I’m a huge advocate for solo travel, but I often get comments and questions from people who have never gone anywhere on their own and don’t understand the appeal of doing so. For me, travel allows me to take time away from my daily life, to explore new surroundings and to discover the people and place, but for the first time solo traveller it can be difficult to know where to start.

The internet is full of tips and advice for people planning trips which can make it a little intimidating if you are doing it all by yourself and heading off on your own. Everyone has an opinion about the best way to travel, the best places to visit and what you should or shouldn’t do once you reach your destination.

I hope this post will help to quiet some of that noise and provide some practical tips for anyone who is a little nervous regarding their first experience of being a solo traveller.

Quick Tips For a First Time Solo Traveller

Start Closer to Home

The world is huge so it can be incredibly difficult to know where to travel to for your first solo trip. Alternatively, you might know exactly where you want to go but hindered by nerves regarding jumping on a plane and heading thousands of miles away.

Instead, look at your neighbouring towns and cities and take a shorter trip, almost practicing how to be on your own for an extended period of time.

If you live in the UK then a weekend break can be fairly easy, if you live in a larger city then head to the South coast, the Peak District, or the Yorkshire Dales. If you live in the countryside then why not try a city break to London, Manchester, or even Edinburgh.

Practice Being Alone

The issue that many people come across when the topic of solo travel is mentioned is eating alone. It’s actually surprising how many people I talk to are apprehensive about just sitting down and eating by themselves. Whereas for me this is actually one of the aspects I find the easiest and most enjoyable.

If you’re a little nervous about eating and drinking on your own then head to your local coffee shop with a book or your laptop and try to spend a couple of hours just enjoying some time by yourself. Then build yourself up to asking for a table for one in your favourite restaurant (breakfast on a week day is actually a really easy way to start as it is usually quieter than dinner at the weekend) and enjoy a good meal.

Sort Your Accommodation

Most people offering tips on solo travel will suggest staying in a hostel as a great way to meet people, but it’s important to remember that you need to find your own travel style and if staying in a hostel isn’t your idea of fun, then don’t do it.

For me, hotels are a great way of seeing a destination, staying safe and supporting the local economy. I personally opt for smaller, independently run, family owned hotels and B&Bs over large chain hotels. You can talk to people who live locally and get great tips on the best places to visit and things to do.

I also prefer the sense of safety and security that comes with staying in a hotel to anywhere else, and this is definitely one of the most important things you need to remember as a solo traveller.

Get Organised

As a solo traveller the thing you have to remember is that you are solely responsible for every aspect of your trip. From booking the transport to packing and accommodation, to packing and carrying all of your luggage. This means that you must be organised.

Make sure you print out all necessary documents, keep a folder on your phone with downloaded copies and give a copy to a friend or family memeber as a backup in case of emergency.

Pack Conveniently 

As I said, you are responsible for your own packing and the carrying of your own luggage, this means that you need to spend a little time thinking about how much you need to pack and the luggage you need to use.

Regardless of what others may say you don’t have to only use a backpack,  you also don’t have to pack your entire wardrobe. How you pack is entirely up to you. If you want to pack just the basics in a small bag then do it. If you want to take a large suitcase and pack enough clothes for your entire trip (plus a few extras) then do it.

Ease the Stress

Get to the airport or train station as early as possible, give yourself as much time to collect tickets/boarding passes, check in, and grab yourself a drink or snack.

Then grab a seat and settle down with a book, your laptop or just do a spot of people-watching. As a solo traveller it is easy to get stressed and overwhelmed during the process of getting from one location to another. Take the stress out by being as relaxed as possible.

Plan Whatever You Like…

Whether it’s a walking tour, a hike, a boat trip, or a skydive, whatever you decide to do during your trip is completely up to you.  The best thing about solo travel is that you can literally do whatever you want whenever you want.

…Or Nothing at All

That being said, you can also decide to do as little as possible.

Get up late one morning and have a relaxed breakfast, or order a takeaway or room service and relax in your room one evening.

If you want to spend a whole morning in a coffee shop people watching and enjoying the atmosphere then do it. Remember, it’s your trip.

Keep Safe

Staying safe whilst travelling should always be your top priority, but when you travel solo it becomes even more important.

Don’t keep all of your cash and cards on you, in the same bag, at the same time.

Don’t tell strangers where you are staying.

Avoid empty streets in the evening.

Leave contact details with a friend or family member in case of emergencies.

If you are going out on a long hike, trek or excursion, then let your accommodation know.

Trust Your Instincts

Something you will learn as you travel (but should really already know) is that you are the only person you can really trust.

If you arrive at your accommodation but don’t feel safe, then leave.

If you are walking down a road but feel uneasy then head in another direction.

What are your tips for a first time solo traveller?

Let me know in the comments.