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The Ultimate Solo Travel Guide: For first time Solo Travellers - Do's, Don't & how to travel solo

Updated: Jun 23

I can’t do it.


I have never travelled alone before.


It’s not safe.


How will I make friends?


If you are facing these questions, we are here to de-bunk some myths for you.


Solo travelling has many different connotations – some adventures, some of concern and some of uncertainty. Travelling solo can be daunting and nerve-racking, but at Hostelmatch, we act as your travel sidekick – allowing you to create new and memorable experiences.


While you find numerous articles and blogs online on solo travelling - us at Hostelmatch focus on solo travellers like no other. Our sole purpose is to help solo-travellers experience and get the most out of their trip and hopefully encourage them to experience more solo trips in the future.




What is a solo trip?


A solo trip is a trip you take alone. It does not mean that you are lonely. A lot of people mistake solo trip with a trip where you will not interact with people and be isolated but in our experience, solo trips are quite the opposite. You get to interact and meet numerous people from different cultures and backgrounds.


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You get to dictate your own time during a solo trip, so if you prefer spending time with yourself or go out and meet people, that is totally up to you.


Why you should go on a solo trip?


If you are on the fence and thinking about whether or not you want to take a solo trip – the answer, is you definitely should. Solo trips are a great way for you to learn more about yourself and meet people from cultures and places you might not have heard of before.



Portugal, solo-trip, first solo trip, newbie, backpacker, social

“I did my first solo trip in 2019 as a challenge where I went to Eastern Europe for a month. This experience was the best experiences of my life. I never knew I could travel alone and love it so much. Some of my closest friends I have today are people I met on my trips. I discovered myself. Having been an introvert my entire life, I thought I could not do this, but everyone makes you feel so comfortable. I highly recommend you take at least one solo trip, if you haven’t already and you will keep going back for more” – Abhijit Kejriwal (Founder &CEO – Hostelmatch)


Where do you stay on a solo trip?


It really depends… If you prefer having your own space, AirBnB’s are a good option but hostels are the best place to meet like-minded people and connect with them. Hostels are shared spaces where you interact with others from different countries and explore the place you are travelling together.


However, hostels are the way to go if you are looking to go on a solo trip. Hostels allow you to meet people from all around the world and become life long friends with them.


Finding a hostel can be challenging.


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Find your hostel through Hostelmatch

Hostelmatch allows you find the right hostel for you based on the vibe of the hostel.


  1. Find social, party, arsty, adventure hostels

  2. Learn about hostel activities before you get there

  3. Get comparison of prices for hostels from different booking platforms

  4. Get detailed view of the hostel

Hostelmatch matchmaker platform - hostel matching


Hostels determine your trip, so chosing the right hostel is imperitive. Visit https://www.hostelmatch.com/ to find the right hostel match for you.


Where do you start?


One of the biggest questions and one that a lot of people dread. Our suggestion is to follow locals to learn the most about a place. Using HostelHop’s blogs and other resources, we recommend you the best places to start your solo travelling journey with.


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For first time solo travellers popular destinations in Europe and South East Asia are a popular choice when choosing where to travel.


How to maximize your solo trip?



Amsterdam, solo-trip, solo-traveller, backpacker, social hostel, cheap hostel, first solo-trip

1. Pack Essentials: Be prepared for your trip. Travel light but have all your essentials packed. Refer to the article below for tips on what to pack for your first solo trip.


2. Be prepared to make friends: Going on a trip and interacting with strangers can get challenging especially if you are an introvert like I am. Living and exploring in a new country, you interact and explore with other travellers and locals so being open minded and willing to talk to new people is always helpful and beneficial.


3. Be flexible: It is best to go with the flow and be flexible with your plans. There are a lot of places or things that you are unaware of and being flexible will allow you to experience and enjoy your trip to the fullest.


4. Have a basic plan: Have an idea of places you want to go to or restaurants you want to eat at. Having a list and being flexible is what I found extremely helpful during my trips abroad.


5. Travel as a local: Do as many activities as you can as a local or with locals. This will allow you to truly immerse yourself in this experience. Eat local food, check out local bars, go to local places and enjoy the vibe of the place.



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Investing in Good Travel Insurance


Travel insurance is one of the most important requirements as a traveller. Medical bills, Lost Baggage or cancelled trips are costly and you don't want to be stuck with a huge bill from your travels. Always be prepared with travel insurance and make sure to have one that covers you well.


Safetywing travel insurance - nomad insurance

Safetywing is one of the best travel insurance providers for Digital Nomads and Solo travellers.


They cover:


  • Emergency medical treatment

  • Lost luggage

  • Travel delay

  • Evacuation in the event of terrorism, political disruption, or medical emergencies

  • Accommodation in the event of natural disasters

  • Transportation of a family member from your home country to you in case you have to stay in the hospital for an extended duration


They are one of the cheapest in the business so if you are travelling on a budget, Safetywing is the travel insurance platform for you.


If you have any questions about solo travelling or want to find the best places to stay, contact us at info@hostelmatch.com to get the best deals and create meaningful experiences with new friends.

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