There’s never a right or wrong time to begin seeing the world by yourself. You’re never too old to try, and if you’re reading this, then you’re most likely not too young to begin either. We tend to believe that age equates to one’s level of intelligence, independence, and maturity; though, I would argue that this is rarely the case. In my experience, some of the brightest, most well-traveled, brave, and capable individuals are under the age of 30- an unexpected reality that you truly come to recognize while experiencing the world for yourself.
I can attest that traveling solo for the first time altered my brain chemistry (for the better), gave me the confidence to trust myself, allowed me the opportunity to form beautiful bonds with individuals from around the world, and helped me to gain perspective surrounding the depths of cross-cultural knowledge.
Listening to the stories of strangers from all corners of the planet always reminds me of how vast our earth is and how limitless our human experiences can be. Sharing experiences with international connections in unfamiliar parts of the world reveals that we were put on this floating rock to connect with each other and grow from one another, regardless of age, occupation, ethnicity, etc.
If solo-traveling is something that has ever crossed your mind, or is something you’ve ever been curious to know more about, I ask that you stick with me and keep reading.
Oh, and I almost forgot! PLEASE, please, please feel free to join my “Solo Travel with Sarah” WhatsApp Group to be a part of a community where I share travel tips, upcoming adventures, and travel discounts, and exchange stories with individuals from around the world.
Where should I Solo Travel as a First-Timer?
As someone who has spent lots of time traipsing around the EU, staying in hostels, country-hopping, and making friends along the way with ease, I would highly suggest beginning with Europe just as I did.
Europe checks all the boxes for a first-time solo trip. First, transportation is a dream- buses and trains connect most major cities and towns, and budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet make hopping between countries fast and cheap. You can plan a whole multi-country itinerary without needing a car. Second, the language barrier is less intimidating than you might think. In most parts of Western and Central Europe, English is widely spoken, especially in hostels, restaurants, and transportation hubs. Third, it’s one of the safest regions to travel solo, with well-developed infrastructure, good healthcare access, and low violent crime rates in most places. Another big perk is the hostel culture. You’ll find well-reviewed hostels in nearly every city, many with organized events, communal dinners, and tours that make meeting other travelers effortless.
The prevalence of backpacking culture is strong, allowing you to meet like-minded people sharing similar endeavours, regardless of the time of year you choose to travel. It’s totally normal (and easy) to strike up a conversation in the common room of a hostel and end up exploring the city with someone new. Trust me, I know all about this part.
Whether you’re navigating a new metro system or figuring out where to eat, Europe makes it feel like you’re never truly on your own, which is huge when you’re just starting. On top of all of that, remaining on another continent for a full 3 months (90 days to be exact) at a time without any Visa concerns, need for a prebooked return flight, or added stressors makes Europe an undeniably strong choice if you are seeking to travel for an extended period of time.
Solo travel locations in Europe that I recommend based on my experiences visiting:
Based on my own solo travel experiences, there are a handful of European destinations I’d recommend without hesitation.
Portugal is a fantastic country to explore on your own- it’s affordable, safe, and full of character. Lisbon has a creative, coastal vibe with great hostels and endless viewpoints. I fell in love the moment I stepped foot in the city and could’ve stayed for weeks (or longer) if time allowed. Porto is smaller and cozier, perfect for slow wandering and riverside wine tasting, but also boasts a strong nightlife and endless daytime activities. Porto is easily a top 5 city on my list of favorites, and I 100% intend to return. Lagos and Albufeira, down in the Algarve, are ideal if you’re craving beach days, stunning cliffsides and seascapes, and a fun social scene. Overall, Portugal is one of the most well-rounded and perfect countries that I’ve ever been fortunate enough to visit and live in.
Let’s talk Spain! If you’re seeking to experience a country with unmatched energy and a range of diversity between cities, you might just be reading about THE place. In the south, Sevilla, Malaga, and Granada are rich in culture, food, and walkability- plus, they’re more relaxed and budget-friendly compared to many bigger cities. I easily bounced along the southern coast via bus and train, falling in love with each new day trip and city, and I highly recommend this route. Madrid and Barcelona are major hubs with strong solo travel infrastructure, buzzing nightlife, and boast never-ending lists of things to do. I would argue that both of these well-loved destinations are some of the liveliest cities to visit as a solo traveler for good reason.
If you are looking to start by immersing yourself in nature and adventure, Switzerland might just be the place to book your flight. Zurich is clean, modern, and safe, while Interlaken is an adrenaline junkie’s dream, with everything from paragliding to hiking surrounded by unreal views. I personally found Interlaken to be the dreamiest home base that I could’ve hoped for, and being in such close proximity to fairytale places such as Lucerne and Grindelwald was magical.
Of course, if you ask me, Italy is simply the place that dreams are made of. Florence is full of art and charm, and it felt strangely like home to me. I could’ve stayed, and learned, and explored in Florence for ages, and I have a feeling you’ll never be ready to leave either. Rome’s rich history and never-ending pasta can be seen and felt, and sniffed out around every corner. Cinque Terre gives you five postcard-worthy villages to hike between, all solo-travel friendly and beautifully connected by train. Although I spent a minimal number of days in the Cinque Terre villages, I would love to return and take them a bit slower- perhaps dedicate more time to the exquisite (and challenging) hikes, and really get a feel for local life there because it is so incredibly prevalent in the less touristy towns.
Europe Travel Essentials Packing Guide (Amazon-friendly):
When planning a big trip abroad, we so often find ourselves flustered and stressed when trying to pack properly and show up with every possible essential. Here’s a simple and straightforward list of items that you can find entirely on Amazon. I swear by all of these, and recommend them for anyone preparing for a European (or anywhere) solo trip.
Check out my full Amazon Storefront here!
My perfect travel backpack: Osprey Fairview 55L Women’s Travel Backpack
Packing cubes that will save your life: Packing cubes and another style of Packing cubes
For the jewelry girl who needs to bring every favorite piece: Travel Jewelry Case
Universal travel adapter ideal for hostels: Universal Travel Adapter
My holy grail long-life portable charger: Long-Life Portable Charger
THE Sneakers for 50k steps a day that match everything: Reebok Sneakers
Go-to Sunglasses: Fav sunnies and More fav sunnies
My perfect travel purse to fit all the essentials: Travel Purse
Hanging toiletry + makeup bag (hostel-friendly): Toiletry X makeup bag
How to make travel more immersive and budget-friendly:
Once you’ve chosen where to go, how you travel can make just as much of a difference as where. Over time, I’ve found a few simple strategies that not only save money but also make the experience far more immersive, authentic, and rewarding. Solo travel doesn’t have to mean expensive hotels and tourist traps- it can look like community, slow mornings, and living like a local (even if just for a few days).
Stay in hostels – If you’re new to the hostel world, don’t let outdated stereotypes fool you. Today’s hostels range from ultra-social to boutique and cozy. They’re affordable, centrally located, and most importantly, they make it easy to meet people. From free walking tours and communal kitchens to pub crawls and yoga classes, hostels are the perfect hub for solo travelers looking to connect and get oriented in a new city. I personally love nothing more than a rooftop hostel, and it’s not uncommon to find high-quality ones with amenities such as pools and cafes as well.
Try work exchanges through Worldpackers – One of the most meaningful and affordable ways I’ve traveled is through work exchanges. Platforms like Worldpackers connect you with hostels, eco-retreats, guesthouses, and more where you volunteer a few hours a day in exchange for free accommodation, and sometimes meals. It’s a great way to slow down, become part of a local community, and keep costs low while still living out your travel dreams.
*If you’re interested in a Worldpackers membership in order to dive into immersive work exchange experiences like I have, save yourself some money and use the code “SARAHB” for $10 off an already low-cost membership. You can get your Worldpackers Membership here!
Shop at grocery stores instead of always eating out – Eating out for every meal adds up fast, especially in big cities or touristy areas. I love exploring local markets and grocery stores for snacks, picnic lunches, or even simple meals I can prep at my hostel. It saves money and also gives you a fun peek into daily life, what locals are buying, seasonal ingredients, and the rhythm of the city beyond the restaurant scene. Hostels tend to have vast spaces to store refrigerated and pantry items for the benefit of budget-saving backpackers.
Opt for buses or train passes when possible – Transportation is often one of the biggest expenses, but there are smart ways to keep it manageable. In many European countries, buses are significantly cheaper than trains and can be surprisingly comfortable. In fact, I thoroughly enjoyed dozens of bus and train rides while recently traveling through Portugal and Spain and found that these travel days allowed me to actually slow down, do some on-the-go planning, and reflect on my experiences while soaking up beautiful countryside and coastline views. If you’re planning to visit multiple countries and are more of a Type A person who needs structure and to plan some things in advance, look into rail passes like the Eurail Pass. It can be a solid deal if you map out your routes in advance. Just be flexible and always compare options before booking.
*I must note- I am a firm believer that planning out everything for a solo trip in advance takes away much of the magic that makes this style of endeavor so special. I HAVE purchased and used a Eurail pass for a more planned-out trip with a friend; however, I believe a solo trip is enhanced by a more free-flowing itinerary that allows you wiggle room to stay longer in a place that you fall in love with and leave sooner in a place that you feel fulfilled by in less time than you originally anticipated.
Mindset and Safety Tips:
Of course, once you’ve figured out where to go and how to travel smart, the next big hurdle is usually internal- what if it’s lonely? what if it’s unsafe? what if I can’t handle it on my own? These questions are normal, but they shouldn’t stop you from going. So let’s talk honestly about the mindset shifts and safety tips that helped me feel confident before and during my first solo trip.
You don’t have to have it all figured out – One of the biggest myths about solo travel is that you need to plan every second or have some big, brave personality to pull it off. The truth is, you just need to start. Book your first few nights, have a rough route, and let the rest unfold. Flexibility is your best friend, and often the most memorable experiences are the ones you didn’t see coming.
Being alone doesn’t mean being lonely – Yes, there will be quiet moments, but that’s part of the beauty. Solo travel teaches you how to enjoy your own company, how to sit at a café without distractions, and how to be present. And if you’re craving connection? Hostels, walking tours, group excursions, and even apps like TripBFF make it so easy to meet people.
Trust your gut- it’s a real travel skill. One of the most valuable things solo travel teaches you is how to listen to your instincts. If a street feels sketchy, leave. If a person makes you uncomfortable, walk away. On the flip side, if something calls to you, say yes. Learn to trust yourself, and that skill will serve you far beyond travel.
Basic safety rules go a long way – Share your location with someone you trust, avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and keep an eye on your drink. I also keep digital and paper copies of important documents, use a crossbody bag with zippers, and make sure my phone is always charged (or ensure I at least have a portable charger on hand). It’s not about being afraid—it’s about being prepared so you can relax and enjoy.
I recognize that the idea of traveling alone in a foreign part of the world, as a young female in particular, can seem pretty intimidating. I also understand that many people may never feel called to embrace such a particular style of experience because of factors ranging from fear to lack of interest. For me, experiencing the world in its purest form by myself is something that’s always been on my heart and mind. It’s something that called to me, quietly at first, and then louder, until I couldn’t ignore it anymore. There’s something about it that always felt inevitable, like somewhere deep down, I knew I was meant to experience the world this way.
Not waiting on someone else’s schedule.
Not watering down the dream to make it more comfortable.
Just me, the unknown, and an array of limitless options ahead.
Still, even when a dream is burning inside you, it can feel scary to act on it.
It’s one thing to want it, and a whole other thing to book the flight, sling a backpack over your shoulder, and step into a place where no one knows your name.
But here’s what I can tell you from experience: once you start, the fear melts faster than you think.
It’s about trusting yourself enough to let life surprise you.
What Has Solo Travel Taught Me?
Independence isn’t just practical. It’s powerful.
Learning how to navigate new cities, cultures, and challenges on your own builds a kind of quiet strength you carry with you forever. It seeps into every part of your life.
The right people always find you.
You don’t have to “know someone” to have connection. One conversation in a hostel, one shared bottle of wine, one spontaneous sunset hike — these are the moments where strangers become friends, even if only for a chapter.
Discomfort is where growth lives.
There will be days that feel messy. Lonely. Overwhelming.
But it’s in those moments that you realize you can handle it — and that’s when true confidence is born.
The world is so much bigger and kinder than your fears.
Every time I’ve asked for directions, joined a walking tour, or showed up to a hostel solo, I’ve been met with smiles, generosity, and open hearts.
If You’re Dreaming of Going Solo, Here’s My Best Advice:
Stay somewhere social, even if you’re introverted.
Hostels, co-living spaces, or even boutique hotels with common areas create natural opportunities to meet other travelers without forcing it.
Say yes to small adventures.
Join a day tour. Take a cooking class. Go on that sunrise hike. You don’t have to plan your entire trip around meeting people, you just have to open the door a little bit.
Lead with openness, not fear.
Smile. Start the conversation. Ask someone where they’re from or what’s on their bucket list. Trust me, 99% of travelers are looking for connection just like you are.
Trust your instincts.
The world is beautiful, but you still have to be smart. If something feels off, listen to that. Solo travel hones your intuition in ways nothing else can.
You don’t have to be fearless to travel alone.
You just have to be willing to be a little brave- brave enough to believe that the life you dream about is worth stepping outside your comfort zone for.
The world is waiting for you!
Sincerely,
SB
Love this guide! Solo travel at any age is such a rewarding experience. One tip I would add for long-term travelers is to get your mailing address and residency squared away before you leave so you are not scrambling to handle paperwork while exploring new places.