at what to do—someone is always doing something interesting!”

13. Heather – Wanderlust Wayfarer

“Worried you’ll get lonely if you travel solo? Simply strike up a conversation with the person next to you in line at a coffee shop or museum. You’re never truly alone!”

Follow Heather on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

14. Sally – Travel Blog Squad

“My biggest tip for your first solo adventure is to join a group tour. Generally, there are many other solo travelers in the group, and not only do you get the safety of a semi-organized tour, you get to meet so many amazing friends for life.”

15. Lily Travella

“Just GO! It’s easy to think of ‘what ifs’ and postpone your trip, but I promise it will be the best thing you do! Say yes! Take every opportunity!”

Follow Lily on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

16. Alison – Inspired Wanderess 

“The best advice for any solo traveler is to avoid outside influence. Your parents won’t be too happy about you running off overseas; conservative friends may try to persuade you that it’s too dangerous. Don’t let their fears guide or stop you from doing what you really want to do.”

17. Claire – Claire’s Itchy Feet

And my advice?

“Make a plan, but stay flexible. You never know what opportunities might present themselves on the road. I like to book my first night’s accommodation, so I know where I’m going from the airport. But I’ve booked too many places that have been in the wrong area or just not been very nice. This way, you aren’t tied down and can move on once you decide the best place to be.”

Solo Travel Tips FAQ

What are the best solo travel tips to stay safe?

Research your destination, stay aware of your surroundings, and follow local guidelines. Always share your itinerary with someone you trust, and keep emergency contacts handy.

How do I choose a safe destination for solo travel?

Look for destinations with low crime rates and favorable reviews from solo travelers. Start with well-traveled countries and cities, especially if traveling solo for the first time.

What should I pack for a solo trip?

Pack essentials like travel documents, medication, and comfortable clothing. Also, keep a first-aid kit, a portable charger, and a photocopy of your documents.

Travel Guide Planning

🚗 Where can I book bus or private transportation while I’m traveling?

I strongly recommend using Bookaway. You can book almost all transport in the major tourist destinations through them online. They don’t just cover buses they also cover shuttles, ferries, and private drivers.

🎫 Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours?

I recommend either Viator or GetYour Guide. They have a lot of options!

👩‍⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?

I recommend using Heymondo for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat. For Digital Nomads check out SafetyWing digital nomad insurance.

I have also written a blog post covering all my recommended travel insurance here

✈️ Any flight recommendations?

WayAWay offers you cheap flights with cashback. You can use this code CLAIRE22 to get 10% off. Otherwise Skyscanner or Expedia are my go-to flight searching platforms.

📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?

I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I wrote a full review of the top travel WiFi devices you can read here. I personally use GlocalMe as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.

With regards to my phone connection, I use e-sims while traveling, so rather than having to swap out my regular sim card I can download the app and buy a virtual sim card. I recommend using eitherAirhub or Alosim. Both have great coverage of multiple countries and are very easy to use.

🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?

The 3 best platforms that I normally use are Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals.

🛅 Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?

I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list here. I’m currently traveling with this suitcase and this backpack. 

Guide to Solo Travel: Final Thoughts on How to Travel Alone for the First Time

I hope these solo travel tips inspire you to take a trip. If you have any advice for future solo travelers, please comment below!

Want more inspiration for how to plan a solo trip?

Traveling Solo in New York City | How to Make Friends in NYC
What I Learned Traveling Solo in Colombia As a Woman
What It’s Really Like Traveling Solo in Cuba As a Woman
Solo Travel in the Philippines
3 Personal Safety Tips for a Solo Female Traveler
Safety Advice for Solo Female Travelers in Guatemala
How Solo Travel Helped Me Overcome My Fears
Staying Safe While Traveling Solo | Top Tips from 8 Travel Bloggers
5 Things Not to Say to a Girl Who Travels Solo
How to Stay Safe As a Solo Female Traveler
How to Be Culturally Respectful When Traveling Solo