There’s a special kind of freedom that comes from booking a trip for one. No compromises, no waiting on others, just you choosing what to see, eat, and experience. It might feel intimidating at first, especially if you’ve never had the chance to travel alone before.
However, solo travel is enjoyable on another level. It turns everyday moments into meaningful stories and reveals just how capable you are. Every choice is yours, and every decision leads to something unexpected and personal.
It’s an adventure that sets your confidence and changes how you see the world around you. You’re not simply heading toward a destination. You’re stepping into a new kind of life.
And if you’re looking for the perfect directions to match your mindset or something to keep you company on the road, Monkey House Music is a great place to start.
Your Go-To Solo Travel Tips
Before you take off on your first solo trip, it helps to know a few key things that can make the entire experience safer, smoother, and more enjoyable. These solo travel tips are designed to give you a confident start.
- Plan your arrival, especially at night: Book your accommodation and know how you’ll get there from the airport or train station. Landing in a new place after dark can feel overwhelming, so having a plan gives you a sense of control from the start.
- Use offline tools like Google Maps: Download the local area ahead of time so you don’t need to rely on Wi-Fi. This way, you can still navigate, mark safe spots, and find your hotel easily if you lose connection.
- Pack light and keep your gear secure: Choose a bag you can comfortably carry and keep valuables in different compartments. Spreading out your essentials adds an extra layer of safety and helps avoid drawing unwanted attention.
- Learn a few local phrases: A simple hello or thank you in the local language goes a long way. It shows respect and often invites kindness from locals who see you’re making an effort.
- Think ahead, but stay flexible: You don’t need to overplan, but having a few basics in place makes it easier to travel solo with less stress.
Pro Tip: A little preparation early in your trip helps you focus more on the experience and less on the logistics. That’s how solo travel becomes something to look forward to, not fear.
Planning Your First Solo Trip Itinerary
Planning your first solo trip doesn’t have to be complicated. A flexible itinerary can help you feel more prepared without taking the fun out of the experience. Start with a few commodities, but leave space for curiosity and rest.
Start with One or Two Daily Anchors
Trying to do too much in one day often leaves you tired and frustrated. Choose one or two activities you want to do, and leave the rest of the day open. That way, you’re more open to enjoying what you’re doing and avoid feeling rushed.
Use Google Maps, But Don’t Rely on It Too Much
It helps to mark places like your hotel, the airport, a few restaurants, and important landmarks before you arrive in a new city. Having that information handy gives you more confidence as you move around. Still, it’s okay to explore without a plan once you feel comfortable.
Pick a Destination That Suits You
Not every location is a good fit for a first solo trip. Look for places that are easy to get around, known for being safe, and offer a good mix of local culture and familiar comforts. That might mean starting with a city close to home or finally visiting somewhere you’ve thought about for years.
According to Tourism Research Australia, solo travellers make up a large share of domestic overnight trips. More Australians are choosing to travel on their own, often to places they’ve been meaning to visit for a long time.
Planning gives you something to fall back on, but you don’t have to stick to it every step of the way. The point is to enjoy the trip on your terms.
Sleeping Solo
Where you stay during a solo trip plays a big role in how comfortable and relaxed you feel. A good room helps you rest, feel secure, and settle into the pace of a new place. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common options:
| Option | Best For | Watch Out For |
| Hostels w/Private Rooms | A social vibe with privacy | Noise levels, basic facilities |
| Boutique Hotel | Comfort and a familiar setup | Higher prices, limited space |
| Airbnb/Local Stay | Personal touches from locals | Varying quality, safety standards |
Private rooms in hostels work well for first-time solo travellers. You can unwind in peace at night, then meet other travellers in shared kitchens or lounges. It’s a way to keep your space while still having opportunities to connect.
Boutique hotels are a good choice if you prefer more structure and comfort. Look for one that’s close to public transport and central enough that you won’t be walking far after dark.
Staying with locals often adds an extra layer to your experience. They can point you toward nearby cafes, markets, or shortcuts you wouldn’t find otherwise. Booking early helps you save money and gives you a better chance at securing a clean, well-located room.
Once you’ve sorted out where to stay, it’s time to think about how to meet people along the way, especially when you’re travelling solo.
How Solo Travellers Can Connect
Travelling alone doesn’t mean staying alone. In fact, many solo travelers find it easier to connect with others simply because they’re more open to conversation and shared experiences.
The easiest way to meet people is by choosing activities that naturally bring people together. A small cooking class, for example, gives you a chance to learn something local while chatting over a shared meal.
Day tours are another great option. You get to explore somewhere new with a group, and the setting makes it easy to start a conversation.
Where you stay can also make a big difference. Hostels with lounges or communal kitchens are designed for interaction. Even if you’re staying in a private room, you’ll still have spaces where it’s easy to strike up a chat. A simple “Where are you from?” can lead to surprising and memorable connections.
It’s normal to feel unsure about making the first move. But remember, most people travelling solo are in the same mindset: open, curious, and often looking for someone to talk to. A little effort often leads to real conversations and unexpected friendships.
The more you travel, the more you’ll notice that fellow travelers are often the highlight of the journey.
Hidden Gems Are Where the Magic Happens
Some of the best parts of a solo trip aren’t on the itinerary. While it’s easy to focus on popular landmarks and big cities, it’s the unexpected spots that often leave the strongest memories.
These are the quiet lookouts, quirky roadside cafés, and out-of-the-way places that surprise you in the best way.
Over half of solo trips in Australia are to regional destinations. More and more travellers are choosing to explore beyond the main tourist routes.
These hidden gems don’t announce themselves. You often find them when you’re open to slowing down and following your instincts.
Here’s what can help:
- Ask locals where they like to go on weekends
- Walk or cycle instead of taking the fastest route
- Explore early in the morning or just before sunset
- Look for community noticeboards or small-town markets
These small steps can lead to moments you didn’t plan but will never forget. You might stumble on a music event in a park, find a beach with no one else around, or share a laugh with someone who grew up just down the road from where you’re visiting.
Travelling off the beaten path adds something extra to your trip. It’s less about ticking off sights and more about noticing the stories in the quiet places.
Travel Self Care
Travelling solo gives you full control of your day, but it also puts you in charge of your well-being. That’s why self-care matters so much when you’re on your own. It isn’t just about rest. It’s what helps you feel settled and in touch with yourself while everything else is new.
It’s not mandatory to spend every hour sightseeing. Some of your best days might start slow. A quiet café, a gentle walk through a park, or time spent sitting in a peaceful spot can all help you recharge. When you travel at your own pace, the whole experience feels more real and less rushed.
There might be times when you feel like the only person not completely comfortable. That’s okay. A playlist you love, a journal, or even a photo of your family can make unfamiliar places feel more like your own.
It also helps to check in with yourself. A short break by the water or writing a few thoughts in a notebook gives you space to reflect. These small actions create a sense of calm and keep you feeling steady.
Looking after yourself while you travel isn’t something extra. It’s part of what makes solo trips so rewarding. And once you’re feeling balanced, it becomes easier to enjoy the simple things that matter most to you.
Do Your Favourite Things, Your Way
Solo travel gives you a rare kind of freedom. You don’t need to wait on anyone else or ask for a second opinion. You get to decide what your day looks like and what truly feels worth your time.
This is your chance to enjoy your favorite things exactly how you want to. Here are just a few ideas that many solo travellers say make their trips more enjoyable:
- Spend a full morning in a museum without feeling rushed
- Sit at a café and enjoy people watching while you sip something local
- Join a cooking class and learn something new with strangers who might become friends
- Walk a scenic trail or local park with no one setting the pace but you
- Try a dish that looks unusual but intriguing, just because you feel like it
It’s not necessary to justify what sounds fun or interesting. If it brings you a sense of joy or curiosity, that’s reason enough. When you follow your course, you often find moments that feel more personal and more lasting than anything you could have planned with someone else.
You’re More Ready Than You Think
You might still feel a little unsure. That’s completely normal. But if you’ve come this far, you’re more ready for your first trip than you might realise. Choosing to travel alone doesn’t require having all the answers. It simply means you’re willing to start, even if things feel unfamiliar at first.
One of the easiest ways to feel more secure is by taking care of the practical side of your plans. That’s where travel insurance makes a real difference. It protects you from unexpected issues and gives you the freedom to focus on the experience.
Monkey House Music offers travel insurance services designed with solo travellers in mind. You can travel knowing you’ve covered the things that matter.
If you’re getting ready for your first solo adventure, we’re here to help you feel prepared. Contact us today to ask questions, explore your options, or just talk through your plans. We’re here to help you travel with more confidence and less stress.
