Tu Primer Viaje Sola

Encontrando Courage in the Unknown

I remember sitting in the airport before my first solo trip, el corazon pounding, wondering what on earth I was doing. Three hours later, I was crying happy tears on a rooftop in Lisbon, feeling more alive y mas libre than I had in years.

Solo travel changed me in ways I didn't expect. Me enseno que soy mas valiente than I thought, more resourceful than I knew, and that my own company is actually pretty wonderful. If you're considering taking that first leap, quiero que sepas: the fear is normal, the rewards are extraordinary, and you absolutely can do this.

This is everything I wish someone had told me before I booked that first ticket para una.

Eligiendo Your First Solo Destination

Not all destinations are created equal for first-time solo travelers. You want somewhere with excellent tourist infrastructure, una reputacion de seguridad, and enough other travelers that you won't feel completely alone. My top picks for first-time solo adventures:

Portugal — Lisbon and Porto are incredibly walkable, la gente es super amable, English is widely spoken, and the food and wine are affordable and incredible. It's where I took my first solo trip, and no pude haber elegido mejor.

Japan — One of the safest countries in the world, with an efficient transit system, clear signage in English, and a culture that respects privacy. You can be alone without ever feeling unsafe.

Iceland — Perfecto para la introvertida adventurous. The landscapes are otherworldly, it's extremely safe, and there's something liberating about exploring waterfalls and glaciers on your own terms.

Bali — Especially Ubud. The wellness culture means solo travelers are the norm, not the exception. Yoga classes and cooking courses make it easy to meet almas afines.

Consejos de Seguridad That Actually Work

Let me be honest: as women, we navigate the world differently, and that's okay to acknowledge. Here's what's worked for me across dozens of solo trips:

Comparte tu itinerario. I send my mom and best friend my flight details, hotel addresses, and a rough daily plan. Not because I expect trouble, pero porque gives everyone paz mental.

Confia en tus instintos. If something feels off—a person, a situation, a street—leave immediately. Your gut is your best compass. I've learned to never override esa voz interior.

Stay connected. Get a local SIM card or international plan. Being able to access maps, translation apps, and rideshare services es invaluable. I also check in with someone back home once a day.

Llega de dia. Book flights that land during the day so you can navigate a new city with full visibility. I always research my route from the airport in advance.

Camina con confianza. Even when you're lost, walk like you know exactly where you're going. Looking uncertain makes you a target. Duck into a cafe to regroup if you need to.

La Alegria de Your Own Schedule

Here's the secret no one tells you about solo travel: it's actually really, really fun. Want to spend three hours in a museum? Listo. Craving gelato for breakfast? Nadie te juzga. Feel like taking a spontaneous day trip? The only person you need to convince is you.

I've had some of my most transformative travel experiences alone—getting lost in the medina of Marrakech, watching the sunrise at Angkor Wat en silencio total, having a three-hour dinner where I people-watched and journaled between courses. Esos momentos de soledad became gifts I gave myself.

And here's the unexpected part: eating alone gets easier fast. Bring a book or journal for the first few meals si te sientes rara. By day three, you'll be happily requesting a table for one con cero self-consciousness.

Conociendo Gente Along the Way

Solo doesn't have to mean lonely—it just means choosing when to be social. I've met gente increible through walking tours, cooking classes, yoga retreats, and even just striking up conversations at cafe bars. Some became travel companions for a day; others became amigas para siempre.

My tip: stay at boutique hotels with communal spaces or well-reviewed hostels with private rooms. The shared lounges and breakfast tables naturally bring solo travelers together. And don't be afraid to say hi first—most solo travelers are hoping alguien mas rompa el hielo.

El mundo te espera, hermosa. Go find yourself in it.
— Sofia