Solo travel is one of the most enriching experiences and the most incredible gift you can give yourself. Whether you're embarking on your first solo journey or a seasoned solo traveler, it’s always helpful to have a few tips to ensure your trip is smooth, safe, and enjoyable. So, let me share my top solo travel tips, favorite destinations, and essential advice for solo female travelers.

1. Pick Solo-Friendly Destinations

Choosing the right destination is crucial for a successful solo trip. Some places are naturally better suited for solo travelers due to their welcoming atmosphere, ease of navigation, and safety. So, do your research and plan something you have always wanted to do but within your comfort zone. These are a few of my top places.

Croatia: What I love about Croatia is the various island hopping you can do with ease. Plus, you don’t need a car. I started in Dubrovnik and ended my trip in Split. Amid it all, I visited Hvar (great walks, nightlife and architecture) and Korčula (medieval architecture and Marco Polo’s birthplace). Croatia is beautiful, very welcoming, has excellent food and a bonus if you are a Game of Thrones fan, as so much of that series was shot there.
Toronto, Canada: As a Canadian, am I biased? Sure I am. Does it change the fact that Toronto is a great city to explore on your own? No, it does not. Often described as New York run by the Swiss, Toronto is safe, clean, and filled with cultural activities. As a solo traveler, you’ll have no trouble finding single tickets to Broadway-like shows or discovering new restaurants where you can dine at the bar and meet locals. Canada is generally a safe country filled with friendly people who will gladly point you in the right direction—and probably apologize if you get lost. But part of the fun and growth of traveling is allowing yourself to get lost!

Seville, Malaga and Madrid: Spain is still one of the best bargains in Europe, relatively speaking. I have had extraordinary Michelin-starred meals for under 40 euros, and that my friends included wine. It is safe and clean, and there is much to see and do.
Italy's Cinque Terre: This collection of five charming villages along the Italian coast is perfect for solo travelers. You can explore the scenic hiking trails, enjoy fresh Italian cuisine, and soak in breathtaking views without feeling overwhelmed by large crowds. Aim for shoulder seasons like October to avoid the rush. Oh, and as a personal aside, it's the perfect place to heal from a broken heart.

2. Stay Safe with Practical Tips

Safety is key when traveling alone, especially for women. These tips will help ensure a secure and stress-free journey:

Keep Your Phone Charged: Always carry a portable charger. You never know when you’ll need your phone for navigation, translation, or emergencies. Even if you’re only going out for a couple of hours, you never know where the day will take you.
Share Your Location: Let a couple of friends or family members know your whereabouts. This could be life-saving, especially if you're venturing out for the day in a new city.
Pin Important Locations: Take it from this directionally challenged traveler and save your hotel’s location on your phone's map app. If you get lost, this feature can quickly guide you back to where you’re staying.
Buy Travel Insurance: Don’t skip this step! Travel insurance is essential for any trip, especially if you're heading to remote locations or places where medical expenses can be high, like the States. After I broke my pelvis at Burning Man (now there’s a travel story) and spent eight nights in a hospital, I cannot imagine the hospital bill if I didn’t have insurance. So, I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to have coverage.
Avoid sketchy areas: Especially at night. Use your common sense.
Keep your passport in the hotel safe: Don’t carry it with you unless absolutely necessary.
Have photos of your important documents: Scan or take photos of your passport, credit cards, and hotel reservations, and store them in an album on your phone.

3. Travel Light and Smart

Solo travelers benefit from packing light and smart. Here’s what I always bring along:

Comfortable Shoes: Leave those cute kitten heals at home. Whether you're wandering through cities or nature, good shoes are a must.
Cell phone
Battery charger
Swell bottle: This girl likes her water cold
Small satchel, knapsack, or cross-strap bag (no fanny packs unless you're 80 or a tourist from Florida)
Headphones: Ideal for drowning out noise on long flights or the city sounds outside your hotel room, or the death rattle of an old air conditioning unit.

4. Use Apps to Your Advantage

Technology is your friend when traveling solo. Here are a few apps that will make your journey smoother:

Google Maps or Apple Maps: Perfect for navigating unfamiliar streets, especially when you want to explore off-the-beaten-path areas. It also gives real-time directions on local public transit.
Google Translate: If you’re visiting a country where you don’t speak the language, this app is a lifesaver for translating menus, signs, and conversations.
ChatGPT for Travel Tips: Use AI tools like ChatGPT to plan your itinerary, real-time translating, plus travel tips. I once used it to plan a three-day trip to Rome, focusing on sightseeing, history, food, and, of course, shopping, and it nailed it!
Calm or Audible (to drown out noise in case your room is loud)
Spotify: Find a podcast about the place you’re visiting or create a fitting soundtrack.

5. MAKE DINING ALONE AN EXPERIENCE

One of the most common fears for solo travelers is dining alone, but it doesn’t have to be awkward. Here’s how to make it fun:

Pick Restaurants with Bars: I prefer restaurants where I can eat at the bar—it’s more social, and you can strike up a conversation with the bartender or fellow diners.
Avoid Romantic Spots: Steer clear of romantic, serene restaurants. Instead, opt for lively, fun spots with great atmospheres. In Madrid, I told my guide I didn’t want to dine somewhere where I might witness a marriage proposal!

6. Join Local Tours

City tours are a fantastic way to meet other travelers and perhaps even some locals. Most major cities offer free or affordable walking or cycling tours where you can explore historic sites and hidden gems while making new friends. Share that you are on your own. On a ski trip to Whistler, I asked my ski instructor for recommendations, told her I was on my own and by the end of the lesson, she invited me to join her and some other instructors at their local bar—an unexpected and fun evening that wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t mentioned I was solo.

7. Stay Present and Open

Solo travel isn’t just about exploring new places—it’s about discovering yourself. When dining alone or enjoying a solo activity, put your phone down and stay present. If you're open to the moment, you'll meet more people, make deeper connections, and create unforgettable memories.

8. Be Prepared for Unexpected Adventures

Sometimes, the best travel experiences are unplanned. Whether you get lost in a new city or accept an invitation from a local to a hidden gem of a restaurant, embrace the unexpected. If you stay smart and safe, these spontaneous adventures can lead to some of your most cherished memories.

9. Tips for First-Time Solo Female Travelers

If you're a woman planning your first solo trip, here are a few extra tips to help make the experience less intimidating:

Start with a Short Trip: If you're nervous about traveling alone, start with a shorter trip to a nearby destination. This will give you the confidence to tackle longer solo adventures in the future. Avoid couples resorts or places that cater to families.
Choose Safe, Solo-Friendly Destinations: Pick destinations known for being solo-friendly, such as European cities or Canada, where solo travel is common and the locals are friendly.
Book Group Tours for Longer Trips: If planning a big trip, like a safari or a multi-destination journey, consider joining a group tour. It’s a great way to meet new people who share your interest in travel while having a structured itinerary.

10. Travel is a Gift—Don’t Wait for Others

Travel is a gift. So, don't wait for your schedule to align with a friend's. The world is big—life is short—pack your bags, trust your instincts, and embark on your next solo journey. You got this.

Do you have any tips for solo travelers or for travel in general? I'd love to hear from you.

Still on the fence about going on that trip alone? Then let me share the most truthful quote about travel I have ever heard. "Sometimes one day in a different place gives you more than ten years of life at home."

Don’t I know it.

Happy trails, my friends.

Top Travel Tips for Solo Travelers: How to Explore the World with Confidence