The Perfect Guide to Planning a Solo Trip

There’s a quiet kind of thrill that comes with travelling alone. You pack your bag, close the door behind you, and step out knowing that every decision from here on is yours alone. No need to explain your choices. No one to negotiate with about food, routes, or rest stops. It’s freedom in the rawest form. But to really enjoy a solo trip—and not just survive it—you need more than courage. You need a bit of planning, some common sense, and the willingness to be surprised along the way.

Pick a Place That Suits Your Energy

Don’t follow the crowd. This isn’t a group holiday. It’s your escape, so choose a place that fits what you’re craving. If you need peace and time to think, go somewhere quiet—a coastal village, a small wine town, or the mountains. If you’re looking for energy and new faces, aim for a city that makes you feel alive. Maybe Durban’s beachfront buzz, Accra’s music scene, or even a weekend in Maputo. What matters is how the place makes you feel, not how many people have posted about it.

Know Enough, but Leave Room to Roam

You don’t need to plan your days to the minute. But at the very least, know where you’re sleeping, how to get around safely, and what areas to avoid. The rest? Let it unfold. Some of the best travel memories come from small surprises—a hidden café, a street performance, a stranger who becomes a temporary friend. You’re not clocking off a to-do list; you’re exploring.

Be Aware, Not Anxious

Travelling alone means staying sharp. Know the basics—who to call in an emergency, where the nearest clinic is, and how to avoid dodgy situations. Keep your valuables out of sight. Trust your gut. But also, don’t let fear lock you into your hotel room. Most people you’ll meet on the road are just like you—curious, friendly, and willing to help. Just be smart, not scared.

Pack Light. You’ll Thank Yourself Later

If your bag’s too heavy for you to lift alone, it’s already too full. Keep it simple: a few outfits you can mix and match, comfortable shoes, toiletries, a backup charger, and copies of your documents. You don’t need six outfits for three days. You need space in your luggage and peace of mind when you’re on the move.

Say Yes to What Feels Right

You’re allowed to say yes to random adventures. Join that walking tour. Accept that invite to a local music spot. Try something new, even if it scares you a little. These are the moments that stay with you. But if your body or your gut says no—listen. You don’t owe anyone an explanation. Your boundaries are part of the journey too.

Be in the Moment

You don’t have to capture every minute. Take your photos, sure. But also put the phone away sometimes. Let yourself notice the light in a new city. Watch people pass. Sit alone at a table without pretending to scroll. That’s what solo travel is about—being where you are, without needing to prove it to anyone.

Final Thought

Your first solo trip might feel strange at first. That’s normal. But give it time. You’ll realise you can figure things out. You’ll learn to enjoy your own company. You’ll stop rushing and start noticing. And by the time you return, something in you will feel different—in a good way. Not because the trip was perfect, but because you did it all on your own. And that’s something to be proud of.