Solo Travel
Solo Travel
You don’t need a travel companion to see the world. In fact, sometimes travelling solo is the best way to do it. You can wake up when you want, eat where you fancy and change your plans at the very last minute.
However, planning a solo adventure can feel a little overwhelming. From choosing the right destination to keeping yourself safe, there’s plenty to think about. Whether it’s your first time travelling solo and you don't know where to start or you’re a seasoned solo traveller looking for inspiration, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Travelling on your own can be a bit nerve-racking, and that’s completely normal. You’re stepping out of your comfort zone and navigating a new environment, so it’s bound to feel a little scary. However, travelling by yourself comes with plenty of benefits:
Planning your trip shouldn't be stressful – it should be fun and exciting. From choosing your destination to researching what you'd like to do when you're there, there are a few things to think about before you set off.
Start by thinking about where you'd like to go and what type of trip you want. Have you dreamt about backpacking around Southeast Asia for three months, or do you fancy a solo city break in Europe for a long weekend?
Once you've narrowed down a few destinations, do some research to see which one is the best fit for you. Consider:
Once you've chosen a destination, think about when you want to go and how long you'd like to stay. The best time to visit can vary depending on the destination, while the length of your trip will depend on how much you want to see, how far you're travelling, and how much time you have.
A long weekend may be fine for a city break, but if you plan on travelling further afield or visiting multiple destinations, you’ll probably need to allow a lot longer. If you are travelling far, allow a few rest days at the start of your trip as you may be tired from travelling.
Research the best time of year to visit for the type of trip you want. Consider the weather, as some destinations have rainy or monsoon seasons that you may want to avoid. It’s also worth checking when peak season is – popular destinations can get much busier, prices may be higher and you may need to book accommodation and activities further in advance.
Setting a realistic budget is important, as it can affect where you stay, how long you travel for and the things you can do whilst you're there. We'd recommend working out an overall budget for your trip, as well as a rough daily budget, so you can keep track of your spending while you're away.
Some of the things you'll need to budget for include:
You don't need to plan every detail of your trip, but it’s worth having a rough idea of how you’d like to spend your time. If you're staying in one destination, think about any sights you'd like to see or activities you want to do. Just make sure you leave some free time to explore at your own pace and for any unexpected plans.
If you're visiting more than one destination, you can still leave plenty of room for spontaneity. We'd recommend having a start and end point, then making a rough plan of which destinations you'd like to visit, how long you want to spend in each one and how you'll travel between them.
Whether you book in advance is mainly down to personal preference and how spontaneous you want your adventure to be. Some travellers like to have their whole trip planned before they leave, whilst others would rather just book their transport and go with the flow.
If it's your first solo trip, we'd recommend arranging at least your first few nights of accommodation in advance. That way, you know where you're going when you arrive and can take some time to get your bearings without worrying about where you're going to stay.
It's also worth booking any popular activities or attractions that you really want to do, especially if you're travelling during peak season. If you're travelling between multiple destinations on a tight schedule, you may also want to arrange your transport in advance, as trains, buses and ferries can sell out.
But you don't need to have your entire trip booked. Keeping things open gives you the freedom to change your plans, stay somewhere for longer or add somewhere else to your itinerary.
Where you go can make all the difference to your experience. Some destinations are made for solo adventures, with friendly locals, easy transport, sociable hostels and plenty to see and do.
The destination you choose also depends on the type of trip you want and whether you're looking for a relaxing beach escape, an adventure-filled backpacking trip or a cultural city break.
To give you some inspiration, we've rounded up some of the best destinations for solo travellers around the world, why they're great for solo travel, popular places to visit and the best time to go.
| Destination | Best for | Why it's great for solo travel | Popular places | Best time to visit |
| Portugal | Relaxing city breaks, first-time solo trips | Safe, well connected, sociable hostels, walking tours | Lisbon, Porto, Algarve | April–June & September–October for sightseeing or June–September for beaches |
| Thailand | Sociable backpacking, beach breaks | Very sociable, well-established backpacking routes, good transport, budget-friendly food and accommodation | Koh Tao, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Pai | November–April for the Andaman coast; February–April & July–September for the Gulf islands; November–February for the north |
| Japan | City breaks, unique culture | Very safe, extremely easy to navigate, well suited to independent travel | Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima | March–May for cherry blossoms & October–November for vibrant autumn foliage and comfortable weather |
| Vietnam | Budget backpacking, street food and culture | Welcoming, affordable, social hostels, good transport links | Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An, Da Nang | Generally November – April but varies by region |
| Costa Rica | Rainforest adventures and wildlife | A well-established tourism route, social hostels, lots of excursions | La Fortuna, Tamarindo, Santa Teresa | December–April for the Pacific coast and many inland destinations |
| Indonesia | Island hopping, surfing, wellness | Affordable accommodation, sociable hostels, plenty of activities | Bali, Lombok | May–September for Bali and Lombok |
| New Zealand | Outdoor adventures, scenic road trips | Safe, welcoming, easy to explore independently, English-speaking and well established for backpackers | Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown, Christchurch, Rotorua | December – March for the warmest weather |
| Peru | Diverse landscapes, ancient landmarks | Popular solo-backpacking destination, affordable hostels, group excursions | Lima, Cusco, Arequipa | May–September for the dry season |
| Australia | Longer backpacking trips, coastal adventures | Easy to navigate, English-speaking, a well-established hostel and backpacking scene | Sydney, Cairns, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth | March–May & September–November for southern cities; May–October for Cairns and the tropical north |
| Mexico | Historical sites, rich culture | Affordable, sociable and popular with backpackers | Mexico City, Oaxaca, Puerto Escondido, Yucatán | December–April for drier weather |
One of the most important things to think about before you go is how you're going to get around. Whether you're exploring a new city or travelling between destinations, the right transport can make travelling alone easier and more affordable.
Guided tours are a popular option for solo travellers, especially those embarking on their first adventure alone. They take the stress out of navigating a new destination, as you don't have to plan every transfer yourself. They also give you an easy way to meet fellow travellers. Tour operators like Contiki offer trips that combine multiple destinations, making it easy to explore more than one place without having to organise it all yourself.
Best for: First-time solo travellers who like to have things organised and want to travel with like-minded people.
If you're heading to an island or coastal destination, ferries can be a great way to get around. They're scenic, relaxing and give you the opportunity to meet other travellers along the way. Ferries are particularly popular in places such as Thailand and Indonesia, where regular connections make it easy to travel between islands.
Best for: Solo travellers who plan to island-hop and want a relaxing way to travel.
Trains can be a great way to explore independently. They're especially popular in Europe, where extensive rail networks make it easy to travel between countries and cities. Interrail passes can also be a convenient option if you're planning to visit multiple European countries.
Trains are also a popular way to travel around parts of Asia. Japan, for example, is known for its rail network, with high-speed trains connecting major cities. They're fast, comfortable and well suited to independent travel.
Best for: Exploring different cities and travelling longer distances.
If you're on a budget, buses are often your best bet. They tend to be one of the most affordable ways to travel and they're also useful for reaching more remote destinations that aren't connected by trains or ferries. Buses are popular across Europe for getting around cities, whilst in Asia, many backpackers use sleeper buses in destinations like Vietnam, allowing you to travel long-distances overnight and save on accommodation.
They're also a great option for exploring larger countries. In Australia, for example, coach services such as Greyhound Australia, connect major cities with destinations further afield, making it easier to explore beyond the usual tourist hotspots. Modern coaches offer facilities such as Wi-Fi, USB chargers and air conditioning for a more comfortable journey. Meanwhile, in New Zealand, the Kiwi Experience is popular with backpackers – the bus service offers a flexible and sociable way to travel around the country, stopping at must-see spots and organising activities too
Best for: Budget-friendly travel and reaching destinations off the beaten track.
Local public transport, including trams, metros and buses, are great for exploring cities. Places such as Lisbon have metro connections between the airport and the city centre, making it easy to start exploring as soon as you arrive.
Public transport is often cheap, convenient and easy to use, and means you don't have to rely on taxis or have to hire a car.
Best for: Exploring different areas of a city independently.
If you plan on travelling between multiple destinations, covering long distances or you're short on time, flying can be a good option. In large countries such as Australia, for example, taking a flight can save considerable time compared with travelling overland.
Budget airlines can also offer good-value flights, but remember to factor in additional costs such as checked luggage, seat selection and transfers to and from the airport, as these can quickly add up.
Best for: Travelling between different regions when you're short on time.
Where you choose to stay can make a big difference to your solo travel experience. You'll want somewhere that suits your travel style and is within budget. From sociable hostels to private hotel rooms, there are plenty of options to choose from:
| Accommodation | Why choose it | Things to consider |
| Hostels | Sociable, often budget-friendly, with shared dorms and sometimes private rooms | Dorms offer less privacy and can be noisy, private rooms can be expensive |
| Hotels | Privacy, comfort and facilities that may include restaurants, pools or gyms | Can be expensive, fewer opportunities to meet other travellers |
| Guesthouses/B&Bs | Often a more personal experience, with private rooms and local recommendations | Less sociable than hostels and often have fewer facilities than hotels |
| Apartments | Budget-friendly option for longer stays, cooking facilities, more space | Harder to meet other travellers, can be expensive for short stays |
| Homestays | Cultural experience, personal recommendations | Less privacy as you might have to share bathrooms/living spaces |
| Camping | Budget-friendly, great for outdoor adventures | Can be very basic with limited facilities, the weather may also affect your stay |
Wherever you choose to stay, make sure you check reviews, location and check-in times before you book.
Meeting new people is one of the best parts of solo travel. It gives you the opportunity to interact and make friends with people you might not otherwise have the chance to meet in everyday life.
Some of the best ways to meet fellow travellers on your solo adventure include:
Hostels are one of the easiest ways to meet other travellers. Most have shared common areas, some with bars and pool tables, where you can easily strike up a conversation with other people. Hostels also often offer evening activities, from games and movie nights to pub crawls. If you choose a shared dorm, you can also meet people staying in the same room.
On a city break? A walking tour is a great way to see the sights while also meeting other travellers. You can explore the city together in a relaxed environment where conversation doesn't feel forced. Walking tours are particularly popular with solo travellers looking for some company and an easy way to navigate a new city.
Group activities offer an easy way to meet others, as you spend time together and have a shared interest to talk about. Whether that's trekking in Peru, taking a cooking class in Mexico or joining a yoga session in Indonesia, you'll have a natural conversation starter.
Apps such as Meetup, Bumble BFF and Backpackr can help you find people and events in the same area. They're a great option if you want to arrange a meet-up or find other travellers to explore with.
Tip: Don't be afraid to say hello as everyone is in the same boat. Just start with something simple, like asking where someone is from or what they've been up to, and you'll be chatting away in no time at all!
Travelling solo is so much fun, but it’s important to stay safe. Here are some things to consider before travelling:
Also remember to always trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, don't be afraid to leave as your safety is more important.
The best place to visit on a solo trip all depends on what you're looking for. There are so many amazing destinations around the world that are ideal for solo travellers. For example, cities like Lisbon are perfect for solo sightseeing, Thailand is ideal for island-hopping, while Peru is a great choice for outdoor adventures.
Yes, solo travel can be safe, but it's important to take sensible precautions. Research your destination and accommodation before you go, check the latest travel advice on the government website, keep an eye on your belongings and always trust your instincts.
Yes, definitely. You don't need to be a seasoned traveller to embark on a solo trip, and you don't need to travel with someone to have a good time. To make your first trip less daunting, we'd recommend booking at least your first few nights of accommodation in advance while you settle in. A group tour can also be a great way to ease yourself into solo travel, giving you the chance to explore somewhere new while meeting other travellers.
Your first solo trip can be as short or as long as you wish. If you're feeling a bit nervous, you could start with just a long weekend or a few days away to see how you get on before embarking on a longer solo escape.
Think about what you want from your trip, as every destination is different. Do you want beaches, mountains or a city break? Are you looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled trip? Research your destination before you go to make sure it suits your budget, the type of accommodation you're looking for and the activities you'd like to do while you're there.
You don't need to book everything in advance if you don't want to. It generally comes down to how spontaneous you want to be and whether you're travelling during peak periods. Having some flexibility allows you to make plans as you go and leave room for unexpected adventures, but during busy periods, accommodation, transport and popular attractions can sell out.
Solo travel doesn't have to be expensive. Although you're not splitting accommodation or transport costs with someone else, travelling alone means you can decide exactly how you spend your money. There are plenty of ways to keep costs down too, from staying in hostels to using public transport and making the most of free attractions like museums, parks and beaches.
The best destinations for solo travellers
Backpacking guide
Gap year travel
Island hopping
Nightlife
Travelling alone can be the most rewarding experience. It gives you the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, explore an exciting new destination at your own pace and meet fellow travellers along the way. For more travel inspiration, check out our blog.
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