I didn’t set out to become a solo traveler. I wasn’t chasing a dramatic life pivot or trying to prove something. I just got tired of waiting. Waiting for friends to commit, waiting for the perfect time, waiting for a trip to line up with everyone else’s calendar.
So I booked the flight. Alone.
And somewhere between getting lost in a new city and realizing I could actually handle it, something shifted. Solo travel didn’t solve all my problems—but it gave me clarity, confidence and a deeper sense of agency than any group trip ever had. It also reminded me that stillness and solitude aren’t things to be afraid of. They’re where you start to hear from God again.
If you’ve ever thought about traveling solo—but didn’t know where to start—here are five practical, no-drama tips to help you do it well.
1. Choose a destination that works with you, not against you
The goal here is ease, not stress. Go somewhere that’s safe, solo-friendly and not a logistical headache. Cities like Lisbon, Kraków, Montreal, Edinburgh, Savannah or Tokyo are great options depending on your budget and passport situation.
Look for walkability, reliable public transit and places where solo dining doesn’t feel like a social experiment.
Pro tip: Try to arrive during the day if you can. Everything’s less overwhelming when you’re not navigating in the dark.
2. Stay somewhere central and well-reviewed
You don’t have to crash in a party hostel to prove you’re adventurous. In fact, you might enjoy your trip more with a quiet Airbnb, boutique hotel or guesthouse in a safe, central area.
Yes, it might cost a little more—but being able to walk to restaurants or wander safely at night is worth it.
Pro tip: Filter reviews by “solo traveler” and read what other people said about the location and overall vibe.
3. Don’t overthink safety—but don’t ignore it either
You don’t need to pack pepper spray and assume the worst. But basic safety habits matter. Share your itinerary. Turn on location sharing. Be aware of common scams in your destination. Don’t overdrink or leave your stuff unattended.
And if something feels off, leave. You don’t need a reason beyond your gut.
Pro tip: Search “common travel scams in [city]” before you go. A little prep goes a long way.
4. Use your phone like a travel tool—not a crutch
Before your trip, download offline maps. Save your lodging details and key info to Notes. Install Google Translate, Rome2Rio and XE Currency.
Once you’re there, though, try to be present. Solo travel is one of the rare chances to experience a place without commentary, distraction or performance. Let that be part of the gift.
Pro tip: Get a local SIM or eSIM for affordable data. It makes everything easier—and safer.
5. Leave room for surprise
You’ll want a loose itinerary, sure—know where you’re staying, how you’re getting from the airport, and a few things you’d like to see. But don’t overpack your schedule.
Give yourself permission to wander, to linger, to follow your curiosity. Book a cooking class or local tour if you want structure—but also be okay with doing nothing sometimes. That’s part of the point.
Pro tip: The best solo travel moments are rarely the ones you plan. Leave space for those.
Solo travel isn’t about escaping your life or reinventing yourself on a Vespa. It’s about noticing. Paying attention to your surroundings, your instincts, your limits—and maybe God’s voice in the middle of all of it.
You’ll come home more grounded, more capable and maybe a little more sure of who you are when no one else is around to decide that for you.
And once you’ve navigated a new city by yourself? The rest of life doesn’t feel quite so impossible.
