Solo Travel Can Change Your Life

I never planned to become a solo traveler. There was no grand life crisis, no dramatic reason. I just got tired of waiting waiting for friends to commit, for calendars to align, for the “right time” to appear. So I booked a flight. Alone.

And somewhere between getting lost in a foreign city and finding my way back again, something shifted. Solo travel didn’t fix everything, but it awakened clarity, courage, and a new sense of agency. It reminded me that stillness and solitude aren’t things to fear they’re the very spaces where God’s voice becomes clear again.

If you’ve ever wondered whether solo travel could be for you, here are five practical, no-stress tips to get started along with a quiet reminder that God often meets us most clearly when no one else is around.

1. Choose a Destination That Works With You, Not Against You

Your first solo trip shouldn’t feel like an episode of Survivor. Pick a place that’s safe, manageable, and well-suited to solo travelers. Look for destinations with reliable transit, walkable neighborhoods, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Cities like Edinburgh, Montreal, Lisbon, or Tokyo all offer that sweet spot between adventure and comfort, depending on your passport and budget.

Pro Tip: Try to arrive during daylight. It’s easier to get your bearings when you're not navigating jet lag and dark streets.

2. Stay Somewhere Central and Well-Reviewed

Your lodging doesn’t need to be the cheapest option on the map. Choose somewhere quiet, central, and well-reviewed especially by other solo travelers. Proximity to restaurants, transit, and key sights makes your trip easier and more enjoyable.

Whether it’s a boutique hotel or a cozy Airbnb, your space becomes your sanctuary. And that matters.

Pro Tip: Filter reviews by “solo traveler” to get a feel for the area and atmosphere from someone walking in your shoes.

3. Be Smart About Safety But Don’t Let It Paralyze You

You don’t need to be paranoid, but basic safety goes a long way. Share your itinerary with a friend. Turn on location sharing. Know a few common scams in your destination. Don’t overdrink or leave valuables unattended.

And if something feels off, trust your instincts. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for leaving.

Pro Tip: Search “common travel scams in [city]” before you go. Awareness is a simple, powerful tool.

4. Use Your Phone Like a Tool, Not a Crutch

Download offline maps. Save key info in your Notes app. Load Google Translate and a currency converter. Prep smart but then let go.

Solo travel is one of the few chances to engage a place without commentary, expectations, or digital distractions. Be present. Let God speak into the quiet places of your journey. You’ll be amazed what you notice when you’re not documenting everything.

5. Leave Room for Surprise

Have a loose plan. Know where you’re staying, how to get from the airport, and a few sights to see. But don’t overpack your schedule. Solo travel works best with margin—for wandering, lingering, listening.

Sometimes the best moments come in the spaces you didn’t plan. A spontaneous street performance. A conversation with a stranger. A quiet bench with a better view than the guidebook promised.

Pro Tip: Book one structured activity (like a walking tour or cooking class) if you want balance but leave time open, too. That's often where transformation sneaks in.

The Real Journey Isn’t on the Map

Solo travel isn’t about escaping your life. It’s about noticing it again. Feeling your own limits and your own courage. Realizing you don’t need to wait for someone else to live meaningfully, or to hear from God.

You’ll come home more grounded. More aware of the world. More aware of yourself. And maybe just maybe with a clearer sense of who you are when no one else is around to define it.

Because once you’ve navigated a new city by yourself? The rest of life starts to feel a little more possible too.

If this inspired you to consider a solo journey, pass it along or subscribe to our newsletter for more soulful, practical ways to meet God in every season.