Nothing truly prepares you for your first solo trip abroad. But I see you’re determined to take this solo trip. Let’s appreciate your courage for a moment! I know the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with embarking on how to plan an International solo trip. But it doesn’t matter whether you’re a female traveler or male because planning will be the same for both to roam internationally!
What does a solo traveler mean? Does that mean that you will always be on your own? That might not be the case always. Sometimes you can join a tour or cruise on your own.
Solo Travel is when you embark on a journey. It’s all about discovering yourself in the journey itself. It’s completely normal if you feel stuck and lonely sometimes. There are all valid reasons for hesitation. However, solo traveling abroad is a life-changing experience that you should have at least once in your life.
After going through the points you will love to solo around the world
Step 1 :Plan Ahead
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”
9 out of 10 solo travelers prefer to take tours all or some of the time according to solo travel statistics. Where 32% plan on Europe for 2025, 19% are undecided for their next trip. Thus, location is the single most important criterion when choosing the safest destinations for solo travelers to visit. And with such an overwhelming choice, travelers often have trouble finding their right trip or accommodations.
- Research your international solo-friendly destination
First of all, choose a solo-friendly destination. You might already have chosen a destination or two in mind and a group or crew to travel along with you, but maybe you’re open to discovering someplace new and exciting too. Now is your time to do a little personal investigating into the countries and cities on your first international solo trip. Japan was named the top solo travel destination for 2025.
- Plan your itinerary while traveling to another country.
After fixing your destination, search about the tourist attractions around the place. Then decide on the activities and attractions you want to see. As I said nothing will come out as you expected, so leave room for spontaneous exploration. Look for the oddballs or must-see things beforehand, while traveling to another country.
- Book a flight and accommodations
After you plan out the activities to do around then you get the idea of how many days you will be staying. That means you can plan out the staying days accordingly. I suggest you check flight availability and then book your hotel in advance. If you’re a female traveller then book a hostel so that you can stay at a safe place. Roughly, $54 a day to cover flights, accommodation, food, insurance and vaccinations.
(internal link)
For your first time, I suggest doing it through an agency like Wolo Travel or Flight Centre.
Tips:
- Make sure that you understand if a pet is allowed at the airport checking or not.
- If you’re visiting Europe – get a city pass, which usually gives you access to attractions and free public transport.
- Set your Budget
To set a solo-travel budget, calculate your total available funds, break them down into categories like lodging, food and activities and then divide your total by the trip length to get a daily spending limit.
Calculate your daily limit = (Total available travel money) / (no. of days you’ll be away)
Always compare the price! And Don’t forget to understand about the hospital coverage in the area that you would be visiting!
Tips: Add a buffer: Include a 15-20% buffer for unexpected expenses like delays or souvenirs.
- Handle your logistics
According to the destination, the requirements of documents like visas, ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) are different.
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Documents
Since you’re traveling internationally, foremost your documents should be always laminated. Pack all your valuable documents like passport, visa or approved ETA (Electronic Travel Authority).You can use your passport with SmartGate. You need blank passport pages for stamps. Always scan or photograph the entry and exit stamp as soon as it’s affixed and upload or save.
Other documents:
- Copy of current passport ID pages, visa
- All credit card stubs for payments made.
- 4 to 8 passport size pictures.
- Embassy Contacts.
- Photographs of medicines and prescriptions.
- Personal emergency contact.
- Contact details of localhost or contact.
- Buy an eSIM and a mobile data plan to stay connected.
- Look for banks and always ave a cash with you. Travel with both cards and cash.
- Download offline maps.
Insurance
Atlas Nomad is your travel medical insurance where your Insurance plan starts at $1.85 USD per day also coverage is available for up to one year. Or another option is axa global healthcare in which health covers 190+ countries and is trusted by 95 million customers worldwide.
- Prepare your gear
Pack smart
You should always try to pack light whenever you are traveling internationally. Use vacuum to pack your stuff to lighten the travel weight.Don’t skip the packing cubes. Minimize your toiletries by using travel-sized or solid versions(bar soap or shampoo). While packing, always layer instead of using bulky items. Wear your heaviest or bulkiest pair and limit your shoes. Roll your clothes instead of folding to avoid mess. Rent instead of pack to light pack.
Or you can use the 5 4 3 2 1 rule for packing. (5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 pair of shoes, 2 dresses or layers) Always pack depending on the weather.
Tip: Leave some empty space for souvenirs.
First-Aid kits
Prevention is better than cure so to prepare a stress free journey, I recommend you to include bandages. Antiseptic wipes, thermometer,scissors and tweezers, pain relievers ( like ibuprofen and paracetamol), medicine for potential stomach problems and other prescriptions if you’ve allergies and limited tolerance.
If you’re sensitive then take extra precautions to carry gloves, cotton pads & swabs and according to your prescriptions.
Tip: Don’t sacrifice your travel safety instead adjust into your kits.
Step 2: Do you think you can manage on your own?
Or do you need a travel agent? Traveling internationally solo doesn’t have to be a lonely experience.
Find your tour guide or find a local contact. Also find a traveler friend going to the same destination (hang out with other travellers).
But, while traveling alone you shouldn’t tell a soul that you’re traveling alone neither to a child, old people or anyone. And It’d be better if you find a local guide to roam around the place. Because most of the travel agencies will try to charge you more if you’re a foreigner. Another benefit of hiring a local guide is that they know the place better than anyone so you’ll get to know more about the place from the history to the current state.
But make sure to tip a local potter or local people if they’re ready to help you selflessly.
If you’re not a guide person then just get out there and enjoy your freedom of road it takes you.You get different perspective on how you see the place.Because “the man who walks alone is likely to find herself in places no one has ever been before”
Step 3: Be prepared for cultural shock!
Don’t feel overwhelmed if you get culture shock while traveling internationally. It is very normal and very common among movers. Instead of panicking, make up your mind and prepare yourself for unfamiliarity.
If you find yourself in awkward situation then then this way you can cope with culture shock:
- Research beforehand.
- Acknowledge your feelings.
- Immerse yourself.
- & Be patient and Blend in!
Get out of your comfort zone. Be comfortable with being uncomfortable while solo-travelling to a foreign place.
Step 4: Be safe while traveling
76% of women travelers said they would feel unsafe on holiday by themselves. Safety is the main reason for not travelling alone.So when you go out there and try to be open, remember to have your boundaries too!
Here is the International Travel Guidance that you can follow: (internal link)
Tips:
- Always turn on your gps and share live location to your close ones.
- Make sure to arrive at your next destination in daylight hours.
- Be Cautious with strangers. You don’t have to tell everyone that you’re traveling alone.
- Avoid over-populated areas unless you really love the crowd.
“Not all those who wander are lost”.
Step 5: Travel alone but don’t get lonely
Make friends, go out, be extroverted, talk to locals. Simple as that! Don’t try to overcomplicate everything. You don’t have to plan rigorously for everything, instead go with the flow. Try to stay in social accommodations like hostels. It is safe and cheap. Be open to meeting people by initiating conversations. Visit local social hubs.
At the end of the day you’re traveling internationally solo so accept that it’s okay to feel lonely.
Step 6: Gather knowledge beforehand.
Look for Personal stories online. Get the current situation of the country. Learn the most common phrases. Watch videos online or read recent news about the place. Learn a little about their history and do’s and don’ts. For example: If you’re planning to visit Japan then try to eat with chopsticks. WHY? Because it’s fun to try something new!
It is truly amazing to learn how one country is different from another with cultural, traditions, daily lifestyle aspects of life.
No matter where you go, learning beforehand saves you from shock and most of the unexpected.
Step 7: Don’t over-plan.
Don’t Overcomplicate Things! One in six people (15%) of us have already taken a holiday alone. Some might know how it already feels like.Traveling internationally is quite hectic, you may have to prepare and plan for every possible scenario. However, do not overthink about the plannings the more you try to manage and control the less you enjoy. You’ll live in constant panic mode instead of enjoying the journey.
Be patient!
Give time to Settle. Just take on the journey!
Step 8: Live like the locals
Eat like the locals!
Sleep like the locals!
Shop like locals!
Stay like locals!
You’re not traveling only for photos. So, be real and try to connect in real life!
Try to move beyond tourist traps by using public transport, eating at local restaurants, shopping at local markets. Don’t be a tourist, be a traveler to experience life and feel deep within.
Step 9: Not a good idea to tell everyone that you’re travelling alone!
Solo travel statistics show that travelling alone is popular amongst millennials and GenZ, with the Instagram #solotravel associated with 9.9 million posts to date. Mainly for women.Don’t tell anyone and I literally mean anyone you are alone. not a waiter, a nice old lady, a cute guy, someone who seems like a traveling friend, an Uber driver just Don’t Tell Anyone! Always say you are meeting a friend. Your family member is on the way. etc etc. That’s the best tip I give everyone who is solo traveling internationally for the first time.
Step 10: Keep Track of your belongings:
Secure everything!
I suggest you create a checklist of your belongings and check every time you switch places.
Categorize and label everything and assign a specific name for items or just stick stickers. You just take photos or videos of your times. If using a digital system, ensure you have a back up of your data.
Step 11: Always carry snacks and water.
It will not be so pleasant if you’re hangry while traveling. So always carry snacks and water wherever you go. You can also pack dry nuts, dried fruit and granola bars and bring an empty, reusable water bottle to fill up on the trips. It is very convenient, cost savings to stay hydrated and energized.
TIP: Make sure your snack will get validated by the airport security. I
Step 12: At last but not least, be respectful and kind.
Check your volume and always consider others.
Always say “please”, “thank you” “excuse me, do you speak english”, “sorry” like these basics. Just don’t forget your basic manner. But don’t be afraid to ask for help. Ask women if possible.
Simply be respectful and kind while traveling internationally.
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My Final Take on first solo travel internationally:
Take a breather.You’ll get full freedom of enjoying a place on your own. You’ll get a new perspective from deeper cultural immersion and new friendships. Settle into your destination. Give yourself time to absorb and adjust. You’ll find peace within. From mental and physical health benefits. Solo travels offer significant opportunities for personal growth, such as boosted self-confidence and self-reflections, independence and improved problem-solving skills.
Don’t overthink,
just go!
visit talktravel forums to see similar kind of discussions on solo travel
FAQs:
1. How to travel alone internationally as a woman for the first time?
A woman traveling internationally can be quite challenging at the same time it will be empowering, eye-opening, and deeply rewarding. You’ll feel rollercoaster of emotions but it’s all normal and nothing serious to worry about.
Choose beginner-friendly, safe destinations.
- Research local culture, scams, and laws.
- Book accommodation in central, well-reviewed areas.
- Share your itinerary with family/friends.
- Carry digital copies of important documents.
- Use reputable transport apps and avoid unmarked taxis.
- Keep valuables hidden; avoid flashy jewelry.
- Trust your instincts, leave uncomfortable situations.
- Avoid telling strangers you’re alone.
- Limit alcohol and stay in well-lit public areas at night.
- Pack light and use anti-theft bags.
- Keep emergency contacts easily accessible.
2. Is 27 too old to solo travel?
No, absolutely not! You’re at a great stage of life to solo travel. You need the age requirements to see the world, you can see it on our own terms there are not such age limits and restrictions to travel alone internationally.
3. Traveling alone for the first time captions?
Write your captions that come naturally to you. Or you can cite some good quotes on solo traveling.
– “Just me, my backpack, and a little bit of courage.”
– “You can be your own favorite company.”
– “Turning fear into freedom, one solo step at a time.”
– “Main character vibes(on vacation)”
4. What are the solo travel trends 2026?
– solo-groups.
– trending with self-care and meditations within nature lovers.
– choosing places with more “instagrammable” pictures.
5. Which country is safe for female travelers in 2026?
– Iceland
– Japan
– New Zealand
– Switzerland
– Canada
– Sweden
– Portugal
– Ireland
– Singapore
– Australia
-Slovenia – Europe’s Hidden Gem
6. Do hotels put trackers in towels?
You may have questions like do hotels put trackers in towels? Or see through (two-way) mirrors? Or other privacy concerns:
– Yes, a small tag sewn into the edge or hem of a towel or sheet that feels stiff, that’s usually the RFID chip or barcode so no need to worry!
– Some hotels like (honolulu) put RFID chips in towels, robes and linens, not for tracking guests but for reducing towel loss.
7. What food should I avoid when traveling alone?
– skip raw seafood or meat
– skip unhygienic street foods.
– contaminated water is the #1 cause of traveler’s diarrhea. So avoid tap water instead drink bottled or filtered water.
– avoid pre-cut salads or fruits.
– avoid undercovered / unsealed foods.
– beware of overly spicy or greasy foods.
8. How does travel affect cultural understanding?
– It turns “them” into “us”.
– It challenges your assumptions.
– Teaches you to adapt and immerse.
– Builds empathy, awareness and sparks lifelong curiosity.
9. Can you travel internationally with a travel permit?
Depends..
– A U.S. Green Card holder with a reentry Permit can visit countries that allow entry for U.S. residents, but they still need a passport from their country of citizenship.
– A refugee in Canada with a Refugee Travel Document can visit Germany (which recognizes it), but not the U.S. (which doesn’t).
– A UN staff member traveling with a Laissez-Passer can enter countries only if it’s officially accepted.
So, always check before you go, contact embassy or your own immigration authority.
