Traveling alone is more common now than it has been at any point in the last two decades. It is also easier - with location sharing, embassy apps, digital check-ins and international eSIMs, the mechanical support around a solo trip is stronger than ever. The rest is knowing what to plan for.
Pre-trip preparation
- Share your itinerary with one trusted person. Full flight numbers, hotel addresses, expected return date.
- Sign up for your country's travel notification service (STEP for the US, ROAM for UK).
- Buy travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage.
- Have two payment methods with no foreign transaction fees; keep one separate from your primary wallet.
- Install an eSIM or set up international roaming before you leave.
- Photograph or scan your passport, visa, insurance card, and store in cloud + phone.
Safety habits
- Never post your location publicly in real time. Post from a location after you leave it.
- Use hotel or vetted accommodations, not last-minute street bookings.
- Ask the hotel or your host for local safety advice on your first day. They know neighbourhood-level nuances that a guidebook does not.
- Keep your phone charged - a location-shared, powered device is your best safety tool.
- Cash in small bills for the first day. Nothing invites the wrong attention faster than pulling out a large bill in a taxi.
Meeting people
Solo does not mean alone. Common ways to connect during travel:
- Hostels with organised social evenings - even luxury travelers use hostel bar/tour events.
- Group tours (walking tours, food tours, day trips). Free walking tours in most major cities.
- Coworking spaces if you are working remotely.
- Meetup, Couchsurfing hangouts, InterNations for expat/traveler events.
- Cooking classes and language exchanges.
Solo budgeting
Solo often costs more per person because you cannot split accommodation. Ways to mitigate:
- Look for boutique hostels with private rooms - private room, shared common space.
- Consider longer stays in one place. Weekly rates are 30-50% lower than nightly.
- Book restaurants that have counter seating - solo dining is welcomed, not marked-up.
- Use public transit rather than cabs. Solo taxi rides get expensive fast.
- Look for solo traveler-friendly tour operators (Intrepid, G Adventures, Contiki depending on age) - some waive the single supplement.
See also: senior travelers guide, trip planning checklist, currency tips.
Frequently asked
Is solo travel safer for some destinations than others?+
Yes. Iceland, Japan, Portugal, New Zealand, Taiwan, most Nordic countries consistently rank among the safest for solo travelers, including women.
Should I tell hotel staff I am alone?+
You can, and often they will assign you a room closer to the elevator, near reception or on higher floors. Not sharing is also fine.
How do I handle being alone in a restaurant?+
It is normal in most cultures. Bring a book or watch something on your phone. Counter seating and communal tables (common in Japan, Spain, Denmark) are especially solo-friendly.
Marta Reyes
Senior travel editor at AirHelpService
Writes about air travel operations, passenger rights and airport procedures. Reader questions and corrections welcome via our contact page.
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