How to Travel Solo for the First Time
Tips for your first solo trip and how to build travel confidence
Have you ever wanted to travel alone but weren’t sure how to start?
A lot of people are used to travelling with family, friends, or a partner. But solo travel can actually be much easier and more freeing than people expect. You decide what to do, when to do it, and how long to stay somewhere. Your schedule is completely your own and you can change your plans whenever you want and at any time!
If the idea of your first solo trip feels intimidating, here are some ways to make the experience easier:
Join a Group Tour
One of the easiest ways to start solo traveling is by joining a group tour.
A good tour leader can help you get the lay of the land very quickly. Things that might take weeks or months to figure out on your own (like local customs, transportation systems, and cultural etiquette) can be explained on the first day and make your experience much smoother because you already have important information.
Group tours are also a great way to meet other travellers while still maintaining independence. You can choose to spend time with the other travellers or to do your own thing.
Companies like G Adventures and Intrepid Travel were the first companies I used when I started solo traveling.
Note: Choose the travel style that fits you
Not all group tours have the same vibe, so it’s important to research the travel style before booking.
For example, G Adventures and Intrepid offer a wide range of tours. Some are specifically geared towards people aged 18 to late 30s [link to the URLs?]. These tours tend to be more budget-friendly, often using hostels and attracting travelers interested in social activities and nightlife.
That said, both companies also offer all-ages tours (avoid if you don’t want to potentially have families with children on your trip), solo-traveller focused trips, and premium tours with higher-end accommodations.
Another well-known company is Contiki, which focuses heavily on travelers aged 18–35 (with some newer trips for 35–45). From my experience, Contiki trips often have a stronger nightlife focus, although there is still plenty of cultural sightseeing.
No matter which company you choose, joining a group tour can be a great first step into solo travel. Why? Because you don’t really realize that you’re solo travelling since you’re in a group of other travellers. However, you are still there alone, surrounded by new people, and without the comfort of being with someone you already know. You ARE solo travelling.
Look for Day Tours
If you don’t want to join a full group trip, day tours are another great option.
Platforms like:
allow you to book guided tours for a single day or a few days. These platforms usually include reviews, photos, and ratings, which makes it easier to choose a great experience.
For example, when I visited Morocco for the first time, my tour with Intrepid Travel didn’t include the capital city, Rabat. So, before the group tour started, I booked a day tour of Rabat from Casablanca through GetYourGuide, as well as a day tour in Casablanca that included the Hassan II Mosque, in order to get used to the city.
It was a great way to explore the city with a guide and learn about the culture before continuing my trip.
Tip: Always check whether the tour includes hotel pickup or if you need to meet the group at a specific meeting point.
Once you’ve explored a city with a guide, you’ll usually feel much more confident exploring it on your own afterward, because the day tour was an ice-breaker.
Compare Accommodation Styles
Where you stay can have a huge impact on your solo travel experience.
My main website for booking accommodation is Booking.com. But if I want a more social environment where it’s easy to meet other travelers, I use Hostelworld.
Before booking accommodation, I recommend:
Checking recent reviews
Looking for multiple guest photos
Reading reviews on Google Maps as well
Seeing multiple perspectives helps you avoid unpleasant surprises (such as no window in the bedroom!).
Here are some common accommodation styles for solo travelers:
Hostels: Best for meeting people
Hostels are perfect if you want a social environment where you can meet other travelers and join group activities.
Many hostels today are modern, clean, and well-designed, and some even offer coworking spaces and free breakfast.
If you want both privacy and social opportunities, consider booking a private room with an ensuite bathroom in a hostel. You’ll get your own space while still being able to meet other travelers.
Hotels: Best for comfort
Hotels and resorts offer the most comfort and privacy.
To find the best deal, it’s often useful to compare multiple booking platforms such as:
Tip: Google Maps will often show you the price of the same hotel on different platforms.
Many travelers also prefer sticking to one platform so they can accumulate loyalty points or discounts. I collect loyalty points on Booking.com(the mobile app because it has more discounts than the website) and have reached the level 3 loyalty, which comes with significant discounts on accommodation, taxi, car rentals, and all their services, as well as perks such as free room upgrades.
Homestays: Best for cultural immersion
If you want a deeper cultural experience, homestays can be a great option.
In a homestay, you stay in a home where the host lives on the property while offering guests a private room. Meals are often included, which can be a great way to learn about local cuisine, language and daily life.
Group travel companies like G Adventures and Intrepid Travel often include homestays in their itineraries, which can be a great way to try this style of accommodation for the first time.
Apartments: Best for independence
If you want the feeling of having your own place, apartment rentals can be a good option.
Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com offer private apartments that almost always include kitchens and living spaces. You may prefer this option because it feels more like living in the destination rather than staying in a hotel.
In many buildings, there may also be security at the entrance or CCTV, which can add an extra sense of safety.
Final Thoughts
Your first solo trip doesn’t need to be complicated.
You can start small — join a group tour, book a day tour, or simply spend a few days exploring a city on your own.
Once you take that first step, you’ll likely realize that solo travel is much more accessible than it seems. Each solo experience builds confidence, and before long you’ll feel comfortable exploring more and further away from home!
What helped you feel more confident while traveling solo?
Let us know in the comments!