Traveling Solo - Everything you need to know
The Real Deal on Solo Traveling: Everything You Actually Need to Know
Why Going Solo Isn't as Scary as You Think
Let's be honest - the idea of traveling alone can feel intimidating at first. But here's the thing: solo travel is one of those experiences that sounds way more daunting than it actually is. Once you're out there, navigating a new city on YOUR terms, eating what YOU want, and changing plans on short notice? It's incredibly freeing. This guide will walk you through what you need to know before you go, the do's and don'ts that actually matter, and some tricks I wish someone had told me before my first solo trip.
Before You Go: The Prep Work That Matters
Start with the right destination. Not all places are created equal for first-time solo travelers. Consider starting somewhere with good infrastructure, English speakers (if that's your language), and a solid tourism network. Places in Europe like Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Portugal, the United Kingdom or the Nordic Countries are great first-timers.
Tell someone about your plans. Share your itinerary with a friend or family member. It doesn't have to be minute-by-minute, but they should know where you're supposed to be and when. Set up regular check-ins, if it makes everyone feel better.
Get your documents sorted. Make copies (physical and digital) of your passport, visas, travel insurance, and important confirmations. Email them to yourself. Sounds paranoid? Maybe. But you'll thank yourself if something goes wrong.
The Do's: What Actually Works
DO trust your instincts. That weird feeling in your gut? Listen to it. If a situation or person feels off, remove yourself. No one's going to call you rude for prioritizing your safety.
DO stay in social accommodations - at least sometimes. Hostels aren't just for broke twenty-somethings anymore. Even if you book a private room, the communal spaces make it easy to meet other travelers when you want company. Plus, hostel staff often have the inside scoop on what's actually worth doing.
DO embrace eating alone. Bring a book, your phone, or just people-watch. Lunch at a café alone becomes this peaceful ritual. And hey, you can order exactly what you want without compromise and that amazing desert is just for you!
DO learn basic phrases. "Hello," "thank you," "where is...," and "help" in the local language go such a long way. People appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation is terrible.
DO build in flexibility. The beauty of solo travel is spontaneity. Leave some days unplanned so you can follow recommendations from people you meet or just sleep in if you're exhausted.
DO work with a travel expert or someone who truly knows the area. If you have a friend who's traveled there, pick their brain - nothing beats personal insight from someone who's actually walked those streets. And if you don’t know anyone? Find a travel agency that specializes in the country you want to visit. They’ll help you choose the best spots to see, safe neighborhoods to stay in, and share cultural tips you might not find online. (LLocalz, for example, specializes in travel to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and several other European destinations - exactly the kind of insider support that can make a solo trip smoother and so much more enjoyable.)
The Don'ts: Common Mistakes to Skip
Don't overshare your solo status. You don't need to advertise that you're traveling alone, especially to strangers who don't need to know. "My friends are meeting me later" is a perfectly fine white lie.
Don't skip travel insurance. Seriously. Medical emergencies, lost luggage, cancelled flights - it happens. Get coverage that includes medical evacuation if you're going somewhere remote.
Don't pack too much. You're carrying everything yourself, remember? If you can't comfortably walk with it for 15 minutes, you've packed too much. Aim for a bag you can lift into overhead compartments without help.
Don't feel obligated to be "on" all the time. Solo travel doesn't mean you have to be adventuring every second. Sometimes you need a day to do laundry, catch up on sleep, and order room service. That's totally okay.
Don't compare your trip to Instagram. Your journey won't be a highlight reel, and that's actually a good thing. The quiet moments, the mistakes, the random conversations - that's where the real experience lives.
Safety Tips That Actually Help
Keep your accommodation address written down for taxi drivers. Use ATMs during the day at banks, not random street corners at night. Split up your money - keep some in different bags and pockets. Download offline maps before you need them. And here's a big one: look confident even when you're lost. Stop to check your map inside a café or shop, not in the middle of the street looking confused.
The Solo Travel Mindset
The hardest part is usually booking the ticket. Once you're there, you'll figure it out! You'll make mistakes, maybe take the wrong bus or end up in a disappointing tourist trap. That's part of it. Some of the best travel stories came from things going wrong.
You'll probably feel lonely at some point. That's normal. But you'll also have moments of pure joy that you didn't have to negotiate or compromise with anyone else. You'll surprise yourself with what you're capable of handling on your own.
Where to?
Solo travel isn't about being fearless - it's about going anyway. It's about learning that you're pretty good company, actually, and that you're more resourceful than you gave yourself credit for. Start small if you need to. A weekend trip a few hours away counts. Work your way up to the big adventures.
The world is more welcoming to solo travelers than you think. Go explore it.
Thinking about Germany as your next destination?
Germany, Austria and Switzerland stand out as ideal destinations for those exploring alone, offering the perfect blend of safety, efficiency, and adventure. Efficient public transport makes city-hopping effortless, while exceptional safety lets solo travelers wander confidently through urban centers like Berlin and Munich or explore peaceful Bavarian and coastal villages.
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English is widely spoken, eliminating language barriers that might intimidate solo explorers. Hostels, beer gardens, and communal dining tables create natural opportunities to meet fellow travelers and friendly locals. Germany, Austria and Switzerlands compact geography means you can experience medieval castles, cosmopolitan cities, and Alpine landscapes all within a single trip.
Solo dining is completely normalized here, and the country's rich cultural offerings—from world-class museums to music festivals—are just as enjoyable to experience independently. Whether you're seeking urban energy in Hamburg, fairy-tale charm in Rothenburg, or solitude in the Black Forest, Germany welcomes solo adventurers with open arms and impeccable infrastructure.
Perfect Solo Traveler Accommodations
Germany
The Circus Hotel (Berlin) - Stylish hostel in trendy Mitte with a rooftop terrace, regular social events, and a mix of dorms and private rooms
25hours Hotel the Circle (Cologne) - Modern design hotel with communal spaces, central location, Single rooms designed specifically for solo guests (not just shrunk doubles)
Superbude St. Pauli (Hamburg) - Design hostel in the hip St. Pauli district with co-working spaces and a creative vibe
Roomers (Frankfurt) - Boutique design hotel with sophisticated atmosphere, central location, many business travelers—solo dining is normalized, modern, stylish rooms
Hotel Ritzi (Munich) - Boutique hotel near Marienplatz offering small, affordable single rooms with vintage charm
Meininger Hotel (Multiple cities) - Budget hotel chain with hostel-style common areas, perfect for meeting other travelers
EastSeven Berlin Hostel (Berlin) - Cozy, intimate hostel in Prenzlauer Berg known for its homey atmosphere and helpful staff
A&O Hostels (Multiple cities) - Reliable chain offering clean, budget-friendly rooms with 24/7 reception and central locations
Smart Stay Hostel Munich City (Munich) - Centrally located with free walking tours and a sociable atmosphere
Die Wohngemeinschaft (Cologne) - Small, quirky hostel with only 20 beds, creating an easy environment to connect with others
Austria
Wombat's City Hostel (Vienna) - Top-rated hostel near Naschmarkt with a rooftop bar, clean facilities, and solo-friendly events
MEININGER Wien Downtown Franz (Vienna) - Modern hostel-hotel hybrid with game rooms and communal spaces near the city center
YoHo International Youth Hostel (Salzburg) - Family-run hostel with organized activities, live music nights, and a welcoming vibe
Hollmann Beletage (Vienna) - Boutique design hotel offering intimate single rooms and a generous breakfast spread
Book Lovers Hostel (Innsbruck) - Literary-themed hostel with cozy reading nooks and a friendly, intellectual atmosphere
MEININGER Salzburg City Center (Salzburg) - Budget-friendly with common areas perfect for meeting fellow travelers
Haus am Mühlbach (Hallstatt) - Small guesthouse offering single rooms with stunning lake views in this fairy-tale village
The Guesthouse Vienna (Vienna) - Design-forward hostel in a historic building with a bar and regular social events
Nepomuk's (Salzburg) - Friendly hostel with a garden, communal kitchen, and easy access to the old town
Smart Stay Hostel Vienna (Vienna) - Clean, central budget option with helpful staff and common spaces for socializing
Switzerland
City Backpacker Hotel Biber (Zurich) - Quirky, colorful hostel in the Niederdorf district with a famous bar downstairs
Balmers Hostel (Interlaken) - Legendary party hostel with stunning mountain views, outdoor adventures, and nightly events
Geneva Hostel (Geneva) - Lakeside location with a relaxed atmosphere, terrace, and free activities
Mountain Hostel (Gimmelwald) - Remote Alpine hostel perfect for solo hikers seeking mountain solitude and spectacular views
Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof (Interlaken) - Family-run hostel with a homey feel and organized trips to nearby peaks
SYHA Lugano Savosa (Lugano) - Affordable hostel with lake views and easy access to Italian-speaking Switzerland
Youth Hostel Zermatt (Zermatt) - Modern hostel beneath the Matterhorn, ideal for solo trekkers and skiers
Nomad Budget Hotel (Lucerne) - Small, intimate hotel near the train station with single rooms at reasonable prices
Basel Backpack (Basel) - Social hostel with a kitchen, lounge, and regular events in Switzerland's cultural capital
Eiger Selfness Hotel (Grindelwald) - Wellness hotel offering solo-friendly packages with spa access and mountain panoramas
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