Solo Travel Hacks: How to Stay Safe, Save Money and Meet People on the Road

Solo travel is one of the most empowering things you can do. Whether it's your first trip alone or your fifteenth, there’s something wildly liberating about setting your own pace, choosing your own adventures, and learning to trust your instincts on the road. It’s a crash course in independence, confidence and self-discovery — with a front-row seat to the world.

But let's be real: going it alone can also feel intimidating. There’s no one to split the taxi fare, no one to watch your bag when you need the loo, and no built-in dinner buddy. Safety, loneliness, and budgeting can all feel a bit more intense when you’re doing things solo.

The good news? With a few smart strategies, solo travel doesn’t just become easier — it becomes richer. This post is packed with practical hacks to help you stay safe, save money, and meet people while travelling solo, so you can focus on what really matters: making unforgettable memories, one spontaneous adventure at a time.

Packing and Prep Hacks

Make copies of everything

Before you even leave home, scan your passport, ID, travel insurance and any key bookings — then store them in your email, on your phone, and even a secure cloud folder. A printed backup in a hidden part of your bag doesn’t hurt either. Losing your passport is stressful enough; this hack makes it easier to get help fast.

Download offline essentials

Wi-Fi won’t always be there when you need it, so prep your digital toolkit. Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me), translation tools (like Google Translate with offline language packs), and screenshots of hostel bookings or train tickets. If you’re heading somewhere remote, having these ready is a game-changer.

Pack light, pack smart

You’re carrying it all — so make it count. Choose clothes that mix and match easily, and prioritise multipurpose items: a sarong can double as a towel, blanket or curtain; a power bank is your best friend; and a headlamp beats a phone torch when your hands are full. Bonus points for using packing cubes or compression bags — solo travel is easier when you’re not digging through chaos.

Safety Hacks for Solo Travellers

Share your location with someone you trust

Before you head out each day — especially if you’re going hiking, partying, or venturing somewhere unfamiliar — drop your live location to a family member or friend. Tools like WhatsApp Live Location or Life360 work brilliantly. It’s a small act of security that brings massive peace of mind.

Carry a dummy wallet or decoy card

Keep a small amount of cash and an expired card or old debit card in a cheap wallet you can afford to lose. Your real cards and main stash stay hidden deeper in your bag or on your person (money belts or neck wallets work well). It’s a smart move for crowded cities or sketchy transport hubs.

Trust your gut — say no without guilt

Solo travel sharpens your instincts. If something feels off — a driver, a tour, a “friendly” stranger — trust that feeling and walk away. You don’t owe anyone politeness when your safety’s involved. No explanation needed.

Book your first night’s stay in advance

Arriving in a new city alone after dark, without a plan, can feel rough. Book at least your first night or two ahead — preferably somewhere with good reviews for solo travellers and 24-hour check-in. Knowing you have a safe base to land in makes the rest of the trip easier.

Budget Hacks

Choose hostels with kitchens and free breakfast

Cooking even just a few meals can save serious cash — especially in Europe, Australia or Japan. A hostel with a kitchen means you can whip up pasta or store snacks, and free breakfast (even if it’s toast and coffee) helps stretch your daily budget.

Use overnight transport to save on accommodation

Night buses and sleeper trains can be uncomfortable, but they double as your bed for the night and get you to your next destination. It’s a solid money-saver, especially on longer routes — just pack earplugs and a neck pillow.

Travel off-peak for cheaper tours and activities

Skip weekends and holidays when prices spike and crowds surge. Weekday tours are often cheaper and quieter, and if you're flexible with timing, you’ll also have better luck negotiating prices on the ground.

Join free walking tours in every city

They’re everywhere now — just search “[city] free walking tour”. These are brilliant for getting your bearings, learning local stories, and meeting other travellers. Just remember to tip the guide at the end (around £5–10 / €6–12 is fair).

Social and Connection Hacks

Stay in small or social hostels, not big party ones

If you're looking to meet people without the full-on party vibe, choose hostels with common areas, community dinners or organised activities. Smaller places with a social atmosphere (but not a bar crawl every night) make it easier to connect over chats and shared adventures.

Join group tours, hostel dinners or local meetups

Even one group activity can break the ice and lead to new travel mates. Look for food tours, hostel-led hikes, language exchanges or Airbnb Experiences. These moments often turn strangers into road-trip buddies.

Use apps like Backpackr, Couchsurfing Hangouts or Meetup

These platforms help solo travellers link up with others nearby — whether it’s for coffee, sightseeing, or a sunset walk. They’re especially helpful when you land somewhere new and want instant connection without the awkwardness.

Start conversations — everyone’s looking to connect

Whether it’s in a hostel kitchen, a walking tour or a bus stop, a simple “Where are you from?” goes a long way. Most solo travellers are just waiting for someone else to make the first move — be that person, and the rest flows naturally.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Tips

Build in rest days and downtime

You don’t have to see everything. Travelling solo means you can follow your own rhythm, so don’t feel guilty about spending a day recharging. Lounge in a park, watch Netflix at the hostel, or just wander with no agenda. Burnout isn’t a badge of honour.

Journal or voice note to process your days

Solo travel is full-on — emotionally and mentally. Taking 10 minutes each evening to write, sketch, or voice record your day helps you process it all. Later, it becomes a time capsule you’ll be glad to revisit.

Dine solo in lively spots with people-watching potential

Eating alone can feel awkward at first. Choose places with counter seating, courtyards, or outdoor terraces — somewhere you can people-watch or read without feeling self-conscious. Bonus hack: bring a journal or book to look confident even when you're just soaking up the scene.

Set simple goals like trying one new thing a day

This could be anything from ordering food in the local language to catching a local bus or visiting a museum solo. It keeps each day feeling purposeful, even if you’re not constantly social or on the move.

Solo travel will stretch you in ways few other experiences can. There will be moments of total awe, and others where you feel lonely, overwhelmed or just plain tired. That’s all part of the story — and each challenge you face builds resilience, confidence and clarity.

You’ll learn to trust yourself more than ever before. You’ll make decisions on the fly, get comfortable in your own company, and likely meet people who’ll shift your perspective in ways you never expected. And on the days that feel tough? Just know that the confidence, calm and joy will always outweigh the hard bits.

So go easy on yourself. Take your time. Embrace the freedom, the quiet mornings, the spontaneous detours. This is your adventure — and you’re doing it on your own terms.