The Ultimate Solo Travel Guide: Safe, Smart & Independent
- International Property Alerts
- October 3, 2025
Solo travel is booming. More people are choosing to explore independently — sometimes as a precursor to relocating or buying property abroad. This deep dive covers the trends, benefits, challenges, top destinations, safety tips, and how solo travel can blend with your property search.
Why Solo Travel Is Growing
The global solo travel market was estimated at USD 482.34 billion in 2024 and is projected to exceed USD 1.07 trillion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of ~14.3%.
According to travel reports, 76% of Millennials and Gen Z plan solo trips.
In 2025, 62% of people surveyed intend to take 2–5 solo trips.
In 2024, around 50% of Americans planned to travel solo, with 16% of travellers having done so in 2023.
Growth projections show that solo travel is one of the fastest-growing niches in tourism.
These numbers show that solo travel is far from a fringe trend — it’s mainstream and expanding.
Benefits of Solo Travel
1. Freedom & Flexibility
Plan your own route, stay duration, and pace without compromises.
2. Self-Discovery & Confidence
Navigating unfamiliar places alone builds resilience and self-reliance.
3. Cultural Immersion
You tend to interact more with locals, try new experiences, and step outside tourist bubbles.
4. Scouting for Relocation or Property
Many solo travellers use their trips to test potential places to live or invest in property.
5. Meeting Others on Your Terms
You can join group tours or social activities based on your mood, not someone else’s plan.
6. Better Mindset
Without the distractions of companions, you often reflect more and travel with intention.
Challenges & Myths
- Loneliness – It can happen, especially at first. Use co-living spaces, group tours, or stay in social hostels.
- Safety concerns – More real for solo female travellers or in less stable regions. But many countries are quite safe if you follow basic rules.
- Single Supplement Fees – Tours, cruises, or group packages often add extra cost for solo travelers.
- Logistics & Planning – Everything is on you: bookings, routes, transport, and backup plans.
- Perception & Fear – Some people worry what others will think. But solo travel is increasingly normalized.
Safety: What the Data Shows
Among solo travellers, women tend to outnumber men. In one survey, ~60% of solo travellers identified as female.
Many safety indexes list the safest countries for solo female travellers as: Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan and Croatia.
Iceland frequently ranks at the top due to extremely low crime rates and high social trust.
European cities often featured among the safest for solo travellers include Copenhagen, Ljubljana, Lyon, Vienna, Helsinki, Edinburgh.
First-time solo travellers often start with safer, English-friendly destinations like Ireland, UK, Spain, Costa Rica, Netherlands, Canada, New Zealand.
While these rankings offer guidance, safety always depends on how you travel, where you go, and how prepared you are.
Top Destinations for Solo Travel
Here are some destinations frequently recommended for solo travellers — with strengths and cautions:
How to Prepare for Solo Travel
1. Planning & Research
- Learn about local laws, cultural norms, safety advisories, political stability.
- Check visa requirements and entry regulations.
- Use travel forums or local communities to ask recent travellers.
2. Book Smart
- Choose central, well-reviewed accommodation for early nights.
- Try to book direct flights — fewer transfers mean less stress and lost luggage risk.
- Reserve major transport in advance (trains, buses, ferries) when possible.
3. Pack Wisely
- Bring a portable charger, power adapter, and small first aid kit.
- Use a money belt or hidden pouch for passports and cash.
- Pack versatile clothing that fits local dress norms.
4. Communication & Connectivity
- Get a local SIM card or international data plan.
- Download offline maps, translation apps, and emergency contacts.
- Keep digital and physical copies of important documents.
5. Money & Health
- Use cards with low overseas fees; have a backup credit card.
- Buy travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, theft, and trip cancelation.
- Learn which hospitals or clinics are trustworthy in your destination.
6. On the Ground
- Share your daily itinerary with a trusted friend or family.
- Walk with confidence and blend in — avoid looking lost or overly touristy.
- Use reputable transport (licensed taxis, ride apps).
- Avoid isolated streets at night; stick to well-lit areas.
- Keep emergency cash in a separate place from your wallet.
How Solo Travel Can Help Your Property Search
If you’re thinking about buying property abroad, solo travel can be extremely valuable:
- You can test neighborhoods by staying for varying durations.
- Experience local life (cafés, markets, transit) more naturally.
- Meet local real estate agents and expats on your schedule.
- Travel light, change plans easily, and stay open to opportunities you might miss with group travel.
A solo journey can evolve into your reconnaissance mission for your future home.
FAQs About Solo Travel
Q: Is solo travel safe for women?
Yes — thousands of women travel solo annually. Safety improves when you’re well-prepared, alert, and choose sensible destinations. Many safety indexes list Nordic and East Asian countries among the safest.
Q: Which age groups travel solo most often?
Many solo travellers are young: ~38% fall into the 18–24 age bracket, and ~68% are under 31. But a surprising number of solo travellers are older. One report says 81% of solo female travellers are over 45.
Q: Will I always pay extra as a solo traveler?
Not always. Some tours or cruises have single supplement fees (10–100% extra) to compensate for single occupancy. But many operators now waive or reduce these fees to attract solo travellers.
Q: How do I meet people when traveling solo?
Join walking tours, stay in social hostels or co-living spaces, use apps to find local events, or take day-trip group activities.
Q: How early should I plan?
Many solo travelers begin planning 3–6 months in advance.
Sample Itinerary for a Solo Travel Property-Scouting Trip
1. Days 1–3: Arrival & Settling In
- Stay in a central city area. Explore local cafes, shops, and transit.
- Use a walking tour to get familiar.
2. Days 4–6: Neighborhoods & Real Estate
- Visit 2–4 neighborhoods each day with a local agent.
- Walk, use public transit, and test commute times.
3. Days 7–9: Day Trips to Nearby Towns / Coast / Countryside
- Explore surrounding areas you might consider buying in.
4. Days 10–12: Mixed Days
- Revisit favorite spots, talk to locals, check amenities (supermarkets, gyms, health care).
- Leave buffer days for surprises or additional visits.
5. Depart or extend for deeper research if needed
- This structure gives you balance: lifestyle exploration, property viewings, and breathing space.
Final Thoughts
Solo travel is more than just a journey — it’s a pathway to personal growth and discovery. For property seekers, it’s also a powerful tool to test your intuition about places, experience local life, and make informed decisions about where you might want to live long-term.
With safety, purpose, and flexibility in mind, your solo trip can become part of your investment strategy. And because solo travel is expanding rapidly, the resources, networks, and services for solo travellers are stronger than ever.
📧 elly@internationalpropertyalerts.com
🌐 www.internationalpropertyalerts.com
📱 WhatsApp: +44 7796 174253
About International Property Alerts
International Property Alerts is a premier global platform connecting real estate investors with handpicked opportunities in emerging and lifestyle-driven markets. Through curated listings, expert guidance, and market insights, we help buyers make confident property decisions worldwide.
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