Do these sentences resonate? 👇
- “I want to travel, but the idea of going alone makes me nervous.”
- “I’m curious about the world, but worried about safety or feeling out of place.”
- “I want to feel confident and free, not just comfortable.”
You’re standing at the departure gate, passport in hand, heart pounding with a mix of nerves and excitement. Maybe you’re the first in your family to travel solo—or the first to travel at all. The airport is buzzing with people who seem to know exactly what they’re doing, but you’re not sure if you belong. Still, you’re here, and that’s already a win.
“To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.” — Freya Stark
What's solo travel?
Solo travel means setting out on your own—no backup, no one else’s schedule, just you and the world. For Gen Z, solo travel is on the rise: 58% of Gen Z travelers say they’re interested in taking a solo trip in the next year, with curiosity, flexibility, and self-growth as top motivators.
What are the biggest benefits?
- Confidence: Every decision is yours. Navigating a new city, finding your way, and handling challenges builds real self-trust.
- Culture: You’re more likely to connect with locals, try new things, and step outside your comfort zone when you’re on your own.
- Curiosity: You can follow your interests—art, food, nature, history—without compromise. Solo travel is a chance to learn what you love, not just what’s popular.
What are the real challenges (and how do you handle them)?
- Safety: 🛡️ Research your destination, keep your valuables secure, and trust your instincts. Share your itinerary with someone you trust, and have a plan for emergencies.
- Loneliness: 🧑🤝🧑 It’s normal to feel a little alone sometimes. Join walking tours, cooking classes, or hostel events to meet other travelers. Sometimes, being alone is the best way to tune in to what you really need.
- Culture shock: 🌏 Do your homework on local customs, dress codes, and social norms. A little respect goes a long way, and learning a few phrases in the local language can open doors.
What does solo travel mean when you’re breaking new ground?
Let’s talk real: solo travel is powerful, but it’s not always easy—especially if you’re first-gen, low-income, or a person of color. For many, travel is more than just seeing new places; it’s about breaking cycles, redefining what’s possible, and sometimes carrying the hopes (and worries) of your family with you. The intersections of our identities can shape everything from how we choose a destination to how we move through the world.
- Barriers and Belonging: If you didn’t grow up seeing travel as an option, the leap can feel huge. Maybe family resources went to bills, not vacations, or maybe your parents worry about safety and unfamiliar places. There can be guilt around spending money on yourself, or pressure to stay close to home and support others. And for many, there’s the added layer of navigating spaces where you might not see yourself represented—or might face ignorance or discrimination.
- Resourcefulness as a Superpower: 🦸🏽♀️ Many first-time solo travelers become experts at finding scholarships, travel grants, or affordable programs. Couchsurfing, hostels, street food, and public transit aren’t just budget hacks—they’re ways to experience a place authentically and connect with people from all walks of life.
- Community & Identity: 🌈 Programs like First-Generation Abroad or BIPOC travel networks help dismantle barriers and build community for travelers who’ve been historically left out of the travel conversation. Traveling with others who share your background can be powerful—but so can stepping out solo and realizing you belong anywhere.
- Cultural Expectations: Sometimes, family and community don’t understand why you’d want to travel alone—or at all. But travel can also be a way to honor your roots, bring new perspectives back to your community, and show others what’s possible.
Where should you go? Destinations & resources for first-timers
- 🇵🇹 Portugal: Walkable cities, English-friendly, and coastal digital-nomad hubs like Lisbon and Porto.
- 🇯🇵 Japan: Ultra-safe, unmatched rail network, and a culture of solo dining and travel—plus, a beautiful way to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month.
- 🇬🇷 Greece: Affordable ferries, warm hospitality, and shoulder-season values.
- 🇨🇷 Costa Rica: Eco-lodges, adventure tours, and wildlife for every skill level.
- 🇳🇿 New Zealand: Iconic road trips and top-ranked for solo safety & scenery.
- 🌆 Mexico City, Montreal, NYC, Toronto: Multicultural, affordable, and full of solo-friendly activities.
Look for travel programs, scholarships, or group tours for first-gen, BIPOC, or low-income students. Many universities and nonprofits offer resources to help you get started.
What are the best first-timer tips?
- 🧳 Start local or in a destination that feels manageable.
- 🎒 Pack light and keep essentials (passport, cards, phone) secure.
- 🗂️ Have both digital and hard copies of important documents.
- 📝 Make a list of “must-dos,” but leave space for spontaneous adventures.
- 💤 Don’t be afraid to say no, change your plans, or just rest.
Remember: You don’t have to see yourself in every travel ad to know you belong on the road.
All the planning strategies in the world won't work if you don't know what kind of traveler you actually are. Time to figure out your travel personality.
"“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.” — Maya Angelou
Take a moment to reflect on your own experience with burnout. Here are five questions to help you explore your relationship with stress and exhaustion:
- What draws YOU to the idea of traveling alone?
- How do YOU handle uncertainty or new situations?
- What’s one thing YOU hope to discover about yourself on a solo trip?
- How do YOU make decisions when YOU don’t have anyone else to consult?
- What would YOUr dream solo adventure look and feel like?
“I met a lot of people in Europe. I even encountered myself.” — James Baldwin
Click on the dropdowns below to see the easy action items:
Do one of these things TODAY 👇
- Try a solo adventure at home: Take yourself out for a meal, a movie, or a walk in a new neighborhood—no phone distractions, just you.
- Research a solo-friendly destination: Look up a city or country known for being safe and welcoming to solo travelers.
- Pack a “confidence kit”: Write down three things you’re proud of, and keep them with you—read them when you need a boost.
Say one (or all) of these affirmations out loud 👇
- "I am capable of navigating new places and experiences."
- "I trust myself to handle challenges with courage and creativity."
- "I am open to learning from every culture and every moment."
- "I am enough, just as I am, wherever I go."
- "I can find joy and confidence in my own company."
Channel that feeling 👇
Feeling nervous? Remember: every seasoned solo traveler started with a first step.
Feeling excited? Make a list of things you want to try on your first solo trip.
Feeling unsure? Reach out to someone who’s traveled solo and ask for their best advice.
Some vibes to close us out
Solo travel is a journey into the world—and into yourself.
Whether you’re chasing sunsets, new flavors, or just a sense of freedom, every step you take on your own is a step toward confidence and self-discovery.
You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just start.
Happy Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! 🌏
YOU got this. 💭✨
Sources
- "Gen Z Women Feel Empowered to Travel Solo." StudentUniverse (2023)
- "The Black Traveler: Insights, Opportunities & Priorities." MMGY Travel Intelligence (2021).
- "International Travel Checklist." U.S. Department of State (2025).
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