Last summer, I spent three weeks in Europe, and one of the highlights was the solo stretch I carved out in the Cotswolds. I was craving my own Amanda Woods moment—as in The Holiday—and it truly lived up to the fantasy. My only goals were to lose cell service, sip good wine, and spot a few sheep. I got all of that, but the most memorable moments were the ones I never planned—the quiet detours and unexpected experiences that didn’t make it onto my itinerary.
I explored local shops and villages that I didn’t know existed, got lost in conversation with a local at a pub, and found that this specific destination is one I would certainly like to visit again. Even better, I found time to reconnect with myself and reflect on the past year. It was a special, sacred time that I know I’ll look back on with so much appreciation.
Solo travel has numerous benefits, but it can also feel intimidating—especially the first few times you set out on your own. With that said, I think traveling with only your own company is one of the best things you can do in your 20s and 30s.
If you’re thinking about planning a solo getaway but aren’t quite sure it’s for you, I’ve rounded up my top solo travel tips to help you feel confident taking the leap. As with anything, the more you do it, the more comfortable you’ll be—and I promise you won’t regret taking time to explore on your own.
1. Pick the right destination
While we all have our own travel preferences, choosing a destination for a solo trip requires a little extra thought. Safety is always important, but it’s just as helpful to start somewhere that feels within your comfort zone. For example, if you’ve never traveled internationally, your first solo trip might not be the moment to jet off to Europe. And if a bustling city feels more overwhelming than exciting, a quieter, more low-key destination may be a better fit.
Before you book anything, get clear on what you want out of the trip. Are you hoping to truly unplug and slow down? Meet new people? Be active and explore? Choosing a destination that aligns with your goals will make the experience feel less intimidating.
I have traveled solo to a variety of places, including London, the Cotswolds, O’ahu, San Diego, and Nantucket, and each trip was unique and special in its own right. If you’re looking for more inspiration on where to head, here are some stellar places that come to mind:
- Austin, Texas
- Bend, Oregon
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Carmel Valley, California
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Chicago, Illinois
- Greenville, South Carolina
- London, England
- Maui, Hawaii
- Montreal, Canada
- New York, New York
- Newport, Rhode Island
- Savannah, Georgia
- Scottsdale, Arizona
- Traverse City, Michigan
2. Start small
I touched on this above, but if you’ve never traveled solo before, heading to a different country or even to the opposite coast might feel too far outside your comfort zone. Rather than jumping right in with a bucket-list trip, plan a smaller, more local solo getaway to test the waters.
Take a short road trip or hop on a quick flight for a long weekend (you can often score great last-minute flight deals when traveling solo!). Another option is to start a trip on your own, then make plans to meet up with a friend during the second half. Maybe you head to New York on your own, then meet up with your bestie after a couple of days. This is a great way to try solo travel while still knowing some comfort is just around the corner.
3. Stay in a hotel, not an Airbnb
My family has dubbed me the “safety officer” of our group, and honestly, I wear that nickname as a badge of honor. When I travel solo, I stay aware and trust my instincts, and consider this your reminder to do the same. You can never be too mindful when you’re on your own.
One way to feel more secure while traveling is to stay in a hotel rather than an Airbnb. Hotels generally have more secure entrances, with staff on-site who can help you if any issues arise. Plus, you’ll have access to common spaces and amenities, like the hotel pool, gym, restaurants, or spa—all of which are great for meeting people. Another bonus to staying at a hotel? You can opt for room service if you want some alone time (or if you want to treat yourself further!).
4. Focus on activities that are best enjoyed solo
One of the top perks of solo travel is being in full control of how you spend your time. The world really is your oyster when it comes to planning your itinerary, but some activities might feel more approachable than others. While hiking in a remote area or heading out to the bars might not feel quite as fun solo, other activities are even better when you’re not traveling in a big group. Shopping, strolling through a museum, seeing a play, or booking a spa day are a few fun ways to spend your time alone.
5. Bring a book for moments that feel awkward or lonely
If there’s one thing I don’t want to do when traveling, it’s spend too much time staring at my phone. However, in moments that feel awkward or lonely, it’s easy to pull out your phone to fill the time. Bringing a book along to restaurants, bars, or a park is a great alternative that can give you something to do and make you feel less uncomfortable. You might just get mistaken for a local!
6. Sit at the bar at restaurants if you’re not confident at a table for one
I know that not everyone loves to dine alone, but once you get used to it, it’s really such a treat. If asking for a table for one feels beyond your comfort level, consider sitting at the bar instead. This is a great way to chat with other people (potentially some fellow travelers!) and feel less alone. You can even strike up a conversation with the bartenders if all else fails.
7. Sign up for group tours or classes
If you’re in the mood to connect with others and potentially make some new friends, group activities are for you. Book a walking tour or sign up for a cooking class so you can socialize with other travelers who share similar interests. You could even book workout classes at a nearby Pilates or yoga studio!
8. Share your itinerary with a loved one
Safety is obviously a top concern when traveling solo, so it’s always wise to share your plans with someone you trust. Even if you don’t share your full itinerary, be intentional about checking in each day and letting your loved ones know when you leave one hotel or destination to head to your next stop. When I travel solo, I personally check in with my mom, sister, or boyfriend when I’m getting in an Uber or taxi as well. You truly can never be too cautious, and prioritizing safety is part of gaining that confidence while traveling on your own. This isn’t meant to scare you—it’s really to make you feel more empowered and in control.
9. Seek guidance from a travel advisor
Still stumped on where to start solo travel planning? One of the most helpful, yet often overlooked, strategies for planning a getaway is to utilize the help of a travel advisor. There are so many talented and knowledgeable experts out there who can help you put together your dream itinerary with ease. If you feel particularly uneasy about how to fill your time or even where to go on your own, chatting with a professional travel planner might be the right choice for you.
Want more solo travel tips? Try these:
- I Travel Alone Extensively: Here Are 7 Lessons I’ve Learned Along the Way
- 10 Solo Trip Destinations That Are Perfect for First-Timers
- 8 Reasons Why Solo Travel Can Be Even Better Than a Group Trip
Kara Thompson, Contributing Home Writer
Kara Thompson is a Denver-based journalist with a bachelor’s in journalism from the University of Oregon. In 2022, she left her full-time job as an editor and started her own writing, editing, and social media firm, Kara Thompson and Co. She has over five years of experience writing lifestyle content for publications including Town & Country, Elle DECOR, Good Housekeeping, and Parents, where she covered all things home, food, health, travel, fashion, and holidays.
We get it: Your PTO is precious. So when you finally set that OOO message, you deserve a trip that’s unforgettable—not one that makes you feel like you need another vacation to recover. We compiled our favorite travel destinations, must-have travel gear, and sanity-saving hacks to bring you The Everygirl’s Ultimate Guide to Travel, so you can spend less time stressing and more time soaking it all in.
