The ultimate guide for solo travelling

Published on 17th December, 2025 at 12:28 pm

Solo travelling is becoming increasingly popular. If you are planning your first trip alone, here are tips to help you stay safe, meet people and enjoy the solitude.

Reading time: 3 minutes

In this article, you’ll learn:

• Solo trips have been increasing in popularity among millennials and Gen Z.
• This is because people want more independence and personal growth.
• It is possible to travel alone and stay safe, socialise and enjoy the solitude.

Yes, going on a group trip with friends or family can be fun. But, in the pursuit of more independence and personal growth, solo travelling is rising in popularity. According to the Travel Trend Report compiled by leading travel communications agency ASA Luxury, 76% of millennials and Gen Z planned solo holidays in 2024.

One person who knows all about this is solo travel content creator Farirai Sanyika, who has been to many different places, from the Caribbean to the Middle East, without a plus-one. Here are her most important tips for preparing for your first trip.

Safety and preparation

TIP #1 “I make it a priority to always stay connected. This means making sure you have data and airtime. If you are travelling to another country, get a local SIM card or eSIM as soon as you arrive. And always have at least one charged power bank – I have two!”

TIP #2 “Choose your travel destinations very carefully. I like to go to places that I’ve seen other women solo travellers recommend. Follow some solo travellers on social media because you can learn a lot from their experiences and their recommendations.”

Meeting people and safe socialising

TIP #3 “Consider joining group tours if you would like company on your solo trip. There will likely be other solo travellers on that tour, and you’ll have the company and guidance of the tour guide. Group tours also make solo travel socialising a lot safer.”

TIP #4 “Travelling alone gets me out of my shell. When I travel with people I know, I tend to stick with them. When I travel alone, I’m more likely to spark a conversation with a stranger. Meeting people in spaces where they are probably like-minded is a safer way to go.”

Enjoying the solitude

TIP #5 “Take a book with you or some headphones and your favourite podcast. And find quiet, calm spaces to reflect, think and appreciate your own company. I find spaces in nature best for this. There’s something healing about sitting in front of a beautiful view alone.”

TIP #6 “Once you can move past feeling concerned that people are staring at you for being alone, you can really embrace the solitude. Most of the time, people are just curious or could even be admiring your decision to explore alone. It means you are brave!”

Logistics and practicalities

TIP #7 “Try to plan as much of your trip ahead of time and take a screenshot of all your bookings and tickets so that you have everything available offline. Share your travel plans with a friend or family member so that someone always knows where you are.”

TIP #8 “It’s also good practice to download the map of the area from Google Maps so that you can navigate while offline. You don’t want to be lost or look lost. Google Maps is my most-used app when I travel. If Google doesn’t work in a destination, use the local alternative.”

Discover Little-known travel gems that should be on your travel list.

Sanlam Reality member? Save on travel locally

Remember to take advantage of your FlySafair, Tempest Car Hire, Emirates, Uber, Lekkaslaap and Protea Hotels benefits and more!

REFERENCE: https://www.forbes.com/sites/angelinavillaclarke/2024/11/27/travel-trends-report-2025-solo-travel/