Solo Travel Hub

Absolutely – and I say that as someone who used to feel (and, to be honest, often still feels) the exact same way! I’m naturally shy too and I’m going to be real with you: my first solo trip felt like the scariest, most intimidating thing in the world. But I promise, it does get easier with every trip. You don’t need to be loud or fearless or an extrovert to be a solo traveller. You just need to be curious about the beautiful world we live in and willing to take the first step – even if you’re scared.

This blog is packed with all the tools, tips, itineraries and solo-friendly destination guides I wish I had when I was starting out. You’ll find detailed solo travel destination guides, digital planning tools, gear and packing lists, my favourite travel apps, affordable accommodation tips, and blog posts that cover everything from building confidence to finding hidden gems off the tourist track. If it’s something that helped me on my solo travel journey, I’ve shared it here to help you too!

I actually love answering this question because the answer is far less glamorous than you might imagine (I’ve never had a trust fund or a sugar daddy 😅.) The boring but honest truth is that a) my 9-5 as a creative copywriter allows me to work remotely and b) I saved like crazy when I first started and made travel my priority. Over time, I’ve found ways to travel smarter and stretch my money further – like traveling off-season, staying in budget-friendly destinations/accommodation, and being super picky with what I splurge on (I’m for sure an experiences over everything gal!)

Unfortunately there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this, but a few great beginner-friendly countries in Europe are Portugal, Croatia, and Italy. For a first-time solo city break I adore Stockholm, Sweden or Rome, Italy. These places are beautiful, safe and, in my experience, full of other solo travellers, which makes it easier to meet people if you want to. I’ve written loads of destination guides for countries all across Europe and also have a full post on choosing your first solo travel spot if you’re searching for inspiration.

All forms of travel come with risk, whether you travel alone or with a group/partner. But with the right mindset and a little extra preparation it is absolutely safe for women to solo travel, especially in Europe. I started solo travelling when I was just 18 and have since travelled alone to 24+ countries, and while there have been moments I’ve had to trust my gut and be extra cautious, I’ve never felt unsafe just because I was alone. I always recommend researching the local culture ahead of time, staying aware of your surroundings and always letting someone you trust know your plans in advance. But my number one solo travel safety tip? Confidence – and this blog is here to help you build it!

Not at all – and fun fact: I’ve never stayed in a hostel! If the idea of sharing a room with strangers makes you cringe (because honestly, same!), you’ll be happy to know there are loads of affordable hotels, guesthouses and Airbnbs – even in popular destinations – that are perfect for solo travellers. I always look for budget-friendly private stays in safe, central areas – and I share my favourite places in all of my destination guides.

I like to keep things simple and practical. Lightweight clothes I can mix and match, comfy walking shoes (seriously, this is a non-negotiable) and my camera. On my resource page, you’ll find a full packing list and my favorite travel gear – tried and tested through 24 countries!

With a deep breath and confidence! To be honest, I’m not an “Instagram-aesthetic photo” kind of traveller, so usually I stick to a quick selfie using the tilt screen of my trusty camera. But if I do want nicer shots of me, I will use a lightweight travel tripod paired with the remote app on my phone. It can feel awkward at first, but honestly you get used to it and the memories are so worth it!

Sometimes, yes. I’ve definitely had more low moments out on the road than I can count, but often I find I am lonely in the best way during my solo travels. One of the biggest things I have learnt on my travels is that being alone doesn’t mean you’re always lonely, the same as being with people doesn’t mean you aren’t lonely. For me, solo travel gives me time and space from everyday life to reflect, breathe and be fully present with myself. That being said, it’s human nature to crave connection and when you’re travelling there are always ways to meet new people – joining a walking tour or organised group tour are my favourites. That way, you get to choose when you want company and when you want quiet – and for me that’s definitely a big part of the magic.