Essential Tips For First Time Solo Travellers

Solo travelling has its ups and downs, just like anything else in life. So, here are what I believe are 8 essential tips for first time solo, especially female, travellers.

The term ‘solo travel’ is thrown around so often within the travel community. It is one of those experiences every traveller aims to dive into at least once because regardless of your personality type, you can connect with it. As an extrovert solo travel allows you to go out into the world and make it your oyster as you make new friends in foreign lands, while as an introvert solo travel is a perfect way to enjoy great activities without the exhausting social aspect. However, there are certain things everyone should know before taking on their first solo adventure – the good, the bad and the ugly. 

I have to say, I am not a seasoned solo female traveller. Far from it. I have taken a few solo day trips around England, but my ‘official’ first solo trip was when I visited Cardiff a few weeks ago. I had many travel goals this year, and while a few fell through, the one I wanted to achieve no matter what was experiencing solo travel for the first time. 

So how did I feel? In all honesty, when I first booked my train ticket and hotel room, I did everything I could to not think about what I was doing because I did not want the anxieties to settle in. But as the days got closer, I found myself becoming more and more excited, and once I got off the train at Cardiff Central, I felt liberated. The weight of negativity surrounding solo travel lifted, and I felt so calm. 

It’s a beautiful feeling to just let go and enjoy your own company – and it was when I sunk into these emotions that I understood the hype around solo female travel. 

Solo travelling can be one of the most exciting and eye-opening things you do, particularly in your early 20s, because it allows you to self-reflect and grow in a space of complete freedom. Nevertheless, that does not mean solo travelling is not daunting, so these eight essential tips for first time solo travellers can help you make the most out of the experience.

Eight Essential Tips For First Time Solo Travellers

Know Your Strengths 

Pre-travel anxieties are inevitable when you are a first time solo traveller but they can be managed by understanding your strengths. There is no need to jump into the solo travel world with a splash; it’s okay to dip your toe in to test the waters. 

As I speak to more travellers, I have noticed that many who have negative opinions about solo travel are those who created big plans without thinking about the consequences. For example: exploring a brand-new continent alone, visiting places that are not typically friendly to solo travel or planning a 3-week solo trip without realising how lonely it can get if it’s your first time. 

So, remember that there is nothing wrong with your first solo trip being a one-night getaway to a nearby city or a week in a neighbouring country. (For my first solo adventure, I only travelled from England to Wales – not far at all!)

Build Confidence In Simple Solo Activities Before Taking A Big Solo Trip

I think it is crucial to take small steps before the ‘big reveal’. This was my process of taking my first solo trip:

• Taking myself out for brunches and lunches so I got comfortable eating alone.
• Next, I began exploring London alone during quiet and busy times of the day to develop confidence in taking pictures with a tripod.
• I then stepped out of the luxuries of a well-known environment and began exploring cities and towns across England.
• Finally, I booked a solo trip outside the country. 

You might not need to do all these, but I can guarantee these steps help because they enable you to realise your weaknesses and gives you time to overcome them before booking a solo adventure. 

Do Your Research 

This is true for any trip you take, but even more important when travelling alone. Take your time researching which cities are safe for solo female travellers, how easy it is to get around and if you will be able to communicate with the locals. 

Being able to get around safely is vital. I have read horror stories of women hitch-hiking around countries and being stranded in incredibly unsafe areas, so please do not go somewhere that doesn’t provide easy access to reliable public transport or cab services.

One of the best ways to know if a destination is solo traveller friendly is if you can find multiple blog posts written by other fellow solo travellers that share positive experiences. 

As I said earlier, I am new to solo travelling, but these are three places in Europe which I believe are great for solo female travellers or otherwise:

• Venice
• Copenhagen 
• Barcelona 

Book Individual and Highly Rated Rooms

Everyone goes on about how one of the best things about solo travel is staying in hostels to share rooms with strangers and make new friends. While this does work for many, and is a wonderful way to feel less alone, I don’t think it works for everyone. If you are travelling alone for the first time, having your own space to come back to and relax comfortably is vital. Many hostels offer single rooms, so you can very much stay in one and still have the community feel by meeting people in the social areas.

However, regardless of how and where you choose to stay, ensure you book hotels or hostels with high ratings and fantastic reviews – booking.com is one of the best sites to find these. I would personally avoid Airbnb. 

Get An Early Start

Whether travelling alone or with friends, I love waking up early and enjoying what cities have to offer before the crowds settle in. Doing this when solo travelling is a fantastic way to feel less overwhelmed by your new environment and adjust to new travel routes. Besides, it’s always nice to catch popular tourist sites without the tourists – if, for nothing else, you’ll get great pictures. 

Embrace Technology 

I don’t care what anyone says, technology – especially your phone – is your best friend when being a solo female traveller. You should always keep in touch with friends and family, and of course, Google Maps and translation apps are most likely the only way you won’t get lost if you can’t communicate in the local language well.

Besides the obvious, it is also important to recognise that it is alright to have a night in and watch a movie or walk around with earphones in so you can use music to lift your moods if needed. I absolutely love Spotify when I’m on my own.

You read read more the best apps to use while travelling here.

Join A Free Walking Tour Or Any Group Activity 

While solo travelling, it can be easy to seclude yourself and even become more introverted. Avoid this by joining short walking tours or engaging in a group activity so you have people to talk to for a few hours of the day. Participating in an activity is great because you know the people involved have a shared interest, so even if you are shy, you can bond over the experience. 

Walking tours are also an easy way to talk to locals and stray from the usual path. Of course, the tour itself will most likely take you through all the tourist spots, but if you have a conversation with the tour guide, they will have insights into the hidden gems of the city of which they are an expert. It’s a beautiful way to uncover what the locals love.

Be Cautious Of The Night Scene

Every country has a unique night scene and can be one of the best attractions of the destination. However, don’t forget that exploring nightlife on your own can be dangerous no matter where you are. Even if you are with a group, at the end of the day, these are people you have just met and barely know. So, if you want to indulge in night-time adventure, stay sober, within walking distance to your accommodation, and always have a fully charged phone and cash on you. 

Bonus Tips For First Time Solo Travellers

Including all the tips above, here is a little more bonus advice:

• Buy travel insurance
• Travel with a tripod – it’s the best way to take pictures! 
• Always take a battery pack for charging on the go
• If necessary, buy a sim card that always gives you access to mobile data
• Set up emergency numbers on your phone
• Invest items such as anti-theft backpacks and hidden money holders.

At the end of the day, solo travelling is about being the most authentic you and doing things as you want to. Go your own way and explore how and where you feel your best self. If ignoring all these tips feels right, then go for it! Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself, but always trust your gut.

Sow what do you think? Have these essential tips for first time solo travellers inspired confidence in you to take your first solo adventure? Or if you already are a solo traveller, do you agree with theses suggestions?