First solo trip: 15 lifehacks for preparation and safety

Solo travel is scary only until the first step. You decide where to eat, when to get up, and where to turn, and you don't have to adjust to anyone else's schedule. Below are 15 hacks that make your first trip without company easier.

According to Hostelworld (State of Solo Travel 2025), 71% of solo travelers go for new connections. So you'll barely feel lonely on the road. Let's break down where to stay, how to stay connected, and what to pack in your backpack.

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Preparing for a solo trip: what matters

💡 In short:

• Book accommodation for the first two nights in advance, decide the rest on the spot.
• Get a local SIM card or eSIM right after you land.
• Save offline maps and copies of your documents before departure.

Good preparation takes a couple of evenings but saves days on the road. Let's go through each point.

1. Stay in hostels

Hostels give you budget accommodation and quick access to other travelers. People of all ages stay here, and you'll easily find company for the evening.

Ask neighbors and staff what to see and which areas to avoid. That kind of advice is more specific than any guidebook.

After a long flight, you won't have to search for a place to sleep in the dark if it's already booked. You can book accommodation on Trip.com in advance.

2. Dress simpler and closer to the locals

Flashy clothes and expensive jewelry attract unwanted attention. Leave them at home and take simple, comfortable things.

Dress the way people do in the city you've arrived in. Respecting local customs helps you blend in with the crowd and reduces risks.

© shankar s. · CC BYPhoto: shankar s., CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

3. Learn basic phrases

A dozen words is enough to ask for directions, order food, and buy a ticket. Locals respond more warmly when you try to speak their language.

A phrasebook is sold in souvenir shops, and the translator on your phone works offline. Download the language you need before the trip.

4. Tell your loved ones where you're going

Write to your family about where you are and where you're heading next. They'll feel better, and you'll have a safety net if something goes wrong.

Email yourself copies of your passport, visa, and insurance policy. Replacing stolen originals is easier then.

Print a small card with your name, country, and policy number. Keep it with you along with your phone.

5. Act confident

A confident look protects you better than an expensive bag. If you get lost, don't show panic: calmly ask for directions.

Keep your head up and make eye contact. Confident behavior on a solo trip reduces the interest of those looking for a disoriented tourist.

6. Use the rule of three

The rule of three means: ask one question to three different people. Ask about the route, the price, or opening hours.

If two people give the same answer, the direction is right. This trick helps where signs are rare and the map is silent.

7. Get a local SIM or eSIM

You need connectivity for maps, calls, and emergencies. Buy a local SIM card at the airport or activate an eSIM before departure.

Within the European Union, roaming with your home operator is free: data and calls work without extra charges (according to the European Parliament, checked 09/2026).

Outside the EU, an eSIM is more convenient. You can pick an eSIM for your trip in advance, without hunting for a store at the airport.

8. Meet people through communities

Traveler communities help you find a travel buddy and useful city tips. Couchsurfing, themed Facebook groups, and backpacker communities all work. Backpackers are travelers with a backpack who travel on a budget.

Ask a question about your upcoming trip. Sometimes you'll find someone there who can host you for a couple of nights.

9. Take a card from your accommodation

When checking in, ask for a business card from the hotel or hostel. It has the address printed on it, which is easy to show a driver.

In an unfamiliar area, getting back to your accommodation is easier with a card than with a name you've only heard.

10. Don't be afraid of being alone

The first evening alone with yourself is the hardest. After that, solitude turns into silence that you chose yourself.

A solo trip shows you your desires and boundaries, teaches you to make decisions without prompts. Many people find more in this than in traveling with company.

11. Plan your route and rest

Planning and decisions on a solo trip are all on you, and that's tiring. Leave empty days and short breaks in your schedule.

Stay put for a while: sit on a terrace with a glass of wine, go to a spa, just get a good night's sleep. That's how you restore energy for new walks.

Plan your route in advance. Buying tickets and tours in advance is calmer at home than in an unfamiliar city. Leave buffer time for transfers.

12. Pack a first aid kit and offline apps

Cuts, bruises, and stomach upsets happen on any trip. Take painkillers, fever reducers, anti-diarrhea medication, band-aids, and bandages.

Download offline maps for all cities on your route. Add a currency converter and translator that work without internet. A paper guidebook with a map comes in handy when your phone dies.

Check your medical insurance before departure and compare options. Keep your policy number handy.

13. Bring a power bank

A dead phone leaves you without maps and connectivity. Carry a portable charger in your bag or pocket.

A power bank saves you on long journeys and walks when there's no outlet nearby.

14. Use taxi apps

Uber, Lyft, and Grab are more convenient and safer than hitchhiking. The app shows the driver, the car number, and the estimated arrival time.

You can share your location with friends, and they'll see your route in real time.

15. Trust your gut

Intuition works more sharply on a solo trip. If a place or person makes you uneasy for no reason, leave.

When you feel something is off, you're almost always right. This skill protects you better than any rules.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to travel alone?

Yes, if you follow basic rules. Stick to busy areas in the evening, don't show off valuables, and tell your loved ones your route. A confident look and caution eliminate most risks, and the rule of three helps you avoid getting lost in an unfamiliar city.

How much money should I take for a first solo trip?

There's no single number, it all depends on the country and season. Calculate accommodation, food, transport, and tickets, then add a buffer for the unexpected.

Do I need the local language if I only speak English?

English is usually enough in hotels, cafes, and on transport. Learn a dozen phrases in the local language: greeting, thank you, the bill. Locals react more warmly, and help comes faster. A phrasebook or offline translator on your phone handles the rest.

How do I meet people on a solo trip?

Choose hostels and communities like Couchsurfing or themed Facebook groups. Ask questions and suggest exploring the city together.

What should I put in a first aid kit?

The basic set is described above, in the first aid kit section. Add personal medications with enough supply for the whole trip. Save copies of prescriptions and insurance details on your phone and print them out in case you have no connectivity.

In short: what's worth booking

Your first solo trip is easier than it seems. Decide three things in advance: where to sleep the first nights, how to stay connected, and what to put in your first aid kit. The rest can be figured out on the spot.

If you're short on time, book accommodation near transport and don't plan more than two cities per trip.

A power bank, offline maps, and a local SIM card will come in handy on any trip.

Compare options in advance: find a hotel on Trip.com.