Your Solo Trip Prep Guide – 21 Tips for Travelling alone

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Travelling solo can be very daunting but it doesn’t have to be with the right preparation. This guide gives you tips and tricks on how to prepare for your (first) solo trip, especially aimed at introverts.

The Ultimate Guide For Your (First) Solo Trip Preparation

Most of my life I’ve been travelling solo and at times it’s nice to have company but most of the time I enjoy travelling by myself and being able to set the schedule. 

In all my travels, I never had anything bad happen to me and I never really felt unsafe. This is due to the prep I did beforehand.

This guide will show you how to prepare yourself for a solo trip and feel confident that your adventure will be a success.

1. Choose a solo- and introvert-friendly destination

The world is your oyster and there is almost no country that I think an introvert shouldn’t travel to. However, we don’t want to spread ourselves too thin on our first trip, so I would always suggest a destination that is introvert-friendly and good for solo travellers.

Obviously, it all depends on where you’re located. Do you want to go on a weekend trip or a longer trip? You might want to make it a bit of a shorter trip, e.g., 4 – 6 days on your first trip, just in case it’s more exhausting than you thought.

Then you don’t have to fear the remainder of the journey. For this duration, many European capitals are a great destination.

One of my favourite city solo travel trips was to Rome. It is a city that is very walkable, so you don’t have to go on public transport much and there are so many tourists that even if you don’t speak the language you can get by.

There are also loads of restaurants and accommodations, so you can choose what works best for you.

When choosing a destination think about the following aspects?

• Is it a touristy area? (This is not a bad thing as there will be many tourists taking the focus from you)
• Do I speak the local language or will they speak enough English to understand me?
• Are there parks or other scenic areas where you can relax?
• Is there plenty of accommodation of each type?
• Do you think you will be comfortable there? Think culture, noise level, climate

When you think of a destination where all the points have a tick, then you’re off to a good start.

2. Plan Your Itinerary

Research the attractions you want to see at your travel destination and make an itinerary of what you want to see and when. 

Don’t overload your schedule! This is very important. It usually takes longer to get to places than expected and you don’t want to rush yourself, but knowing what you want to see and where it is will give you an ease of knowing you’re not missing out.

Planning your itinerary also makes it easier to think about the location of your accommodation. Do you want to be right in the centre, so you don’t have to walk as much or does it need to be a bit more budget-friendly and will you have to take public transport to get to places?

Understanding this in advance will provide you with the confidence that you know where you have to go and don’t feel lost.

Additionally, try to arrive at your destination during daylight. It feels a lot easier navigating to your accommodation while it’s still light out than during darkness. 

3. Choose the right accommodation

Deciding on the right accommodation is not always easy. I definitely prefer hotels over Airbnb or (shudder) hostels. 

I like the privacy and not being in someone’s apartment. I also feel a bit safer in hotels than in Airbnb.

However, these questions you have to answer for yourself.

• Do you prefer to have a kitchen to make yourself meals?
• Do you just want to pick up a key at a reception and settle into your room?
• Are you OK with sharing a room with other people (up to 30 if you choose certain hostels)?
• What is your accommodation budget?
• Do you like to have your own bathroom?

All these questions will be answered differently by people, so I can’t help you with that, but knowing these allows you to understand your needs better. This enables you to choose the right accommodation for yourself.

I recommend always booking your accommodation in advance. You don’t want to have to scramble to get a room the night of. 

The less stress, the more enjoyable your solo adventure will be. Additionally, read the reviews! It’s still not always perfect but if others complain then you probably don’t want to go there.

Pictures can be deceiving but reviews on websites like booking.com or agoda.com are usually trustworthy.

4. Ask friends, family, or blogs for helpful tips

First-hand experience of a destination is often the best thing you can ask for. Maybe something is common there that is a no-go for you or maybe they have some type of food that you hadn’t heard of that you need to try now.

Ask around to get some information to understand your desired destination better and make an informed decision.

5. Pack light

Pack as light as you can without leaving too much behind. You don’t want to have to lug a heavy suitcase behind you when it’s not absolutely necessary. You’ll also be the only one looking after your belongings. The fewer items you have, the easier it is to keep track.

I would also invest in a hidden wallet to keep your valuables safely on you. Having your valuables on you rather than keeping them in a safe or worse just your suitcase in your room, allows you to not worry about them when you’re out.

You know they’re safely stored on you and no one can take them away.

Many destinations are safe and I have personally never been pick-pocketed or worse – I also wouldn’t recommend a destination where there is a high crime rate (at least not for a first solo trip) but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

6. Have an up-to-date passport

For many countries, your passport usually needs to have at least six months of validity left for entry. Check that that will be the case for your passport when you fly out. 

And six months at the end of your journey. You can always check your local government’s website for travel advice and entry requirements.

This also includes any necessary visas. Make sure you have the right documentation to enter the country. Often, this is only an online form that needs to be filled out and that’s it, but you don’t want to have to fill it in the queue to the immigration officer.

Again, the less stress, the better the adventure.

7. Download music, movies, books in advance

I love to read a book while I’m at a restaurant or watch a movie after a long day out. I also listen continuously to music when I’m walking around somewhere (who wants to be alone with their thoughts :D).

And I want to be sure that I can do that without having to worry about the bandwidth or availability of the internet at my accommodation.

That is why I recommend downloading everything you want to listen to, read, or watch before you travel at home, so you know you’re loaded up with entertainment. 

This also makes a possible flight more enjoyable.

8. Download Offline Google Maps

This goes in the same direction. You don’t want to be reliant on reception at your destination, so download the offline Google Maps to your phone, so you always have a route available even if your data doesn’t work.

Afterwards, you can delete it to get the space back on your phone. However, the files are usually not that big – if you keep the area reasonable.

9. Share Travel Plans with Family or Friends

You don’t have to give them all the details, but knowing that your family or friends are aware of where you should be, can lift some weight off your shoulders.

Check in with them, so they know you’re all right. 

10. Check Your Phone Plan Before Your Journey

This highly depends on where you’re located. For example, if you’re based in one of the EU countries then your phone plan will work at the same conditions as in your home country, thanks to an EU directive. 

After Brexit, this is not the case for the United Kingdom any more. Some providers charge extra and you have to have roaming enabled.

Check your phone plan to see whether your destination is part of your phone plan or whether you need to buy extra data. 

If you’re staying for longer then it might be advisable to get a local SIM card. Or a travel e-SIM Card which is becoming more common. 

This way you don’t even have to switch SIM cards any more and are still connected.

Airalo is my favourite travel e-SIM card.

11. Book Airport Transfer to Hotel

If you arrive at your destination after a long flight, you don’t want to have to look for the cab rank or the bus/train station. If it’s affordable, I always recommend arranging an airport transfer, either via the hotel or a service.

When you do that, a person will wait for you at the exit of the terminal with your name on it and bring you to your hotel. This means less communication and you know you’re headed to the right destination. 

Additionally, you are often able to pay beforehand, so that you don’t have to worry about getting cash immediately at the airport.

12. Use Travel Insurance

Usually, your home country’s insurance won’t cover you at your holiday destination. That’s why it’s important to take out travel insurance. This is one less worry to think about in case something does happen and you need to go to the emergency room.

There are plenty of travel insurances that suit your needs. I would also recommend a comparison site for the best price.

Tips For Travelling Alone – During The Adventure

All the previous tips were for the time BEFORE you start your journey. Here are some essential tips for your (first-time) solo trip while you’re actually on it.

13. Have Some Emergency Cash

Many countries don’t use much cash any more but there are still the odd occasions where it’s good to have some cash on you. Not more than 100 USD and that will keep you safe. If you still have money left over at the end of your journey then you can use that to buy souvenirs at the airport.

14. Know Your Limits

If you feel like you’re getting to your limits then stop and rest. Go back to your room and relax even if it feels like you’re wasting time. 

You’re not wasting time at all. It’s important for you to feel comfortable during your solo trip and if that means taking more breaks than anticipated then that’s absolutely fine.

15. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

I love listening to music while walking around but I never use the noise-cancelling function while doing so. 

I always recommend that you’re aware of your surroundings. This not only means the potential pick pocket but also traffic. You have to get used to the local traffic situation first before you can subconsciously navigate it.

16. Be Flexible

With your itinerary. There are always times where something interesting comes up that you hadn’t planned for. Try to be flexible and accommodate those changes. Most of the time you won’t regret them.

17. Participate in Free Walking Tours

Even though it says they’re free, free walking tours do cost a bit of money at the end. However, not once have I regretted participating in one – and they’re usually not expensive.

Even though it’s a group activity, I never felt weird just because I was on my own. It’s actually nice sometimes to be able to talk to someone who you are vaguely acquainted with.

These tours provide great information about your destination. And I love to do them to get to know the area before I dive in deeper.

18. Keep a Travel Journal

Journaling while travelling is a great way to deal with any emotions that might come up. Travelling solo is always a bit daunting, so being able to express your thoughts without having to talk to someone, can be very calming.

It’s also nice to look back on your notes in the future and see what you enjoyed and learned.

19. Keep Copies of Your Most Important Documents

As I suggested  before, keep your valuables and important documents on you while you’re out. This is especially true for your passport.

However, you should still bring a copy of your passport and maybe flight documents and keep them in your room, so you have something to show if you do lose it.

It’s easier to get a emergency passport if you have a copy on you.

20. Don’t Drink Too Much Alcohol

Or accept alcohol from strangers. This should be common knowledge but it’s even more true while travelling in a foreign country where you don’t know anyone. 

This also relates to being aware of your surroundings at all times. 

21. Don’t Walk Around Alone At Night

It always depends on the location where you’re at, but try to avoid walking alone at night when there aren’t many other tourists around. 

It’s not a great feeling and even though nothing has ever happened to me, I might just have been lucky. So don’t risk it. If you don’t feel safe, then it’s better to get in an Uber and drive back to your accommodation.

How to Prepare For a Solo Trip – Recap

This is the end of the solo trip prep guide and I hope it was helpful to you.

There are many things that you can do before you leave for your adventure like researching the destination, accommodation and preparing and itinerary. Or making sure you have all the necessary documents to enter the country.

Then you have to be aware of tips and tricks while being on your solo trip. Be aware of your surroundings, know your limits, and have copies of your travel documents.

If you plan ahead and prepare yourself then any journey will be more enjoyable, especially for us introverts.

Enjoy your travels!

Solo Travel as an Introvert – FAQ

Why do introverts choose to travel alone?

Introverts often prefer solo travel as it gives them the chance to recharge and spend time alone. It allows introverts to explore at their own pace and not feel pressured to socialize constantly.

How can I mentally prepare for my first solo trip?

To mentally prepare for your first solo trip, take some time to envision yourself in different scenarios and imagine how you would handle them. Visualize yourself feeling confident and independent while being open to new experiences.

How can introverts ensure their safety while travelling alone?

Introverts can ensure their safety while travelling alone by choosing well-located accommodations, avoiding risky situations, trusting their intuition, and being aware of their surroundings at all times.

Can solo travel provide an opportunity to meet new friends?

Absolutely! Solo travel opens up opportunities to meet new people, as introverts can choose how and when to engage with others. Hostels, local tours, and activities are great ways for introverted solo travellers to connect with like-minded individuals.

What are some tips for solo female travellers?

For solo female travellers, it is important to research the safety of your destination, dress appropriately for the local culture, be cautious of strangers, and trust your instincts. It is also recommended to stay in well-established accommodations and avoid walking alone at night.

How can introverts make the most of their solo travel experience?

Introverts can make the most of their solo travel experience by finding activities that align with their interests, avoiding overcrowded tourist attractions, immersing themselves in local culture, and taking time to reflect and recharge.