Quick Tips from Solo Travelers

Below are some of the helpful words of advice we’ve seen shared by other solo female travelers.

ADVICE FROM Solo TRAVELERS

Meeting People

> Check out Hangouts in the Couchsurfing app

> Look for local Meetups

> Join a day tour

> Check out Tours by Locals, they often give great local tips on social spots.

> If you are really concerned about being lonely, start with a women's only or solo traveler group tour instead of a fully solo trip. Some of them offer down time where you still get some time to yourself.

> Hostels can be more social, just check reviews.

> Look at restaurants with bars or communal tables for easier places to start conversations

ADVICE FROM Solo TRAVELERS

Getting There and Around

> Google Flights for price comparisons (and monitoring)

> SkyLux for lower prices on business and first class flights

> Check SeatGuru for reviews of your seat location and plane seating chart

> Check out if Uber is an option ahead of time.

> If you are in a non-English speaking country, it can be helpful to have a business card from the hotel for them to see for the address.

> Download Google Maps offline and pin your hotels and places you plan to go ahead of time.

> Screenshot boarding passes and hotel confirmations in case your phone dies

> Learn a few polite words in the local language, such as hello, please and thank you

ADVICE FROM Solo TRAVELERS

Pack it

> Go Pro for beautiful water destinations

> A dryer sheet in your suitcase keeps your clothes smelling fresh

> Remember a portable phone charger

> Zip lock bags are good to have

> Take a photo of your passport ad ID to store online in case of loss.

> Choose outfits you can mix and match

ADVICE FROM Solo TRAVELERS

Health, Safety, Security

> Worried about food safety? Go where the locals go!

> Health emergency - contact the US embassy (if you are an American) for where to go or for resources needed such as translation services

> Use Jeenie if you need access to medical translators

> The GeoSure app gives you neighborhood safety scores.

> Make sure to stay hydrated. Being dehydrated makes jet lag worse

> Bring some first aid items - band-aids, pain relievers and you may want some immune boosters and electrolyte packets

> Carry some hand sanitizer or antibacterial wipes

> Make sure to share your itinerary with someone back home

> Trust your gut, if something doesn't feel right, go with plan B

> Practice saying "no thank you" firmly and moving on without more explanation

> Keep emergency numbers (local police, your embassy, your hotel) written down, not just on your phone

> Research dress norms before you pack. Dressing to match the local culture can help you avoid unwanted attention.

> If you have food allergies, print them out on a card in the local language that you can easily show at restaurants

> Read reviews!! (and reviews from women)

> Small boutique hotels and hostels with private rooms can balance social atmosphere with safety.

ADVICE FROM Solo TRAVELERS

Save money

> Buy souviners at local grocery stores

> Book way ahead

> Be flexible on timing, avoid high seasons

> Bring some of your own snacks.

> Check out Klarna

> See if Groupon has local deals

> Depending on your stay, getting a hotel or Airbnb with a kitchen can save you a lot on quick easy meals. And grocery stores abroad can me fun to check out.

> Make the most of your credit card points

> Get comfortable with trains and metro

> Google flights!

> Use ATMs in airports or reputable banks, not random machines on the street

ADVICE FROM Solo TRAVELERS

Your first solo trip

> Give yourself a day of rest to get over jet lag. Jet lag doesn't bring out the best mental strength!

> A couple scheduled things early on can help

> It's ok to start small if you are scared

> Using a travel agent can be helpful, and you have someone else who knows all your plans and can help if needed

> Not every moment has to be packed with activities

> Start small with a destination that speaks your language or is already known for being solo-friendly

> Your solo travel confidence will build with each small win. Give yourself credit!

> Bring a book, journal or podcast if sitting alone at a restaurant makes you nervous

> Leave a back up credit card locked in your room

> Booking an organized activity can give you some structure and built-in company

> It's less overwhelming to arrive in daylight if you can

> Keep a little buffer time in your schedule

> Expect to have some lonely moments, they often pass over time

> Journaling can help capture the experience and keep you grounded

> Celebrate your small wins!

> Bring a small "comfort item" (like tea bags or a cozy sweatshirt) that makes you feel at home.

> Bring your pillowcase. It can also feel like home and you can put dirty clothes in it when you pack them back up.

“When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.”

– Susan Heller

We share tools and advice to help you get inspired and ready for your next trip. We share ideas not guarantees so please make sure to do your homework before booking and do the trip that’s the best fit for you.

You don’t have to do the planning all yourself. If you want professional travel planning assistance, please check out our Planners page to get connected with the travel planning pros! They are experienced and connected and can help you create amazing experiences, solo or social.

Explore the world! Just Go Solo!

Quick Tips from Solo Travelers