Intro to Solo Travel: Tips for Your First Time Traveling Alone

Solo travel opens up a world of opportunities and experiences!

0:00 - Intro
0:46 - Play to Your Strengths
1:40 - Get Great Gear
3:26 - It Pays to Prepare
4:31 - Tweak Your Plans
5:25 - Leave A Trace
6:25 - Choose Tech Wisely
7:19 - Safety First
8:20 - Fake It ‘Til You Make It
9:19 - Find Local Friends
10:20 - Screw Up...A Lot

Products Mentioned

With seven continents worth of sights to see and only 365 days in the year, you won't always have a buddy to explore with you. That's where solo travel comes in. We know that your first time traveling alone is a big step, so we're here to share some of our best tips and tricks to help jumpstart your planning. Our team members have traveled to over 50 countries for up to two years at a time, so we know a thing or two about what it's like to be alone on the road. If you want to stop waiting on other people to see the world, check out this video to get started.

RELATED CONTENT

CONNECT WITH US

TERMS

[dominiquetheeasyminimalist]

I love traveling solo, been doing it for over 30 years for business and leisure, locally and internationally. Pack light, get durable gear, stay safe, make plans and be prepared but stay flexible, don’t overbook your travel agenda, enjoy your freedom and privilege to make this choice. If you feel lonely, join a tour for a day trip, a food tour, a bike tour and you’ll meet people of all ages and backgrounds from around the world. I’ve had an Eagle Creek backpack since 1991 and it’s still in perfect condition. I decided to get the Global Companion woman style last year because it’s carry on size and I love it!

[stephclarke]

On my first solo trip I flew from Toronto to Vancouver, and then took the bus and train to Seattle and Portland. While in Portland I went to a roller derby game, and I underestimated how long it would take to get back to my guesthouse on public transit. I ended up calling a cab, and after waiting 30 minutes in a now completely empty, pitch black amusement park I became terrified. I called the cab company and they said the driver was in their way. I burst in to tears in the phone and they told me to hang tight. The driver called me a minute later saying she couldn't find the entrance but was on her way. She ended up being the nicest driver. I told her I was collecting state quarters and all I needed was Alaska. We had a great chat for the 25 minute drive, which she only charged me for half of. We shared travel stories (including freak outs and breakdowns). The next day she messaged me saying she found an Alaska quarter! We didn't get to meet up again, but I thought it was so nice. I have been lucky to travel solo again another 5 times. I can't wait to get back out there!

[daphne]

I worked as a full time receptionist for a long time and once met a guest that was solo travelling for the first time. She really enjoyed it so far and we tried to give her all the best tips and places to see and go. The only thing she was a bit worried about was that she really wanted to enjoy a night out on the town but was nervous to do so alone. So when we had our «lønningspils» (paycheck-drink) for all of the receptionists and hotel staff, we invited her along and went bar hopping and clubbing. She had a great time and lost a lot of nervousness for the next leg of her travels alone. So my tip I guess is to talk to the staff! They always want you to have the best experience and they know a lot things about what not to miss but also which areas to avoid.😊

[susanajurado]

I'm searching this 1 month before my first ever solo travel in Taiwan. Thank u!!

[nickbowman]

Just had my first solo travel experience and the first time alone in a foreign country this week as I begin study abroad in Scotland. Delays, airport sprints, plenty of caffeine and adrenaline … nothing better. Excited to explore the UK!

[karmacolonic]

Great tips and encouragement.... I'd just add the 'pack less rather than more' maxim to maximize mobility and freedom, especially when you're out on your own. Nothing is as satisfying as having a light pack and the ability to go anywhere at any time. 😉👍

[alex]

Thank you, I've always traveling solo and all the tips you've mentioned will definitely makes everyone's travel enjoyable and fun. Safety and being alert at all times on new location is a must.

[grbkset-]

Traveling alone is a lot more interesting because the possibility of being hungry and without a home forces me to make friends. My first extended trip was spending my sabbatical with a friend to Peru for his high school reunion. He stayed one week, then I stayed five more and went to Ecuador, the Galapagos and was the sole guest of an indigenous tribe in the Amazon. I mis-planned, so my flight back to LA landed in the middle of the night. I slept on a hard bench at Union Station surrounded by homeless people.

[tribaljavi]

18 years ago I went on my first solo trip to Rome and school in the country side. So many mistakes! I packed a huge rolling suitcase filled to the brim. I paid $60 for a taxi cab to my hotel from the airport! I didnt realize the humidity and almost died a few times of heat exhaustion.

Cut to today, I have my Peak Design 45L, all my packing cubes and even leave room for souvenirs and clothes I may buy on my travels. I use everything in my bag now.

[jamesburns]

My tip is to go to a safe country for your first solo trip.

[MP-lvvk]

I had a couple of days to myself in Japan before a tour. The tour was great but I learned so much more Japanese traveling alone.

[jt_norway]

Ive traveled to Tokyo, Helsinki, Copenhagen, Lived in London alone and now im in Canary Islands ALL ALONE! :)

[ConnorWilkins]

Quite literally getting ready for my eat pray love trip right now. This helped a lot.

[neogeo]

6 years ago I traveled solo for the first time to Copenhagen. I had a great time and met wonderful people from around the world.

[lordteabelly]

Great video and useful tips! I'm in the uk and are planning a 3week US trip for 2023 where i want to go to seattle, philly and new york, a week in each. It will most likely be a solo trip which kinda excites me even though at the same time it would be cool to go with a travel partner, however I'm planning already as a solo trip for now. I've already been making lists of attractions and things i want to see in each city, restaurants i want to check out, transportation options, live music venues etc etc

[alex]

I loved all the tips on your video. I've always travelled solo and enjoyed every minute of it. I've messed up and got lost and to me it's an experience that I will never forget. Thanks for the video and keep on travelling. Cheers

[supersyndrome]

Definitely, some great advice here - especially the Leave a Trace one. I wouldn't have even thought to do that but for travelling solo, it makes so much sense!
You have some great shots in this video and I'd love to know where you were when you took them:
Snow waterfall place: 5:51
Giant lake place with mountains: 11:22
Cheers!

[cltinturkey]

Great tips! Best one is to trust your gut. If someone feels wrong or just off, skip it. If you're in a situation and your instinct is to leave, take quick action and get out. Don't be afraid to make a stink or act a little crazy. Get out fast and live to enjoy future adventures.

[zenatime]

Back in the summer of 2009 I went backpacking across Europe with a really large Osprey porter bag. Wish I had known about minimalist travel back then. Anyways, while in Rome I took the public bus to get around and on my second night I didn’t think to check the bus schedule…I rode all the way to Vatican City and turns out it was the last stop at maybe 10 pm. The driver and another worker felt sorry for me and let me ride with them back to the station. It was a long walk back to the place I was staying.

[deanpapadopoulos]

Awesome job. Solo travel is a major part of my personal religion. It’s my oxygen. The yang of my yin.