How to Plan Your First Solo Trip Without Stress: The 2025 Glow-Up Guide

Eka Joseph
Jun 22
3 min read

Because waiting on people is canceled in 2025.

If you’ve ever felt that tug to book a solo trip but froze at the thought of doing it all by yourself—girl, you’re not alone. After taking my first solo trip of 2025 to St. Kitts, I can confidently say: solo travel is not only freeing—it’s necessary.

But I get it. The idea of traveling by yourself can feel overwhelming when you don’t know where to start. That’s why I created this guide to help you plan your first solo trip without the stress. Let’s break it down step-by-step so you can stop waiting on flaky group chats and start packing your bags.

✈️ 1. Pick the Right Destination for You

The key to a stress-free solo trip is choosing a place that fits your vibe and your comfort level.

Here’s what to consider:

Safety: Is it known to be safe for solo travelers and women?
Ease of getting around: Is there good transportation or walkable areas?
Language barrier: Will you feel confident navigating if you don’t speak the
language?
Vibe check: Are you looking for beach & peace, food & culture, or nightlife & energy?

Great beginner-friendly destinations:

St. Kitts (obviously 😉)
Lisbon, Portugal – walkable, scenic, and full of charm
Bali, Indonesia – solo-friendly with beautiful resorts
Costa Rica – adventure, relaxation, and lush vibes
New Orleans, LA – if you’re not ready for international yet, but want culture and fun

🧠 2. Prioritize Safety Without Letting Fear Steal the Joy

Yes, safety matters—but don’t let fear hold you hostage. Solo travel is all about empowerment, not panic.

Here are my top safety tips:

Book airport transfers ahead of time or stay close to the airport (like I did at Koi Resort—6 minutes, y’all).
Share your itinerary with someone you trust.
Stay at well-reviewed hotels or resorts—don’t skimp on safety to save $20.
Carry a portable door lock, whistle, and pepper spray just in case.
Blend in as much as possible—avoid flashy jewelry or obvious tourist behavior.
Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.

And most importantly: walk in confidence. You belong in every room, every country, and every experience.

🧳 3. Don’t Overplan—Just Be Prepared

It’s tempting to overbook your days with activities to avoid boredom, but solo trips are the perfect time to slow down, explore at your own pace, and listen to what you need.

Tips for stress-free planning:

Book 1-2 things in advance, like a guided tour (I did mine with Good Times Tour in St. Kitts and LOVED it).
Leave space for rest, discovery, and spontaneous moments.
Make a loose daily outline instead of a packed itinerary.
Join a local group tour if you want to meet people without committing to group travel.

Pro tip: Make time to do something just for you—a beach day, spa treatment, or journaling session at a cute café.

📱 4. Apps & Tools Every Solo Traveler Should Have

Technology makes solo travel smoother than ever. Here are a few must-haves:

✨ Travel Apps:

Google Maps (offline maps saved = lifesaver)
TripIt or Google Trips to organize your bookings
Airalo or Holafly for easy eSIMs and affordable data
WhatsApp for staying in touch internationally
Rome2Rio for getting around (bus, ferry, train info)

✨ Solo Safety Apps:

GeoSure – check safety ratings in specific neighborhoods
Smart Traveler (for U.S. citizens) – up-to-date alerts and embassy info
Noonlight – sends help at the push of a button

💖 Final Thoughts: It’s Giving Main Character Energy

Your first solo trip doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to be yours. You’ll come back with stories, confidence, and a deeper connection to yourself than you ever imagined.No waiting, no coordinating. Just you, your passport, and the freedom to do whatever the hell you want.

Take the leap. Book the flight. Make 2025 the year you choose you.