Solo Travel: The Complete Guide for Independent Travellers
Travelling alone is one of the most rewarding experiences there is. With this guide you'll be perfectly prepared – from planning to your return home.
10 minutes · By the HolidayGenie editorial team · Updated:
How do I make my first solo trip a success?
Start with an easy destination – such as a weekend city break in Europe – or with countries with good infrastructure like Portugal, Japan or Thailand. Stay in hostels to meet other travellers quickly, regularly share your location with someone you trust and keep digital copies of your documents. That way you travel safely and are rarely lonely.
Why should I travel solo at least once?
Travelling alone means maximum freedom: you decide where to go, when to wake up and whether to spend all day in a cafe or tick off three sights. You get to know yourself better, become more independent and strike up conversations with other travellers far more easily than in a group. Studies show that solo travellers report higher satisfaction and greater self-confidence.
Tip: Start with something easy – a weekend trip to a European city is perfect for beginners.
Which destinations are best for solo travellers?
Not every country is equally suitable for a first solo trip. Ideal are countries with good infrastructure, low costs and a lively backpacker scene, where you quickly meet like-minded people.
- Portugal: Safe, affordable, friendly people, great hostels
- Japan: Extremely safe, perfect public transport, fascinating culture
- Thailand: Backpacker paradise, affordable, easy to travel
- New Zealand: Safe, pure nature, many solo travellers
- Iceland: Extremely safe, breathtaking landscapes
- Colombia: Up-and-coming, warm-hearted people, affordable
Is travelling alone safe?
Solo travel is safer than many people think. A few simple rules minimise the risks:
- Share your location regularly with someone you trust
- Avoid deserted areas at night – take a taxi instead
- Store digital copies of your documents (cloud or email)
- Don't carry all your cash on you
- Trust your gut feeling – if something feels off, move on
- Learn about local customs and no-gos in advance
For women: Many countries are very safe for solo female travellers. Iceland, Japan, New Zealand and Scandinavia are among the safest countries in the world. In more conservative countries, adapting slightly to the local dress code helps.
Which accommodation is best for solo travellers?
Hostels are the best choice for solo travellers. In common rooms and kitchens you immediately meet other travellers. Many hostels organise communal activities: cooking evenings, city tours, pub crawls. If you need more privacy, book a single room in a hostel – you still have access to the communal areas.
- Hostels: Best for social travel and small budgets
- Airbnb rooms: More private, but still contact with the host
- Couchsurfing: Free and the most direct route to locals
- Boutique hotels: For solo travellers who enjoy comfort
How do I meet other travellers on the road?
Loneliness is the biggest worry of many solo travellers – and usually completely unfounded. You'll be amazed how easy it is to make friends on the road.
- Hostel common rooms – the social hub of every trip
- Free Walking Tours – perfect for meeting other solo travellers
- Cooking classes and workshops on site
- Apps like Meetup or Couchsurfing Hangouts
- Group excursions booked through the hostel
The easiest ice-breaker: "Where are you from?" – this single sentence has sparked thousands of travel friendships.
How much does solo travel cost?
Solo travel has one cost disadvantage: you can't share accommodation or taxis. On the other hand, you save elsewhere: you eat what and when you want, make no expensive compromises and are more flexible with last-minute deals.
Typical daily budgets for solo travellers:
- South-East Asia: 25–40 EUR per day (hostel + food + transport)
- Eastern Europe: 35–55 EUR per day
- Western Europe: 60–100 EUR per day
- Japan: 50–80 EUR per day (surprisingly doable!)
How can I eat out alone without feeling awkward?
Many solo travellers dread eating alone in a restaurant. Here are a few tricks: sit at the bar or counter – sitting alone there feels completely natural and you often end up chatting with the staff. Lunch is more casual than dinner. Street food and markets cater for individual portions anyway. And in most cultures, eating alone is perfectly normal.
What should I pack for a solo trip?
Less is more – especially when you travel alone and have to carry everything yourself. A 40–50 litre backpack is enough for trips of up to several weeks. Take a good padlock for hostel lockers, a head torch for dormitories and earplugs for peaceful nights.
Ready for your solo adventure?
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