Traveling Alone: 10 Tips to Get Started

Traveling alone is a rewarding experience that can be incredibly liberating. Whether it's a weekend getaway or an extended trip, exploring the world solo helps build self-confidence, step out of your comfort zone, and discover new cultures at your own pace. However, as a woman - and for many safety and personal reasons - embarking on an adventure alone for the first time is not always easy.

1. Choose a suitable destination

If this is your first solo travel experience, opt for a destination known for its safety and welcoming atmosphere. Countries like Canada, Portugal, Switzerland, Iceland and Malta are often recommended for their hospitality toward female travelers, and their safe environment.

Additionally, for your first solo trip, don’t hesitate to start "small" to test your limits and overcome certain fears (such as safety, language barriers, culture shock or loneliness). Traveling alone doesn’t necessarily mean going to the other side of the world for several weeks. Why not start with a weekend in your own country? Then perhaps a week in a European destination? You can gradually step out of your comfort zone by taking baby steps.

2. Gather as much information as possible about your destination

To ensure your trip goes smoothly, it's important to research as much as possible about your destination. This applies not only to sites and activities, but especially to local customs and regulations.

Every country has its own culture, history, traditions and habits: adapting to your destination is the golden rule to avoid any problems and make the most of your trip. You can find information on travel blogs, the official tourism website of your destination, or even on government sites for more general guidance.

3. Plan your journey but stay flexible

It’s important to have a general idea of your itinerary, particularly in relation to accommodation and transportation. Do your research before you go: social media and blogs are full of valuable information for women seeking solo adventures.

Planning your itinerary will help to minimize unforeseen events (which, by the way, are rarely avoidable, but that’s part of the adventure!) But most importantly, careful planning will provide you with a good degree of reassurance for your first solo travels. All that said, leave yourself some flexibility to enjoy spontaneous opportunities and unexpected encounters that will enrich your experience.

Good to know: for your safety, it’s recommended that you share your itinerary with your loved ones, and stay in regular contact with them.

4. Secure Your Belongings and Documents

Theft or lost luggage can happen. We’d suggest making digital copies of your important documents (passport, ID card, insurance, vaccination record, international driving permit, etc.), and make sure you keep printed copies in a different location from the originals. When traveling solo, it is also advisable to have two bank cards (stored in different places) so that you don’t end up without money in case of any issues.

In general, a few precautionary measures should be followed when abroad: use a discreet money belt to carry your cash and documents, and avoid displaying valuables in public.

5. Be Mindful of Your Safety

When traveling alone as a woman, the question of safety is often the first concern. Which is, of course, entirely understandable. That being said, it is entirely possible to improve your safety in many countries by staying vigilant and taking a few basic precautions:

• Always research the city you are visiting and the areas to avoid.
• Avoid walking alone at night in isolated places and try not to arrive in a new destination in the middle of the night.
• Don’t hesitate to ask locals for advice, as they are the best people to guide you.
• You can use security apps such as TripWhistle, which provides emergency numbers for foreign countries.
• Finally, trust your instincts: don’t hesitate to leave when you feel uncomfortable somewhere!

It might also be worth exploring whether your government offers a service in which you can register your trip. Many governments will provide their citizens with alerts and safety instructions in case of an event in the country you are visiting, such as political unrest, natural disaster, health risks and so forth.

6. Learn a Few Words in the Local Language

This advice applies to all travelers, whether solo or in a group: learning a few basic words, even the simplest ones like "hello" and "thank you," can make a big difference in communicating with locals. It will help you gain their goodwill.

We recommend creating a small notebook with all the words or phrases that could be useful during your trip. For example, make a note of how to ask for help, how to find your way, indicate your food allergies and so on.

7. Connect with Other Travelers

Traveling alone doesn’t mean being isolated. In fact, it is generally easier to meet people when you are traveling solo, as you are more approachable and open to others. To easily meet other people, you can participate in guided tours or activities. Also consider arranging a home exchange, as many hosts will be happy to leave you with the contact details of their friends and neighbors.

But most importantly, don’t hesitate to start a conversation with locals! When you’re exploring a location on foot or using transport to get around, stay open to meeting new people: solo travel is also about letting go and opening up to others.

8. Stay Connected

If you’re traveling for several weeks, having a phone with an international plan or a local SIM card is essential to use navigation apps, contact your loved ones, and manage your bookings (transport and accommodation).

Also, consider downloading offline maps with Google Maps or Maps.me. This app is widely used by many travelers on hikes to view trails, even when there is no network.

9. Stay in Friendly Places

Are you a fan of authentic stays, immersive travels, and meeting locals? Then, HomeExchange might be the perfect fit for you!

With HomeExchange, you can stay in a private room with locals. It’s the ideal solution to finding safe accommodation and meeting locals in confidence when traveling alone. Members of the HomeExchange community embrace common values like friendliness and sharing; you’ll be able to discover the hospitality of your chosen destination.

Additionally, you’ll benefit from their reviews and recommendations on authentic places to visit, those to avoid, and general safety precautions. It’s a total immersion, all while receiving the best tips from your hosts.

10: Trust Yourself and Have Fun!

Finally, remember that traveling solo is not only an opportunity to experience something unique and immerse yourself in a different culture, but it’s also a chance to learn more about yourself, open up to others, and embrace the unexpected.

So, pack your bags, follow our advice and go for it!

Solo Traveler & Home Exchange: Testimonials

“Exchanging views, discovering unknown worlds… HomeExchange allows you to feel confident, enjoy the exchange peacefully, especially when traveling alone…” – Agnes

“This site allows me to go on vacation with family, friends, or alone every time!” – C.H.

“On a short spontaneous trip to Paris, I found a place to stay in a room in an apartment. The hosts were wonderful. I was free to do what I wanted but not alone. We shared a great evening. Encounters like I love.” – Anonymous

“I was able to discover Tenerife for 10 days solo thanks to HomeExchange. It's truly a blessing because traveling solo can be expensive, and I prefer the comfort and tranquility of an apartment over hostels. My hosts also gave me a lot of advice, and I ended up meeting other solo travelers along the way—a great memory!” – Elisa