There’s something wildly freeing about booking a flight for one.

No coordinating schedules. No waiting on a friend to “check their PTO.” No compromising on where to stay, what to eat, or how long to linger at a scenic overlook. Just you, a carry-on bag, and the open world.

But as much as first-time solo travel is glorified on Instagram—complete with golden hour selfies and dreamy remote beaches—there’s another side to it. The awkward dinners. The “what have I done?” airport meltdowns. The way your senses are constantly on high alert because, well… it’s just you.

I’ve solo-traveled on multiple continents, from luxury lounges to dusty backroads, and I can confidently say: solo travel is magic. But that first time solo travel experience? It’ll humble you.

If you’re gearing up for your first solo adventure, here’s everything I wish someone had told me—no fluff, no fearmongering. Just real talk from one independent traveler to another.

1. You Will Feel Alone—And That’s OK

Let’s face it: traveling alone can be a lonely experience.

There will be silent mornings, lost jokes, and times when you long for a companion to share a moment with. However, loneliness is not the same as being alone. Being by yourself is a powerful lesson that first-time solo travel teaches you.

What helped me:

• Journaling every night (pro tip: record voice notes too)
• Sitting at the bar instead of a table when dining out
• Booking one group experience (like a cooking class or walking tour) each trip to meet people naturally

Alone time isn’t something to fear—it’s something to honor. It’s a mirror. And sometimes what it shows you will surprise you, in a good way.

2. Confidence Comes After the Booking

I was terrified the night I clicked “Confirm“ on my first solo trip to Montreal.

What if I got robbed? What if I hated being alone? What if I missed my flight and no one was there to help?

Spoiler: none of that happened. And when small things did go wrong, I figured it out. Confidence didn’t come first. Action did.

Every moment I navigated solo—getting myself from an airport to a hotel, ordering food in a new language, haggling at a market—I built self-trust. By the end of that first time solo travel experience, I walked like I’d been doing this my whole life.

You won’t feel 100% ready. Do it anyway.

3. Planning Is Your Best Wingman

There’s a fine line between “free spirit“ and “frustrated tourist.“ Especially when you’re alone.

Having a rough itinerary saved me so much stress. It gave me something to fall back on when jet lag hit or when my anxiety tried to talk me out of going outside.

Here’s my go-to planning checklist:

• First 24 hours mapped out: hotel check-in, nearby ATM, dinner spot
• Google Maps offline download
• Local SIM or eSIM plan
• Key phrases in the local language
• One emergency contact who knows your trip plan

Plan the bones. Leave space for spontaneity. It’s the perfect balance for achieving success in first-time solo travel.

4. Travel Days Are Exhausting—Be Nice to Yourself

There’s this myth that travel is always glamorous. The truth? It can be work.

Your travel day might start at 3am, involve a layover in a chaotic airport, and end with you trying to figure out how to unlock a front gate with no Wi-Fi in 95-degree heat.

So here’s the hack: don’t overschedule your first day. Let your only goal be to land, eat, shower, and sleep.

Save the bold explorations for Day Two. You’ll thank yourself later.

5. You Don’t Have to Do All the Things

You will not see everything. And that’s OK.

When you’re on your first solo travel journey, there’s this pressure to “maximize“ every moment. But trust me, racing from one landmark to the next is a fast track to burnout.

My advice: If the choice is between squeezing in a fourth museum or sitting at a café to people-watch, choose the café.

Your trip isn’t a checklist. It’s a story. And stories need breathing room.

6. Everyone’s Watching… But No One Cares

Yes, you will feel self-conscious taking photos by yourself. Yes, you’ll wonder if people are judging you for having a solo dinner.

And you know what?

No one’s watching you. Everyone is too busy worrying about themselves. Once I realized that, I became unstoppable.

A few tricks to capture memories solo:

• Use the 10-second timer on your phone with a mini tripod
• Ask another tourist to swap photo duties
• Book experiences that include photography (like safari drives or guided food tours)

Don’t let fear rob you of memories during your first time solo travel adventure.

7. Trust Your Gut—It’s Usually Right

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been mid-walk and thought: “Something feels off.” I’ve never regretted listening to that instinct.

Whether it’s a sketchy street, a too-persistent stranger, or a hotel that gives you a weird vibe, trust yourself.

You’re not being paranoid. You’re being wise.

8. You’re in Control of Your Story

One of the best parts of first-time solo travel? You’re the director, writer, and lead character.

You can:

• Sleep in or wake up at sunrise
• Stay longer in a place you love
• Leave early if the vibes are off
• Cry without having to explain yourself
• Laugh without needing an audience

This freedom is intoxicating—and healing. Use it well.

9. Things Will Go Wrong—And You’ll Be Fine

Your luggage might not make it.

You might get food poisoning from that “authentic“ street taco.

You might miss your bus. (OK, I definitely missed my bus.)

These moments feel big when you’re alone. But they become the stories you’ll retell the most. They’re also where you learn to improvise, adapt, and—above all—laugh.

Pro tip: Always pack Imodium and a spare outfit in your carry-on. That’s not advice. That’s gospel.

10. You’ll Surprise Yourself

I didn’t know I could read maps so well. Or that I liked jazz. Or that I could sit alone at a rooftop bar in Casablanca and feel more grounded than I did in my own living room.

First-time solo travel reveals parts of you you didn’t know were there. The capable parts. The joyful parts. The adventurous parts.

You won’t return the same person. And that’s the point.

Bonus Tips from the Road

Because sometimes the little things matter more than you think:

• Bring two debit/credit cards in case one gets flagged
• Snap a photo of your passport and store it in the cloud
• Pack less than you think you need—seriously
• Book accommodations with late check-in and early reviews
• Schedule “nothing“ time into your day

Safety Doesn’t Kill the Vibe—It Creates It

There’s this weird narrative that solo female travelers either need to be reckless or terrified. Neither is true.

Safety can be stylish. Smart can be sexy. Prepared doesn’t mean paranoid.

Want to wear the short dress? Wear it. Want to carry pepper spray (check local/country rules)? Do it. Want to share your location with a friend? Absolutely.

Do what makes you feel confident and secure.

You deserve to feel safe and free. Both are non-negotiable.

Call It What It Is: A Bold, Beautiful Leap

So many people wait.

They wait for the right time, the perfect partner, the ideal budget. And they never go.

First time solo travel says: go anyway.

It doesn’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to be fearless. You just have to be willing.

Book the flight. Pack the bag. Show up scared, if you must—but show up.

Your future self is already proud of you.

✈️ Planning Your First Time Solo Travel? Start Here:

• Read: You’re Packing All Wrong—2 Weeks, 1 Carry-On, No Excuses
• Research: Look for destinations known for being solo-travel friendly (Portugal, Thailand, Mexico City, Japan, Bali, etc.)
• Bookmark: This post and revisit it when you’re having doubts
• Watch: TikTok and YouTube videos from other solo travelers for destination-specific tips

Final Thought

First-time solo travel isn’t about being alone—it’s about becoming whole.

The world will meet you exactly where you are. And if you let it, it will reflect back everything brave and beautiful about you.

So, should you take that first solo trip?

You already know the answer.