Solo travel can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right mindset and a few smart strategies, you can make it enjoyable, safe and even more rewarding than traveling with others. Here’s how to ease into solo adventures with confidence and have a great time along the way.
Start with a plan, but stay flexible
Going solo means you don’t have a travel buddy to share decision-making with, so having a general plan helps. Research your destination, book your first set of accommodations and figure out transportation from the airport or train station.
Knowing the basics reduces stress, but leave room for spontaneity — some of the best travel moments happen when you veer off course. Depending on your personality, that might mean that you have all your hotels booked but not the activities in each location. You might prefer to just have a general sense of the country you’ll be in and adjust your plans as you decide you love a city and want to stay longer or leave it because it wasn’t what you hoped it would be.
Choose a solo-friendly destination
Some places are easier for solo travelers than others. Major cities like Tokyo, Copenhagen and Melbourne have efficient public transportation and plenty of activities that don’t require a group. Don’t rule out more exotic locales, as destinations like Thailand and Portugal are known for being welcoming to solo visitors, with friendly locals and a strong traveler network.
Check the Department of State travel advisories for any potential concerns, but know that the warnings often cover an entire country and don’t always apply to more touristy destinations. If you plan to visit a resort and stay on their property, you can feel comfortable knowing that you will be well looked after and don’t have the same safety concerns as you would while exploring the cities outside the resort area.
Book hotels that cater to solo travelers
Select a hotel with added security features, like requiring a key card to access the elevator. It adds peace of mind, especially in big cities. If you want to socialize, boutique hotels and hostels with private rooms offer a built-in community while giving you space when you want it.
With the rise in solo travel, the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport created the Artist Tower aimed at solo travelers that includes more than just that key card. The rooms are slightly smaller and less expensive than their standard rooms, which readily allows you to enjoy a luxury hotel.
The hotel also includes an exclusive benefit to solo travelers, where they provide workout gear at no cost only to those staying in that tower. The NOBULL partner program provides complimentary tops, bottoms, socks and shoes for you to use while you’re staying there. And yes, the shoes have new insoles each time — and you keep the socks.
Join a tour or group activity
Sign up for a walking tour, a cooking class or a day trip on your first day in a city. This gives you a chance to meet people that you may want to spend additional time with later in your trip, and you can get great ideas and recommendations of where to eat and what to do from the leaders of those activities.
Food tours, for example, not only let you taste the best local dishes but also introduce you to fellow travelers and locals who can offer great recommendations. Adventure-based activities like kayaking, biking tours or guided hikes are also great for solo travelers since they provide natural conversation starters with others in the group.
“As a solo traveler, I try to book a walking tour on my first day — it helps me get my bearings, meet fellow travelers and feel more connected to the place. Starting with something structured makes the whole trip feel less overwhelming.”
— Bella Bucchiotti, xoxoBella
Dine without feeling awkward
Eating alone is one of the hardest parts of traveling solo, but it’s all about mindset. Bringing a book or journaling during meals can make it more enjoyable, and sitting at the bar is a great way to have a more social experience.
Bartenders are often chatty, and you might strike up a conversation with another solo diner, as this is a common area for solo travelers to congregate. If you prefer to eat in peace, look for restaurants with communal tables or casual counter service to make it feel less formal.
The Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport has a great rooftop dining option called Lifted Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, complete with amazing skyline views and a bar that draws a social crowd. On Thursdays from 5-6 p.m., Lifted has $1 oysters, and this special offer is another way to enjoy solo dining.
Pick solo-friendly activities
Not every experience is ideal alone, but plenty of activities work well. Museums, historical sites and botanical gardens are easy to explore at your own pace. Hiking and nature walks allow for solo reflection while still feeling adventurous.
If you like performances, seeing a play, concert or comedy show can be a great solo night out. Plus, last-minute solo tickets are often easier to snag.
Trust your instincts and be smart about safety
Listen to your gut — remove yourself from the situation if something doesn’t feel right. Just because you’re confident in your travel abilities doesn’t mean you are untouchable, and while many who worry about safety are female solo travelers, this applies to all genders.
That said, appearing confident by walking with purpose, even if you happen to be lost at the moment, makes you less of a target. And of course, keep your valuables secure both on your person and in your hotel room, avoid wandering alone late at night in unfamiliar areas and be mindful of local scams.
Pack your bags and get ready to travel
Solo travel doesn’t have to be intimidating. With a mix of planning, openness and a little courage, it can be one of the most rewarding ways to explore the world. Whether you sit at a cafe with a book, join a food tour or wander through a new city at your own pace, solo adventures offer a unique kind of freedom that’s worth experiencing.
Michelle Price is a food and travel writer at Honest and Truly who almost has an empty nest. She loves to provide both the inspiration and the confidence you need to help get you into the kitchen and on the road to enjoy new flavors and experiences.