When I tell people that I’m heading off on a trip abroad, alone, the reaction is almost always the same. “You’re so brave.” Said with a mix of admiration (I think) and something close to disbelief.
For me, it doesn’t feel brave. It feels like freedom. It just feels like this is who I am.
I’ve been traveling solo for 15+ years now — and these are the questions I get asked every single time. Here are my honest answers.
How do you actually make it happen?
First things first, just book the ticket — that’s what makes it real.
Of course, you might need to figure a few things out before then. If you want it to flow smoothly, research comes first. Check out blogs, Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram, or wherever you get your inspiration. Look for places that match your interests, not just “top destinations”.
Budget — it doesn’t have to be what people assume — under $100/day is doable, even in Europe, even more so in Asia. You can make your trip happen for less if you really want to. It just takes determination and possibly a little restraint. The biggest costs: accommodation, then food, coffee, drinks and getting around.
If you stay longer in one place this means a trip that is not only more cost effective, but it also means you’ll really have time to soak in that place you’ve been wanting to experience. Also when budgeting just keep in mind practical factors like flight prices, connections, and consider the timing around flights and other practical things.
How do you choose where to go?
Usually it’s a gut feeling, or, actually, it’s always a gut feeling. After traveling for a long time it just comes naturally now.
It began when I first saw a picture in Elle or Vogue magazine of Ireland when I was a teenager. And, that dream becoming a reality in traveling to Ireland lived up to that image I had in my mind. And, it happens time and again. Seeing an image of that beachscape on the Adriatic or the quiet rainy Kyoto street…then it becomes a reality. What could be better than stepping into that real life photograph.
Since living abroad it means I actively seek differences — new culture, new food, new beauty. We have so much to learn from each other’s home.
Sometimes you end up in a place that just continues to pull you back time after time. Other times practical factors make the decision an easy call: flight prices, connections — but the feeling comes first.
How do you plan a solo trip — logistics and all?
Start with your budget — that determines everything else: length of stay, accommodation level, what experiences you can add along the way.
Flight logistics are more than the ticket price — airport location, transfer cost and time, arrival and departure time of day.
The hidden cost of “cheap” flights — keep in mind you may have to pay for luggage beyond a small backpack under the seat in front of you, you might be at an inconveniently located airport, cost from the airport to the city can cost way more than the flight. Check out all of that before booking. Sometimes it’s cheaper or the same price but saves you time and is easier to book with a more well established carrier or you land at a bigger airport.
Where to stay is also important, I prefer a private room, my own bathroom, good internet, and a little fridge is always a bonus. All of this adds to feeling comfortable when you decide you want a slow morning or an early night in. Also it’s helpful and you’ll feel safer if you’re near public transport, and on well-lit streets. And, it helps to be in a cool neighborhood.
Reviews matter — I read them specifically from solo travelers and families for location context. It helps to get a good overview of not only the room and amenities, but also location specifics.
A morning coffee spot nearby is non-negotiable for me. A quick look on google maps or even reviews of the rooms will give you insight.
Where do you stay when you're traveling alone?
Privacy is non-negotiable — your own room, your own bathroom can make a world of difference. Safety in where you stay matters as much as safety on the street.
The space I choose needs to support a few things — an evening in, a slow morning, no pressure to be out. But knowing you can relax where you stay.
Cleanliness, comfort, a good vibe in the building itself. Also, just knowing I’m close to that desperate morning coffee shop makes all the difference.
This is why hostels don’t work for me anymore. I need some slight comforts, and if you do too, there’s nothing wrong with that.
Don't you feel unsafe or scared?
The first trip I took I did feel nervous, that’s normal. Even still sometimes I feel anxious- airport transfers, phone connectivity, ATM anxiety — the practical stuff. It helps to think through those pre-travel anxieties before the trip, so you’ll know how to handle them on arrival.
eSIM changed things for me. Knowing if there were any problems or worries, I could call someone immediately.
If the practical things are sorted, the unsafe feeling mostly disappears.
Headspace matters as much as preparation. Don’t underestimate that.
Really though, solo travel makes you feel free and fulfilled — that’s the opposite of scared.
The practical stuff matters too — walk with confidence, stay aware of your surroundings, and always know your way back to where you’re staying. It sounds simple because it is.
I think it is worth everyone trying a solo trip at least once — just like it’s worth it to try a group trip. You figure out quickly what works for you, and learn a few things along the way. Not only about yourself, but about how to handle situations, learn about a new place, a new culture, and see things most people just dream about.
A lot of people discover they love it. You just might find out, a solo trip isn’t just this once in a lifetime trip…but, turns into something you do whenever you have free time and have saved up. Dream, save, book, repeat. Plus, don’t forget, solo trips get easier faster than you’d expect.
For more on Safety Tips check out my post.
Do you ever feel uncomfortable eating or doing things alone?
I was actually worried about this before the first trip. I practiced at home first: solo lunches in WA, getting comfortable with it before going abroad. It helped a lot. Eating alone can feel strange because food is social in most cultures. But it’s actually fun and you get to read, people watch, or just sit with your thoughts.
Also while living abroad in Budapest, there was a concert I really wanted to go to, but none of my friends could join, and I didn’t want to miss out on seeing Morrissey (one of my faves) live, in Budapest. So, I did it. It was incredible. Now, I often travel specifically for a solo concert. I don’t have to miss out on a live show just because no one can go along.
Cafés are full of solo people — nobody notices or cares. Museums feel naturally quiet — there is nothing awkward about being alone there.
And, a practical tip if you’re nervous: bring a book, journal, or headphones — gives you something to do with your hands and eyes.
Don't you miss having someone with you?
I genuinely enjoy my own company. Honestly, there are moments where I think “it’d be nice if someone were here” — but that is just a quick moment, and it passes quickly.
I still travel with friends occasionally — it’s not all or nothing. It’s possible to do both.
Solo travel has taught me to be genuinely comfortable with my own thoughts — that’s not something you can learn any other way.
Do you ever travel with others?
I used to travel with others more — but learned over time it’s nice to have travel buddies where you share a similar travel philosophy. Having a few close friends with the same slow pace works well.
I prefer to not be a guide, or responsible for planning things for what others may or may not enjoy.
Meeting up with friends mid-trip works too — if I have my own space and freedom to go off alone.
Solo travel doesn’t mean never being around people — it means being in control of when and how.
What are good destinations for solo travelers?
I think a good solo destination is personal — depends on your pace, interests, and budget.
What I look for when planning a solo adventure: affordability, easy to get around, good café and foodie culture, vibe, somewhere I won’t feel out of place. This is important for a solo trip.
With those criteria in mind, these are my honest and genuine picks for solo trips:
- London — so much to do for any kind of traveler, easy to navigate, and honestly you blend right in.
- Albania —it’s budget-friendly, safer than people assume, and it’s still off the beaten path. (Check out Albania Travel Guides)
- Bangkok — great for a budget-friendly trip, tons to do, manageable if you’re smart about it.
- Chiang Mai — such a cool, all vibes small city, it has a slower pace, incredible café culture, and to top it off it’s easy on the wallet.
- Oaxaca — this is also a place all about the vibes, made for the slow wanderer, it’s foodie heaven, and the café culture is exceptional.
- Japan — I was pleasantly surprised — it has a bit of everything, it easily and quickly became my favorite destination.
Frankly, my list for solo trips could go on and on. But, I think this is a nice mix of spots to consider, depending on what you’re looking for in a destination. What makes somewhere solo-friendly is less about the place and more about being prepared and what you want to get out of the trip and experience.
The hardest part of solo travel isn’t the planning, the airport, or eating alone at a restaurant. It’s the moment before you book — when it still feels like something other people do.
Basically, if you want to travel – you can picture yourself doing it solo, go for it, just give it a try. If nothing else, you’ll have gained experience, learned a whole lot, and maybe opened the door to a lifetime of wandering…maybe, even solo.
Book the ticket. The rest will fall into place.
