Travel Tips

13 Top Tips for Travelling Alone for the First Time

Mustering up the courage to travel alone could be one of the best decisions you will ever make. Exploring new countries and cultures is an incredible experience and doing it by yourself can be very liberating. Travelling solo isn’t something to be afraid of or concerned about. With the right precautions and frame of mind, it might just change the way you travel! After all, there are many reasons why solo travel can be good for you. Here are my top tips for travelling alone for the first time.


13 Top Tips for Travelling Alone for the First Time

1. Share your itinerary with friends and family

Make sure that your family and friends know where you are going and have a rough itinerary of your travels. It’s always worth sharing flight details with loved ones. If travelling in remote areas, always tell people when you expect to arrive to your next destination. This way, people can raise an alarm if something should happen. Staying in touch via social media will give you and those at home a piece of mind.

Sharing your itinerary when travelling alone for the first time is important. Photo of a China Southern plane at an airport
Sharing your itinerary with loved us is important. It will give them a peace of mind while also being able to help if things don’t go to plan

2. Book your first night’s accommodation

Look, there are some aspects of travel just made for spontaneity. Joining your new friends for a tour. Changing your itinerary last minute. Grabbing yet another banana pancake.  Arriving in a new city without somewhere to stay is not one I would recommend. Walking around an unknown location with luggage in tow isn’t my idea of fun. Last thing you want after a day of travel is to spend hours in the heat (or rain, or snow) desperately hoping to stumble on a hotel. Booking in advance will give you a piece of mind and is also much safer than wandering the streets alone. Some people might disagree but this is one thing I will never compromise on when it comes to travelling!

Us on Earth Guesthouse living room in Danyang, South Korea
Booking your first night’s accommodation can mean you can get your rest in before exploring a new destination

3. Embrace meeting people

Travelling solo doesn’t mean travelling alone! Meeting like-minded people is one of the best parts of travelling and as a solo traveller, you’re in luck! Meeting people when travelling by yourself is easier than if you’re in a group. You become more approachable and it also makes it easier to start conversations. You don’t even have to be the most outgoing person in the world.

Meeting people when travelling alone for the first time is one of the best parts of being away
Meeting people when you are travelling alone is one of the most rewarding parts of being away – here we became Coke Zero models in Hong Kong

4. Learn some local phrases

Picking up a few local words and phrases will go a long way on your travels. As well as overcoming the language barrier, you could endear yourself to locals who often engage more with solo travellers. So, making an effort to communicate in their native language can open many doors while also being satisfying and fun. It will also do wonders for your confidence and independence.

Posing for photos with kids at the Borobudur temple complex, Java, Indonesia
Being able to communicate with the locals can lead to some great experiences on your travels

5. Safety first

As a solo traveller you have to keep your wits about you a bit more than if travelling with someone. While doesn’t necessarily mean you are automatically more at risk, you do have to be more vigilant. Scammers and touts are more likely to see solo travellers as easy prey. When travelling on public transport, especially overnight, make sure your belongings are close and never let valuables out of sight. Don’t leave your drinks unattended in bars and try not to walk alone at night. And, most importantly of all – DO NOT LEAVE HOME WITHOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE. I can’t stress this enough – it’s one thing you should never skimp on. Make sure you have a good policy that covers you in a variety of situations.

Mo Chit area in Bangkok is usually busy with visitors to the Chatuchak Weekend Market - it's important to stay vigilant
Stay vigilant in busy areas – always ensure you take care of your possessions and don’t get distracted

6. Try to blend in

Do a bit of research before arriving at your destination. Dress like the locals do – nothing screams “tourist” more than a Bintang top or a pair of Crocs (why, just why?). Stopping in the middle of the street to look at a map or consult a travel guide also singles you out. Be discreet, try not to look lost (even if you are) and be confident when engaging with locals. Have a rough idea of how much it should cost to get a taxi to your destination. Or how much to pay for that souvenir (answer: probably half of what you are offering).  Blending in will also help you have a more authentic experience and keep you safe too!

Wearing a traditional headdress of the Bedouin in Erg Chebbi, Morocco
Trying to pass as a nomadic Bedouin in Erg Chebbi, Morocco. I don’t think the camel was fooled!

7. Be open minded

Travelling alone also provides an amazing opportunity to try new things. New cultures, strange foods and wonderful sights all there to be experienced. Travelling solo may also shape your trip differently as you are less likely to be influenced by other people. You also have the freedom to go anywhere you want. So let yourself get lost in the new city or eat something you haven’t before.

Fried silk worms at a food stand in Chiang Mai, Thailand. They are a popular snack among locals
Trying new foods, such as silk worms in Thailand, can be memorable. Travel is all about new experiences and being open to new things

8. Keep your accommodation options open

While travelling with someone can make accommodation cheaper due to sharing rooms, travelling alone opens up loads of opportunities. Dorm rooms are usually one of the cheapest ways to get a bed for the night but you can get very affordable private rooms in guesthouses or homestays! The guesthouse in the heart of ubud I recently stayed in offered comfortable ensuite double rooms for just £7 a night! Consider couchsurfing where you can get free accommodation while also meeting locals. Variety is good – after a night in a homestay, you may be ready to mix it up with other travellers in a hostel!

A homestay on Nusa Penida with manicured gardens and a fountain
Staying in a mixture of hostels, guesthouses and homestays can make for a great way to experience new places.

9. Eat where the locals eat

Cafes and restaurants packed with foreigners are usually not a great sign. The food is less likely to be authentic and will probably be more expensive! So do as the locals do! I always keep an eye out for places bustling with locals – if the food is good enough for them, it’s good enough for me! It’s also a great opportunity to people watch and have an authentic experience. My visit to Seoul’s Gwangjang Market is a great example! It’s also worth asking for recommendations at your accommodation – staff usually have great tips to hand. Ask them to circle some good spots on your map. Read online reviews and check what’s near you on a maps app. I often find top places to eat just by seeing what’s within walking distance!

Eat where the locals eat like the Gwangjang Market in Seoul, South Korea
Steering clear of touristy restaurants and enjoying food with the locals at Gwangjang Market in Seoul, South Korea.

10. Start early

I am a huge believer in making the most of your days when travelling. Without having to wait for anyone, you could start exploring as early as you like. Getting to places early can give you a different perspective and help avoid the crowds at popular sights! When I visited Kyoto, I headed to the Fushimi Inari shrine at first light, arriving at 6 am. Not only did I have the entire place almost to myself, I got to interact with locals out for their morning walks. This is also a great way to get the most of your travels, leaving you with more time to explore!

Start early when travelling alone to experience moments like the sunrise at Borobudur, Indonesia
Seeing in the sunrise at Borobudur temple complex, Java, Indonesia – be prepared for an early start though!

11. Don’t be afraid be alone

For all the benefits of travelling solo, it can sometimes get lonely. Spending long periods of time by yourself isn’t always going to be easy. This can affect your mood and combined with missing family and friends from home, can be pretty tough to deal with. However, remember why you went away in the first place – to have unique experiences around the world. Some alone time can actually be good for you and offer a chance to reflect and recharge your batteries. The feeling will pass and there is always social media for keeping in touch with loved ones. If you’ve had enough of your own company, just strike up a conversation with a fellow traveller or a local!

Feeling lonely is normal when travelling alone for the first time. Embrace it and you can experience moments like this at the Fushimi Inari shrine, Kyoto
Travelling alone for the first time can be intimidating and lonely – but if you embrace it, you will never look back. A special moment at the Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto, Japan

12. Take time to reflect

Travel can be hectic – sightseeing, catching flights, dragging luggage around – so make sure you build in time to chill. Relaxing in a local café or watching the world go by for a while may be just what you need. See it as an opportunity to make some notes or just reflect on all the incredible places you’ve seen.

Reflecting in Yosemite National Park
Taking time out to just take in your surroundings is important. Enjoying the stunning scenery in Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park

13. Trust your intuition

Listening to your inner voice is important. If a situation doesn’t seem right or you have a bad feeling about something, don’t take chances. Trusting yourself is something that becomes a valuable tool of any solo traveller and can help avoid unsavoury experiences. Once, during a 16 hour bus trip from Krabi to Kuala Lumpur, I craved some hot food. We stopped at a small service station and I went straight for the chicken curry stand. I could see the flies circling over the food on a very hot day and just KNEW I shouldn’t eat it. However, I felt like I couldn’t stomach any more cookies and nuts so ordered a portion. Well, needless to say, I should have stuck with the nuts. Cue my one and only (yet very violent) food poisoning episode in all my trips to Asia. Trust your instincts!

Trusting your instincts is very important when travelling alone for the first time. Badlands National Park

Have you travelled solo? If you haven’t, what’s stopping you from trying it?


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About Author

Hi! I’m Lexx and I love travel, fitness and anything active. 48 countries and very much counting. Partial to a craft beer and a good bakery.

42 Comments

  • Anda
    May 12, 2018 at 1:18 am

    Great advice. However, I don’t think I could be so “open minded” as to eat those worms (lol!) I had to travel alone a few times, for business, but didn’t enjoy it. I like to share the joy of traveling with someone. #TheWeeklyPostcard

    Reply
    • Travel Lexx
      May 21, 2018 at 10:00 pm

      Yeah travelling with other people is quite different and is also a lot of fun – I guess I am just quite independent and my style of travel doesn’t always suit other people! And the worms are great but yeah I get it – not for everyone!

      Reply
      • antonio s. go
        June 19, 2018 at 4:31 pm

        what was the taste of this fried worm lexx? did they taste like shrimps ::)

        curious but willing to try ::)
        antonio “sonny” go

        Reply
        • Travel Lexx
          August 5, 2018 at 12:48 pm

          It tastes very different to what you expect. A bit starchy, similar to potato I guess! Really good for you because of all the protein!

          Reply
  • Anisa
    May 12, 2018 at 7:52 am

    Great tips! One of the things that helps me when traveling by myself is to eat at the bar at restaurants. I just feel more comfortable and the bartenders are usually friendly. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.

    Reply
    • Travel Lexx
      May 21, 2018 at 9:58 pm

      That’s a great tip actually! I have done that before but it’s a great way to meet people too!

      Reply
  • Charlotte
    May 12, 2018 at 9:26 am

    great comprehensive list! Trying not to look lost, I try that ALL THE TIME. Especially when you don’t have google maps or internet… Usually I just head into a shop to look at a map if I’m going round in circles. #TheWeeklyPostcard

    Reply
    • Travel Lexx
      May 21, 2018 at 9:56 pm

      Haha yeah sometimes it’s easier said than done – “I’m sure I’ve been at this square before…”

      Reply
  • Cynthia
    May 12, 2018 at 12:14 pm

    These tips are fantastic! I have never traveled alone, but I have been to a theme park by myself and some of these are true of that, too. I love this post! #TheWeeklyPostcard

    Reply
    • Travel Lexx
      May 21, 2018 at 9:52 pm

      Thanks Cynthia – hopefully these inspire people to give it a go one day! You should try it!

      Reply
  • Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net)
    May 12, 2018 at 5:43 pm

    Great post, Lexx, with tons of useful pointers. Booking accommodations ahead is huge for us, and not just for the first night. I may not always have a plan, but I need to know where I’m staying. The rest I can make up as we go. Travel Insurance is huge, too. But the #1 tip I bet we’re all wondering…how do you get those great shots of you around the world all by yourself? 😉

    Reply
    • Travel Lexx
      May 21, 2018 at 9:51 pm

      Rob, not sure I can reveal my secrets just yet! No, I just pay everyone to get out of the shot haha. You are absolutely right – I don’t book far ahead in advance when I am on the road but I always need to know where I am putting my head down for the night. I would be extremely stressed otherwise

      Reply
  • Sharon
    May 12, 2018 at 5:46 pm

    Excellent tips, and most of them are great for any traveler. I like the idea of mixing up types of accommodations. We stay in Airbnbs to have the neighborhood experience in a big city sometimes. And now and then I’ll happen on an unbelievable hotel deal in a fancy place that should be beyond our budget. I’m also an up-at-sunrise fan!

    Reply
    • Travel Lexx
      May 21, 2018 at 9:46 pm

      Thanks Sharon – I am also beginning to consider Airbnb more and more after my stay in Tokyo which I enjoyed! I am also hoping that one day I will get an awesome deal on a really fancy hotel!

      Reply
  • Urska | sliva
    May 12, 2018 at 6:04 pm

    Great tips! Trusting intuition is probably the life-saving tip, and yes definitely always eat where the locals eat – it’s usually the best place to eat cheap and good food.

    Reply
    • Travel Lexx
      May 21, 2018 at 9:45 pm

      Thanks – intuition is super important! I mean there is nothing wrong with a touristy restaurant once in a while if you want comfort or maybe a prime location but it’s quite rare for me to go to them!

      Reply
  • Goblinette
    May 12, 2018 at 9:09 pm

    I am not a morning person but seeing the sunrise at Borobudur temple before the crowds was worth it. #weekendwanderlust

    Reply
    • Travel Lexx
      May 21, 2018 at 9:44 pm

      Ah when did you do it? Yeah it was pretty special and I am glad I got to do it at the site. Some people decided to go to the hill overlooking it which would also be amazing I am sure!

      Reply
  • California Globetrotter
    May 13, 2018 at 7:22 am

    These are some great tips in general whether or not your traveling solo. I’m quite the picky eater though but when traveling I usually am brave enough to try new things, but nothing will get me to eat bugs. I don’t care how much protein they say are in them! haha Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard!

    Reply
    • Travel Lexx
      May 21, 2018 at 9:38 pm

      Haha I did kinda put that photo up to see how people react – I know it’s not for everyone. By the end of the trip I was walking around with a bag of them as if they were nuts! And you are right – I hope these can be used by all travellers!

      Reply
  • Michael - The Boys Abroad
    May 13, 2018 at 9:46 am

    Some solid tips in here Lexx. Not only for those travelling alone, they’re all things that we try to do even travelling as a couple of a part of a bigger group. Start early and eat where the locals eat are my two favourites!

    Reply
    • Travel Lexx
      May 21, 2018 at 9:37 pm

      Thanks Michael! You are right – these can be used by anyone travelling. Local food spots are great and you can interact with the locals which can be super fun!

      Reply
  • Jill
    May 13, 2018 at 1:57 pm

    I’ve never traveled to another country alone – though I’ve traveled solo a few times here at home. I think I might start with a tour for my first single journey abroad and then work my way to solo trips. Great tips.

    Reply
    • Travel Lexx
      May 21, 2018 at 9:35 pm

      Thanks Jill – it’s a lot less scary than it sounds and gives you so much freedom and flexibility. Maybe it’s because I am an only child and am used to being alone anyway ha!

      Reply
  • Lisa
    May 13, 2018 at 2:49 pm

    Me traveling alone for the first time will probably happen in 2019 so I’m sure your tips will come in handy!

    Reply
    • Travel Lexx
      May 21, 2018 at 9:26 pm

      Amazing! You will absolutely love it, take my word for it! Glad you found this post useful!

      Reply
  • Two by Tour
    May 13, 2018 at 11:24 pm

    This is a fantastic list. I especially agree with #2. Be safe, but be prepared to take advantage of the time you have to go outside your comfort zone. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard!

    Reply
    • Travel Lexx
      May 21, 2018 at 9:27 pm

      Thank you! You are absolutely right – there is a balance to be had and doing new and different things while also ensuring your own safety is important!

      Reply
  • Charlotte Jakobsen
    May 15, 2018 at 11:37 am

    Great post, thank you!
    🙂

    Reply
  • Paul and Carole
    May 16, 2018 at 5:23 am

    Excellent tips for solo travel. Must admit I have never travelled alone but I can imagine it is quite liberating! Maybe I need to get out of my comfort zone. Great post. ~ Carole #feetdotravel

    Reply
    • Travel Lexx
      May 21, 2018 at 9:24 pm

      It definitely gives you a different perspective on things – plus you are never truly alone. So many fellow, like-minded travellers. I love it if you haven’t noticed!

      Reply
  • Shruti Prabhu
    May 17, 2018 at 7:17 am

    Absolutely agree with you on all of the tips. But unfortunately I’m not a morning person. I’ve been struggling to get up early to catch the sunrise. Hopefully I will get better at it.

    Reply
    • Travel Lexx
      May 21, 2018 at 9:18 pm

      Coffee solves everything! I understand – it’s not easy to get yourself up but the payoff of seeing incredible sunrises or exploring popular sights without the tourists drives me on!

      Reply
  • Angie (FeetDoTravel)
    May 18, 2018 at 5:46 am

    I would agree these are some top tips. Having travelled solo myself, I can agree with all, apart from maybe waking up day haha, yes I do it, if course, I’m not going to miss a sunrise at a fabulous destination, but I will admit it’s not my favourite lol. Pinned #feetdotravel

    Reply
    • Travel Lexx
      May 21, 2018 at 9:17 pm

      Ha, thanks Angie – I mean some mini lie-ins are ok. I think my idea of a lie-in is a bit different to most people’s!

      Reply
  • David
    May 18, 2018 at 6:11 pm

    Some great tips mate and as usual I totally agree with you. I manage to do some of these better than others but totally support #11 and #13. I know people often dislike the terms “introvert” and “extrovert” but I think it’s really possible to solo travel with either personality, each just has its own challenges and different tips of yours apply even more for each.

    Reply
    • Travel Lexx
      May 21, 2018 at 9:16 pm

      Yeah I find that I can be both of those personalities on different days (or even parts of the same day) – it shouldn’t inhibit anyone or make them nervous about travelling!

      Reply
  • Shona
    May 19, 2018 at 8:32 am

    Some excellent tips here to take on that solo travel challenge. It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve done it, I still get a little nervous about a new destination. All of your tips calm the insecurities.

    Reply
    • Travel Lexx
      May 21, 2018 at 9:08 pm

      Thanks Shona – I think being a little nervous is actually a good thing. It means you are always aware of your surroundings and are not taking anything for granted. As long as it doesn’t stop you from actually travelling!

      Reply
  • Anna
    May 23, 2018 at 10:45 am

    I remember when I traveled solo for the first time I was so afraid of the unknown! And with time I realized these were some of the best experiences in my life and meeting like-minded people, for sure, was one of the best parts of traveling! Great tips – couldn’t agree more! #FeetDoTravel

    Reply
  • Kim Mibram
    June 6, 2018 at 6:28 am

    I’m planning to take a solo international trip in the next coming months and this article has been by far the most encouraging and helpful one to read! Thanks for these tips, these are very useful for me.

    Reply
    • Travel Lexx
      June 8, 2018 at 5:35 pm

      I am glad to hear it and I am sure it will be one of the best experiences of your life!

      Reply

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