Solo Travel 101 - Part 1: Choose the Right Destination

_{This is part one of our 6 part “Solo Travel Planning 101: A Step-by-Step Guide”.} 

_{In this series, you’ll learn how to pick the perfect destination, apps that will help you travel easier and safer, how to pack smart, prep mentally and emotionally, and create a flexible itinerary that leaves room for adventure. Whether you're a planner or a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-backpack kind of person, you’ll walk away with everything you need to feel ready—and excited—for your first solo trip.}

I still remember poring over over every detail in my “Europe through the Back Door” and Let’s Go Europe” guidebooks, trying to plan my very first solo trip (anyone else remember travelling pre-internet when you picked up the phone to make reservations and carried paper maps in the 90’s ?).   With approximately $500 in my pocket and mild panic setting in, and the thought: What have I gotten myself into? Was I brave… or just slightly unhinged? (Spoiler: both. And it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.)

If you’re here, chances are you’re curious about solo travel—but maybe feeling a little overwhelmed. That’s totally normal. The idea of planning everything yourself—flights, safety, packing, what even is a capsule wardrobe—can feel like a lot. But don’t worry, this guide is here to walk you through it all step by step, minus the stress and plus some helpful, hard earned tips.

I’ve broken it into a six part series because it turned out I had A LOT I wanted to share with you, (honestly I get so excited to share with other solo travellers, I can’t help myself)

You’ll learn how to pick the perfect destination, apps that will help you travel easier and safer, how to pack smart, prep mentally and emotionally, and create a flexible itinerary that leaves room for adventure. Whether you're a planner or a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-backpack kind of person, you’ll walk away with everything you need to feel ready—and excited—for your first solo trip.

Ready to plan your freedom-filled adventure? Let’s do this.

First up: Choose the Right Destination

So you are ready to travel, and you are going to do it solo!  Congratulations, you have just made a decision that’s going to change you in the best possible ways.  But picking the right destination for your solo adventure is kind of like dating: you want excitement, but not the kind that involves running from wild animals. Here’s how to swipe right on your perfect travel match.

How to Pick a Place That Matches Your Comfort Level & Interests

Start by being brutally honest with yourself. Do you thrive on chaos, or does the idea of a crowded night market send you into a panic spiral? Are you looking to lie on a beach sipping something with a tiny umbrella, or do you want to hike up a mountain and find yourself (and possibly a herd of goats)?

Here’s a quick gut-check:

• Introvert? Look for peaceful places with nature, slower pace, and fewer crowds. Think small towns, cozy cafes, or anywhere you can people-watch without necessarily participating. Certain countries also tend to have more or less introverted cultures.  Travel through Norway or Sweden and you’ll find a lot of people just like you that won’t ask uncomfortable questions, or expect you to sit at communal tables.  Although as an introvert myself, I actually find more extroverted countries helpful since I won’t initiate or approach, it helps if the locals are more likely to just include me with no effort on my part.  
• Culture lover? Cities rich in history, museums, and architecture are your jam.  There are also specific historic sites further out you may want to consider if you have a specific interest.  Think about what interests you specifically and dig into the best locations to explore that.  
• Adventure seeker? Go big with places offering treks, diving, surfing, or at least some good hiking trails. There are lots of great tour companies offering solo adventure travel as well if you want to travel solo but not actually adventure alone.  Check out companies like Flashpack, and G Adventures.    
• Foodie? Honestly, you can go anywhere—but make sure your stomach and local cuisine are going to get along. (Looking at you, street food in Bangkok. Delicious but... tread carefully.)  You can also hook up with a foodie tour in most major cities and get a local perspective and some fellow foodies to share the experience with.
  
  

Basically, start where you’ll feel most at ease. You can always push your comfort zone a little (it’s called growth!)—but start with a destination that you are interested in and feel comfortable with.  Also consider the language.  Starting your solo travel era with a country where you either speak the language, or many locals speak yours, is a great way to make the whole journey easier and safer for yourself.

Safety Considerations for Women

Okay, let’s get real for a sec: while solo travel can be empowering and exhilarating, it’s also smart to be mindful of safety—especially for women. That doesn't mean you need to wrap yourself in bubble wrap or travel with a whistle around your neck (though honestly, whistles are kinda underrated), but some precautions are just common sense with a side of Girl Scout wisdom.

Here are a few basics:

• Research local customs and dress codes—not to conform, but to respect and avoid unwanted attention. I personally believe we should be able to dress in whatever we want, but there are countries where you can be arrested or worse for not complying, so do your research and be smart. 
  
  
• Read up on neighborhoods to avoid after dark. Every city has that one sketchy corner that even the locals avoid.
  
  
• Stay connected—share your itinerary with a friend or family member, and check in periodically. Think of it as your "safety buddy system," just like summer camp.
  
  
• Trust your gut. If a situation feels off, you don’t owe anyone politeness. Be rude, be abrupt, walk away. You’re not there to make friends with creeps.
  
  

There are more good people than bad in the world, and honestly, you should be able to go anywhere you want to, as a woman, but you know as well as I do, that women need to be more vigilant wherever they are in the world, including where you live, and it is more fun to explore when you feel safe and confident doing it.

Recommended Starter Destinations for Solo Travellers

So, you’ve decided to take the leap—heck yes! Now comes the fun part: picking where to go. If you’re new to solo travel, it helps to choose destinations that are safe, easy to navigate, and packed with things to see and do (bonus points for wine, beaches, or castles). These five fabulous places check all the boxes for solo women travellers, whether you're craving culture, sunshine, or a full-blown main character moment.

🇬🇧 London, England

Ah, London—the perfect mix of posh, historic, and mind the gap. It’s incredibly solo-friendly, with efficient public transport, loads of free museums, and locals who are helpful in a non overwhelming way.

Why it’s great:

• English-speaking (so you can ask where the bathroom is without miming)
  
  
• Walkable neighborhoods and great public transit
  
  
• Tons to do, even on a rainy day (which will happen, let’s be real)
  
  

Must-sees:

• The British Museum (free and massive)
  
  
• Tower Bridge + Tower of London (go full medieval)
  
  
• A West End show because, yes, you are that cultured
  
  

🇫🇷 Nice, France

Nice is like Paris’s relaxed, sun-kissed cousin who drinks rosé by the sea and doesn’t judge your French skills. The French Riviera vibe is perfect for solo exploring, with beach days, old-town strolls, and stunning day trips just a train ride away.

Why it’s great:

• Safe, scenic, and slower-paced
  
  
• Great mix of beach + culture
  
  
• Easy access to other dreamy towns like Èze, Antibes and Monaco
  
  

Must-sees:

• Promenade des Anglais for golden hour strolls
  
  
• Old Town (Vieux Nice) for colorful charm and socca snacks
  
  
• Matisse Museum if you're feeling artsy
  
  

🇻🇮 St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

Want paradise without even needing a passport if you are American? Say hello to St. Thomas. With turquoise waters, welcoming locals, and a chill vibe, it’s the Caribbean made easy—and safe—for solo travellers.

Why it’s great:

• No passport required for U.S. citizens
  
  
• Laid-back, beachy, and beginner-friendly
  
  
• Plenty of excursions where you’ll meet fellow travellers
  
  

Must-sees:

• Magens Bay for pure beach bliss
  
  
• A boat trip to nearby St. John or snorkelling with sea turtles
  
  
• Paradise Point for a killer view (and possibly a fruity drink in hand)
  
  

🇸🇪 Stockholm, Sweden

Scandinavian cool meets storybook charm. Stockholm is clean, safe, and filled with “Am I in a fairytale?” moments. It’s a great intro to solo travel with a strong emphasis on sustainability, design, and excellent public bathrooms (you’ll appreciate this more than you think).

Why it’s great:

• Ranked one of the safest cities in Europe
  
  
• English is widely spoken
  
  
• Excellent public transportation and coffee culture
  
  

Must-sees:

• Gamla Stan (Old Town) for cobblestones and cozy cafés
  
  
• Vasa Museum (because yes, they built a museum around a shipwreck)
  
  
• Fika! Experience the national pastime of coffee + pastry.   

 🇵🇫 French Polynesia

Dreaming of clear turquoise water, lush green peaks, and that "I might never leave" feeling? French Polynesia might be known for luxury honeymoons, but it’s also a hidden gem for solo women travellers—especially if you’re craving beauty, calm, and a little Polynesian magic.

Why it’s great:

• Incredibly warm, welcoming locals
• Easygoing vibe that makes solo travel feel safe and relaxed
• Postcard-perfect beaches, lagoons, and sunsets (without needing a honeymoon package)

Must-sees:

• Take a ferry to Moorea—laid-back, stunning, and easy to navigate solo
• Snorkel with rays and reef sharks in Bora Bora’s lagoon (brave but worth it)
• Explore the local markets in Papeete for fresh fruit, crafts, and culture
• Bonus: You’ll leave with sand in your shoes, flower leis in your suitcase, and zero regrets.

Whether you're craving castle strolls, beach days, or just want to roam somewhere new with a croissant in hand, these destinations offer the right mix of ease, beauty, and confidence-building solo adventure. So... which one’s calling your name?

Next up: Part two of the series is “Set a Budget for your Solo Trip”

Money talk is not the most thrilling part of planning, but oh-so-essential. Budget now so future-you can sip cocktails on a rooftop without checking your bank account and whispering, “Please don’t decline.”