There’s something special about travelling alone. The feeling of autonomy and independence, the ability to move at your own pace — it’s all incredibly liberating.

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re considering embarking on a solo trip, or you’re already in the midst of one. You might be feeling a mix of excitement and nerves.

And that’s normal! After all, going solo can be daunting, especially if you’ve never done it.

But don’t let the fear of the unknown stop you from having the time of your life. In this blog post, we’ll share the best solo travel tips for making the most of your adventures.

Solo travel tips: planning your trip

Plan your solo trip

Those who fail to plan, plan to fail. This is especially true when it comes to solo travel.

Before you set off on your journey, take some time to do your research and map out your itinerary. This will help ensure you make the most of your trip and don’t miss anything important.

Here are things to keep in mind when planning your trip:

Your budget

Determine how much you can afford to spend on accommodation, food, activities, etc. These details will help you narrow down your destination options or activities.

It’s always better to overestimate your expenses and have some extra cash than to run out of money halfway through your trip.

Your destination and activities

Think about the type of trip you want to have. Are you looking for a relaxing beach holiday? An action-packed city break? Once you know what kind of trip you want, research destinations and activities that fit your interests.

Accommodation

When booking your accommodation, think about your needs and comfort levels. Are you looking for a hotel room? Or would you prefer a more private rental apartment?

Hotels tend to be more expensive, but solo travellers may feel more comfy and safe with staff close by in case of emergencies.

Packing

Packing travelling alone

What you pack will depend on your destination, weather, and activities. But there are a few essentials that every solo traveller should bring:

Backpack or suitcase that’s easy to carry around;
Comfortable shoes;
Jacket or coat for colder weather;
Day bag for carrying your essentials while exploring;
Power adapter if you’re travelling to a different country;
Power bank to keep your devices charged;
First-aid kit.

Transportation

How will you get around once you’re at your destination? Will you take public transportation, rent a car, or rely on ride-hailing?

All of these options come with different price tags, levels of convenience, and safety considerations. Choose the one that makes the most sense for you and your trip.

Tips for enjoying your solo trip

Now that you’ve planned and packed for your trip, it’s time to enjoy the experience! That’s why you went on a solo trip in the first place, right? No matter where you are in the world, there are plenty of ways to have fun and make the most of travelling alone.

Explore at your own pace

travel at your own pace

No waiting, no rush, no pressure — when travelling alone, you can explore at your own pace. Take time to wander off the beaten path, linger in cafes and shops, and enjoy every minute of your trip.

Talk to people

One of the best ways to learn about a destination is to talk to people who live there. So strike up a conversation with locals, whether you’re buying coffee, waiting in line for an attraction, or getting a ride.

This is also a great way to make new friends and get recommendations on things to see and do.

Pro tip: Learn a few words in the local language — this shows locals that you’re trying to connect with the culture and will help break the ice.

Take a free walking tour

free walking tour

Paris, Tokyo, Buenos Aires — no matter where you are in the world, chances are there’s a free walking tour you can take.

This is a great way to see popular sights, meet other travellers, and make new friends.

Most tours last around 2–3 hours, and some even include free food and drink samples or discounts at local businesses. And if you enjoyed the tour, don’t forget to tip your guide.

Get off the beaten path

It’s not always about the popular tourist attractions. When travelling solo, you have the freedom to explore all sorts of different places — both well-known and off-the-radar.

Sometimes the best restaurants, shops, and landmarks are the ones that are a little harder to find. So ask a local for their recommendations or do some research online. You never know what hidden gems you’ll find!

Safety tips while travelling alone

Despite all the fun and adventure that comes with solo travel, you should always be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to keep yourself safe when travelling alone.

Do your research

Every country’s different. That’s why we love to travel; to experience different cultures, sights and sounds. But these aren’t the only things that vary from place to place.

Local laws, social norms, and levels of safety can all differ from one destination to the next.

Do in-depth research on your chosen destination(s) before you depart. This will help you avoid any potential misunderstandings or run-ins with the law.

Let someone know where you’re going

Before you embark on your adventure, tell a family member or friend about your solo travel plans. This includes your itinerary, accommodation details, and contact information.

Check in with this person regularly, especially if your plans change. That way, someone will always know where you are and can reach out to you if something goes wrong.

Use ride-hailing for safe transportation

ride-hailing safe transportation

Ride-hailing services like Bolt are an excellent option for solo travellers. No need to negotiate fares with a local taxi driver or worry about getting lost. Just open the app and request a ride.

You get all the details like price, driver photo, vehicle details, and driver rating upfront before you even get in the car.

For extra safety, you can even share your ride status with a friend or family member so they can track your journey in real-time.

Set up a medical ID

Medical identification is anything from a bracelet or necklace with your medical information to an app on your phone.

It provides first responders with critical details about your health if you cannot communicate. This can be especially important for solo travellers with chronic health conditions or allergies.

Some important details to include are:

Your full name;
Any allergies (food, medication, etc.);
Chronic health conditions (diabetes, asthma, etc.);
Medications you’re taking;
Blood type;
Emergency contacts.

Some phones offer a built-in medical ID feature. If your phone doesn’t have this, there are third-party apps that provide medical ID capabilities.

10 of the best solo travel destinations

By now, you should know all the vital solo travel tips. So let’s explore some of the most popular places to travel alone.

These solo traveller holiday destinations offer great overall safety — from a low chance of natural disasters to high political stability. Many of them have great public transport systems to ease your exploring, and lots to see and experience.

Iceland
With its stunning natural landscapes, including glaciers, waterfalls, geysers, and volcanoes, Iceland offers unique experiences like bathing in hot springs, exploring ice caves, and witnessing the Northern Lights.

Adventure seekers and nature lovers are drawn to Iceland for its safety, friendly locals, and well-developed tourism infrastructure.

Japan
Japan entices travellers with its captivating blend of tradition and modernity. Rich cultural heritage, historic temples and shrines, beautiful gardens, and bustling cities like Tokyo and Kyoto offer an immersive travel experience.

Japan’s unique cuisine, warm hospitality and highly punctual bullet trains and metro system make it a popular choice for those interested in ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology.

New Zealand
Known for its breathtaking scenery of mountains, fjords, pristine beaches, and lush forests, New Zealand is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.

Hiking, bungee jumping, skiing, and wildlife encounters are among the wide range of activities available. Solo travellers appreciate New Zealand’s safety, welcoming atmosphere, and rich Maori culture.

Switzerland
The majestic Alps, picturesque villages, and pristine lakes define Switzerland’s allure. It offers excellent opportunities for hiking, skiing, and exploring charming cities — like Zurich and Geneva.

Switzerland’s safety and well-preserved nature create an inviting destination for outdoor enthusiasts and seekers of tranquillity. Europe’s most punctual railway system makes exploring Switzerland’s many wonders a breeze.

Finland
Finland’s pristine nature, including lakes, forests, and the enchanting Northern Lights, provides a serene backdrop.

Visitors can enjoy unique experiences such as sauna rituals, husky sledging, and meeting Santa Claus in Lapland. Finland’s unique cultural traditions, clean cities, and appreciation for nature make it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquillity and outdoor adventures.

Singapore
Singapore is a vibrant city-state renowned for its modern architecture, diverse culinary scene, and efficient infrastructure. It embraces a blend of cultures with Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences.

Solo travellers are attracted to Singapore for its safety, cleanliness, and well-connected public transport system, which facilitates exploration of its cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Canada
From its vast wilderness and stunning national parks to friendly locals, Canada captivates visitors.

Hiking, wildlife spotting, and immersing yourself in vibrant cultural scenes are among the diverse experiences the country offers. Canada’s safety, multiculturalism, and well-developed infrastructure make it an appealing destination for travellers of all interests.

Australia
Australia’s diverse landscapes — from the Great Barrier Reef to the Outback and pristine beaches — offer awe-inspiring beauty.

Abundant wildlife, vibrant cities like Sydney and Melbourne, and a laid-back lifestyle contribute to its appeal. Travellers appreciate Australia’s cultural diversity, friendly locals, and range of outdoor activities.

Denmark
Denmark combines beautiful landscapes, charming cities, and a high standard of living. Copenhagen, known for its design, architecture, and bike-friendly culture, offers a cosy atmosphere.

Urban explorers and enthusiasts of Scandinavian culture are drawn to Denmark’s safety, well-functioning public transport, and emphasis on sustainability.

Austria
Austria boasts elegant cities, historic architecture, and breathtaking Alpine scenery. Vienna offers a wealth of cultural experiences, while cities like Salzburg charm visitors with their baroque beauty.

Austria’s efficient public transport, musical heritage, and year-round outdoor activities make it an attractive destination for culture enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

These destinations stand out for their unique attractions, safety measures, well-developed infrastructure, and cultural offerings, making them some of the best places to travel alone.

travelling alone by train

Solo travel tours

Not yet 100% ready to venture out on your own? No worries! For the perfect balance of independence and support, you might want to consider solo travel tours.

These tours are specifically designed experiences for individuals who prefer to explore the world on their own. They range from day trips to complete holidays, depending on the specific tour and destination.

You can let the tour operator find you a group to travel with or join other independent adventurers for a day trip. Either way, you’ll benefit from extra safety, convenience, and shared costs.

While solo travel tours have structured itineraries, they often offer flexibility and plenty of free time for personal exploration.

On tours with overnight stays, you can share a room with a lone adventurer of the same gender or pay a little extra to enjoy the comfort of a private room.

Get the most out of your solo travel adventures!

How did the song go? Something like, “Doesn’t mean I’m lonely when I’m alone.”

Travelling alone can be a gratifying experience. You get to call the shots, go at your own pace, and get to know a place — and yourself — in a whole new way.

See if Bolt services are available at your next destination so you can focus on enjoying your trip while we take care of getting you safely from A to B.

Happy solo travels!

Travelling alone: the ultimate guide to solo travel

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