The joys of solo travel are endless. There’s something genuinely liberating about exploring new places while traveling alone: you can go wherever you please, eat whenever you want, and spend quality time uninterrupted. Interest in solo travel has been slowly increasing for some time, but new data from UK-based travel organization ABTA shows that 16% of travelers went on a solo vacation in 2023, a 5% increase from the previous year. Additionally, there’s a huge increase in solo travel by those aged 35 to 44, with the number of solo travelers more than doubling to 13% in 2023 from just 6% in 2025.
Along with this shift comes a need for deeper, slower, and more connective travel. For many, solo travel is the perfect way to achieve this: it requires you to trust your instincts, let go, and lose yourself in the experience. You trust yourself more than the whims or desires of others.
But if you’re not an experienced solo traveler, it can be a daunting prospect. In the age of constant connectivity, the idea of being alone for an extended period is difficult. Below, we speak with travelers who frequently book solo trips about their golden rules for solo travel.
Dining alone is not unusual
For most people, the idea of oing alone is one of the biggest obstacles to solo travel. But once you overcome the belief that everyone is staring at you or judging you, it’s a liberating experience. “Dining alone isn’t as weird as you might think,” says Estée Lalonde, a creative director and influencer passionate about solo travel. “I find it invigorating! Sometimes I’ll bring a book or watch an episode of my favorite Netflix show with headphones on, but other times I just enjoy the atmosphere and end up chatting with the people at the next table.”
Fake it till you make it
Most people are nervous about meeting new people, and introverts especially struggle to make the first move when they arrive somewhere new. But remember, everyone is in the same boat, and most solo travelers will have experienced those same emotions. The first five seconds are the hardest, but once you’ve introduced yourself, you’ll quickly realize it wasn’t all you thought it was. You’d kick yourself if you let a little shyness ruin your trip, so use that as the motivation you need to approach a fellow traveler And remember, if you fake confidence, it will show: fake it till you make it a reliable rule of life.
Reserve tables at restaurants
If you’re uncomfortable dining alone, opt for a seat at the counter at a restaurant. “The first time I ever went out to eat alone, I went to JG Melon on New York’s Upper East Side,” says Sarah James, deputy digital editor at Condé Nast Traveller. “I brought a book and nervously sat on a stool eating my burger, but ended up chatting with the lovely server and the women sitting next to me. Now, when I eat alone, I usually sit at the counter and don’t bring a book. I either end up talking to someone or just enjoying the quiet. A general rule I live by: We’re all so wrapped up in our own lives that no one pays much attention to anyone else.”
Don’t be afraid of feeling alone
“Remember that a little solitude can be invigorating and build character.” Toby Skinner, features director of Condé Nast Traveller, says: “ Travel experience tells me that, on the whole, people are decent, kind, and interesting, and I find that especially when I’m alone (whereas couples are left alone). Some of my most memorable travel experiences have been solo, like when I was stranded in Nanjing at 2 a.m. due to a delayed train in 2001 and a local student let me sleep in his dorm.”
Planning cultural events
Arrivingatn a destination just as locals are gearing up for a major cultural event can be a great way to immediately immerse yourself in the surroundings. Research religious festivals, holidays, and street parties to find out the best time to visit and plan accordingly. You’ll discover a true flavor of the people, the food, and even the music, and you might end up making friends along the way.
Research solo travel in your destination
Although it may sound obvious, it’s an important step. Consult online forums and talk to people who have already visited the destination. What safety precautions should you take? Is it safe to walk from one place to another, or is it better to use taxis? Is it easy to find a taxi? What is the destination’s culture like at night? For women, in particular, it’s best to plan to avoid getting lost in remote neighborhoods after dark.
Have a rough plan for each day
It can be daunting to wake up in a new destination and not know where to start, so be sure to create a loose itinerary for your trip. What’s non-negotiable in this destination? Are there major attractions you want to visit? Do you have any restaurants you’re hoping to try? “I like to have three to five small activities in mind for each day, like visiting a particular shop or trying the local cuisine,” Estée tells us. “If you have a little direction, you can leave space between each activity to be spontaneous and explore the area.”
Group activities
Booking group excursions and activities is a great way to meet other travelers. Most hostels have a list of activities guests can sign up for, and if not, there are hiking tours or live music events at local bars. “Try to see people as opportunities,” advises Toby. “I would include communal activities in your itinerary and remember that you probably won’t see those people again, so you have nothing to lose from almost any interaction and possibly a lot to gain (although there may be a touch of male privilege involved).” Then you might wonder whether it’s better to travel alone or with others.
Walk as much as you can
“Sometimes when I travel to a new place, I get nervous about getting out of bed,” Estée admits, “but as soon as I get out and start walking, I feel better like I’m part of the city and belong there.” You’ll soon have a mental map of the area closest to your accommodation, and you might stumble upon some hidden gems you wouldn’t have otherwise seen.
Allow yourself to be spontaneous
I.n this regard, allow yourself some spontaneity. Having a general plan is advisable, but don’t forget to follow your instinct if you suddenly feel like walking into a store, following the noise of people, or heading to the beach. It’s often the decisions made in iatthe moment that lead to the best experiences.
Bring good books
It’s easy to pull out your phone and start browsing when you’re alone, and while it’s a great way to relax if you’re feeling nervous, there are few things more romantic than sitting in a coffee shop and losing yourself in the pages of a good book.
Keep a diary
Journaling has become a popular pastime lately, and keeping a travel journal is a great way to combine the mental health benefits of getting your thoughts and feelings out with the memories and emotions of solo travel. “I find that all that alone time allows me to clear my head, and journaling is a great way to regulate those emotions,” explains Estée.
Keep a separate copy of your data
It may sound old-fashioned, but instead of printing paper copies of all your bank details, phone numbers, and accommodation details, try saving a document with all your information and emailing it to yourself. This way, if you lose your phone, you can borrow it from your accommodation’s reception or the staff at a hotel, restaurant, or bar, and connect it to your email account to access everything you need. It’s also a good idea to memorize your card details and any emergency phone numbers (both personal and those of local emergency services).
Take other safety precautions
There are many ways to protect yourself when traveling alone. Sharing your location with friends and family back home is a great way to stay in touch without having to send them a message: they can see your trip from afar and track your whereabouts if you haven’t contacted them in a while. Remember to bring a lock for your backpack and lockers if you’re staying in hostels, and learn basic phrases in your destination’s language in case you get lost and need help. Learn how to travel safel .
Don’t forget the insurance
Something always goes wrong on any trip, and as a solo traveler, you’ll want to make sure you mitigate any stress that comes with itinerary changes. Purchasing travel insurance is the best way to protect yourself from transportation cancellations and unforeseen circumstances, and it will cover expenses resulting from injury or theft. It sounds scary, but it’ll be worth it in the worst-case scenario!
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