^{Note: This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below. See full disclosure here}

If you’re considering your first solo trip, congratulations! You’re in for an adventure that will be equally thrilling and transformative. But there’s one big question that every new traveler has: How long should my first solo trip be?

The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, but I’m here to help guide you through making that decision. Solo travel can seem daunting at first (we’ve all been there!). But a trip of the right length will give you time to adapt, explore, and enjoy it.

So, grab your favorite cozy blanket and a cup of coffee. We’re about to dig into everything you need to know to plan the perfect solo adventure. Let’s Dig In.

• Facebook
• Pinterest

How long should my first solo trip be?

Let’s get straight to it: your first independent trip should last about one to two weeks. Why? It lets you adjust, build confidence, and find your travel rhythm.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Week 1: You’ll spend the first few days finding your footing. Independent travel has a learning curve. You must trust your gut, navigate a new place, and deal with first-day jitters. But, by week’s end, you’ll feel more confident. You’ll think on your feet and make the most of your time.
• Week 2: This is where the magic happens. You’ll start to enjoy your trip. You’ll explore its culture, food, and experiences. No need to figure things out. By this point, you’ll feel more like a local than a wide-eyed tourist.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Two weeks? That’s a lot of time!” But hear me out. It’s enough time to ease into solo travel without rushing. It also prevents burnout from being on your own for too long. Plus, having a few extra days can come in handy for spontaneous adventures (and we all know those are the best kind!).

But, what if I can’t do two weeks?

No worries! If two weeks feels like too much, consider starting with a 7-day trip. A week is a good time to ease into solo travel. It’s especially true if you’re going somewhere easy to navigate or not far from home. For first-time independent travelers, I’d recommend New York City, Austin, or Portland. If you’re in the U.S., they’re familiar, have much to do, and have reliable transport. If you’re in another country, find a large city nearby or another location in your country.  Bonus: You’ll have plenty of time to unwind and explore without feeling overwhelmed.

Just make sure your destination aligns with your comfort level. Some places suit solo travelers better than others. This can affect your comfort on your trip.

How to Maximize a 7-Day Solo Adventure

If you’re going on a one-week trip, here’s how to make the most of it:

1. Keep It Simple: Choose one key city or region to explore. You don’t want to spend your whole trip in transit. So, aim for places with enough activities to fill your days. But, not so many that you’ll be running from one thing to the next.
2. Plan for Downtime: Solo travel is exhilarating, but it can be exhausting if you’re always on the move. Schedule some time for yourself. It could be a coffee at a local café or relaxing in your hotel or Airbnb.
3. Stay Flexible: The best part of independet travel is the freedom to be spontaneous. Don’t feel like you need to plan every minute. Leave room for surprises. You might find a hidden bookstore or a charming local market!
4. Connect with other solo female travelers through the FB page Solo Female Travelers (FIRST FB group for women who travel solo!). They can help you with itinerary ideas or share your travel wins and challenges.

Pros and Cons of a Longer Trip (Two Weeks or More)

If you’ve got the time and flexibility, a two-week trip might be exactly what you need. Here’s what to expect from a longer solo journey:

Pros:

• Deeper immersion: You can deeply embrace the destination’s culture, cuisine, and vibe.
• Less stress: More time means less pressure to cram everything into a few days. You can go at your own pace.
• Personal growth: The more time you spend alone, the more you’ll get comfortable with being self-reliant. That skill will stick with you long after your trip.

Cons:

• Homesickness: After a few days, some solo travelers miss familiar faces and routines. Schedule regular calls or video chats with friends and family to stay connected. This will help combat it.
• Stressful: You are the sole person making the directions without someone to fall back on. Traveling to a new country with a language barrier, new food, and people can be daunting and stressful. A good cry is bound to happen. This is completely normal and healthy.
• Lonely: Don’t get me wrong I love solo travel but it can be lonely at times. The desire to share an experience with someone. During our travels connect with others and share your travel stories.
• Budget: Longer trips can result in significant expenses. Plan your budget carefully. Account for accommodation, food, and activities.

5 Tips for Making the Most of Your First Solo Trip

1. Start Small: For your first independent adventure, pick a destination that feels manageable. A town or city where people speak your native language and have good public transportation.
2. Choose Safe Accommodations: Look for accommodations with great reviews. Hostels, B&Bs, or small boutique hotels offer opportunities to meet other travelers. All the while still giving you personal space.
3. Learn Basic Phrases: If you’re going to a non-English-speaking country, learn some key phrases in the local language. They can help. (Plus, it’s fun to surprise locals with your efforts!)
4. Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, trust your instincts. Whether it’s a sketchy situation or simply a tour you’re not vibing with, it’s okay to walk away. Your safety is always first.
5. Document Your Journey: Keep a journal, take photos, or start a travel blog. Not only will this help you reflect on your trip, but it also gives you something to look back on with pride.

 _{Taking a solo coffee break and soaking in the vibes!}

How to Know You’re Ready for a Solo Trip

Still wondering if you’re truly ready for your first solo trip? Here are a few signs that you’re up for the challenge:

• You’re comfortable doing things alone, like eating out or going to a movie.
• You’ve planned a trip before, even if it was with others.
• You’re ready to step out of your comfort zone and embrace the unknown.

If these sound like you, then get ready to book that flight!

How Long Should Your First Solo Trip Be?

Ultimately, the length of your trip depends on your comfort, destination, and personal preferences. For most people, 1-2 weeks is the sweet spot for a first independent adventure. It gives you time to adjust, explore, and return home feeling empowered by your experience.

Ready to take the plunge? Start planning your self-guided adventure today. Whether it’s a quick getaway or a longer journey, embrace every moment! And don’t forget to check out my guide to the 7 best travel apps for independent female travelers to help make your trip even smoother.

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!

 -Beth

^{Note: This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below. See full disclosure here}

Let’s Dig In!

Solo travel is one of the most empowering experiences you can have. You get to explore new places at your own pace, dive deep into local culture, and discover new things about yourself along the way. But let’s be real, it’s not all sunshine and scenic routes. Sometimes, you need a little extra help navigating unfamiliar streets or ensuring your safety. That’s where travel apps come in! Whether you need help staying organized, finding Wi-Fi, or ensuring your safety, these apps are here to make solo travel as smooth as possible.

In this post, I’ll break down the best solo travel apps every female adventurer should have on her phone. With these trusty tools by your side, you’ll be exploring with confidence in no time!

• Facebook
• Pinterest

1. Google Maps: The Modern-Day Compass

Google Maps has your back, whether you’re strolling through the hustle and bustle of Manhattan or wandering Central Park. The app gives you real-time directions for every possible mode of transport—walking, biking, public transit, you name it. And the best part? It works offline! Yep, download your maps in advance and say goodbye to pricey international data charges or getting lost in the city that never sleeps.

Real-world example: During my solo trip to New York, I downloaded the entire Manhattan map before heading out for a day of exploring. And yes, I have been lost in Central Park before! But with the offline map, I quickly found my way back to a scenic spot without missing a beat.

 _{Navigating Manhattan with ease—Google Maps to the rescue!}

2. TripIt: Your Personal Travel Assistant

No one needs 43 confirmation emails cluttering their inbox.

TripIt is your one-stop shop for organizing travel plans. Instead of searching through your inbox for flight details or hotel reservations, simply forward your confirmation emails to TripIt, and it’ll create a neat, organized itinerary for you. The app even works offline, so you can access your travel plans without Wi-Fi.

Pro Tip: Share your TripIt itinerary with family or friends. That way, even when you’re off the grid, your loved ones will know exactly where you are.

_{No more email hunting! All my travel details in one place thanks to TripIt.}

3. bSafe: Safety First, Always

Because adventure is fun, but safety is a must.

Whether you’re exploring city streets or hiking in the wilderness, bSafe ensures you’re never truly alone. It allows you to share your location with trusted contacts and has an SOS button that notifies them in case of emergencies. What’s even cooler? You can activate the app hands-free using voice commands.

True Story: While hiking in Oregon, I used bSafe’s “Follow Me” feature, which kept my friend updated on my location in real time. There were no emergencies, but having that peace of mind made the hike much more enjoyable.

_{Exploring solo but never alone with bSafe watching my back.}

4. PackPoint: Because Overpacking is So 2010

Pack smarter, not harder.

If you’re like me and pack way more than you need “just in case,” PackPoint is about to be your new best friend. The app helps you create a custom packing list based on your destination, the weather, and planned activities. Going to a beach town? Pack your swimsuit. Headed for a hiking trip? Don’t forget that rain jacket.

Fun Fact: PackPoint adjusts your packing list depending on the weather forecast for your destination. You’ll never be caught unprepared!

_{Travel light and smart! Thanks, PackPoint, for keeping me on track.}

5. WiFi Map: Stay Connected Without Breaking the Bank

No more overpriced coffee just for Wi-Fi.

WiFi Map helps you find free Wi-Fi spots all around the world. Whether you’re in a bustling city or a remote village, this app will point you to the nearest available Wi-Fi. Plus, you can download Wi-Fi locations ahead of time, making it super easy to stay connected when traveling.

Pro Tip: Use the app to scout out cool cafés with free Wi-Fi. You’ll find yourself sipping coffee in the best local spots while staying connected with friends or planning your next adventure.

_{Wi-Fi and a latte, anyone? Staying connected while exploring Paris with WiFi Map.}

6. Meetup: Solo Doesn’t Mean Lonely

Because solo travel doesn’t mean being alone.

Meetup is the perfect app for when you want to socialize during your travels. It connects you with locals or fellow travelers who share your interests. Whether you’re looking for a hiking group, a language exchange, or even a cooking class, you’ll find something fun on Meetup.

True Story: On a solo trip to Portland, Oregon, I decided to join a walking tour that explored the city’s best food spots. Not only did I get to taste some delicious local treats, but I also struck up a conversation with a fellow traveler from Colorado. We’ve kept in touch and even swapped travel tips for future adventures!

_{Joined a Meetup for a Portland walking tour} 

7. XE Currency: For When Math Isn’t Your Thing

Real-time currency conversions at your fingertips.

If you’ve ever struggled to mentally convert foreign currency while shopping at a street market, XE Currency will be your new go-to. The app offers real-time exchange rates and works offline, making it ideal for when you’re in areas without service.

Pro Tip: Bookmark your commonly used currencies for quick conversions while on the go.

_{Never overpay for that handmade scarf again—XE Currency has your back.}

Solo Travel Just Got Easier!

With these seven apps in your travel toolkit, solo female travel is a breeze. From staying safe with bSafe to organizing your itinerary with TripIt and finding free Wi-Fi with WiFi Map, you’ll be exploring with confidence and ease. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to indulge in local flavors—check out my post on Culinary Travel: Explore the World Through Food or more delicious tips. So go ahead—download these essentials, pack your bags, and embark on the adventure of a lifetime. You’ve got this!

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!

-Beth