So, you’ve been thinking about taking your first female solo trip. Let me start by saying I’m so proud of you! Just the thought of stepping out of your comfort zone, embracing the world, and saying, “I got this!” is already a huge step. I know, you might be feeling a little nervous (or a lot!) – the unknown can be scary. But trust me, solo travel is one of the most empowering things you’ll ever do!
I remember my first solo trip, and it was a mix of excitement, fear, and a little self-doubt. But once I took that leap, it changed me forever. And guess what? It will change you too – in the best way possible. So, let´s do this together! Here are 10 steps you need to take before embarking on your solo adventure.
1. Find out what you want
One of the best parts of solo travel? You get to spend time with the most important person in your life – you! Embrace the freedom of doing exactly what you want, when you want. Whether it´s reading a book by the beach, hiking a mountain, or getting lost in a new city, these are the moments that will help you connect deeper with yourself.
Ask yourself: What kind of travel do I enjoy? A city trip? A hiking adventure in the mountains? A yoga retreat? An all-inclusive resort vacation? A lazy beach vibe? What am I looking for? What relates to my hobby, dreams, and needs the most? Where can I see myself enjoying some alone time?
2. Get your finances together
It is always good to set a budget instead of splurging on a big shopping trip on the first day and overspending too much, resulting in toast and broth for the rest of the month. Consider it and set a budget for all travel-related things: transfers, accommodation, food and beverages, activities, and souvenirs. There are countless apps out there to help you keep track of your finances while traveling. My go-to app is Trabee Pocket, where you can create several trips, set the budget, track your expenses, and change the currency easily. Also, make sure to plan a little puffer in your budget so if an opportunity arises, you can take advantage of it! Don´t miss out on having fun while being on vacation.
This may sound boring, but trust me, it´s super important. There is nothing more annoying than not being able to pay for your meal because your bank thinks it’s a fraud. So, make sure to call your bank and let them know about your travel, so they don’t freeze your account. Also, look into getting a travel credit card that has no foreign transaction fees.
Pro tip: Travel insurance is non-negotiable. It covers everything from medical emergencies to lost luggage, so you´ll have peace of mind while exploring.
3. Research your destination and settle on a duration
Where do you want to go? Do you want to stay within your country, stay in countries with the same language, and currency, or do you want to travel internationally? For beginners, I would always recommend taking small steps outside your comfort zone. This way you can benefit from the safety feeling you can get while understanding the person in front of you and not worrying about getting ripped off while trading on a local market. But to be honest, as an experienced solo traveler, that’s the most fun about it!
Are you thinking of a place you´ve always wanted to visit, but you never had the right opportunity? Or never found the right travel companion? Then that´s the place you should plan on going next! Maybe it´s a beachy town in Portugal or a charming city in Italy. Don´t wait for the perfect time, the perfect person – girl, book that flight already!
Take time to research the culture, safety, and what the vibe of the place is. Look into solo-travel-friendly destinations that have good public transport, welcoming locals, and enough activities to keep you busy.
But first: for how long do you want to travel? A weekend, a week, or even longer? How many vacation days do you have left? And ask yourself: how long do I feel comfortable on my own? Don´t overwhelm yourself on your first solo-trip. You should enjoy it!
Pro Tip: For your first solo trip, stick to well-traveled destinations. Europe and Southeast Asia are known for being solo traveler-friendly. Pinterest is also a hidden gem for travel itineraries and packing lists!
4. Book your travel and accommodations wisely
Do some research, baby! Start by strolling through skyscanner and google flights once you´ve got the destination and duration all figured out. Look for several transfer options (bus, train, car, flight, etc.) and compare the price and comfort-level.
Let´s talk safety. Your accommodation can make or break your solo experience. For your first time, I recommend staying in a place that´s safe, centrally located, and has great reviews. Hostels, boutique hotels, or Airbnb with excellent host ratings are all good options.
You don´t know where to book? You can always check booking.com, AirBnB, and Expedia no matter what budget. If you want to stay in hostels, I can recommend the app Hostelworld.
My personal experience has shown that I feel safer and more comfortable in a female-only dorm, but I guess that´s up to you. Most of the time it´s way quieter, not too messy, and pretty friendly.
A stay in a hostel and in a shared apartment via Airbnb always makes it easy to get in contact with other travelers and save some money because you can cook for yourself, which is way cheaper than eating out all the time.
Pro Tip: Book accommodation with 24-hour front desk service or easy check-in instructions. A bonus would be to find a place where you can meet other solo travelers or expats – community is everything!
5. Research and book your transfer
We want you to make your journey as smooth as possible, which means you should check out local transportation ahead of time. Different countries offer a variety of transportation options, using foreign apps to get around the cities. Do some research to find out which one you can take.
Do you feel comfortable taking a bus or train to get to your accommodation? Or do you prefer to be driven by an Uber driver? To be honest, I always use an Uber/bolt, etc. when arriving at a new destination to make sure I and my luggage get there safely. This reduces the stress level a lot.
Especially if you arrive during the night – because you took the cheapest flight again- and don´t know the area. Even if you don’t speak the language, don´t know the currencies, or don´t want to be socially active - you just book it on your phone and enjoy the ride. I had some not-so-nice experiences during the night while I was trying to continue my journey – just because I, a miser, wanted to save money by walking to my next stop. Please don´t make the same mistake.
6. Create a loose itinerary
Notice I said “loose”. Having a rough plan of what you want to do is great, but leave room for spontaneity. The beauty of solo travel is that you can change plans on a whim! Want to spend a lazy afternoon in a café reading a book, or explore a hidden alley? Do it! This is your trip.
There is so much to see and explore! So, plan and use your time wisely. If you go on a city trip, you should do some research on sightseeing places and special, local activities you shouldn’t miss out on. You can also check out Trip Advisor and GetyourGuide to book some great experiences.
Make sure to save the tickets on your phone, so you don´t necessarily need data to retrieve them. There are awesome budget options out there too! Check out Facebook groups and freetoursbyfoot. This way you can save some money while getting in contact with like-minded people and locals.
Pro Tip: Use apps like Google Maps to save locations of shops, landmarks, and restaurants you want to visit. That way, you wont be fumbling with directions at the last minute.
7. Search for nice restaurants in advance
Eating by yourself in a restaurant can be overwhelming in itself. Maybe you´ve never done it before and feel like everyone is watching and judging you. But let me tell you, they are only admiring the strong woman sitting across from them, confidently sitting on her own while enjoying her food.
Traveling on your own is freeing and fun because YOU can chose where to go and what to do. But it also means you need to take a shit ton of decisions every day. And that can feel tiring. To ease the process, it is always smart to have some food options in the back of your mind, saved in your IG account or on Google Maps. So do some research in advance to enjoy your journey even more! Also, no matter where you are staying, you can always ask the host of your accommodation for personal recommendations.
8. Download important travel apps
Here are some of my most used apps I can recommend while traveling:
Google Translate: Download the local language to make communicating easier.
Google Maps: Download the offline map of your destination. So that even when you´re out of data, you can get around the city.
Music! Download playlists on your favorite music streaming platform. I have this thing where I download a new playlist with strange songs, for every new city. This way I get to explore the city while listening to new music, connecting places with tunes that will engrave themselves into your brain, making the trip even more special.
Currency converter: I am currently using the Xe App and am pretty happy with it! It´s simple to use and can also be used offline.
Transportation apps: Do some research beforehand and download apps like Uber, Bolt, Grab, Gojek, Lyft, Flixbus, several airlines, etc.
E-Sim: I really like how easy it is nowadays to stay in contact with or loved ones no matter where we are. I started using the app Airalo to buy e-sims to buy in advance and get around the country without a hassle. Get 3$ off your first purchase with this code: MERLE1051
9. Pack light, pack right
I get it. You want to pack every cute outfit you own. But here´s the thing – when you´re on your own, lugging around a heavy suitcase isn’t exactly glamorous. Think about outfits in advance to save the hustle in the morning. Maybe create a note with pictures of every outfit on your phone if you´re really into it. Also, make sure to pack things you can mix and match. Pack according to the duration of your trip and the climate of your destination. Create a packing list and stick to it. Comfortable walking shoes, a travel adapter, a lightweight jacket, and a portable charger should be at the top of your list!
Pro Tip: Roll your clothes and invest in packing cubes – they´re a game-changer! And don´t forget to leave some space for souvenirs and local shopping adventures.
10. Say safe, stay smart
Okay, here’s the part where I give you the big-sister talk. Safety first. Always. As a solo traveler, it’s important to trust your instincts. If something feels off, leave. If a street looks too empty at night, avoid it.
Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas. You can wear a money belt, but more importantly, just be aware of your surroundings.
Pro Tip: Stick to well-lit areas, avoid distractions (like walking with your headphones on), and don’t share too much information about your solo status with strangers.
Last, but most importantly: be kind to yourself. Things might not always go as planned, and that´s okay. Flights get delayed, Google Maps takes you to the wrong place, and maybe you get lost (it´s happened to all of us). But each experience, even the hiccups, is part of the adventure. Solo travel is about more than just seeing new places—it’s about discovering who you are when no one is watching. It’s about learning to trust yourself, to lean into discomfort, and to embrace uncertainty with grace. You’ve got this.
Your first solo trip is going to be life-changing. There will be moments when you’re standing in front of a breathtaking view or trying a dish you’ve never tasted before, and you’ll think, "Wow, I did this. I made this happen."
Remember, this journey is yours. It’s not about ticking off tourist spots or following someone else’s itinerary. It’s about listening to your heart, stepping into your courage, and creating memories that will stay with you forever.
So, take a deep breath, trust yourself, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. I can’t wait to hear all about it!
Safe travels, beautiful soul. You’ve got this. ✈️ 💫
Rise in love,
your biggest cheerleader!
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