Why go alone
Solo travel has a reputation for being daunting, but many people who try it find it one of the most rewarding ways to see a place. You choose every museum, every meal and every lazy afternoon. You notice more because you are not in conversation all the time, and locals and fellow travellers often find it easier to strike up a conversation with someone on their own.
Europe is an excellent region for a first solo trip. Distances are short, public transport is generally good, and cities such as Vienna, Lisbon, Dublin and Amsterdam are welcoming and easy to navigate.
Plan the first and last days
Arriving alone in an unfamiliar place is easier if the first few hours are sorted. Book your first night's accommodation in advance, know how you will get there from the airport, and aim to arrive in daylight if possible. Save the address and a map offline. Similarly, plan your journey back to the airport so the trip ends calmly.
Choose accommodation in a central, lively area with good reviews from solo travellers. Hotels with a 24-hour reception and hostels with private rooms are both good options.
Stay safe without being anxious
Share your itinerary with someone at home and check in with them regularly. Keep a copy of your documents in the cloud and carry a backup card separately from your main one. Be alert in crowded places where pickpockets operate, and trust your instincts: if a place or person makes you uncomfortable, leave.
Moderate your drinking when out alone, keep an eye on your drink, and know how you are getting home at night. Licensed taxis or official ride apps are generally a safer choice than accepting lifts from strangers.
Meeting people and enjoying your own company
Walking tours, cooking classes, day trips and food tours are easy ways to meet others without committing to spending the whole trip together. Eating alone gets easier with practice: sitting at the bar or counter is often more sociable than a table, and lunch is less intimidating than dinner.
Build in some quiet time too. A book in a park, a long coffee or an evening walk along the river are some of the real pleasures of travelling solo.
Good to know
- Book your first night and plan the airport transfer before you leave.
- Share your itinerary with someone at home.
- Join a walking tour on day one to get your bearings and meet people.