How to plan a solo trip?

In a train with only four tables and eight seats, I felt very conspicuously alone.

If you’ve followed my travel blog since 2005, you know I do a lot of solo travel. My first solo international trip was in 1999 to France, and I’ve loved solo travel ever since.

One of the most awkward things about solo travel is being alone at restaurants, especially when the table is set for two. On my Inca Rail First Class train last week, there were only four tables in the whole car, each set for two. Even with all my solo travel experience, it was a bit awkward sitting alone.

However, I’ve noticed in Cusco that when I sit down at a restaurant they now assume I’m dining solo and come with one menu. If I’m meeting somebody, I have to say so and ask them to bring a second menu. Until recently, it was the opposite. As solo travel becomes more common, attitudes and expectations in tourism are changing.

Whether you’re considering your first solo trip, or an experienced traveler like me, these five tips will help you plan your next trip!

Cusco Peru Plaza de Armas — I loved my first solo trip to Cusco in 2013 but it would have been more difficult if I didn’t speaking Spanish.

1. Pick a destination for your solo trip.

Depending on what you like to do when you travel, any destination can be great for solo travel. However, if you’re new to solo travel, here’s three things to consider when picking a destination. First, do you speak the language, or understand it fairly well? Being able to communicate is both one of the most fun parts of solo travel and the most important for safety. Second, how far out of your comfort zone would the location be? I believe that enjoyable solo travel lives in the gray area between bring totally comfortable and totally out of your comfort zone. Third, is it in your budget? Remember, you’re not splitting the cost of taxis, hotel rooms or other expenses, unless you pick up a travel buddy along the way.

how to travel solo top tips — I think we have business travel to thank for flying solo never being awkward.

2. Decide how you’ll travel solo to get there.

This is about budget and comfort. Plane or train tickets cost the same with a group or alone, but keep in mind that you’re picking up the whole tab for rental cars and taxis. Consider how comfortable you are flying or driving alone to the destination. If you think you could navigate restaurants and hotels in a foreign language, also plan ahead for navigating airports and roads (if you’re renting a car) in a foreign language. It’s very important to look at layovers in foreign countries and see if there’s a way to get a direct flight. My first trip to Asia, in 2005, I flew through Taipei and was completely unprepared for the challenge of finding my connecting flight in an airport where signs are in Chinese.

driving in Cyprus — In 2012, I rented a car in Cyprus and was glad nobody else was there to see me drive on the left side of the road for the first time.

3. Plan how you’ll get around on your solo trip.

You’ll be even more on your own for getting around in your destination than you were for getting there from home. I’ve rented cars all over the world, but it’s always been in a country where I speak the language, like Mexico or Chile, or where I lived, like Türkiye or Bangladesh. I would have to do a lot of research before I’d rent a car in, say, Vietnam.

Use apps that give you the driver’s information and let you share your ride with somebody who can help in case of a problem. If you don’t speak the language, apps save you from trying to give the driver directions and from negotiating the fare. I love using public transportation (read my public transportation travel tip) but it’s very difficult in places where I don’t speak the language.

Las Qolqas Sacred Valley Ollantaytambo Peru — Las Qolqas, in the Sacred Valley, is one of my favorite hotels as a solo traveler.

4. Research lodging for solo travelers.

There are advantages to all different kinds of lodging, so consider what’s most important to you. Hostels aren’t just for backpackers in their 20s and are a great place to meet other solo travelers at any age. A good Airbnb host can help with tons of insider and local information but check reviews to see how available and helpful the host really is. Small, family-run hotels can have many of the same benefits of a good Airbnb host but always check the reviews first.

If you prefer all-inclusive resorts and cruises, you don’t need to worry about any details. (Check out how much I loved my Amazon River cruise with Delfín). A good hotel concierge can help with just about anything you need on a solo trip.

solo travel in Ayacucho Peru — When I was in Ayacucho, I joined a group tour for this day in the town of Huanta.

5. Pick solo travel activities.

Think about the kinds of things you like to do alone, but also the kinds of activities that are likely to introduce you to new people. I love hiking in the mountains and walking in parks alone, but it’s not for everyone. My favorite part of solo travel is meeting new people, both locals and other travelers. I think the best ways to meet other travelers are walking tours and group tours that have a lot of other solo travelers. Ask if the group has other solo travelers when booking but first read my tips for booking group tours.