Your First Solo Trip: Where to Begin
- TheLWord.us
- Jul 10
- 2 min read
A Confidence-First Guide for Women Who Want to Go — But Aren’t Sure Where
I’ll give you a list of destinations and reasons why at the end — but first, let’s talk about the real question: Where do you start when you’re ready to travel solo?
If you’ve been down the rabbit hole of TikTok and IG, you’ve likely seen every variation of:
“Best Countries for First Solo Trip”
“Best European Cities for Women Traveling Alone”
“Safest Countries for Solo Female Travelers”
And the list goes on. While those videos are helpful, let’s be honest — they all start sounding the same. So, how do you cut through the noise? How do you actually decide?
Here’s my answer: What worked for them might not work for you.
Where My Solo Journey Began
My first solo trip happened by accident.
In 2019, I joined a group trip to Singapore and Indonesia. Toward the end, I needed space. So, on a whim, I decided to separate from the group and spend a few days alone.
And it worked for me. Why? Because I’m a hyper-independent, high-functioning risk-taker. I don’t panic easily, and I’m comfortable navigating tough situations alone. That’s my baseline.
So before you Google another “Top 10 Countries for Solo Travel,” ask yourself this:
A Little Soul-Searching First
How do I respond to high-stress situations?
What’s my anxiety level in unfamiliar environments?
How comfortable am I navigating language barriers?
How far do I want to be from home on my first try?
These questions matter more than trending destinations. They help you choose your first solo destination based on your comfort zone, not someone else's highlight reel.
Recommended First Solo International Trip Destinations (Based on Comfort Level)
These suggestions are based on real experience and East Coast U.S. travel times.

Beginner: Toronto, Canada
English is widely spoken — no language barrier
Incredibly clean, safe, and multicultural
Airport is close to the city, and public transit is user-friendly
Similar time zone and culture make it a “soft” international entry point
It’s international without the cultural whiplash
Intermediate: London, England OR Amsterdam, Netherlands
London:
English-speaking, but with the added thrill of different cultures
World-class public transport, endless solo-friendly activities
Historical, stylish, and solo travel–savvy
Amsterdam:
Incredibly safe and easy to navigate by foot, bike, or tram
Nearly everyone speaks English
The compact layout makes it easy for first-time explorers
Solo diners and café-goers are completely normal here

Advanced: Lisbon, Portugal
Slight language barrier, but English is common in major areas
Affordable by Western European standards
Hilly, beautiful, and welcoming to solo female travelers
Lisbon has a relaxed pace with just enough challenge to feel adventurous
Great jumping-off point for future solo travel in Spain or North Africa.
Solo travel is like building a muscle — start with what’s manageable and exciting. There’s no shame in going slow. What matters is that you go.
Where do you plan to go first? I’d love to hear it in the comments or on Instagram @thelword.us!
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