After visiting over 20 countries alone at 23 as a solo female traveller, I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs. From tragic airport breakdowns to magical moments connecting with strangers in hostels, traveling alone has taught me more than I could ever imagine.

These days, I consider myself more of a Type B traveler (lol) go-with-the-flow, enjoy the moment—but I still have a few non-negotiable steps I take before any trip. These have become almost automatic at this point, and they help ensure my adventures are smooth, safe, and unforgettable.

Here are my top 5 travel prep tips:

1. Do Your Research (But Keep It Manageable)

Yes, research is a no-brainer but let’s be real, it can also be soooo overwhelming. The key is knowing what you actually want out of your trip.

• Is it a beach escape where you just want to lounge in the sun?
• A city adventure with museums, food tours, and hidden gems?
• Or maybe a destination like Japan or South Korea, where the focus is shopping and skincare?

Knowing this upfront helps narrow your search and plan a realistic itinerary. And when in doubt—ask ChatGPT. It’s a fantastic tool to help plan routes, find the best attractions near your accommodation, and optimize your time.

Or if you’re more like me I just binge watch all the Tiktok content I can the night before which to me is still equally helpful. If there’s a couple recommended places I find interesting, I make sure to make a note to save it on Google Maps so that once I’m exploring around I can just see the saved items nearby! It helps to keep the element of spontaneity intact still as I can just simply decide based on where I am if I’d like to visit or not.

Other research essentials:

• Accommodations: Best neighborhoods for safety, convenience, and vibe.
• Transportation: How will you get from the airport to your stay? Is it better to grab a shuttle, public transit, or a rideshare?
• Money & Documentation: Local currency, visa requirements, and basic phrases like “hello” and “thank you.”
• Connectivity: Get an eSIM for reliable internet. Trust me—you’ll need Google Maps, translation apps, and to stay in touch with family/friends. Nothing sucks more than being lost AND having no internet connection. I personally use Simify (use code JULES10 for 10% off!).

2. Book Your Accommodation Strategically

For solo travellers, I loveeee starting in hostels—but not the stereotype of noisy party hostels. Modern hostels often feel like boutique hotels or resorts. For example, I stayed at Selina Serenity in Phuket, Thailand, and the pool area was perfect for meeting fellow travellers while enjoying some downtime.

But hey! If you’re looking to party there’s also plentyyy of hostels out there that offer more of a social vibe. If you’re debating which ones to book, my rule of thumb is to look for the Hostelworld reviews but especially from the German, Dutch or French people as they tend to be the most brutally honest ones out there.

Tips:

• Choose a central location to minimize long commutes.
• Feeling shy about meeting new people? Check Facebook groups, Hostelworld reviews, or apps like TripBFF (can use my code JULES to join!), which is made for solo travellers looking to connect.

3. Book Excursions (But Don’t Overdo It)

It’s easy to get carried away planning everything you want to do. But the reality is, you’ll likely be tired, jet-lagged, or adjusting to a new environment.

My advice:

• Schedule one must-do activity on your 2nd or 3rd day, when you’re more settled.
• Leave room for rest and spontaneous exploration.
• Learn from my Tokyo mistake: I over-excitedly booked a $100 Mario Kart experience on Day 2 and ended up sleeping through it from jet lag. Imagine my sheer horror waking up and realizing that I slept through it ): But it’s okay we all live and learn.

4. Stay Connected

Even if you’re a free-spirited traveler, staying connected is essential. Beyond eSIMs, consider:

• Share your location and potential itinerary with a friend or family member.
• Back-up maps to be used offline in case you lose connection.
• Make an effort to be friendly with hostel or hotel staff, especially as a young woman it makes me feel more safe knowing there’s someone out there can recognize me in case of an emergency.

Friendly reminder for your trip: Just because you’re travelling alone doesn’t mean you have to completely isolate yourself! There’s beauty in staying open-minded to connect with people around you – even if they are initially strangers. I personally find that making new friends and making an effort to get to know some of the locals makes me feel more at ease and safe in the long run.

5. Embrace the Unexpected

No matter how well you plan, unexpected things will happen. Flights get delayed, weather changes, or attractions close. And that’s okay!

The beauty of solo travel is learning to adapt and problem-solve on your own. Those “disasters” often become your funniest stories. Take a deep breath, laugh it off, and remember: each challenge is part of the adventure.

Feeling nervous? Check out my guide to managing solo travel anxiety here

Solo travel isn’t about perfection it’s about freedom, growth, and making memories. Do your prep, plan wisely, but leave room for spontaneity (that’s where all the fun comes from anyways hehe!). You got this! I believe in you. The world is your oyster, make sure you’re having fun while you’re at it.

With love,

Jules