22 Tips & Tricks For Your First Time Traveling Alone

You are planning your first trip alone, and it may feel a little scary, but exciting at the same time. Some people even say those two emotions can feel very similar.

I can relate to the anxious feelings or second-guessing you may be experiencing. Even though I’ve taken many solo trips, I still get a little nervous when I’m visiting a destination I’m not familiar with. For me, it’s usually just the fear of the unknown, but it’s also part of the excitement of discovering somewhere new.

Preparing for your first time traveling alone and breaking the trip into smaller steps, rather than focusing on everything at once, can help keep it from feeling overwhelming.

I remember wondering if I’d feel awkward eating alone, what would happen if something went wrong, and whether I’d actually enjoy the experience.

Since then, I’ve traveled solo to destinations across the United States, and I’ve learned that confidence doesn’t usually come before the trip. Instead, it grows because of the trip. In this guide, I’ll share the practical tips that have helped me feel safer, more prepared, and truly enjoy traveling alone.

Before You Go

Researching and preparing for an upcoming trip can be half the fun! I love traveling, but I also enjoy planning each trip before I leave.

Having a plan in place before your first solo trip can help you feel more confident and less overwhelmed. Once you know you’ve done the preparation, it’s much easier to relax and enjoy the adventure ahead.

1. Choose a Destination That Matches Your Comfort Level

Not every first solo trip has to be New York City or Europe. Sometimes a smaller city or a familiar destination is the perfect place to build confidence. You don’t have to travel far from home to have a wonderful first solo travel experience.

It might be fun to make a list of places you’ve always wanted to visit. From there, think about which destination feels like the best fit for your first trip. Consider things like how far you’ll travel, whether you’ll need a rental car, how comfortable you feel navigating the area, and the types of activities you enjoy.

Remember, your first solo trip doesn’t have to be your dream trip. Its job is to help you gain confidence so you’ll feel ready for even bigger adventures in the future.

2. Book Flights That Arrive During Daylight

If possible, try to book a flight that arrives during daylight hours. It’s often easier to navigate a new destination when you can clearly see your surroundings, making the start of your trip feel more relaxed and less stressful.

If an evening arrival works better with your schedule, consider staying at an airport hotel and continuing to your destination the next morning. Starting fresh after a good night’s sleep may be a more comfortable option than trying to navigate an unfamiliar area late at night.

When it’s time to fly home, your arrival time usually isn’t as important. Choose the schedule that works best for you and your budget.

This is something I try to do on my own solo trips whenever possible because it helps me start my vacation feeling more relaxed.

3. Stay Somewhere That Makes You Feel Comfortable

What type of accommodations do you enjoy staying in? A large hotel, a smaller boutique hotel, or maybe a bed and breakfast? Most destinations, unless you’re visiting a very small town, offer several lodging options to choose from.

To narrow your search, consider accommodations based on their location relative to the activities you plan to do, especially if you’ll be walking. I keep Google Maps open while researching a trip so I can easily compare hotel locations, attractions, restaurants, and other places I want to visit.

If you’re visiting a city, read reviews to learn about the surrounding neighborhood before booking. If you’ll have a car, staying at a suburban hotel may be a great option if you don’t feel comfortable staying downtown. I also always check for parking fees and whether the hotel offers on-site parking. Personally, I won’t stay at a hotel if I have a car and it doesn’t offer on-site parking. I don’t want to search for parking and walk back to the hotel alone.

If you won’t have your own car or a rental, check which transportation options are available for attractions that aren’t within walking distance. Many destinations offer rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, along with public transportation.

Choose a place where you’ll feel comfortable, safe, and happy to return to after a day of sightseeing. I don’t recommend automatically booking the cheapest option. I’ve made that mistake before, and I eventually decided it’s worth spending a little more to feel comfortable and well cared for. Before booking, review the hotel’s amenities, read recent guest reviews, and don’t hesitate to call if you have questions that aren’t answered on the website.

A comfortable hotel can become your home base during your trip, making it easier to relax and enjoy your solo adventure.

4. Share Your Itinerary With Someone You Trust

I highly encourage you to share your itinerary with someone you trust, especially when traveling solo. While it’s unlikely you’ll need it, it’s reassuring to know that a family member or friend knows where you’ll be staying and how to reach you if needed.

Include details such as your flight information, hotel, and any major changes to your plans. It’s a simple step that can provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.

5. Pack What You Can Carry

Packing only what you can comfortably carry helps you feel more confident and less stressed while managing your luggage. It also gives you more freedom to move through airports, hotels, and other destinations without relying on someone else for help.

Over the past couple of years, I’ve used a carry-on suitcase for most of my trips. I still bring a larger suitcase on road trips with my husband, but when I’m traveling solo, I prefer a carry-on and a personal item. It makes getting on and off the plane, loading a rental car, or hopping into an Uber much easier.

Packing cubes help me stay organized and make it easier to find what I need throughout my trip. I also plan my outfits and choose mix-and-match pieces, so I can pack less without feeling like I have fewer options.

6. Download Important Information Before You Leave

Make sure before you leave on your trip you have all you important information. You Before leaving for your trip, make sure you have all of your important travel information easily accessible. Some reservations and tickets may be stored in an app, while others may be in your email or digital wallet. I also like to keep a folder with printed copies of my reservations and tickets, just in case my phone battery dies or I have trouble accessing something.

Consider having easy access to:

• Boarding pass
• Hotel confirmation
• Rental car reservation (if applicable)
• Tour or attraction tickets
• Maps or directions
• Emergency contacts

If available, I also save my boarding pass and tickets to Apple Wallet so they’re easy to access while traveling.

Having everything organized before you leave can save time, reduce stress, and give you peace of mind throughout your trip.

At The Airport

You’ve done the planning, packed your bags, and now it’s finally time to begin your adventure. A few simple tips at the airport can help your travel day go more smoothly and make your flight and first solo trip feel much less intimidating.

7. Arrive Early To Airport

To help reduce stress, I recommend arriving at the airport a little earlier than usual for your first solo trip. If you’re flying through a smaller airport, you may not need as much extra time, but larger airports can take longer to navigate.

I personally like giving myself plenty of time. Before I leave, I check traffic on the way to the airport and the current TSA wait times to make sure I’m not cutting it too close. I also keep the time of year in mind, since summer vacations, holidays, and winter travel can all mean larger crowds.

I’d much rather relax with a cup of coffee or walk around the airport than feel rushed and worried about missing my flight.

8. Keep Your Important Items Safe and Easy To Reach

While you’re at the airport, keep your ID and any important travel documents within easy reach. Whether it’s your boarding pass, passport, or driver’s license, having everything readily available makes going through TSA and boarding your flight much easier.

I recommend keeping your most important items in your personal bag rather than your carry-on suitcase. If your carry-on has to be gate-checked because the overhead bins are full, you’ll still have your valuables with you.

Important items to keep close include:

• Passport
• Driver’s license or ID
• Boarding pass
• Wallet
• Prescription medications
• Cell phone
• Portable phone charger (power bank)
• Charging cable

I also keep my portable phone charger in my personal bag so it’s always with me. If my carry-on has to be gate-checked or the airline asks passengers to keep power banks out of the overhead bin, I don’t have to move anything around at the last minute. Keeping these important items close by will help your travel day go much more smoothly.

9. Bring Something To Keep Yourself Occupied

I always need something to work on or be doing when I am not sleeping on the plane. Delays happen, flights can be long, and you’ll probably have some downtime during your trip. Having something you enjoy can help pass the time and make your travel day feel much more enjoyable.

I always like to have something to work on or do when I’m not sleeping on the plane. I’m the same way at home, so I make sure to bring plenty of things to keep me busy while traveling or relaxing in my hotel room at the end of the day.

Some things I enjoy bringing include:

• A book
• A journal
• Podcasts downloaded to my phone
• Movies or TV shows downloaded to my phone or tablet
• My laptop for writing

On road trips, I may bring even more, like art supplies so I can paint, doodle, or work on a creative project.

Choose activities you genuinely enjoy. Whether you prefer reading, watching movies, listening to music, or working on a hobby, having something to look forward to can make solo travel even more enjoyable.

10. Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions

Don’t be afraid to ask questions at any point during your trip. Airport employees answer questions all day, and hotel front desk staff are there to help too.

There is no shame in asking for directions, recommendations, or help if you need it. Sometimes a quick question can save you time and make your trip much more enjoyable.

On The Plane

Flying alone for the first time can feel a little intimidating, but it gets easier with each trip. A little preparation goes a long way, and many of the things that seem scary at first quickly become routine once you’ve done them.

I still get a little nervous before traveling to a new destination. I’ve heard people say that feeling nervous and feeling excited can feel very similar, and I think there’s a lot of truth to that.

Before you know it, you’ll be landing at your destination and ready to start your solo adventure.

11. Keep Your Essentials Under The Seat

Since you packed all the essential items in your personal item, you will have what you neeSince you packed your essential items in your personal bag, you’ll have everything you need right at your feet. Once I get to my seat, I like to organize a few things or place them in the seat pocket in front of me so I don’t have to dig through my backpack during the flight. Then I can sit back and relax.

Some essentials I like to keep handy include:

• Phone charger and charging cord
• Headphones or earbuds
• Water bottle
• Snacks
• Cough drops

Think about what items you’ll want easy access to during the flight. Having them within reach makes the trip much more comfortable.

12. Get Up And Move On Longer Flights

I prefer an aisle seat because it gives me a little more room to stretch my legs and makes it easier to get up to use the restroom. If you’re on a longer flight, get up and walk around when you’re able. Even a short walk or a quick stretch can help get the circulation in your legs moving.

Compression socks may also be a good solution, especially if your feet or legs tend to swell during long travel days. I’ve found they help me arrive feeling much more comfortable and ready to enjoy my trip.

If you’re wondering whether they’re worth packing, read my article on why I wear compression socks when I travel.

13. Stay Hydrated

Travel can be dehydrating, especially if you’re flying or visiting a destination at a higher elevation. I like to travel with a small reusable water bottle that I fill after going through TSA and keep with me throughout my trip.

I also keep it filled in my hotel room, so I always have water available before heading out for the day or when I return from sightseeing. Staying hydrated can help you feel your best and enjoy your trip even more.

On Your Trip

The travel day is probably the biggest hurdle of your entire trip. You made it to your destination, and now it’s time to enjoy everything you’ve worked hard to plan for your first solo adventure.

Take a deep breath, have fun, and remember that confidence grows with each new experience. This is your trip, so enjoy it at your own pace.

14. Most People Won’t Notice You’re Traveling Alone

I know some women worry that people will notice they’re traveling alone. They wonder if others will judge them or question why they’re by themselves. The truth is, most people are focused on their own travels and probably won’t give it a second thought.

Traveling alone can feel a little different at first, but you quickly get used to it. Before long, you’ll start enjoying the flexibility and freedom that come with making your own schedule.

At the same time, it’s always important to stay aware of your surroundings and use common sense. You don’t have to share personal information with people you meet, including where you’re staying or your travel plans. Trust your instincts and do what makes you feel comfortable.

15. Eat At Least One Meal Out

For me, trying the local food is part of the travel experience. I like to make a couple of restaurant reservations for each trip, but I also leave plenty of room for flexibility.

I enjoy trying restaurants that come highly recommended, and I’ve found that dining alone can be a great experience. It may feel a little uncomfortable the first time, but it gets easier with each trip.

If you’re nervous about eating alone, start with breakfast or lunch before trying dinner. You may even discover that it’s one of your favorite parts of traveling solo.

16. Take More Pictures Than You Think

I take a lot of photos and videos on each trip, and I always wish I had taken even more. You’ll appreciate having those memories long after your vacation is over.

Don’t be afraid to take a few selfies along the way. It may feel a little awkward at first, but you’ll be glad you captured yourself in the places you worked so hard to visit.

If you’d like a picture that isn’t a selfie, don’t be afraid to ask someone to take it for you. I usually look for another traveler, a couple, or a family, and I’m happy to return the favor if they would like a picture too. Use your judgment, trust your instincts, and ask someone who makes you feel comfortable.

17. Don’t Feel Like You Have To Fill Every Minute

Remember to put the camera away sometimes too. Take in the scenery, enjoy the moment, and experience the destination, not just through your phone screen.

One of the best parts of solo travel is that you get to go at your own pace and do what you want. If you change your mind about something on your itinerary, that’s okay. You get to decide how you want to spend each day.

I like creating an itinerary before my trip so I don’t have to think too much about what I want to do each day. At the same time, I always leave room for flexibility, whether that’s discovering something unexpected or simply taking a break.

There’s also nothing wrong with spending some downtime at your hotel. I actually enjoy staying somewhere that feels relaxing, where I can put my feet up, recharge, and enjoy a quiet evening without feeling guilty.

18. Trust Your Instincts

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. You don’t owe anyone a conversation, an explanation, or answers to personal questions. If someone or a situation makes you uncomfortable, it’s okay to leave.

Don’t worry about being polite if it means ignoring your instincts. Move to a busier area, go into a nearby business, or ask a hotel employee or another staff member for help if you need it. Your safety is always more important than worrying about hurting someone’s feelings.

19. Join One Tour

Want to learn more about the area you’re visiting? Joining a tour can be a great option, especially if it’s your first solo trip. It’s an easy way to explore, learn about the destination, and spend time around other travelers if you want a little company.

Most destinations offer a variety of tours, whether it’s a food tour, sightseeing tour, walking tour, museum tour, or even a local class. Read the reviews and choose one that sounds interesting to you.

Tour guides often share local history, fun facts, and recommendations for other places to visit, restaurants to try, and hidden gems you might not have found on your own. I think they’re a great option for first-time solo travelers.

20. Talk To People, Only If You Want To

One of the best parts of solo travel is that you get to decide how social you want to be. If you want to keep to yourself, that’s perfectly okay. If you’d like to meet new people, you can do that too.

Some people you may enjoy talking with include:

• Hotel staff
• Tour guides
• Other travelers

I’ve had some wonderful conversations while traveling, but I’ve also had trips where I mostly kept to myself. There isn’t a right or wrong way to travel solo. Do what feels comfortable for you.

21. Give Yourself Grace

Things may not always go as planned for your first time traveling alone, and that’s okay. You figure things out at home all the time, and you can do the same while you’re traveling.

Even if something doesn’t go according to plan, you can still have a wonderful trip.

Don’t be too hard on yourself if something unexpected happens. I’ve had flight delays, rental car issues, and other travel hiccups over the years, but somehow everything always worked out in the end.

Sometimes the unexpected moments become part of the adventure and make for some of the best travel stories.

22. Celebrate That You Did It

Your first solo trip is a milestone! It’s something to be proud of because you stepped outside your comfort zone and tried something new. Celebrate your accomplishment along the way.

You might:

• Take a picture at the airport
• Treat yourself to a nice dessert
• Write about your experience in a journal
• Buy a small souvenir to remember your trip

You’ll remember these experiences for years to come. Your first solo trip can inspire you to keep exploring and may even encourage your family or friends to step outside their comfort zones. Most importantly, it reminds you that you’re capable of doing things you once thought impossible.

FAQs

There are many questions that first-time solo travelers have, but here are a few of the most common.

What are common solo travel mistakes?

Some common solo travel mistakes include overpacking, not researching your destination, trying to fit too much into your itinerary, and not sharing your travel plans with someone you trust. A little preparation before your trip can help you feel more confident and avoid unnecessary stress.

Is solo travel lonely?

Solo travel doesn’t have to be lonely. While you may have quiet moments, many travelers enjoy the freedom to explore at their own pace, meet new people on tours, or simply spend time alone.

Is solo female travel common?

Yes! More women than ever are choosing to travel solo. Whether they’re celebrating a milestone, taking time for themselves, or checking destinations off their bucket lists, solo female travelers are increasingly popular.

Is it okay to be nervous before your first solo trip?

Absolutely. Feeling nervous before your first solo trip is completely normal. Many solo travelers, including me, still get a few butterflies before visiting a new destination. Confidence usually comes from taking the trip, not waiting until you feel completely fearless.

Final Thoughts on Traveling Alone for the First Time

Your first time traveling alone may feel a little awkward at times, and that’s okay. Confidence usually comes after the experience, not before it. Once you’ve done it once, you’ll realize you were more capable than you thought, and your next trip will feel much easier.

Start close to home if that’s what feels right to you, then expand your destinations as your confidence grows. You don’t have to travel across the world just because someone on Instagram says you should. Travel where you want to go, at your own pace, and in a way that feels exciting to you.

Every solo trip is another opportunity to learn something new about yourself and create memories you’ll never forget.