Let’s keep it real—taking your first solo trip, especially after 30, is a big flex and a major personal win. It’s more than just a vacation; it’s a declaration. A soul-stirring, self-validating experience that’ll have you saying, “I really did that.” Whether you’re dreaming of cobblestone streets in Lisbon, a food tour in Tokyo, or a solo beach stay in Madeira, getting your 1st solo trip planned the right way can mean the difference between feeling lost and feeling liberated.
As a solo-traveling queen, storyteller, and advocate for women reclaiming their time and energy through travel. Over the last decade-plus, I’ve collected passport stamps, cultural insights, and a backpack full of wisdom. And now? I’m spilling all the travel tea to help you get your first solo travel experience off the ground, especially if you’re diving into this lifestyle in your 30s (or beyond—because we age like fine wine over here).
Why Solo Travel After 30 Hits Different
Let’s just say this: solo travel in your 30s is a whole vibe. You’re not out here trying to “find yourself”—you’ve already met her. You’re trying to invest in her.
You’ve worked hard, made sacrifices, and maybe you’re tired of waiting for someone else to be “ready” to see the world with you. So, why not go solo? You get to choose your adventure, your budget, and your vibe. And let’s not overlook the empowerment that comes from navigating unfamiliar territory alone—it’s the glow-up you didn’t know you needed.
Consider Your 1st Solo Trip Planned
Step 1: Decide Where and Why
Get intentional. Before you even pull out that passport, ask yourself: What kind of solo trip do I want this to be?
- Self-care & healing? Think Bali, Sedona, or Costa Rica.
- Cultural deep-dive? Look at Morocco, Vietnam, or Portugal.
- Foodie heaven? Italy, Thailand, and Mexico never miss.
- Adventure & adrenaline? Peru, South Africa, or New Zealand got you.
Having your 1st solo trip planned with clarity and purpose helps eliminate the anxiety that often comes with planning alone. Trust me, alignment is everything.
Step 2: Research Like a Boss
Now that you’ve decided to get your 1st solo trip planned, it’s time to do what every savvy traveler does before takeoff—gather intel like a pro. This is where your solo travel journey starts to take shape. Think of this stage as the blueprint for your best trip yet. It’s not about information overload—it’s about leveling up your confidence before you even hit the airport. Doing your homework now means fewer surprises later, and more room for the kind of spontaneous magic that solo travel is known for. We’re not winging it out here—we’re planning with purpose and power.
Use Tech, But Trust Your Gut
Sure, Google is great—but don’t sleep on travel apps like Rome2Rio, Culture Trip, and SoloTraveller. Leverage blogs, TikToks, and solo travel YouTubers who look like you and vibe like you.
But don’t forget: the algorithm can’t always predict your comfort zone. Read the reviews, yes, but trust your intuition. If a place doesn’t feel right in your gut, it ain’t the one.
Check Visa & Safety Requirements Early
This is not the time to play around with passport issues or entry rules. Use resources like:
- Sherpa (visa checker)
- U.S. State Department or relevant embassy pages
- Solo travel safety forums for your destination
This upfront research ensures your 1st solo trip planned doesn’t start off with unnecessary drama.
Step 3: Lock in the Logistics
This is where the dream starts turning into a departure date. Getting your 1st solo trip planned means locking down the essentials—flights, stays, and the in-betweens—with intention and clarity. It’s not just about booking a trip; it’s about building a stress-free foundation so your focus can stay on the adventure, not the anxiety. Logistics might not be sexy, but freedom is, and the smoother your setup, the freer you’ll feel to explore, connect, and thrive once you land.
Book Smart, Not Fast
Repeat after me: Flexibility is your best friend. Booking accommodations and flights with generous cancellation policies gives you room to pivot if life throws a curveball.
For lodging? Balance safety and comfort with platforms like:
- Airbnb (look for “Superhost”)
- Booking.com with verified guest reviews
- Hostels geared toward older travelers, poshtels, for example
And don’t forget travel insurance. It’s not cute until you need it—and when you need it, you’ll thank yourself a thousand times over.
Step 4: Pack With Purpose
You’ve got your 1st solo trip planned, and now it’s time to channel that main-character energy into your packing game. This isn’t about stuffing a suitcase with “just in case” items—it’s about showing up prepared, powerful, and unbothered. Packing with purpose means you’re moving like someone who knows where she’s going and isn’t afraid to show up fully. Every item you bring should serve a need, support your comfort, or spark joy. Travel light, but roll deep—with confidence, clarity, and a carry-on that says, “I got this.”
Lighten Your Load (Literally and Figuratively)
Overpacking is the number one rookie mistake. You don’t need 15 outfit changes for a 5-day trip, sis. You just don’t.
Use packing cubes. Pick a color palette. Go versatile with your fits. And most importantly: leave space for souvenirs and new memories.
If your 1st solo trip has you nervous, remind yourself: if you forget something, you can probably buy it when you get there.
Bonus tip? Pack a small journal. You’ll want to remember how you feel in the moment, every little “wow” and “I did that” along the way.
Step 5: Safety Is the New Sexy
Let’s get one thing straight—confidence is cute, but safety is what keeps the glow going. When you’ve got your 1st solo trip planned, it’s not just about the destination—it’s about making it there, thriving while you’re there, and coming back with stories, not stress. Prioritizing your peace and protection isn’t about being scared—it’s about being smart.
Think of it as solo travel street smarts: the foundation that lets you move like a boss, explore like a queen, and stay fully in control of your experience.
Make Safety Part of the Plan
We’re not out here fearmongering, we’re just staying ready so we don’t have to get ready. For first-time solo travelers, these safety tips are foundational:
- Share your itinerary with someone you trust
- Get a local SIM card or eSIM for connectivity outside of WiFi
- Register with your embassy (STEP program for Americans)
- Learn a few key local phrases
Always know your exits, trust your instincts, and keep your belongings secure. Safety isn’t paranoia—it’s power.
Step 6: Mindset Is Everything
Here’s the truth: once you’ve got your 1st solo trip planned, the next frontier is internal. Because solo travel isn’t just about crossing borders—it’s about breaking mental barriers, too. Doubt, fear, and that little voice whispering “What if…”?
They’ve got nothing on a well-rooted mindset and a travel plan backed by preparation.
When you know you’ve taken care of business—including clutch moves like locking in travel insurance through SafetyWing for that extra layer of control—you create space to move with intention and unapologetic confidence. This journey starts in your head before it ever hits your feet.
Say Goodbye to Guilt and Hello to Growth
Solo travel is a radical act of self-love. That’s it. That’s the tweet.
You don’t owe anyone an explanation for choosing joy, discovery, and peace. The world is wide, and your purpose is bigger than your comfort zone.
Expect some nerves. Expect some awkward moments. And then expect to grow in ways you didn’t think possible. That’s the real gift of solo travel—it reveals your resilience.
Step 7: Connect Without Clinging
Getting your 1st solo trip planned doesn’t mean you’re signing up for isolation—it means you’re choosing connection on your terms. One of the biggest myths about solo travel is that you’ll be out here lonely and longing. But the truth? The road is full of community—you just have to know how to tap in without losing your independence.
Want the blueprint? Dive into other blog titles like:
- 7 Solo Traveling Communities You Should Join
- 5 Benefits of Staying Connected
- The Sensational Benefits of Solo Traveling as a Female
The vibes are out there—you just have to be open to the right ones.
You’re Solo, Not Lonely
Solo travel doesn’t mean isolation. In fact, some of the deepest connections I’ve ever made were during solo adventures. Stay in places with communal spaces. Join a local cooking class or walking tour. Smile at strangers. Say yes (safely) to new experiences. Put your phone down long enough to let life surprise you.
When your 1st solo trip includes space for connection, you’ll come back not just refreshed, but transformed.
Step 8: Budget Like a Pro
Let’s be real—just because you’ve got your 1st solo trip planned doesn’t mean you’re trying to blow the whole paycheck. Smart travel isn’t about being cheap; it’s about being intentional with your coins.
A pro budgeter knows that freedom and financial confidence go hand in hand. Whether you’re stacking points, stretching your dollars, or balancing a champagne experience on a sparkling water budget, this is where strategy meets spontaneity. You deserve to explore the world without stressing over receipts—and yes, it’s absolutely possible.
Solo Doesn’t Have to Mean Splurge
Yes, you might not split costs with a travel buddy—but that doesn’t mean your bank account has to take a hit.
Use tools like:
- XE Currency Converter
- Trail Wallet app for expense tracking
- Couchsurfing or Workaway for low-cost stays
Always have an emergency stash (digital or cash), and treat yourself within reason. You deserve nice things, but financial freedom feels even better than a five-star hotel.
Step 9: Capture the Journey
You didn’t get your 1st solo trip planned just to keep it all to yourself, did you? Nah, this is your moment—and it deserves to be documented like the masterpiece it is. Every city, every solo win, every sunrise selfie—this journey is your proof of growth in real time.
Whether it’s journaling those raw reflections or snapping content that captures the vibe, how you document this experience becomes part of the magic. And if you need some inspo? Tap into my TikTok or IG for a treasure trove of travel memories, solo tricks, and tips to help you live your best nomadic life, one bold move at a time.
Photos, Feelings & Firsts
Take all the pictures, even the awkward selfies. Ask locals to snap a photo of you. Capture your food, your feet on cobblestones, that sunrise moment when you feel unstoppable.
But also? Write. Reflect. Even if it’s just a few words a day. When you’re looking back a year later, you’ll see not just the places you went, but the person you became.
Step 10: Keep That Energy When You Get Home
Let’s keep it a buck—once you’ve got your 1st solo trip planned and executed like the fearless soul you are, not everyone’s gonna clap for you. Some folks will throw shade because deep down, they’re too scared to do what you just did. Let ’em.
That solo glow you’re coming back with? That’s earned. That’s experience. That’s evolution.
So when you touch back down, chin up, wanderer. Don’t shrink to make others comfortable. Hold your growth. Honor the courage it took to go. And remember—this was just the beginning. There’s a whole world out there with your name on it, and you’ve only just begun.
Integration Is the Final Step
What did this trip show you about yourself? What fears did you face down? What dreams got louder?
The power of your 1st solo trip planned doesn’t stop at the baggage claim. Let it inform your decisions, shape your habits, and deepen your self-respect.
Book that second trip. Say no to what no longer serves you. Keep growing.
Quick Travel Tips for 1st-Time Solo Travelers Over 30
Look, I get it—stepping out solo for the first time in your 30s can feel like a whole mood. I was right there with you, taking my first formal solo trip past the age of 30 and realizing something powerful: this isn’t just travel, it’s a declaration of self-love and freedom.
Since then, I’ve never looked back, and now I’m here to pass the torch. These quick-hit tips come straight from the trenches—real talk for real women ready to own their journey and make every solo trip a milestone, not a maybe.
1. Plan Smart, Not Scared
Planning your first solo trip can feel like stepping into the unknown, but that’s exactly where magic happens. When you’re getting your 1st solo trip planned, it’s easy to get caught in a loop of “What if this? What if that?” But here’s the secret: smart planning isn’t about obsessing over every tiny detail or trying to control the uncontrollable. It’s about creating a roadmap that sets you up for success without suffocating your spirit.
Start with the essentials—your destination, travel dates, accommodations, and safety basics—and then build flexibility into the mix. Think of your itinerary as a skeleton, not a straitjacket. This gives you room to pivot when something unexpected calls your name, whether that’s a last-minute invite to a local festival or an extra day lounging on the beach. The key is balance: enough prep to feel confident, but enough freedom to breathe.
Remember, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. You’re leveling up, one well-planned step at a time.
2. Prioritize Safety, Not Fear
When you’re traveling solo, especially if this is your first time after 30, safety becomes your best travel companion. But here’s a vibe check: Prioritizing safety is not about letting fear run the show. Fear shrinks you, safety empowers you. The difference? Preparation. When you’ve got your 1st solo trip planned with safety in mind, you walk into new places like a boss, not a ball of nerves.
Start by arming yourself with knowledge. Learn about your destination’s neighborhoods, cultural norms, and transport options. Register with your embassy or consulate, share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member, and keep emergency contacts handy. And don’t forget tools like SafetyWing insurance—it’s a modern-day power move that puts a barrier between you and unexpected travel setbacks.
Also, safety means trusting your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Solo travel after 30 gives you an edge—you’ve got life experience and street smarts on your side. Don’t feel guilty about saying no or walking away. Your intuition is your most underrated travel tool, so keep it loud and clear. Staying safe is how you stay free.
3. Say Yes to YOU
Solo travel is the ultimate act of self-love, and the biggest favor you can do is to say yes to YOU. This means leaning into your desires, your pace, and your vibe without anyone else’s agenda clouding your shine. You get to be the CEO of your trip, making every choice based on what feeds your soul.
Say yes to that sunrise hike even if it means you’re the only one awake at 5 AM. Say yes to street food that makes your taste buds dance. Say yes to a spontaneous detour that wasn’t on your itinerary but calls your name like a siren song. Saying yes doesn’t mean reckless abandon—it means permission to explore your limits and expand your comfort zone on your terms.
And don’t sleep on saying yes to rest, too. Solo travel isn’t a sprint; it’s a rhythm. Your energy is your currency, and when you honor your body and mind, you get the best ROI. So yes, you get to pause, reflect, and savor the quiet moments as much as the wild ones. Saying yes to you is the foundation of every incredible solo trip you’ll ever take.
4. Make Space for Surprises
If you want the real magic of solo travel, you have to leave room for the unexpected. When you’re so busy getting your 1st solo trip planned down to the last detail, you might miss the detours that become your favorite stories. Trust me, the universe loves a traveler who shows up with open hands and heart.
Surprises might come as a chance encounter with a local artist, a hidden cafe off the beaten path, or a new friendship forged on a train ride. These moments can’t be scheduled or googled—they require you to be present and flexible. Instead of overloading your itinerary, build “white space” into your days—empty pockets of time where spontaneity can breathe.
Plus, leaning into surprises is a power move for your mindset. It teaches you to flow with uncertainty, embrace discomfort, and grow from it. When you do this, your trip stops being a checklist and starts being a living, breathing experience. So pack your bags with plans, but carry an open heart—because sometimes the best parts of your trip aren’t planned at all.
5. Document the Magic
You didn’t get your 1st solo trip planned just to forget how it felt. Documenting your journey isn’t about creating a highlight reel for social media—it’s about capturing your evolution, your vibes, your solo travel glow-up. Whether through photos, journals, or voice memos, preserving your story helps you process the highs, the challenges, and the growth.
Writing down your thoughts—even if it’s just a few words at the end of the day—lets you reflect on moments you might otherwise forget. What surprised you? What challenged you? What made you laugh till you cried? When you look back, these details become the treasure trove of your experience, reminding you how far you’ve come and inspiring your next adventure.
And don’t forget to share your magic on your own terms. Whether you’re posting on TikTok or just sending photos to close friends, sharing your journey creates a connection. You inspire others, build your community, and keep that solo travel energy alive long after the trip ends. So document your magic—because this story? It’s worth telling.
Real Talk from Your Solo Traveling Homegirl
You don’t need anyone’s permission to live a big, bold life. And solo travel? That’s one of the realest ways to step into your power.
Your 30s (and beyond) aren’t for waiting—they’re for walking into your next chapter, unapologetically. With your 1st solo trip planned from a place of clarity, courage, and intention, the world becomes your playground.
So go ahead and book that flight, queen. Your future self is already cheering for you.
