The first time I traveled solo was in 2016. I didn’t really plan it properly; I just knew I wanted to go somewhere, and once that thought was in my head, I couldn’t let it go. Thailand ended up being my choice mainly because it was the easiest option at the time. 

The flight tickets were already way too expensive when I decided to go. The cheapest option left was taking a bus, which sounds exhausting now, but back then, I didn’t care. Everything about the trip was very last-minute. I even made my passport only a few days before leaving. I remember waiting in line for more than 7 hours just to get it done. Looking back now, it does sound a bit crazy, but at that moment, it felt like something I had to do.

Did my parents know about this plan? Yes, but only when I was already on the way to Thailand. I didn’t tell them beforehand because I knew they would worry, and I didn’t want to hear anything that might make me change my mind. I figured it was easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.

During the trip, I met a few solo travelers from my own country, and somehow we ended up sticking together and traveling as a group. The trip was really fun, and it was also the moment I realized that I actually enjoy traveling alone. I liked the freedom of it, the randomness, the fact that I could just go with the flow and how fearless it makes me feel knowing that not everyone dares to do it.

A few months later, I booked a trip to Greece. It was my first time flying, and honestly, I was scared. I had no idea how planes worked, no idea what to expect at the airport, and no one with me to ask questions. Everything felt confusing and unfamiliar, and I remember feeling out of place the whole time, like I was doing something I wasn’t fully ready for. But at the same time, I kept telling myself to just go through with it and see what happens.

Surprisingly, the trip went smoothly. Nothing went wrong, I didn’t get lost, and I didn’t miss any flights. Once I arrived, all the fear slowly faded away, and I ended up having one of the best times of my life. That trip gave me so much confidence and made me realize that most of the things I’m scared of only exist in my head. 

After years of traveling solo, I’ve learned a lot from my own mistakes, experiences, and moments of doubt. So in this post, I want to share some tips and thoughts for anyone who wants to start traveling solo but feels scared, unsure, or doesn’t know where to begin—because I was once in that exact same place.

✅ Don’t Think Too Much

If you think too much, you will start doubting yourself. I know this because I’ve been there. The more you think, the more excuses you’ll find, and suddenly, that idea that once excited you feels scary for no reason. So honestly, don’t overthink it. Once the thought pops into your head, just do it. Don’t question yourself too much. Don’t wait until you feel “ready,” because that moment might never come.

Yes, it’s scary at first. Of course it is. The fear doesn’t disappear immediately, and that’s okay. But once you start going through the process—booking the flight, planning the trip, actually showing up—the fear slowly fades away. 

If you ask me, I always recommend that every woman should travel solo at least once in her lifetime. It teaches you so much about yourself. Doubt and fear will always be there. The difference between us isn’t that I’m fearless—it’s that I feel all those fears and still choose to go. I travel with the fear, not without it. And every time I do, I end up gaining experiences that stay with me for life. Stories I get to carry with me, stories I get to tell, and memories that remind me that I was brave enough to try.

And honestly, that alone makes it worth it. 

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✅ Start With a Nearby Country That Feels Safe

In the past, I would’ve recommended Thailand as a first solo travel destination. But now, if you’re just starting out, I’d honestly recommend Bali, Indonesia. I’ve traveled there solo many times, and no matter how often I go, I always feel safe there. It’s one of those places where traveling alone doesn’t feel too overwhelming, especially for your first time.

If you do go to Bali, I’d suggest staying in areas that are full of tourists, like Legian or Kuta. These places are busy, lively, and easier to navigate, which really helps when you’re traveling alone. There are always people around, transportation is easy to find, and everything just feels more familiar and less intimidating.

You can also start in your own country. Explore everywhere. A lot of people forget this, but it still counts as solo travel, and it’s actually a great way to build confidence before going abroad. And if you do want to travel to another country, start with the nearest one. 

But, before you go, do some research. Nothing too extreme, just enough to make you feel prepared. Use Google Maps, look at the area you’ll be staying in, and try to understand what’s nearby. Knowing where you are and where you’re going makes a huge difference, especially when you’re traveling alone. Preparation doesn’t kill the adventure—it just helps you feel safer and more confident.

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Ask yourself simple but important questions. Do I need a visa? What are the current airport rules? What am I allowed to bring, and what am I not? How does immigration work in this country? In some places, the process is different and knowing what to expect really helps. Even small things matter, like whether you need to check in your bag, what the weight limit is, or how strict the airline is.

I remember being confused about the smallest details at first, and that confusion can easily turn into panic if you’re not prepared. So study everything. Read articles, watch videos, and check official websites. Use Google. This doesn’t mean you have to plan every single second of your trip, but knowing the basics will save you from unnecessary stress.

This is important so you won’t feel lost, overwhelmed, or scared when something unexpected happens. When you’re prepared, you move with more confidence. And when you’re confident, traveling solo feels a lot more enjoyable and less scary.

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✅ Don’t Rely Only on Digital

I know we all have everything on our phones now. Maps, bookings, tickets, contacts—literally our whole life is in there. And yes, it’s convenient. But hear me out. Things can happen, and you never really know when they will.

Your phone can die. You can lose it. There might be no internet. And when you’re traveling solo, especially in a foreign country, those small problems can suddenly feel very big. That’s why it’s important to always have backups.

Make sure you bring hard copies of important documents. Print your passport details, your itinerary, flight information, hotel bookings—everything that matters. I also recommend bringing extra passport photos with you. You might not need them, but if you do, you’ll be very glad you have them.

Another important thing is to write down phone numbers. Emergency contacts, family members, maybe even your hotel. Write them on paper and keep them somewhere in your bag, not just on your phone. That way, even if something goes wrong, you still have a way to contact someone.

It might sound a bit old-school, but trust me, being prepared like this gives you peace of mind. And when you’re traveling alone, peace of mind is everything.

✅ Don’t Tell Anyone You’re Traveling Solo

This one is actually really important. You never know someone’s intentions, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Don’t tell anyone before you go, and don’t tell anyone once you’re at your destination either. Whether it’s a taxi driver, someone you meet on the street, or even someone who seems friendly, just say you’re with someone. “My friend is waiting for me” or “I’m with my family” works perfectly.

You don’t have to lie a lot, just enough to make it clear that you’re not completely alone. Keep your plans to yourself, but don’t forget to share your location with your close friends or family so they know where you are and that you’re safe.

And don’t share everything online in real time. I personally always wait until I’m out of that country to post my travel photos on social media. If you post while you’re traveling, people can find out where you are, and honestly, it can disturb your privacy. These days, someone can search almost anything online, and for your safety, keep it private. This small step really gives you safety and peace of mind. 

✅ Conclusion

Traveling solo taught me things I don’t think I could’ve learned any other way. It taught me independence, confidence, and how to trust myself. Especially when you’re young, this is the kind of lesson that stays with you for life. You won’t always have the time, the energy, or the freedom you have right now—so if you can, use it.

You don’t have to be fearless to explore the world. You just have to be willing to try. You’ll make mistakes, you’ll feel scared, and you’ll have moments where you question yourself—but you’ll also grow in ways you never expected. And one day, you’ll look back and be grateful that you were brave enough to go.

So if you’re young, curious, and feeling that little voice inside you telling you to explore—listen to it. Travel if you can. See new places. Learn about yourself. Because the world has so much to teach you, and some of the most important lessons can only be learned when you step outside your comfort zone.

Book that flight. Book that hotel. Even if your hands are shaking while doing it, just do it anyway.

And trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.

—Auri Duham🌼