How to Plan Your First Independent Solo Travel Adventure

As a lover of adventure, you more often than not have two approaches. You could go on an adventure with a tribe of enthusiasts seeking adventure, or you could go it alone, what is known as independent solo travel.

To bring this home, independent solo travel sees you take charge of the whole trip from beginning to end. You control the itinerary, the pace, the spontaneous decisions you’ll definitely need, and so on.

However, as you’d expect, this can be a lot of work. The success of the entire odyssey will come down to your planning. This guide is here to help you nail that.

Set Your Goals

Why does solo travel appeal to you? This is the first question you need to answer. It’ll form the basis for everything else that is to come. For example, if your goal is relaxation, you might choose a beach destination. If it’s more about exploring, maybe pick a city with lots of history or nature trails.

Then, you need to be clear on how long you want to be on the road. Work out what fits your schedule and budget. Setting these goals up front will make your planning way easier.

If you’re lost as to where to begin this whole planning process, maybe consider gathering insights from Scott’s solo travels or the experiences of other independent solo travelers who know the ins and outs of these beaten paths. You’ll learn tips and tricks gathered from countless journeys, information that you could apply to make your solo travel one for the books.

Choose Your Destination

There can be many options to consider at this stage. To make your life significantly easier, start by brainstorming places you’ve always wanted to visit. At this point, nothing concrete. Just write them down.

Once you have a list, narrow it down using practical factors. Research as to whether the destination is safe for solo travelers, if you can get around easily without too much hassle, and whether you speak the language, or at least know enough key phrases to communicate.

Say you’re thinking between Tokyo and Paris. Both are amazing cities in and of themselves, but they’re different. In Tokyo, public transport is very efficient, and people are incredibly polite. But signs may not always be in English. Meanwhile, Paris has fewer language barriers for English speakers, but it can feel chaotic at times.

Also, consider whether the place suits your personality. If you are okay with being surrounded by many other tourists, you can aim for popular attractions. If you’d like to go somewhere quieter, you have options to explore.

Budget Planning

Traveling solo demands some significant financial investment, even if you plan to travel on the cheap. In that case, budgeting is a must. To get your money game right, start by estimating how much you’ll need. Break it down into categories: flights, accommodation, food, transportation, activities, and emergencies.

For example, if you’re heading to Barcelona for a week, your flight might cost USD$500. A modest hotel could run you USD$70 per night, so that’s USD$490. Food can be, say USD$20–30 per day, which adds up to around USD$140–210. Public transport passes might be another USD$50 or so. Random expenses and souvenirs can chalk up to another USD$100.

Add that up, and you’re looking at roughly USD$1,280–USD$1,340 before emergencies. Set aside an extra 10% of your total budget for those just-in-case moments, like losing your wallet or needing a last-minute cab.

A good budgeting hack is to research ways to cut costs while traveling. Hostels or Airbnbs are often cheaper than hotels. Eating street food instead of fine dining can save some bucks too. Travel during the off-season when prices drop, and check the exchange rates to see how far you can stretch your dollar.

Book Flights and Accommodations

One hack about flights: book two or three months earlier for the best deals. Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to compare prices. Flexibility goes a long way here. If you can travel midweek instead of weekends, you’ll save significantly. The same goes for flying into smaller airports near your destination.

Where you stay is also important, not just for cost savings, but also overall experience. Hotels can be great for privacy, but you may need to dig deeper into your pockets for a more wholesome experience. An Airbnb can give you homey vibes, though location is something you have to keep at the top of your mind.

If it’s your first solo trip, start with something familiar, like a good guesthouse or boutique hotel. Once you settle in, you can switch to hostels or shared spaces later if you want. Don’t book every single night in advance. Reserve the first few nights only. This way, if you fall in love with a new city or change plans, you won’t lose money on non-refundable bookings.

Pack Smart

Packing light enough not to lug around unnecessary weight but to have everything you need is a masterstroke. Start by checking the weather forecast for your destination. If it’s rainy, bring a compact umbrella or rain jacket. If it’s hot and sunny, pack breathable clothes and sunscreen.

For clothing, stick to versatile pieces. Neutral colors help mix-and-match outfits. Bring one outfit per day, plus an extra in case of delays or emergencies. Shoes take up space. Carry two pairs max: one comfy pair for walking and another for dressier occasions if needed.

Travel-sized versions of shampoo, toothpaste, and other basics save space. As for medications, make sure you’ve got enough for the entire trip, plus a little extra. Safety gear is important, too. A small portable charger keeps your phone alive when you’re out exploring, a TSA-approved lock secures your luggage, and a mini flashlight comes in handy for unexpected situations.

Stay Safe

Safety should always be top of mind when traveling solo. So, before you get on the road, begin by thoroughly researching your destination. Look into crime rates, common scams, and local customs.

Some places have specific rules or behaviors you should follow. For instance, in Japan, tipping isn’t customary and can even cause offense. Conversely, it is almost explicitly implied in the US.

Knowing these nuances helps you blend in and avoid trouble. It’s also a lovely idea to share your itinerary with someone back home. Send updates regularly so they know where you are.

Make sure you have emergency contacts at hand. This includes local police, hospitals, and your embassy. Write them down in case your phone dies. Also, carry a small amount of cash in local currency for emergencies. Credit cards are great, but there are places where they aren’t practical. Physical money can make a huge difference.

Situational awareness is something else to take seriously. Stick to well-lit, busy areas at night. Trust your gut, and avoid flashing expensive items like jewelry or electronics. Finally, learn basic self-defense moves or carry a personal alarm if it makes you feel safer.

Connect with Others

Traveling solo doesn’t mean you have to be alone all the time. One of the best parts of solo travel is meeting new people, be it the locals, fellow travelers, or even tour guides. But how do you make connections when you’re by yourself?

Start by joining group activities or tours. These are designed for people who want to meet others while exploring a destination. Whether it’s a food tour, a hiking excursion, or a city walk, these events naturally bring people together. Plus, they often take you to hidden gems that you wouldn’t find on your own.

There are apps out there geared towards making these connections happen. Using them will bring to your attention to community events, from movie nights to language exchanges. Meetup focuses more on specific interests, like photography walks or book clubs.

Don’t underestimate the power of small talk. Strike up conversations with bartenders, shopkeepers, or fellow diners. Ask questions about their day or what they recommend in the area. Most people love sharing their knowledge, and you might end up with an invitation to a local event or a secret spot only insiders know.

If you’re staying in hostels, take advantage of common areas. Join breakfasts, hang out in the lounge, or sign up for organized activities. Hostels are built around community, so it’s easy to meet people.

Plan Activities

Planning activities keeps boredom at bay and ensures you make the most of your time. Start by researching must-see spots in your destination. Look online, check guidebooks, or ask locals for recommendations. Prioritize things that interest you.

Do your best to beat the overplanning bug, though. Leave room for spontaneity. Some of your favorite travel memories can come from wandering off-script and discovering something unexpected. Maybe you stumble upon a tiny café with incredible coffee or a street performer worth watching.

Transportation is another key factor. Understand how public transit works in your destination. Get familiar with routes and schedules. Consider buying a multi-day pass if you plan to move around a lot. If you’re comfortable driving, renting a car could give you flexibility.

For longer trips, consider day trips or excursions outside the main city. These can add variety to your itinerary and show you a different side of the region.

Stay Connected

Staying connected while traveling solo is more than just staying in touch with home. It’s also about safely and smoothly navigating your destination.

First, sort out your internet access. A local SIM card is often the cheapest option if you’re traveling internationally. Most countries have prepaid plans that include data, calls, and texts. Alternatively, consider a portable Wi-Fi hotspot if you’re visiting multiple destinations.

Having internet means you can use maps, check reviews, message people, and even call for help if needed. Download offline maps on Google Maps before you lose signal. Speaking of maps, always know where you are and how to get back to your accommodation. It’s easy to get turned around in a new city, so double-check directions regularly.

You can also consider setting up a way to let someone back home track your location. Some phones have built-in features for this, or you can use apps geared towards achieving he same results. This gives loved ones peace of mind knowing exactly where you are at any given time.

Lastly, bring a portable charger. Keep it charged and ready to go whenever you head out for the day. This can make a difference

Prepare Mentally

This might be the most important part of planning your first solo trip. Sure, logistics matter, but your mindset will determine how much you enjoy the experience.

Traveling alone can feel intimidating at first. You’ll face moments of doubt, loneliness, or frustration. That’s completely normal. The trick is to embrace those feelings rather than fight them. Practice solitude before you leave. Spend a day exploring your own city alone, eat dinner by yourself, and take long walks without distractions.

If anxiety creeps in, remind yourself why you decided to travel solo in the first place. Mindfulness techniques can help too. Deep breathing, journaling, or simply pausing to take in your surroundings can calm nerves and ground you in the moment.

Some subtle wins like ordering food in another language and managing a day through the crazy subway system aren’t something to scoff at. When you’re traveling alone, these wins count for something.

Document Your Journey

Take time to capture and reflect on your experiences. Whether it’s through photos, videos, or journal entries, documenting your trip helps you hold onto those memories forever.

Carry a small notebook or use a note-taking app to write down highlights, funny moments, or lessons learned each day. These little details can make a huge difference to your psyche when you look back later. Plus, sharing snippets with friends or on social media keeps people engaged in your adventure.

Photography is another powerful way to preserve memories. But don’t get so caught up taking pictures that you miss the actual experience. Strike a balance. Later, when you return home, compile your notes and photos into a scrapbook, slideshow, or blog post.

Closing Thoughts

Your first solo independent travel can be the first of many if you get the planning right. This guide has given you tips to help set you up for success. Take your time to learn from this guide, and from others who’ve spent their time on the road, and you’ll be all set for the adventure of a lifetime.