Ever dreamed of traveling alone, but felt nervous about stepping into the unknown?
Solo travel can feel like a big challenge when doing it for the first time, whether you are concerned about safety, loneliness, or simply getting lost.
The first time I traveled alone was when I was still studying and went to live in Amsterdam for 4 months. I have traveled alone several times since then, and one of these times was when I went to my yoga teacher training in India, which was the longest and furthest trip I took on my own at the time.
Solo travel fosters a unique way for personal growth, it can open you up to new experiences, teach independence, and all around build self-confidence.
If you are planning to take a trip on your own but still have some concerns about solo travel, here is some advice which will surely alleviate your worries and help you take the plunge!
Common Fears and Concerns of First-Time Solo Travelers
Fear of Loneliness
Fear of loneliness is probably the number one concern when it comes to solo travel. Being alone in a restaurant or during a cultural activity can sometimes feel intimidating, and it might be a bit uncomfortable when experiencing it for the first time.
However, the first thing that I would like to remind you, is that you are never alone, you are with yourself. You are finally going on that trip and you are spending quality time with yourself! We have often been taught when seeing someone alone that this person is probably lonely, and if it might be the case sometimes, it can very well be that this person just needs some time for him/herself.
The other thing to consider here, is that traveling alone often leads to meeting new people and forging unexpected connections. In the beginning of my stay in Bali, I stayed alone for 3 weeks and I booked myself a hotel in Ubud. I was feeling very good about being on my own actually, and one night I decided to go to a fancier restaurant just for myself to enjoy. When I got there, there was another girl who was waiting to be seated because the place was almost full that night. There was just one table available, so we ended up sharing it and spending the whole evening together. I actually spent most of the 3 weeks with her and she became a very dear friend 🌸
Give space for the unknown to unfold and actually show you how great everything can be when you surrender ✨
Safety Concerns
Safety is another big concern when traveling on your own, especially if you are a woman. When I traveled through India, this was my biggest concern, but I followed a few guidelines and everything went great.
The first thing you want to do is to make sure that the first accommodation that you book is legit and in a nice neighborhood. To ensure this, I usually go with the big names such as Booking, Agoda or Airbnb. On these websites, I always apply filters to get only the accommodations with the best rates and I go through some of the comments to know a bit more about other people's experience. If you are going to several destinations during your trip, you can do that for each one or ask recommandations to the locals.
Another good thing to do is to ask the hotel staff or your host what are the nice places to visit, but also the recommandations they have for you (for example avoiding certain areas, going back before nighttime, etc.). Depending on where you are, the safety recommandations can vary greatly, but asking locals who are used to dealing with tourists is always a good idea.
I would also recommend you to trust your intuition as well. This is actually great advice for anything in life, but when being abroad, especially in countries where you don’t always understand the culture and are unfamiliar with the codes, it can sometimes be best to rely on your intuition. It is always guiding you to your highest good.
Fear of Feeling Overwhelmed or Lost
If you are concerned about getting lost when traveling solo, one thing that you can do is either upgrade your phone package to get reception or get a SIM card when you arrive. That way, you can always check where you are or call someone at your hotel for example.
However, remember that part of the magic of solo travel is embracing the uncertainty and being flexible. It is such an amazing feeling to be walking around somewhere, not really knowing where you are but enjoying the freedom of being able to do anything and go anywhere you want.
If you need a pick me up to boost your self-confidence during your trip, mindful practices such as yoga and meditation can help calm your nerves and maintain balance in moments of uncertainty. I usually love meditating either in the morning when I wake up or in the evening right when I go to sleep. This really helps me to relax and stay grounded in challenging times.
Practical Tips for First-Time Solo Travelers
Plan but Stay Flexible
Solo travels are a great way to embrace your own flow and foster unexpected discoveries. When visiting new places, it can be nice to plan some things ahead, especially for the most demanded ones for which you have to book in advance. However, the magic of solo travel also resides in spontaneity and exploration.
When I was in India, I met two other girls during my yoga teacher training and we decided to go travel together afterwards. It ended up being an amazing trip! Yet, since I had already booked flights and hotels before coming to India, it was a bit of a hassle to cancel and reschedule everything. So just a bit of an insider tip, don’t plan too much 😉
Choose the Right Destination
When traveling solo, especially for the first time, choosing a destination which feels safe and welcoming is key. Destinations with yoga retreats, wellness culture, or a strong traveler community are fantastic places to start. Bali, for example, is an amazing destination for first time solo travelers.
Travel Light & Stay Comfortable
Packing light is important when traveling solo, especially if you want to embrace unexpected adventures. Choose comfortable clothing, with a combination of clothes for all kind of weather, depending on where you are going of course. If you choose to go to Bali, for example, you’ll need light summer clothing, yoga clothes, a pair of sneakers, bathing suits, sandals, and a rain coat.
Don’t forget to pack your essentials as well like a good book, your favorite essential oils, or your journal. Traveling alone can sometimes feel a bit off-putting, so carrying items which make you feel safe and stay centered will help.
Stay Connected
Traveling alone doesn’t mean not being in contact with your friends and family - unless it is what you are looking for. Staying connected to your loved ones might be a way to make you feel more safe and grounded, so don’t hesitate to send them messages or pictures of your amazing adventures!
Trust Your Intuition
As I already underlined, traveling solo is also a very good way to train yourself to trust your intuition; whether it's about people you meet, the places you visit, or situations you encounter. Again, you will most likely be out of your comfort zone, so let your intuition be your guide here, you can never go wrong following it.
How Mindfulness Can Enhance Your Solo Travel Experience
Mindful Travel
Traveling alone can be a spiritual experience, allowing for deep introspection and growth. As in every moment of growth and expansion, it is important to remain centered and present. Daily mindful practices such as yoga, meditation, breath work or journaling will help you staying anchored in times of transition.
Self-Compassion
Traveling solo often comes with moments of doubt. It is then important to practice self-compassion and give yourself grace. A practice that I like to do when I find myself in this situation is to focus on my breathing and visualize a river with a strong stream, thus keeping the energy flowing inside of myself as well. This allows me to take a step back and remember that everything is energy, everything flows, everything comes and goes and we can choose to build dams within ourselves blocking our energy stream, or we can choose to flow with it 🙏
Reset with Yoga
A retreat is a perfect way to kickstart your solo adventure, offering a blend of relaxation, personal growth, and connection to both oneself and others. During a retreat, you’re usually well taken care of and this is also a great way to adapt to a new environment, without having to figure everything out on your own.
When we travel alone, we have the space to reflect, explore, and nurture ourselves—something I truly believe in, which is why I’m hosting a New Year’s yoga and meditation retreat in Bali to help you reset and embrace the new year with confidence and inner peace.
My Bali Yoga & Meditation Retreat: The Perfect First Solo Travel Experience
Whether you're feeling nervous or excited about your first solo trip, I invite you to experience the rejuvenating power of yoga and meditation 🧘🏼♀️
On our New Year’s retreat in Bali, we'll focus on self-care, grounding practices, and learning to trust ourselves—on and off the mat. Nestled in the lush jungle and rice fields near the vibrant city of Ubud, you’ll experience a one of a kind experience discovering Bali’s rich culture, practicing yoga and meditation daily and forming new meaningful connections.
In a world filled with distractions, we aim to create a sanctuary where individuals can reconnect with their true selves.
Our mission is to empower participants to embrace transformation and renewal, fostering a deep sense of inner peace and clarity. We recognize that when we nurture our minds and bodies, we can cultivate authentic connections, both with ourselves and with others.
By creating safe spaces where everyone is supported regardless of their past wounds and can express themselves freely, we foster a deeper sense of connection and discover who we truly are.
We will meet for an immersive retreat in Bali from December 29th to January 5th, aligned with the new moon, combining yoga, meditation and personal development tools to promote healing and fulfillment.
If you’re looking for a first solo travel experience, this might be just what you need! We already have participants who joined us for their first solo travel experience, so this might be your chance to help one another out and meet new long-lasting friends!
When I was traveling alone to India, my first destination was actually my yoga teacher training in Rishikesh, and it gave me the confidence to then explore the country even more. It was the perfect introduction for me, as I could get familiar with the culture, the weather, the vibe, etc. in a context where I felt safe and taken care of.
If you're ready to embark on your first solo adventure, I’d love to guide you on this transformative journey!
Join me for our New Year’s Yoga & Meditation Retreat in Bali, where we’ll dive deep into practices that will help you feel confident, centered, and ready for whatever you will experience in 2025.
Learn more here.
Solo travel is one of the most empowering things you can do for yourself. It opens doors to new experiences, and when paired with mindful experiences and practices, it becomes a tool for personal growth and healing.
So step outside your comfort zone and take the leap into your first solo adventure! It can even be a weekend 2h from where you live, it doesn’t have to be somewhere far to be impactful.
Solo travel is not just about discovering new places—it's about discovering yourself. It’s a journey of growth, connection, and self-reflection. If you're ready to take that first step and explore the world on your own, I invite you to join me for our transformative New Year’s yoga and meditation retreat in Bali. Together, we'll tap into the power of mindfulness, healing, and adventure. The world is waiting for you! 🌏
Have you ever traveled solo before, or is it something you’ve been dreaming of? Let me know in the comments below!
I’d love to connect further with you! You can follow me on social media, or reach out with any questions about solo travel or yoga retreats.
With love,
Elodie