Maybe after reading Why I Travel Solo, you’re thinking, “I think I can do this...maybe...but HOW”? With five years and over twenty countries traveled around the world, I have collected all of my best tips and tricks to answer your questions:

WHERE DO I START ?

Well...where do you want to go? If your heart is calling you to a foreign land, by all means GO! But, if you are feeling a little nervous, start small- within your country or one that speaks the same language. For example if you live in the USA/Canada, start domestic or with Ireland, England, or Australia.
If you still don’t have a great starting point, head to Skyscanner where you can choose your travel dates and see the cheapest flight by searching destination “Everywhere”. This is also a great resource if you are traveling on a tight budget.
Although I have never done one, I have heard great things about Solo Group Travel Tours where although you are technically heading out on your own, you travel with a group the whole time. Or, you can plan to do a hybrid of these options.

Consider the weather when and where you are going. Be aware of natural disasters, rainy season, or scorching hot temps before you book!
Once you pick dates and location, look up if your destination country requires a visa. Most just require online paperwork, a small fee, and a few weeks of processing if you do need one. Make sure you do this with enough time and don’t fall for scam visa sites- go through the country’s government site (look for .gov)

Overall, half of being a good traveler is just being a good and thorough googler ahead of time.

WHERE DO I STAY?

Hostels, hostels, hostels. Did I say hostels? Hostels are the BEST way to meet interesting and adventurous solo travelers like yourself. They offer the best knowledge of the area and most can set you up with tours and transportation. Depending on your budget, you can choose a dorm (I prefer female dorms) or room all to yourself.
READ REVIEWS to get what you want. Some hostels are geared more to the young, partying backpackers while some appeal more to families.
No matter if you decide on a hostel, hotel, airbnb, or guesthouse, try to find accomodation that’s close to the attractions you want to see and easily accessible from the train station, airport, or wherever you are arriving.
See if your hostel or hotel can arrange transport for you, or ask what is the best method to arrive.

WHAT DO I DO?

This totally depends on what you LIKE TO DO, but it may take some trial and error to figure out your travel style. For example I am a city girl at heart, but I prefer to only spend a few days at the most in big cities like Bangkok or Rome. Instead, I prefer to spend more time in towns outside the big cities.
To start, use books like Lonely Planet or google itinerary options. For example, “10 days in Germany itinerary”. Look at the map and see what common routes people take, and how long they recommend in each stop.
Now this is the fun part, do your research and look at options, tours, and experiences. Sure TripAdvisor and Yelp are helpful, but I look to other travel bloggers such as Nomadic Matt or Be My Travel Muse for recommendations.
Always leave a little wiggle room in planning just in case you find somewhere you love and don’t want to leave, hear a new recommendation along the way, or you want to join other travelers in an unexpected adventure.

WHAT DO I WEAR?

Pack minimally. YOU and only YOU are carrying your bags, so be mindful and only bring what you really need. If you need some motivation, find out How to Pack Like a Minimalist.
Now that you packed minimally, remove three articles of clothing. You’ll want room to bring home a hand-crafted scarf, blanket, or piece of art so leave room!
Dress like a local and try to not stand out. Stick with neutrals, stay modest, and blend in. Save your flashy jewelry, stilettos, and booty shorts for home.
Use a cross-body bag that has a good zipper, keep it in the front of you at all times.
Only bring shoes you are comfortable walking miles in.

ARE YOU SURE THIS IS SAFE?

There are always situations where you can be unsafe, at home or abroad. To ensure you don’t get in any uncomfortable or unsafe situations:

Keep your itinerary on a google doc or Google Trip and share it with someone you trust- your mom, friend, partner, whoever. Let them know where you are and check-in.
Arrive during the day. I mean WHEN THE SUN IS OUT. It’s much safer anywhere you go to walk or use transportation and arrive while businesses are still open. I learned this lesson the hard way arriving in Vietnam at 3am with zero transport and ended up sleeping on the airport floor until daytime. Don’t do that.
Use your street smarts. Don’t walk down sleepy streets, especially at night. Walk with confidence and a purpose.
Most hostels have lockers so bring your OWN lock to keep valuables safe when you leave/when sleeping. Also, don’t forget the combo. Write it on a post-it or on your arm. Just don’t forget it.
Keep your money, cards and passport safe. Yes, I am also a proud supporter of money belts that go under your clothes. Beware of pickpocketers and learn more on how to protect your documents.
Screenshot your hostel/hotel address, passport, ID, visa, credit/debit card and e-mail them to yourself just in case. In the chance you get everything including your passport stolen, you may need a trip to your embassy. This might take a few hours and lots of paperwork, but good thing you have copies of everything in your e-mail!
Same rules at home apply if hitting bars and clubs- don’t leave your drink out. Overall keep drinking to a minimum...stumbling home alone late at night is not a good idea no matter where you are!
Be aware of common tourist scams.
Most of all, if something feels off trust your gut. Walk away, leave, say no, or ask someone for help.
Most likely your trip will run smoothly, but it’s always best to prepare. If you need more on safety, head to Traveling Safe Tips for Solo Travel.

WON’T I GET LONELY? OR BORED?

I promise, traveling alone is never really traveling alone!

Don’t make me repeat myself...stay in a hostel and I guarantee you will make friends to accompany you on your adventures.
Book a walking tour (most big cities have free ones) when you first arrive. This will help you meet people, but also make you more aware of your surroundings and learn from your guide about local places to eat/drink and the culture.
Yes, even if you meet wonderful people you will most likely have some solo downtime. Bring a journal to reflect, a new book, and download your favorite podcasts to pass time on long plane/train/bus rides.

OK...I FEEL BETTER. WHAT ELSE BEFORE I GO?

Call your phone service and see if they charge for roaming. If they do, find out what options are available if you want full data. If not, make sure your hotel/hostel has free and good WiFi and download the app WiFi Map which uses crowdsourcing to make a map of all nearby WiFi sources.
Check the CDC's Travel Page for up-to date information on which vaccines or precautions your may need to take. If you need a vaccine, medication, or have any questions, schedule an appointment with your primary care or walk-in clinic. Some cities even have travel specific clinics.
Call your health insurance to see what they cover for you abroad. Regardless, I would still get travel insurance. World Nomads is the most popular, easy to use, and reasonably priced. They offer different plans covering emergency accident and sickness, robbery, last minute cancellation, and have on-call 24 hours assistance.
Download the Maps.me app for free offline directions when you are out of WiFi range.
I always like to learn the language basics, but also use Google Translate which can translate signs/menus using your camera, and/or iTranslatevoice app to help with the language barrier. WayGo for signs in Chineses, Japanese, and Korean.
Do a google search to find out if you will need a power adapter and/or converter. If so, buy one on amazon and consider a universal adapter so you are covered for your future travels.
Call your bank so they can put a travel notice on where and when you will be going. Download the XE Currency app which doesn’t need internet to calculate foreign currencies on the go.
Look up common culture customs & etiquette of where you are going.

ALRIGHT I’M BOOKED! NOW WHAT?

Congrats on your solo adventure! I promise this is all easier than you think. Don’t let anyone question your decision, people who have never done it will probably think you are nuts. You are going to get some butterflies before you go, and there will be moments you may feel scared and uncomfortable. Be patient and embrace it.

Have you traveled solo? I would love to hear about your experience and any advice you have. What are your favorite solo travel tips and tricks? Please comment below or share with me on social media. Bon Voyage!