Traveling alone doesn’t mean being lonely, and I was able to confirm this for myself and from the number of other travelers I met while doing so. Not being accompanied makes it much easier to connect, especially with other travelers in the same situation, since it’s harder for someone to approach you and talk to you if you’re in a group or with your partner than if you’re alone.
Traveling alone also gives you the freedom to be alone when you need it, it helps you get to know yourself better to be more attentive and receptive to everything that happens around you, and to no longer depend on anyone. In my case, since I started traveling regularly in 2025 at the age of 19, I’ve done it with my partner, with friends, and alone, and it’s clear that each has its benefits and difficulties. What I’m sure of is that you’ll never regret having done it because there’s nothing worse than wondering what would have happened if you had tried.
Tips for Traveling Solo for the First Time
- Take good care of your belongings
I.t’s normal to relax when we’re having a good experience while traveling, but to avoid regrets, it’s important to be very careful with your belongings, especially your passport, which is the most important document you have while traveling.
Never check this or your valuables when traveling by bus or plane, because luggage thefts happen.
- Don’t trust hostels too much.
Most travelers who stay in hostels have the best intentions and just want to have a good time and meet people, but it’s also true that robberies in shared rooms do happen.
So don’t leave anything of value unattended; when you go out, leave it in your locker, and as we recommend in the travel tips article, bring a padlock in case they don’t have one.
- Let us know about your plans.
It sounds like the typical advice your mom gives you before you leave, but as a traveler, I also think it’s necessary. It doesn’t hurt to let someone you trust back home know where you are, the name of the place you’re staying, where you plan to go next, if you’ll be without a phone service for a few days, etc., and it saves a lot of worry.
- Travel insured
Even if you think it’s an unnecessary expense because you’ll never use it, having travel insurance gives you peace of mind knowing that if an accident happens, you’ll have assistance. It also covers you in case of lost luggage and is an entry requirement in several countries, something we discussed in the article on travel documents.
- Learn some of the local language.
As a sign of respect, it’s always good to learn how to greet people, say “please,” “thank you,” “you’re welcome,” use numbers, and learn some useful words in the language of the country you’re traveling through.
In addition to helping you make yourself understood, this makes you more likeable, brings a smile to your face, and breaks down the distance that sometimes forms between locals and tourists.
- Travel outside tourist destination.s
There’s one thing that happens almost everywhere in the world: the less touristy the place you are in, the more attention you’ll attract and, consequently, the more likely you are to connect with locals.
- Eat where they do
One thing I’ve found is that eating where locals do, trying their typical dishes and asking for recommendations, opens the door to socializing, because if there’s one thing that unites us, it’s food.
- Have a unique experience volunteering.
Ll talk about this below because it deserves a separate section.
Travel the world volunteering
Volunteering will allow you to gain cultural exposure and get to know different destinations in depth, as you’ll spend time with locals who will recommend places that tourists don’t usually visit. On the Worldpackers platform, there are a wide variety of volunteer opportunities around the world. You’ll participate in a local project, helping out for a few hours a day, and as a reward, you’ll receive accommodation and, in many cases, food as well. Besides being a great way to save money on travel, it will help you learn new skills and meet many travelers like you. Learn more about how Worldpackers works in What is a work exchange and how does it work: the complete guide and What is volunteering: making a positive impact.
Best places to travel alone
Argentina
Argentina is an excellent destination for solo travel; as is the case in much of South America, people are very receptive to travelers and want to know about your country, what you think about Argentina, and what your plans are. These spontaneous conversations, which can take place in a bar in Buenos Aires or a small town anywhere, often lead to invitations to share a beer or go for a walk somewhere unfamiliar. There’s also the national pride that we Argentinians want to share with foreigners, so it’s common that if you’re open to chatting more than once during your trip, you’ll be invited to a family barbecue . Buenos Aires, Bariloche, Ushuaia, nd the Humahuaca Gorge in Jujuy are all excellent places to have this experience. Learn more in the article about traveling alone in and live a unique experience by volunteering in Argentina.
Colombia
The warmth and friendliness of Colombians are well-known, making traveling alone in Colombia an extremely rewarding experience, and meeting people is very easy if you’re open to it. As for safety, Colombia is much safer than its bad pres, Unfortu.atelyyit , leads manyit to believe, although it’s good to know that reputation is rapidly changing. The positive experiences of other travelers are encouraging more and more people to visit. There are many places that are great for solo travel, such as Bogotá , Cartagena , Guatapé , and Santa Marta , all of which are popular backpacker destinations. Get to know the country in depth by volunteering in Colombia. To learn more, you can read: My Experience Volunteering in Colombia for the First Time and 6 Months of Volunteering in Colombia.
Brazil
Beaches, samba, great weather, cheerful people, and lots of street life—all of this combined guarantees a good time, and if that’s what you’re looking for, you’ll find it in Brazil. From the frenzy of Rio’s Carnival to the depths of the Amazon , the world’s fifth-largest country offers endless possibilities depending on what you’re looking for on your trip. Being such a large and diverse territory, you’ll need plenty of time to explore. For that, volunteering in Brazil is an ideal opportunity, as you’ll live like a local, save money, and learn Portuguese in the proces. To plan your trip, I recommend reading: What You Should Know Before Vacationing in Brazil: Tips from a Brazilian and The Best Routes in Brazil for Backpacking .
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