Traveling alone can be very scary if you are doing it for the first time. You might think it is dangerous, lonely or just not fun. However, like many others, we believe that it can be one of the most incredible experiences, so we have decided to dedicate this post to giving tips and advice that will help you take the first step and have you wanting to travel by yourself forever.

First things first, why would I want to travel alone?

Traveling by yourself allows you pure freedom. You don’t depend on anybody else; you won’t fight about what you are doin nextavelr because you are spending too much time at the hostel. You are free to be as spontaneous as you want, spend as much time as you want in places you like and skip things you don’t find interesting. It also gives you time to take a breath and think about who you are, what you want to do in this world and feel connected to humanity and nature.

However, it is not just about being free. By traveling alone, you push yourself to meet more people by getting out of your comfort zone. Solo travellers are everywhere. You will meet people from across the globe that have the most incredible stories and might become amazing friends. Every one of these encounters shape your trip for the better . It makes it more exciting and unexpected.

How do I start traveling by myself?

Pick a destination! Everywhere is a good destination, however we advise some easy locations to go to as first-time solo travellers. These countries will make it easier for you to experience solo traveling because many solo travellers go there, and they offer an abundance of transport and accommodation services.

Countries such as New Zealand, Australia, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore or generally countries in Europe would be good options to start solo travelling as they all are very tourist-friendly places with reliable transports and abundant accommodation options. However, once you feel comfortable traveling by yourself, there is no limit to where you can go.

Once you have chosen a country, you should look up where you want to go in the country and decide on a rough itinerary to know where you should land to and fly from.

Book your tickets! Booking a flight, a train or a bus is the first step to your trips. It is what is going to make this foreseeable trip real. From the moment you have your flight you know the trip is actually happening.

How do I prepare for my trip?

We would advise you to book a hostel for two nights in the city you will arrive in. It will give you time to settle and plan for the next few days but it also gives you the chance to change hostel if you are not comfortable as well as modify your plan thanks to recommendations of people that have already done some traveling in the country.

Consider how you will travel and where you will sleep.

For transport, you should ask yourself the following questions:

• How do people usually travel in that country?
• Is there a bus or train system that will enable me to go from one place to another without too much trouble? Is it expensive?
• If not, is flying from one city to another an option for me?
• If I am going on a road trip, are there van rentals or do people buy their own vans? Can I afford it?
• Would I consider cycling or riding a motorcycle for this trip?

Accommodation is another crucial variable. Ask yourself these questions:

• Are there a lot of hostels spread around the country? Are they expensive?
• If not, what are the alternatives?
• Is it high season and should I book in advance?
• Would I know people over there I could stay at?
• Would I consider Couch Surfing? Are Airbnbs expensive?

Depending on the country, hostel prices can vary from 3 euros a night to 30 euros a night. I usually give myself a maximum budget of 20 euros a night in places where prices are high. There are always cheap options, but you need to be careful with where you stay because it shapes whether you will like the place you are in. If the place is not welcoming and you do not feel comfortable, it will alter your memory of the city overall. When looking at hostels, look at its location, cleanliness, safety, the activities it organizes and reviews. We recommend using Hostelworld as a comparator but don’t rush to book your hostel through the website as sometimes availability is not accurate, and prices can be a little bit more expensive. Also, there are plenty of options out there, so ask people you meet for recommendations and look up other websites’ rankings.

Don’t forget to look at the weather forecasts when packing and try to always have clothes you can put on and off easily. Try to fit everything in a backpack, it is handier when running for a bus or walking across a city to get to the hostel.

What happens once I am there?

Be safe! Know where you are and where you are going, always have a map on you. Trust your intuition, if it doesn’t feel right, do not go. Stay sober, stay alert, and stay in public. Keep your valuables close: buy a fanny pack and take it everywhere with you (even the shower). Blend in as much as possible, walk with confidence and try not show your wealth. Always have your hostel business card on you and never tell strangers where you are staying.

Small automatic reflexes will save you a lot of hassle.

ENJOY! Don’t hesitate to talk to people, they will make the trip fun and sociable. They will also give you recommendations of places to go to, places to skip and will help you revise your original itinerary. Approach people at any time: in the hostel reception, in your room or kitchen, on a bus, in a restaurant, at a museum, or literally anywhere else.

Your plan needs to be loose to be able to take recommendations into account and adapt the trip to your liking and needs. If you get along with someone very well and feel safe, don’t hesitate to tag along and become good friends, you will create the most unforgettable memories.

Enjoy the places you are in, the people you meet and the things you do! Once you do it the first time, traveling by yourself becomes a passion!