Danielle Ennis
We all process information differently, so I’ve created the checklist summaries. These are high-level overviews – be sure to check out the full blogs if you’d like more detail.
Full blog here: ‘From Dream to Departure: Budget-Friendly Tips’
Full blog here: “Solo Travel: The Ultimate Guide for First-Time Adventurers”
Thinking about taking a solo trip, but not sure where to start? I know – it can feel overwhelming at first. But with the right tips and mindset, solo travel can be one of the most exciting things you ever do. Whether you’re a first-timer or just want to travel smarter, here’s my complete guide packed with practical advice and lessons learned from real experiences.
(Missed the story that inspired this guide? Read Part 1 here: “A Solo Travel Story from Southeast Asia“)
So, let’s say you’ve followed my earlier budget tips on how to plan a trip on a budget, and you’ve decided where you’re going. But what next?
Find the Best Area to Stay
These days, travellers share tons of tips and reviews online. Start by simply searching “things to do in [Destination]” on Google or YouTube. It’ll give you a sense of the top attractions and the best areas to base yourself.
Attractions and Itinerary
Consider what you want to see and do, then look for accommodation nearby. It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people book cheap stays without checking the location – only to find themselves based in the middle of nowhere.
That’s fine if you only want to stay on the resort, but location is everything if you’re planning to explore beyond it.
What’s Within Walking Distance?
Finding the right accommodation base is essential for a manageable budget without lots of hidden costs. Your base affects your budget more than you might think. Solo taxi rides can get expensive quickly, and as a solo female traveller, I avoid them at night where possible.
TripAdvisor and Booking.com show what’s within walking distance from a hotel or rental. Food is always my first priority (let’s be real!), so I make sure there are decent options nearby. TripAdvisor is my favourite for this as their list is the most extensive at a glance. Local vicinity information is usually towards the end of the search page, entitled ‘Hotel/Property Surroundings’. For example:
Once you’ve narrowed down your top three (from the 100 tabs you’ve opened!), compare reviews. I usually check across Booking.com, Google, Agoda and TripAdvisor.
Hotels can be a great choice for solo travellers – they offer a social vibe, a bar or restaurant for evening meals and solo-friendly activities. Some Airbnb’s do have great hosts – local people who would love to show you around – but be sure to find that feedback in the reviews instead of just wishful thinking!
Phone Data
Phone data is essential when you’re solo. Whether it’s for maps, making reservations, ordering Ubers or checking what’s nearby, staying connected takes the pressure off.
Buy a local SIM or eSIM at the airport when you arrive. The staff team will help set it up, and you can always top up at local spots later – I often top up the minimum amount just to activate it for the first few days.
You can check if your phone supports eSIMs under settings. Some companies offer international eSIM services, but I prefer local providers for stronger and more reliable coverage.
Bank Cards
Avoid transaction fees by using a travel-friendly bank. I personally use Starling due to no hidden fees and unlimited free ATM withdrawals. Other great options include Monzo and Revolut.
Medicine & Bug Repellent
Pack painkillers, cold & flu meds, stomach relief, antibacterial hand wipes and hand gel. Add insect repellent, bite cream, and malaria tablets if needed.
I once bought bite cream on the island of Koh Samui (Thailand) and was shocked at the price! Local prices in your home country will be significantly better than import prices abroad.
Mini First-Aid Kit
If you’re clumsy (like me), bring a handful of plasters, bandages or knee support, especially if you’re hiking.
Discreet Bag
Small cross-body or belt bags are ideal for walks or excursions. These bags are more secure, lightweight and discreet – they help you avoid the panic of misplacing your valuables and draw less attention.
Portable Phone Charger
A no-brainer! Choose a compact one that easily fits in your day bag.
Pack a spare set of underwear and spare outfit (like a summer dress or a top and shorts) in your hand luggage – if you can!
On my first solo trip at 18, my suitcase was lost for three days. Luckily, I was attending a course abroad and several other students on the same flight had the same issue. Our Course Lead took us straight from the airport to the supermarket to grab underwear and essentials. Ever since, I never travel without backup in my carry on.
Bring a spare bank card and photo ID (such as a driving licence). Keep your primary travel card on you, and the other locked in your hotel. Apps like Google Pay can be unreliable when travelling, especially in areas with weak connectivity – so don’t rely on it as your only payment method. I also bring a little cash to change to local currency on arrival – just incase I need to use it immediately.
Also bring a padlock for your suitcase or valuables – not all safes work!
Social Safety
When meeting new people, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment, but keep your drink count low if you drink alcohol. Also avoid unfamiliar local spirits – they could upset your stomach and, in some cases, cause serious illness and fatality.
When people ask where you’re staying, “nearby” is a perfectly good answer.
Stay in Touch with Home
Share your itinerary and updates with family or friends – I usually send a group family email while waiting at the airport.
I also post on social media after I’ve left a place, not while I’m there. Prioritise your safety.
Attitude makes a big difference. We live in a big world, and we’re not at the centre of it! Be adaptable, curious and open-minded to the differences you encounter. While it’s important to honour your own boundaries, approaching other cultures and traditions with humility can offer powerful lessons and expand your perspective – if you’re willing to listen and learn.
Learn a few words in the local language – “hello”, “please” and “thank you” go a long way. Local people appreciate visitors who respect their culture, not impose their own. They are more likely to let their guard down when they’re met with a friendly face – not an impatient foreigner expecting things to be done their way. Showing respect and adaptability is a simple yet powerful way to be welcomed into a new community.
Planning a multi-country trip? Here are some extra things to consider:
Get Acquainted with New Airlines
Using search engines like Skyscanner will help to discover local airlines. You may not recognise their names, so check reviews on Google, TripAdvisor and YouTube to inform your choice.
Flight Connections
Leave at least 3 hours between international connecting flights unless you’re flying with the same airline (who will transfer your luggage). For example, I flew from London to Thailand with Emirates and had a 1.5-hour layover in Dubai. My baggage was transferred smoothly – only because it was a transit flight through the same airline.
Try to print your flight and accommodation itinerary before leaving home. Some countries require proof of onward travel – this makes it quicker to explain. I remember waiting to meet a friend in the Philippines, while she flew in from Cambodia. A seasoned backpacker, she was held up at the airline desk because she hadn’t booked her onward flight from the Philippines – and they wouldn’t let her check in without it. She quickly booked her departing flight and boarded the plane on time, but if that were me? I would have been stressed!
Expect Delays
Flights can get delayed for the most random reasons. A friend of mine had to wait hours for a new plane tyre to be flown in from another country! So bring books, music, notepads, films – anything to keep you entertained – incase you have to wait.
Luggage & Laundry
After travelling through four countries by land, air and sea, my best advice is simple: pack light. I usually travel with older clothes and leave some behind as gifts or donations.
Bring a tube of detergent to wash clothes or swimwear on the go, such as Dr Beckmann Travel Wash Liquid. There are laundrette services almost everywhere, or use facilities within a villa stay or hotel services when needed.
You’ll likely shop along the way, so packing light and freeing up space is smart. On one trip, I left with 17kg checked baggage and returned weeks later with 15kg! It was metaphorical to let go of old items and purchase something new, whilst returning lighter physically and mentally!
I hope this guide has made solo travel feel a little more possible, and a lot more exciting. Whether you’re off on a weekend escape or a multi-country adventure, remember confidence comes with preparation, curiosity and just a little courage.
I have been asked about solo travel for years, but if you have questions I didn’t cover, feel free to reach out on my socials – I’d love to help.
Safe travels and enjoy every moment. 💛
A magnificent sight – and a busy one too! Groups of tourists bustled up and down the attraction, strolled around the temple grounds, and snapped pictures wherever they could.
I noticed a group of girls struggling to take a photo and offered to help.
“Would you like me to take that for you?”“Yes please! Thank you so much,” they smiled – a young group of American women, probably in their early twenties.
I took a few shots, changing the angles of course, and passed the phone back.
“Oh my gosh, I love it!” the leader exclaimed. Then she asked thoughtfully, “Would you like me to take one of you?”
“Yes please! I’m here alone… it’s hard to get pictures along the way. I appreciate it.”
Their mouths dropped almost in unison. A chorus of shocked responses followed:
“Oh my God!”
“You’re here alone??”
“Wow, you’re so brave!”
“That’s badass!”
I laughed and posed for my picture. I thanked the girls and was ready to walk off, but I sensed our time together wasn’t quite over yet. I stepped aside as more tourists arrived for their photos, and the girls hurled questions at me about solo travel, intrigued by my adventure. I answered their questions as best I could.
It turned out they were a group from Michigan, travelling together after meeting at university. Their faces lit up with excitement, framed by blonde and auburn strands, wide smiles and comfy clothes. They were impressed that I’d taken my first solo trip at 18; I was impressed they’d pulled off a large group trip at such a young age. It was a sweet exchange before I wished them well and set off.
“Be safe!” they called, as we headed in different directions.
Just moments later, while exploring another part of the temple grounds, my graceful day took a turn. Wandering around, mesmerised by the architecture, I suddenly felt a pop on my foot – and my sandal nearly flew off.
“Crap!” I thought, realising it had broken.
I packed lots of older items for this trip, planning to travel light and buy new things along the way over my five-and-a-half weeks. Well… these sandals were clearly too old and ready for retirement.
Trying to style it out, I pushed the strap back in – no luck. If I’d been with friends, this would’ve just been a funny moment. But when you’re alone, your problem-solving skills need to be on point.
I shuffled to the side, chuckled quietly and kissed my teeth. Then improvised. I removed the hairband from my ponytail and slipped it over my foot and sandal to keep it in place.
Now what?
I looked for the nearest exit. I’d planned to walk back to the hotel—yeah, not happening. I made it outside and checked how much cash I had… not enough for a solo ride, considering how far away I was. Sigh. No nearby ATMs either (I’d checked that before leaving), and I knew I’d made a rookie error not bringing enough money.
Trying not to panic, I thought through my options.
I tried haggling with taxi drivers – no luck, the price was extortionate (which is why I walked in the first place). I tried walking again – comical. Then I checked the Bolt app one last time and saw motorbike taxis as an option. The only issue? I didn’t want to get on one!
Growing up, I’d always been cautious about whose motorbike I got on. And now I had to trust a stranger?! Ugh. But I had no choice. I pulled on my big girl pants and booked it.
He arrived and I climbed on. Boy, did I hold on tight. No helmet, just prayer.
As we pulled off – my heart in my mouth and brain on overdrive – I saw the American girls walking out of the temple.
“Oh my God! It’s Danielle on the bike!”
Bless them. They looked excited, tapping each other and pointing. It was hilarious – I was terrified. They shouted and waved at me,
“You’re so cool!”
Somehow, pride gave me the strength to release one hand for a quick wave and smile.
“Bye girls!!” I shouted as we headed for the junction. One arm gripped the driver’s waist, my thighs probably cutting off his circulation, and my toes squeezed the broken sandal for dear life to stop it flying off.
Hilarious.
I have documented so many stories over the years. This one came from my time in Southeast Asia, where I started in Thailand before heading on to Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines. Armed with my laptop and balancing work along the way, it turned out to be one of the best things I’ve ever done.
A friend once shared this quote with me: “Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta
And I couldn’t agree more. Travel opens your eyes to beauty, teaches global understanding and fills you with inspiration along the way.
Solo travel can be amazing – but it’s not for everyone, and that’s completely okay. Being able to enjoy solo travel can depend on how well you’re organised and even your personality type! Some people love winging it and riding the highs and lows. Others (like me!) prefer to plan ahead, then relax during the journey. And some people may not enjoy solo travel at all – and that’s okay. I often say life is tailor made – one size does not fit all.
So before diving into the practical tips, I think it’s important to be realistic. If any of the following feels true for you, you might want to start small, or explore other ways of travelling that suit your style better.
– If you struggle to say no or lack assertiveness, often ending up in uncomfortable situations.
– If you wouldn’t describe yourself as particularly “street smart,” and you tend to assume the best in others, even at your own expense.
– If you deeply value sharing experiences with someone, and travel doesn’t feel the same alone.
– If spending time alone makes you anxious – e.g., sitting solo at a restaurant, or joining a tour as the only individual.
If this sounds like you but you’re still curious, try starting with a local trip or staycation – no need to jump into the deep end.
On the flip side, there are certain traits and situations that make solo travel especially fulfilling. You don’t have to be super adventurous or outgoing – but if you relate to any of the below, solo travel might just be your thing:
– You’re naturally curious and enjoy exploring at your own pace.
– You’re craving alone time or a change in perspective.
– You’re comfortable making decisions on your own (or want to get better at it).
– You enjoy personal growth and reflection through new experiences.
– You’re in a transition season – post-studies, post-breakup, new job, etc – and looking to reconnect with yourself.
– You want the freedom to build your own itinerary without compromise.
Even if you’re a little nervous (that’s normal!), these traits can help you thrive during solo trips. Start small if needed – but trust that confidence grows with every step.
So, what does it actually take to plan and enjoy a trip on your own? From budgeting and safety to booking tips and must-pack items, I’ve pulled together everything I’ve learned into a practical guide to help you feel confident on your own journey.
👉 Read Part 2 here: “Solo Travel: The Ultimate Guide for First-Time Adventurers”
