The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your First Solo Trip In 2026

Thinking about taking your first solo trip? You’re in the right place.
This guide covers everything you need to know to plan a solo adventure you’ll actually love—from the practical logistics to the deeper stuff that makes it meaningful.

From my first solo trip abroad to living on my own overseas for two years (and many trips in between), I’ve learned how to make solo travel less overwhelming and a lot more empowering.

I’m sharing my favorite strategies here to help take the stress out of planning—because trust me, it’s so worth it.

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1. Set These Up to Save Money On Every Trip

I really wish I had known about these things when I first started traveling solo and living abroad. They’ve saved me so much stress—and money. I’m putting them first in this guide because they’re easiest to set up before your trip, and you’ll be glad you did.

💳 Get a Travel Credit Card (With No Foreign Transaction Fees)

Start by applying for a travel credit card (just be sure to pay it off monthly!). These cards help you earn points on everyday purchases that you can redeem toward flights, hotels, or activities—and they eliminate those annoying foreign transaction fees.

I personally use the Chase Sapphire Preferred. It’s one of the more affordable options, and the points I earn easily outweigh the annual fee, so it feels like free money.

When picking a card, look for:

• A solid points bonus
• No foreign transaction fees
• A yearly fee you’re comfortable with

Read a few updated reviews online to find one that suits your travel style.

🏧 Get a Bank Account That Reimburses Foreign ATM Fees

Next up: open a checking account with a bank that reimburses ATM fees, especially if you’re traveling internationally. One of the most popular options is Charles Schwab, which covers ATM fees worldwide—no questions asked.

There are a few others that offer this perk, but Schwab is the one I hear recommended the most (and it’s what I use).

I’ve been on trips where I think I have enough cash, and in trying to use it all before I leave, I end up having to use an ATM at the last minute for things like a car to the airport – so annoying BS (as in, Before Schwab, haha)!

2. Passport

If you’re planning to travel internationally, you’ll need a passport—so make sure you have one and that it’s up to date!

Double-check the expiration date early, since passports can take a while to process or renew, especially during busy travel seasons. It’s one of those things that’s easy to forget until it’s too late—so handle it early and save yourself the stress.

3. Decide If You Want to Go Fully Solo—or Join a Tour

Who says solo travel has to mean being alone the whole time?

I’ve done fully solo trips, group tours, and even hybrid-style trips that mix the two. One of my favorites started with a yoga retreat in Egypt—I flew in a day early to have time alone first, then stayed solo in Cairo afterward before continuing to other countries. In Romania, I stayed with a friend’s parents who even took me on a road trip to the mountains—so if you have connections to visit, that’s an option too!

Some destinations are just easier with a group—like Egypt and Jordan, where I’ve done guided tours. Other times, you might prefer to go solo and just join day tours here and there. I’ve used Viator and Airbnb Experiences for those and had great results.

If your goal is self-growth, you might want to consider a wellness retreat or solo trip to a place with spiritual or healing activities. Every trip is different—and what you need may shift each time you travel.

If you’re worried about feeling lonely, you’re not the only one—I’ve definitely been there. But over the years, I’ve found that solo travel often opens up unexpected opportunities to meet people, sometimes in the most memorable ways. From shared tours to spontaneous conversations, connection tends to show up when you’re open to it.

4. Know Your General Budget & Time Frame

You don’t need a detailed spreadsheet right away, but having a general idea of how long you want to travel will help shape your budget and priorities.

A week-long trip once a year might allow for more splurges, while a month-long or multi-stop trip often means making trade-offs to stay within your limits.

In recent years, I’ve done several 1–2 month solo trips abroad. I had to be intentional about what to spend on and where to save—but I still made it work.

These days, I’m shifting toward shorter trips, like my recent one to Arizona and my upcoming trip to Florida, so I can prioritize comfort a little more. Both styles have value in different seasons of life.

This balance between budget and experience is part of how I approach travel as a whole. Learning how to budget for travel intentionally has allowed me to take both longer adventures and shorter, more comfortable getaways without losing sight of what matters most.

5. Choose Your Destination(s)

Choosing where to go is one of the most exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—parts of planning a solo trip. Here are some practical ways to start narrowing things down:

• Make a short bucket list of places you’ve always wanted to visit
• Look at a map and jot down spots that catch your eye
• Browse blogs or guides for ideas that align with your style
• Consider your ideal setting: beach or mountains? Big city or small town?
• Think about your travel preferences: full-on sightseeing, slow travel, wellness-focused, or a mix?

💡 Budgeting Tip: If I’m visiting more than one destination, I choose places with cheap flights between them. I also balance my flight and accommodation budget—if one’s a splurge, I save on the other.

Beyond the where, take a moment to ask yourself why you’re traveling solo. Maybe you’re craving rest, clarity, healing, or a deeper sense of purpose. Whether you’re recovering from burnout, navigating a life shift, or simply feeling the call to step away and reconnect, that quiet “why” can shape your entire experience.

Some travelers seek wellness retreats or spiritual destinations, while others find meaning through luxury volunteer vacations, cheap and free ways to volunteer travel, or slow, intentional journeys that help them breathe again.

6. Research, Research, Research

Once you’ve narrowed down your destination(s), start digging into the details:

• ✈️ Compare flight prices and routes
• 🛏️ Look into different types of accommodation (and their costs)
• 🎟️ Research tours, experiences, and top sites in the area

Reading reviews can be super helpful—but take them with a grain of salt. Everyone has different preferences, and their experience may have been shaped by things like bad weather, a long travel day, or just a mismatched vibe.

For example: if you’re dreaming of seeing the pyramids, don’t let a few negative reviews stop you. But if multiple people report issues with a specific tour company or hotel, pay attention—those are the kind of patterns worth noting and avoiding.

Thorough research helps you feel more confident and more flexible once you’re on the ground.

7. How To Book

Once you’ve figured out your budget, timeline, and destination(s), it’s time to start booking the big stuff.

I try to book options that are cancellable or flexible when possible—especially for accommodation, rental cars, and tours. Some smaller activities, like pub crawls or casual meetups, I’ll book once I arrive so I don’t feel locked into a schedule.

Here are some of my favorite platforms to book through:

• 🛏️ Accommodation – Booking.com and Airbnb
• ✈️ Flights – Google Flights and the Chase credit card travel portal
• 🚗 Rental Cars – Discover Cars
• 🎟️ Tours & Day Trips – Viator and Airbnb Experiences

✈️ Booking flights

You can book flights directly through the airline or through your credit card’s travel portal (which can help you use points or get perks). I don’t recommend using third-party aggregator sites like Expedia for flights—if your flight gets canceled, it can be a nightmare to get rebooked.

(Ask me how I know—this happened to me on my move abroad day, and I spent hours trying to fix it!)

💸 Budget Flights Tip (Know What You’re Getting Into)

I’ve done the full-on budget travel thing—hostels, budget airlines like RyanAir—and honestly? I’m not a fan anymore. If it’s a very short flight, maybe. But my last experience on RyanAir was terrible.

They sold perfume during the flight (and actually let people spray it in the cabin—not okay for my asthma). The lights stayed on full blast, and constant announcements made it impossible to rest. It felt more like a noisy shopping mall in the sky than an actual flight.

For me, the few dollars saved just aren’t worth it anymore.

🎒 A Note on Budget Airline Carry-On Rules

One of the biggest surprises when flying budget airlines abroad is how strict the carry-on size rules can be. What’s considered a “carry-on” in the US often doesn’t cut it on airlines like RyanAir, Wizz Air, or EasyJet.

I’ve tried to wing it with a slightly larger bag or full-size liquids before—and let me tell you, they always catch it at some point. I’ve had things thrown out, and I’ve been charged at the gate for bags that didn’t fit in those little size-check bins (even though they were small-ish by US standards).

→ Pro tip: If you’re flying budget airlines abroad, bring one of those really small rolling carry-ons (the kind that would be a personal item in the US), and double-check bag dimensions in advance. Don’t assume your bag will be fine just because it worked on a domestic flight.

✈️ Note: While strict carry-on rules are most common with budget airlines like RyanAir or Wizz Air, even some mainstream international airlines can have tighter baggage limits—especially on short-haul flights or regional partners.

Always double-check baggage policies for each leg of your trip, even if it’s booked through a major airline like Delta or Lufthansa.

If they say, “You can check it at the gate for free”—get it in writing. 😅

🚗 Booking Rental Cars

When it comes to renting cars abroad, Discover Cars is my go-to comparison site. It’s easy to use, often cheaper than booking directly, and works with a wide range of rental companies around the world.

🧠 Pro tip: No matter what site you book through, always check reviews for the specific rental car company at the exact location you’re picking up from. A big brand like Hertz might be great in one city and a nightmare in another.

Also—don’t assume your car will be automatic! In many countries, manual transmission is standard, and automatics are either more expensive or not guaranteed. Always double-check that detail if it matters to you (it definitely does for me).

🛏️ Booking Accommodation

When it comes to accommodations, I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. I’ve stayed in hostels (both private rooms and shared dorms), apartments, and hotels—and what I choose really depends on the trip, my budget, and what I need at that point in my life.

These days, I mostly use Booking.com because:

• It includes all types of stays—from hotels to apartments to hostels
• You can filter by budget, amenities (like AC, laundry, or kitchen access), and guest ratings
• They offer flexible cancellation on many bookings
• You earn points, and customer service will help mediate if something goes wrong

Recently in Arizona, I realized last-minute that a place I booked was part of a timeshare—I was able to switch to something else and get a refund without much hassle.

I’ve also had Booking.com help me get a refund when a hostel situation didn’t work out.

A Note on Hostels

I’ve stayed in hostels all over—some with bunk beds and roommates, others with private rooms. But now that I travel with things like supplements for my eczema protocol, and I need solid AC at night for my asthma, shared spaces don’t always work for me.

That doesn’t mean hostels are bad—just that your needs might shift as you travel more or depending on your health and comfort level.

8. Leave Room For Incidentals

Things will come up while you’re traveling—unexpected costs, last-minute changes, or spontaneous splurges. And honestly? That’s okay.

There were times I switched from a hostel dorm to a private apartment, or scratched a rental car bumper on a sloped curb. There were also times I just wanted to treat myself—or say yes to an unexpected dinner with new friends—and I’m so glad I gave myself that flexibility.

Sometimes I’d pass on one experience to afford another. Other times, I’d remind myself: this is my trip, and I can save in other areas or when I get home.

💡 Especially when you’re traveling solo, you’re doing all the planning and navigating yourself. You deserve a little grace—and yes, sometimes a little indulgence.

I learned this the hard way on my very first solo trip: I accidentally ended up stranded overnight at a train station in Sweden. I started to tear up, then stopped and realized… there’s no one here to impress, no one to panic with. I’ll be fine. That mindset has helped me in way more situations than I can count.

On the flip side? I’ve also traveled with friends who obsessed over every dollar—arguing about restaurant bills, questioning my bookings, and refusing to split costs fairly.

Let’s just say… I prefer traveling solo.

9. See If You Need a Visa or Any Vaccinations

Once you’ve picked your destination, make sure to research whether you’ll need a visa, entry forms, or vaccinations—and do it early. These can sneak up on you and become major stressors, especially if you’re scrambling at the airport.

I’ve definitely been there—sitting at the gate frantically filling out forms and hoping I wouldn’t miss my flight.

Quick Tips:

• ✈️ If you have an overnight layover, check whether that country requires a transit visa
• 🌍 If you’re traveling from one country into another, make sure you’re allowed to enter based on the country you’re coming from, not just your passport
• 🏨 Don’t assume you can leave the airport during layovers—I once booked a hotel outside of the airport, only to find out I couldn’t leave without a visa I didn’t have

10. Plan Your Airport Transportation

Getting to and from the airport might seem simple, but it’s something you definitely want to plan ahead—especially for early morning or late-night flights.

Here are your main options:

• 🚗 Ride services like Uber or Lyft
  These are super convenient and available in most cities, but heads up—they can cancel last minute. (It’s happened to me!)
  → If you’re booking one, check in well before your pickup time so you can rebook if needed.
• 🚍 Public transportation
  Many airports have trains, buses, or shuttles that connect to major city centers. Look up schedules in advance, especially if you’re traveling early, late, or on a weekend when service may be limited.
• 🚖 Taxis or local cab apps
  In some places, taxis are more reliable than apps—or you might use local apps like Bolt, Grab, or Free Now depending on the country.
• 🚘 Rides from friends, family, or a local contact
  If you have someone who can give you a ride, great—just be sure to ask well in advance so they can plan for it.

Some airports even offer hotel shuttles, so check if yours does when you’re booking accommodation.

💡 Coming home tip: I usually wait until I land to book my ride home—flights can get delayed, and I don’t want to deal with rebooking.

But I’ve also had moments where I couldn’t get a ride (once I ended up texting random people just to get home). So if you’re arriving late, or your airport is known for spotty service, consider lining up a backup plan just in case.

11. Packing Tips

Decide early whether you’re bringing a carry-on or checking a bag. On my last month-long trip, I planned to pack light—but between supplements for my eczema protocol and everything else, I had to check a suitcase.

👉 Pro tip: Always keep essential items like medications, documents, and anything you can’t replace in your carry-on.

Overpacking used to be my biggest issue, but now I pack:

• Only outfits I know I’ll wear
• Nothing “just in case”
• A few laundry detergent sheets so I can wash items on the go, even by hand

💡 If you have specific health needs, allergies, or dietary restrictions, your packing list may look different—and that’s okay. Prioritize what will actually help you feel your best while you’re away.

➡️ You can find my favorite travel snacks, allergy-friendly body and hair products, and comfortable travel clothes on the blog. I also keep a full list of go-to travel essentials on my Travel Essentials page.

12. How To Deal With Anxiety, Loneliness & Stress On Solo Trips

Managing stress and anxiety while traveling solo isn’t always easy, but here are some of the strategies that help me stay grounded and centered on the road:

• Share your itinerary with someone you trust so they can check in or help you remember important things
• Organize everything in a calendar and a shared Google Doc (print a copy too—just in case!)
• Use helpful solo travel and general travel apps to help with just about everything
• Try supportive supplements like ashwagandha, or get your blood labs checked before your trip to spot vitamin deficiencies
• Stick to routines—your morning, travel-friendly sleep routine, and meal rhythms can be anchors during travel
• Hydrate well (especially with electrolytes), and eat enough protein before your morning coffee
• Move your body—a quick walk, stretch, or workout can help regulate stress
• Use breathwork or grounding practices to calm your nervous system
• Write it out—rage journaling and structured prompts can help process thoughts and emotions
• Push yourself gently—the moment you don’t feel like going out might be exactly when you need connection, movement, or fresh perspective

Ready to Plan Your First Solo Trip?

Whether you’re dreaming of a short weekend getaway or a long-term adventure, solo travel can change your life—and it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to start.

Even with all the planning tips in the world, there will still be detours, surprises, and things that don’t go perfectly—and that’s okay. You’ll learn, grow, and probably surprise yourself in the best ways.

If you need a little more guidance, support, or encouragement along the way, check out:

• My Intentional Travel Planner (Free)
• The Power of Four eBook – for deeper journeys, inner and outer
• My full solo travel philosophy
• Or come connect in my Facebook group for like-minded solo travelers

✨ You’ve got this. And you’re not really traveling alone—you’ve got a whole inner compass, and a growing community, right here.

💬 Want to keep the conversation going?
Join other solo travelers in the Facebook group » to share thoughts, stories, and questions.

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