“How do you do it?”
“Aren’t you scared?”
These are just some of the questions I get asked all the time about my solo travels.
My answer is simple: you just do it.
I never planned for this kind of life. But at some point, I realized there was so much more out there waiting to be experienced, and it didn’t make sense to keep waiting for the perfect partner or an available friend to do all the things I’d always wanted to do.
At 40, solo travel hits differently. That’s for sure.
I’ve slept in countless hostels, sharing rooms with strangers, many of them one or two decades younger than me. And honestly, that was intimidating at first. My first solo trip was to Costa Rica, and I remember feeling nervous about stepping into the unknown.
But you learn as you go. You figure things out, make mistakes, meet people, and discover that you’re capable of much more than you thought.
If you’ve been thinking about taking your first solo trip but don’t know where to start, here are a few things I’ve learned along the way.
My personal tips for your first solo trip
1. Start small.
Solo travel doesn’t have to mean disappearing into another country for three months. It can be a weekend getaway, a day trip, or a few nights somewhere new. Start with whatever feels manageable and build from there.
2. Get comfortable doing things alone.
Take yourself out for lunch or dinner. Go to a museum, explore a new neighborhood, or spend an afternoon in a café. You’ll gradually realize that doing things alone doesn’t have to feel awkward.
3. Stop worrying about what other people think.
Most people are too busy living their own lives to worry about what you’re doing. And even if someone does judge you, so what? You don’t need anyone else’s permission to enjoy your life.
4. Remember that you’re not the only solo traveler out there.
When I first started traveling alone, I was surprised by how many other people were doing the same thing, including people around my age. You don’t have to be 22, travel on a shoestring, or fit a particular stereotype to enjoy solo travel.
5. Accept that loneliness is part of the experience.
Yes, you can feel lonely when you’re traveling alone. Sometimes you’ll wish you had someone to share a moment with, or someone to talk to after a long day. That’s normal.
You don’t have to run away from that feeling. Sit with it, let yourself feel it, and remember that it will pass. Being comfortable with your own company is a skill you can develop.
6. Learn to trust yourself.
When there’s nobody else around to solve a problem, you figure it out. A missed bus, a booking gone wrong, a change of plans. These things teach you to adapt and make decisions for yourself. Every time you work through a challenge, you build confidence.
7. Be careful not to become too independent.
Solo travel teaches you to rely on yourself, and that’s empowering. But you don’t have to do everything alone just because you can. Ask for help when you need it, accept kindness, and let people into your experience.
8. Take your safety seriously.
Being adventurous doesn’t mean being careless. Research your destination, be aware of your surroundings, protect your belongings, and trust your instincts. If a situation doesn’t feel right, you don’t owe anyone an explanation for leaving.
9. Stay open to people, but keep your boundaries.
Talk to other travelers. Learn from locals. Be curious about the people you meet, but take your time deciding whom to trust. You can be friendly without sharing too much information or putting yourself in uncomfortable situations.
10. Say yes to new experiences, and learn when to say no.
Be curious. Try unfamiliar food, learn a few words of the local language, explore places you hadn’t planned on visiting, and be willing to have your perspective challenged. Some of the best travel memories come from unexpected moments.
But remember: you never have to say yes to something that makes you feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
11. Respect the places and cultures you visit.
You’re a guest in someone else’s home. Be willing to learn, listen more than you judge, and respect local customs and traditions. Traveling isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s also about understanding the people who call them home.
12. Do your research before booking.
Especially when booking transportation, tours, or adventure activities, take the time to check reviews, verify providers, and understand what you’re paying for. A little preparation can save you a lot of stress later.
13. Pack the essentials.
You don’t need to bring your entire life with you, but having a few essentials can make a big difference. I’ll share my personal travel essentials kit and the items I find most useful in a separate guide.
The most important thing?
You don’t need to feel completely ready before you start. You don’t need to be fearless, incredibly outgoing, or have every detail figured out.
You just need to take that first step.
Start with a weekend away. Book that ticket. Take yourself out to dinner. See what happens when you stop waiting for someone else to be available.
You might discover new places, meet people who change your perspective, and find a version of yourself you hadn’t met before.
And if you’re wondering whether you can do it, I think you should give yourself the chance to find out.
I’ll also be sharing a guide for anyone who wants to get into mountaineering but has no idea where to begin.
Because apparently, one adventure leads to another..
Welcome to CAMINOS.
Want to see more of my solo adventures?
