Your first solo trip can be exciting — and terrifying. You might worry about making friends, feeling safe or getting everything done on your own. The good news? Millions of us travel alone each year, and as many people will tell you, it’s one of the best decisions a person can make.
First Solo: Choose the Destination Wisely
Picking the right destination is key for a successful first solo adventure. Sometimes there are simply better places for beginners than others. The greatest destinations feature walkable streets, cool locals willing to strike up a conversation and helpful transportation systems (in most cases), plus there are usually plenty of other travelers around for when you’re ready to socialize. They also boast good wifi, English-speaking locals (or easy translate apps!), and affordable prices that won’t have you draining your savings account.
Here, you will find a guide to some of the best places to travel alone for your first solo trip. Whether you want beaches, a city vibe, culture or adventure, you’ll find somewhere that suits your interests and comfort zone. Let’s see where to go for ultimate first time solo travel adventure!
Why Traveling Solo Makes You Stronger
You learn more from solo travel than any classroom could ever teach you. You’ll come to trust yourself, think fast on your feet and speak with strangers across the spectrum. But when it’s only you who gets to call the shots, your likes and priorities quickly start sticking out in stark relief.
Solo travel will also offer you total freedom. Tired of spending three hours in a museum? Go ahead. Fancy giving the world-famous spot everyone goes on about a miss? That’s fine too. You get to decide when you want to play and are free pursue your own interests.
And many of those solo travelers have returned home with greater confidence, new friends from around the globe, and stories they wouldn’t even believe if it hadn’t happened to them. What you’d consider challenges related to vulnerability and the unknown — getting lost in a foreign subway system, ordering food in a new language — become victories that remind you just how capable you truly are.
First-Timer Musts: What It Takes for a Destination to be Great for Beginners
But before we get into specific locations, let’s discuss what makes a place friendly for beginners to visit. Not every incredible city or country is best for your first solo adventure.
Safety comes first. Seek destinations with low crime, competent police and well-lit streets at night. Tourists are safe where tourists are plentiful, because the local economy relies on people having a good time.
Language barriers matter less than you think. English may not be essential, but destinations where people speak English or translation apps function well certainly help. You want to be able to discuss bottom-line things like directions, food and an emergency without huge stress.
Good infrastructure helps tremendously. Solid public transport, functioning ATMs, reliable internet and decent places to stay on your journey elsewhere. The last thing you want on your first solo trip is to be fighting with basic logistics.
There’s a social scene. From hostels and group tours to the well-worn scene around backpacker haunts. Even when you’re by yourself, you don’t need to feel alone.
The Best Solo Travel Destinations for First Timers
Portugal: Europe’s Friendliest Country
Portugal stands as one of the safest countries in the world. The capital city, Lisbon, has beautiful tile-covered buildings, delicious pastries and locals that are friendly (and often speak English). Its size is that of only the smallest European country, and it’s a breeze to visit several cities within one trip.
Why Portugal works for beginners:
- Big cities where you feel safe to walk around even late at night
- Cheap compared to other Western European countries
- Excellent public transportation connecting cities
- Rising community of digital nomads and travelers
- Stunning seaside villages just outside of Lisbon
While lodging in the city of Porto, you have wine tasting, riverside strolls and yes — jaw-dropping architecture. The south has the Algarve region with its beaches and surf towns. My top recommendation for first time solo travelers is Portugal; it’s so diverse and has so much to offer of a manageable size as a country.
Budget: You can get by smoothly on $50-70 a day, covering food and accommodations and a few activities.
Japan: Safe, Clean, and Fascinating
Japan can be daunting for a first solo trip, but in reality it’s one of the easiest countries to navigate alone. It’s an amazingly safe country, public transport is ridiculously punctual and Japanese people are incredibly kind to clueless tourists.
Why Japan works for beginners:
- Very safe, very few days of crime — easy to walk anywhere
- English-labeled, efficient-seeming trains and subways
- Convenience stores at every block for quick meals
- Free Wi-Fi in most public areas
- Welcoming attitude towards tourists
Tokyo has countless neighborhoods to explore, and each has its own unique character. Kyoto has its temples, gardens and traditional culture. The Japan Rail Pass makes it possible to travel relatively inexpensively between cities. Best of all, you’ll see that it’s no big deal to get lost here—something intriguing is always around the bend.
Budget tip: Plan on spending $80-120 per day, but there are budget options available if you stay in hostels and eat at convenience stores.
New Zealand: Easy Mode Adventure
New Zealand offers outdoor adventure in hangout-friendly surroundings, while the infrastructure is first-world. Add some hiking, beaches, mountains and unique wildlife in a country where everyone speaks English and the tourism industry is well-established.
Why this New Zealand itinerary is great for first-timers:
- English-speaking country with familiar culture
- A community of great backpackers and hostels
- Safe environment with low crime
- The compact size means travel plans don’t need to be insurrended
- Guided excursions for bungee jumping, glacier hiking etc.
The South Island is known for its dramatic landscapes and adventure sports. The North Island has geothermal areas, beaches and Maori culture. Reach is easy by bus networks developed for the traveling visitor. You will always come across other solo travelers and this makes it very easy to pick up a travel buddy for an activity.
Budget estimate: Budget on $70-100 per day, more if you arrange a whole lot of adventure activities.
Thailand: The Classic Backpacker Introduction
For decades, Thailand has been a destination popular with solo travelers. It’s cheap, beautiful and has a well-trodden “banana pancake trail” of party spots for easy planning. From beaches and cities to temples and jungles, it has something to offer us all.
Why Thailand works for beginners:
- Very affordable—your money goes far
- Known backpacker track that is easy to follow
- Hospitable locals and “Land of Smiles” image
- Delicious street food everywhere
- Easy to meet other backpackers in hostels
Bangkok is a culture shock and a thrill. Temples and cooking classes are available in the north, at Chiang Mai. The southern islands offer up flawless beaches. Thailand’s economy relies heavily on tourism, so you’ll notice plenty of English speakers, ATMs and Western comforts when you need them.
Budgeting: You can live well on $30-50 a day, and sometimes less if you’re being thrifty.
Iceland: Nature Without the Hassle
Iceland has amazing natural sights — waterfalls, geysers, a glacier and the Northern lights are possible — in one of the safest places to visit in the world. Perfect for the nervous first-timer. With such a small population and an infrastructure built on tourism, it’s perfect for nervous first-timers.
Why Iceland works for beginners:
- Very safe and very little crime
- Pretty decent English spoken by most people
- Small size makes it manageable
- Well-marked roads and simple navigation
- Strong solo travel community
You can drive the Ring Road along the entire country in a week or two. The Golden Circle offers convenient day trips out of Reykjavik. Thermal pools and hot springs provide relaxation. The only potential downside to Iceland is cost — it’s not cheap, but the safety and convenience outweigh that.
Budget estimate: Minimum of $100-150 per day on the low budget side, Iceland is expensive!
Vietnam: Budget-Friendly Adventure
Vietnam runs along the coast, with different parts of the country offering different experiences. That country is safe, ridiculously inexpensive and packed with other travelers doing the same north-south (or south-north) trip. The food in Vietnam alone is worth the visit.
Why Vietnam works for beginners:
- Inexpensive lodging, food and activities
- Popular travel path that many backpackers take
- Safe for tourists in large cities and tourist industry areas
- Incredible food scene, in the street all over town
- Easy to meet other travelers
Heading north, it’s history and culture in Hanoi. Beautiful limestone islands dot Ha Long Bay. Then Hoi An is available to be a quiet old town. In the south, Ho Chi Minh City has energy and history. The intercity bus and train connections function well and are inexpensive.
Budget estimate: Travel comfortably and nicely for $25-40 daily.
Scotland: English-Speaking European Adventure
Scotland offers complete European culture, without the language barrier. The country has beautiful scenery, friendly people, and historic cities that are convenient to visit. It’s a wonderful steppingstone into Europe for Americans looking to try it on their own.
Why Scotland works for beginners:
- English-speaking with familiar cultural touchstones
- Safe cities and countryside
- Excellent public transportation
- Vibrant hostel scene in large cities
- Small size makes it easy to see a lot, quickly
In Edinburgh, you get festival culture and history. Glasgow offers art and music. The Highlands deliver dramatic scenery. The Isle of Skye boasts some of Europe’s most stunning scenery. The weather might not be ideal in Scotland, but the kindness of the people more than makes up for it.
Budget estimate: Plan for $60-90 per day, just like in other UK locations.
Australia: Familiar Yet Foreign
Australia offers the comfort of English alongside wildlife and landscapes that are wildly different. The nation’s main cities are modern and safe, while the Outback and coast are ripe for adventure. The strong backpacker scene also means you are never far from other solo travelers.
Why Australia works for beginners:
- Speak English similar to US/UK culture
- Excellent infrastructure and transportation
- Safe cities and tourist areas
- Enormous backpacker community and the hostel scene
- Variety of scenes from urban to beach to desert
Sydney and Melbourne boast big city thrills. The East Coast has beaches and The Great Barrier Reef. Outback provides unique landscapes and adventures. Australia is costly, after all, but working holiday visas enable young travelers to work and pay for their travels.
Budget: Budget around $80-120 per day like New Zealand.
Comparison of Top Solo Destinations
| Country | Safety Level | English | Daily Budget | Best For | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | Very High | Moderate | $50-70 | Culture & Food | Easy |
| Japan | Very High | Low-Moderate | $80-120 | Culture & Food | Easy-Moderate |
| New Zealand | Very High | Native | $70-100 | Adventure | Easy |
| Thailand | High | Moderate | $30-50 | Beaches & Culture | Easy |
| Iceland | Very High | High | $100-150 | Nature | Easy |
| Vietnam | High | Low-Moderate | $25-40 | Culture & Food | Easy |
| Scotland | High | Native | $60-90 | History & Nature | Easy |
| Australia | High | Native | $80-120 | Adventure & Beaches | Easy |
Planning Your First Solo Trip: A Step-by-Step Guide
Start with research. Read blogs, watch YouTube videos, and join Facebook groups on your chosen destination. Fellow solo travelers provide authentic trips that guidebooks may not tell you about.
Book flexible accommodation. If you’d rather stay close to other people who are also traveling, hostels are great for first-timers. Search for top-rated hostels in central areas. Several have private rooms, if you’d like your own space but still want to be in a social setting.
Create a loose itinerary. Plan your first few days thoroughly so you’ll know exactly where you’re heading when you touch down. After that, keep things flexible. Over-planning takes the fun out of navigating solo, which is part of what makes it all so magical.
Share your plans. Inform family or friends of your general itinerary and keep regular contact. Apps like Find My Friends or WhatsApp indicate that you are fine without having to talk the whole time.
Pack light. Bring a backpack or small wheeled suitcase you can readily handle. You’ll pat yourself on the back as you navigate stairs, buses and cobblestones. Less stuff means more freedom.
Get travel insurance. This isn’t optional. There are medical emergencies, lost bags, flights canceled. Good insurance is costlier than you might think, and a source of peace.
For more travel tips and inspiration, visit CallToFlights.
Safety Tips for Solo Travelers
Solo travel is safe, as long as you employ common sense. Be vigilant in your surroundings, especially at night. Quit staring down at your phone while walking — it’s a sign you are already distracted and maybe even vulnerable.
Trust your instincts. Beginning with one’s own intuition: If a situation feels wrong, get out. Just walk away from anything or anyone who makes you uneasy. And be known that your gut feeling is generally correct and there is no reward for being polite when you do not feel safe.
Keep valuables secure. Store passports and extra cash in hotel safes. Carry money in multiple places. A fanny pack or hidden wallet for valuables.
Limit alcohol consumption. It is dangerous to get drunk when you are in an unknown place by yourself. Save the hard drinking for nights with trusted friends in familiar surroundings.
Stay connected. Ensure your phone is charged and purchase a local SIM card. Know how to get in touch with emergency services in your destination. Tell someone at home where you are.
Meeting People While Traveling Alone
Loneliness is a top fear for many first-time solo travelers. The reality? It is easier to meet people traveling than meeting them at home.
Stay in hostels. Shared spaces, planned activities and dorm-style sleeping arrangements all are conducive to making friends. The majority of hostels have group dinners, pub crawls or day trips.
Join tours and activities. Free walking tours, cooking classes and excursions leave you in the company of other travelers. You’ll have built-in conversation starters and experiences.
Use apps. Meetup, Couchsurfing (beyond saving money on a stay) and travel-focused apps can connect you with both locals and other travelers. Dating apps are also an option for meeting people, but be upfront.
Sit at communal tables. Opt for counter seating, share a table at restaurants or work from a coffee shop. These create opportunities for conversation.
Say yes to invitations. Say yes if other travelers invite you to dinner, on a day trip or duck down some unknown path. These spur-of-the-moment connections are ones that tend to get the best memories out of.
Budget Breakdown: What to Expect
Your costs will fluctuate widely depending on destination of choice and style of travel. This is what a general day’s budget might look like:
Accommodation: $10-50 per night
- Budget: Hostel dorm beds ($10-25)
- Mid-range: Hostel private rooms or budget hotels ($30-50)
- Luxury: Nice hotels ($80+)
Food: $10-40 per day
- Budget: Street food and grocery store food ($10-$20)
- Mid-range: Local restaurants, plus some nice dinners ($25-40)
- Luxury: Decent restaurant dining for most meals ($50 and up)
Transportation: $5-30 per day
- Budget: Public transport and your feet ($5-15)
- Mid-range: Public transport and some taxis ($15-30)
- Luxury: Private drivers or taxi rides to wherever ($40+)
Activities: $0-50 per day
- Budget: Free walking tours and cheap activities ($0-15)
- Mid-range: Combination of free and paid activities ($20-50)
- Luxury: High-end tours and experiences ($60+)
Keep in mind that some days you’ll spend very little (beach or hiking days, exploring neighborhoods) while others will be spent more heavily (day tours, museum passes, special dinners).
Common First-Time Solo Travel Mistakes
Over-planning your itinerary. Including flexibility facilitates impromptu decisions and suggestions amongst people you know. The best experiences are rarely in guidebooks.
Bringing too much stuff. The same five things will be on heavy rotation. That “just in case” outfit will never get pulled out of your bag. Bring less than you think you will need.
Staying in your comfort zone at all cost. Challenge yourself a little. Try the local food. Try a few simple sentences in the local dialect. Chat with strangers. Growth happens outside comfort zones.
Skipping travel insurance. A single hospital visit or lost bag can cost you thousands. Insurance is an inexpensive way to protect against expensive problems.
Not backing up important documents. Send copies of your passport, insurance policies, and booking details to yourself in case you lose them. Save photos of these documents in cloud.
Comparing your trip to others. Social media shows highlight reels. Your real, lived experience is more important than Instagram.
Either being too trusting, or too paranoid. Find balance. Most folks are genuinely nice. Not everyone, but most people. Stay aware without being fearful.
When to Go: Planning Your First Solo Trip
Think about hitting the road during shoulder season — the time between peak and off-peak season. You’re more likely to pay lower prices, see less crowds and have more availability, but the weather remains typically lovely.
Spring (March-May) works well for:
- Europe (before summer crowds)
- Southeast Asia (after rainy season)
- New Zealand (autumn weather)
Fall (September-November) works well for:
- Europe (after summer tourists leave)
- Japan (autumn colors)
- Middle East (cooler weather)
Summer (June-August) works well for:
- Iceland (warmest weather, longest days)
- Scandinavia (best weather)
- New Zealand (winter for skiing)
Winter (December-February) works well for:
- Southeast Asia (cool, dry season)
- South America (summer of the southern hemisphere)
- Australia (summer months)
Look at any national holidays in your destination. That can translate into higher prices and booked-up lodging — but also provide unique cultural experiences.
When Things Go Wrong
Problems will happen. Your phone might get stolen. You might miss a flight. You could get food poisoning. The reality is these are not disasters — they are simply the experience of travel and everyone has to cope with them at some point.
Just stay calm and solve the problems one at a time. Cut big problems down to size. Lost your passport? First, file a police report. Then, contact your embassy. Next, arrange temporary documents.
Ask for help. Hostel workers, hotel front-desk clerks and other travelers have seen it all. They generally can steer you to solutions.
Have backup plans. Stash some cash away in a secret pocket outside of your regular wallet. Know the location of your country’s embassy. Keep a few key phone numbers saved offline.
Just remember also that this is a phase. In just a few months, your travel disaster will be a funny story. Being able to solve problems on the fly is precisely what makes solo travel so important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is solo travel safe?
The reality is that solo travel is very safe in most cases, particularly when you visit places like the ones mentioned in this post. Hordes of people travel on solo holidays safely each year. Appeal to reason, be aware of your environment, don’t drink too much and listen to your instinct. Women, older adults and LGBTQ+ travelers all travel solo with success due to research for their trips and by taking basic precautions.
How can I meet people when I’m traveling alone?
Hostels not hotels; free walking tours; classes (cooking, language, dance); travel apps like Meetup or Couchsurfing; sitting at communal tables in cafes; saying yes when other travelers ask you to join them. And remember, most solo travelers are also looking to meet people, so initiating conversations is not as hard as you might think.
What if I get lonely?
There is such a thing as healthy loneliness, at least to some extent — it gives you time for thought and reflection. If you’re feeling lonely, hang out in hostel common areas, go on group tours or video chat with friends back home. For many solo travelers, it’s a question of alternating between times when they crave the company of others and times when they enjoy their own isolation. Both are legitimate aspects of the experience.
How much money should I spend on the solo trip?
It just depends on where you’re going and travel preferences. On a budget in destinations like Southeast Asia or Eastern Europe $30-50 can be easily sufficient. Mid-level places like Western Europe or Japan cost $70-120 a day. Expensive destinations like Iceland or Switzerland may require $100-150+ a day. It’s always a good idea have emergency money where you don’t plan for it to be.
Do I have to speak the local language?
Speaking the local language helps, but is not mandatory in these destinations. Get up to speed on simple words like “hello,” “thank you,” “how much” and “where is the bathroom.” Apps like Google Translate can do a surprisingly good job of facilitating rudimentary communication. Many tourist sites have English speakers, and you’d be amazed what can be conveyed with gestures and a measure of patience.
What if I’m an introvert?
Here’s the thing about journeying solo: It’s a total introvert magnet. You dictate the terms of your social energy entirely — meet people when you like, retire to your room as required for alone time. Lots of introverts think solo travel is less draining than traveling in a group, because you never have to perform. Pick destinations that have good solo activities, such as museums, hiking or beaches.
Is it more expensive to travel by yourself?
Certain expenses go up when you’re flying solo: You can’t split lodging or transportation. But you save by calling all the shots yourself — no compromise on costly restaurants or tours you’re not interested in. Stay in dorms and that will save you a lot on board. Solo travelers can afford most destinations on the planet.
And eating alone in restaurants?
The first couple of meals eating solo can feel awkward, but it quickly becomes second nature. Bring a book or journal, choose to sit at the bar instead of at a table, or play on your phone without guilt. Most restaurants are equipped to serve solo diners. In many locales around the world, eating alone is absolutely unremarkable.
Let’s Begin Your First Solo Trip
There’s no reason to wait; now is the perfect time to start planning your first solo adventure. Pick a place from this list that excites you, do some research and book that first flight. Will you feel nervous? Probably. Will everything go perfectly? Definitely not. Will it change your life? Almost certainly.
Traveling solo forces you to have faith in yourself, trust your instincts and embrace uncertainty. These are skills that benefit all areas of your life. The confidence you gain by going through a new city or solving problems in a new location begins to translate into: “I can solve this.”
If a long journey seems daunting, start small. Test the waters with a long weekend in a nearby city before signing up for weeks of far-flung travel. Every traveler began somewhere, and also there is no shame in working your way up.
The world is full of nice people, beautiful places and amazing experiences. The only way to know is to take that first step. Slap a passport in your bag, a ticket on your lap and let’s find out what you can do while traveling by yourself. Your first journey alone could lead to a lifetime of adventure.
