10 Tips for Your First Solo Trip from a Solo Female Traveler

Traveling solo can feel intimidating - especially if you’re a solo female traveler. And if you’re starting a bit later, like I did at 29 (not fresh out of college), that nervous energy can be even stronger.

For me, solo travel has always lived somewhere between Eat, Pray, Love and “wow, I just paid for this entire bottle of wine and have no one to split it with.” It’s freeing, frustrating, and honestly one of the best confidence boosts I’ve ever found.

I get it. I didn’t know where to start either, until I finally took the leap, did the research, and booked the flight. Now, I’m sharing the 10 tips that helped me get over the hesitation and truly enjoy my first solo trip. If you’re stuck wondering if you should go, you’re in the right place. Let’s stamp that passport together!

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How I Finally Booked My First Solo Trip (At 29)

Yep, I was 29 (typing this in Schmidt’s New Girl voice - iykyk). Not 21, fresh out of college. Not 24, burnt out from the 9-5 grind.

For years, I let my job hold me back, and I kept waiting for someone to join me. Then I realized I didn’t have to wait for anyone else.

I worried I’d be the oldest solo traveler at hostels. Would I fit in? Would I meet anyone? Was it too late to start?

It wasn’t. That first trip changed everything. In just a few years, I’ve traveled more than I ever thought possible. And none of it would’ve happened if I hadn’t pushed past the fear.

10 Solo Travel Tips That Helped Me Get Started

Here’s the straightforward advice that made solo travel doable, safe, and actually fun:

1. Embrace the Fear - And Use It as Motivation

Everyone feels scared before their first solo trip. That’s completely normal. Lean into it. You’re about to grow in ways you didn’t expect.

2. Start with Group Trips or Social Hostels

Going straight into full-on solo travel can feel… a lot. I dipped my toes in at Lapoint Surf Camp in Costa Rica. Picture surf lessons, group dinners, and enough structure that you don’t feel totally adrift. Spending a week with the same people made it so much easier to click with new friends.

Check out Lapoint Surf Camp here - you won’t regret it.

3. Buy a Travel Guidebook

When I spent two months in Bali in 2023, a guidebook basically became my security blanket. Did I plan every single thing? Absolutely not. But it saved me when I couldn’t get Wi-Fi, needed a good food spot, or just wanted a sense of direction. Here’s the one I used.

4. Stay in Hostels

I used to think hostels were just for 19-year-olds with backpacks twice their size. Spoiler: they’re not. I’m “older” by solo travel standards and have never felt out of place. Just read reviews, go for the nicer ones, and book a female dorm or private room if that makes you feel more comfortable.

These are 2 of my favorite hostels to date:

Arya Wellness Retreat in Ubud in Bali, Indonesia.

Barbara’s Boutique Hostel in Antigua, Guatemala.

5. Be Open to New People and Experiences

The fun part? No one here knows you. You get to hit reset a little. Even if you’re a mild introvert (like me), push yourself to say hi to the person next to you at breakfast or tag along for a group activity. It’s wild how quickly strangers turn into close friends - I’ve been to 6 countries with friends I met on my first solo trip!

6. Prepare… But Chill

Book your first couple of nights and anything that looks logistically messy (like a ferry transfer). Beyond that? Loosen the grip. Some of my favorite travel stories happened because I didn’t have a plan. For fun tours and experiences, check out Get Your Guide.

7. Join Local Facebook Groups Before You Go

Yes, Facebook still has its uses. Those groups are golden for real-time tips, random meetups, and things you’d never find on Google. Just search "your location solo travel,” and you’re bound to find a solid group to join. P.S. The Bali Travel Guide I listed above ^ has a great Facebook group.

8. Stay Smart

Basic but worth repeating: watch your drink, don’t share too much personal info, and trust your gut. I also tell taxi drivers I’m meeting a friend, even if I’m not - just makes me feel better.

9. Book Transfers Ahead

There’s nothing fun about being stuck at a random bus station at midnight. I always book the big transfers in advance so I can skip the stress spiral.

In Asia, use 12Go.

10. Enjoy Your Freedom

The best part of solo travel? It’s all about you. Sleep in, wander aimlessly, book that last-minute tour, or do nothing at all. You’re not on anyone else’s schedule, and that feels ridiculously good.

Ready to Book Your Solo Trip?

If you’ve been overthinking it (like I did forever), just go for it. Pick somewhere solo-friendly, buy the ticket, and trust that you’ll figure the rest out along the way. Download my FREE guide with 3 Essential Solo Traveler Apps by clicking the image below!