Table of Contents
Introduction
Have you always wanted to know how to travel solo with confidence? I remember my first solo trip like it was yesterday. A few weeks or months before my 25th birthday, I had a picnic with my girls, and later that same day we went out to dinner. Over food and laughter, one of them asked, “What are you doing for your birthday?” I said, “I really want to go on holiday, but I feel like it would be weird, and honestly a little scary, going by myself.”
They all reassured me:
“No, it’s not weird at all!”
One of them even said:
“You need to live your life, girl.”
That sentence changed my life. And honestly has stuck with me ever since.
That very night, I booked my first full-on solo trip to Berlin and since then, I’ve travelled solo to over 10 countries.
So why am I sharing this?
Because I want you to feel that same confidence. I want you to travel solo. And explore everything you’ve dreamed of, without waiting on anyone else.
In this post, I’ll be sharing how to travel solo and giving you all my tips and tricks to do this. Because, as my dear friends will have said, you really deserve to live your life, girl.
If you are asking “does solo travel get lonely?” then you might be best reading this first – Is Solo Travel Lonely? Let’s Discuss
What is solo travel?
I always think people have different versions of what the term solo travel or travel solo truly means. I’ve done lots of travel where I have left the country and met people in said country.
For example:
- Some people may say it counts if you fly alone but meet friends abroad. I have done this a lot where I have met friends in the USA to go Coachella, Portugal to Iceland, Australia and more.
- Others on the other hand, may think joining a group tour with a travel company also counts as solo. I have done this a lot where I have travelled to India, Peru and Jordan with a travel called GoJolley, and then Gambia, Senegal, Togo and Benin with a company called AjalaTravelTours.
Would you consider these scenarios solo travel?
Personally, I wouldn’t.
Travel Solo, to me, means going somewhere completely by yourself.
As a solo travel women myself, I see solo travelling as me writing a love letter to myself. You plan your itinerary, decide where you’ll eat and sleep, and handle everything solo. You might meet people along the way, but there’s no one to split bills with or share planning responsibilities. It’s all on you. And for me, that’s where the magic happens. Because if you can execute a solo trip by yourself, then you can do anything, honestly.
I’m making this distinction because although these tips I’m about to share can be useful for all travellers, they’re especially going to help the women who’ve never travelled solo before and want a real, step-by-step guide to get started.
Picking Your First Destination
You are going to want to start with a country that’s easy to navigate for you. It needs to considered relatively safe, rich in culture and flavour if you like a foodie destination like me. I would highly recommend getting on Skyscanner and clicking everywhere and flexible dates. That way you go somewhere that is both affordable and makes sense to you.
Here are a few great options for beginners:
- Germany – My first solo trip that changed my life for the better. I would say that Berlin is a great solo-friendly city with great transport and loads to do. I did a day trip and have everything I did here.
- Colombia – If you’re ready for a South American adventure, go to Cartagena you won’t regret it! The food is phenomenal. It’s perfect for those that love colours, trying new foods and dancing with Palenqueras, women known for their vibrant traditional clothing and joyful dances, often found in the historic city centre. You can read my full guide here.
- Portugal – Is super friendly, walkable, and affordable. I would highly recommend going to Lisbon. You will enjoy the egg tarts and the good food. Looking for a detailed guide? Read it here.
- Ghana – Yes I know I have gone for work, but honestly I felt really safe all the time! And people often talk about great community vibe, music, food, and culture. I don’t have a personal travel guide but I know people that have travelled for fun which you can locate here.
- Croatia – I have always wanted to go and I absolute loved it. The coasts, the scenery and the welcoming locals are all amazing. And the fresh fish I would say this is the perfect solo trip for first times. Find the full guide here.
Staying safe
Staying save is the utmost important thing for me. I never feel anyone should be travelling solo and feel unsafe. Staying safe and solo travelling can be done easily, but you need to strategic.
For me it’s always been:
- Using Ubers, and other online transport apps over local taxis,
- Trusting instincts (it’s there to protect you.
- Not telling people you are travelling solo and much more
- Using apps like Viator and GetYourGuide for tours. And if you love food try EatWith.
Dealing with loneliness or nerves
Yes, solo travel can be intimidating. I’m not sugar coating anything here, if you’re going for the first I think it can be particularly intimidating.
Here’s what’s helped me:
- I bring my journal and jot down my prayers thoughts and feelings. It’s also a good way to write about things I’ve done so I can write about it later.
- I plan a dinner out and treat myself like I’m that babe. Before you even go on a solo trip you should try going out and take yourself out on a date in your own city. GAME CHANGER!
- I stay connected through video calls with loved ones.
- I have a tight itinerary so I’m not wandering aimlessly.
Eating Alone with Confidence
Eating alone can feel intimidating at first. I fully get it. You might wonder if people are staring or judging, but here’s the truth: most people are too busy enjoying their own meals to notice. And most of the time people will actually speak to you.
Here’s how I’ve gone about eating alone while solo travelling:
- Pick a spot you feel comfortable in – Start with cafés or places with counter seating. Outdoor dining spots are also great.
- Bring a book or journal – Or even your phone. It gives you something to do and helps you ease into the experience.
- Dress how you want to feel – A little confidence in your outfit goes a long way.
- Own it – You’re not waiting for someone. You’re choosing to be there. There’s power in that.
Honestly, some of my most peaceful, fulfilling moments abroad have been sitting with good food, people-watching, and soaking it all in. You deserve that too. Read more: Eating Solo Abroad: 8 Tips To Enjoy Eating Out Without Feeling Awkward
Building confidence
On every solo trip your confidence will just keep on growing. I have travelled so much with people, travels groups and solo. That I have come to realise that my favourite type of trips are solo because of the confidence it gives me.
Here are some ways to boost your solo travel confidence:
- Dress in a way that makes you feel good and culturally respectful.
- Take your own photos (yes, even if it feels awkward). I use my ATUMTEK Selfi Stick and it’s great! You can buy yours here.
- Remind yourself that you belong wherever you are. You are beautiful, bold Black a Woman and deserve to see the world.
The Practical Travel Solo Stuff – You Need for Your Solo Travels
Here’s a short checklist to help you get ready:
- Book travel insurance like please. Don’t travel without travel insurance. I have travel insurance with Barclays and with my American Express, which you can get here.
- Have digital and physical copies of your passport and ID.
- Know how you’re getting from the airport to your hotel. I always book my transportation via Booking.com for smooth arrivals.
- Keep currency, translation apps, like Xe, and Google Maps accessible. These are solid offline apps that you can use if you don’t have internet.
Final encouragement from MBV
Solo travel will open your mind and stretch your soul. You’ll gain a new level of confidence and see yourself in a new way. And for my Christian solo travel girlies, this is a good time to travel solo and reflect on the amazing things God has done for you in your life, with no distractions.
Yes, solo travel can be scary the first time you do it. Yes, it requires planning. Which means you’re a travel planner once you do it.
“If you can plan and pull off a solo trip, you can do anything. Period.” – MBV
But you’re capable. More than capable. And I have so much faith in you. Don’t wait for the perfect time. Don’t wait for your friends. Just go.
Conclusion – Solo Travel
Ready to solo travel and take the leap? Download my Solo Starter Travel Guide and start planning your first trip with confidence. And honestly, I’m here to help you along the way. Slide into my DMs on Instagram or TikTok, I’m always up for a chat. And ask questions in the comments below, let’s make this a forum where we can help one another to see the world.
So tell me where will you go first?
MBV x
