Globetrotter's Guidebook

The Benefits of Solo Travel

Most simply, solo travel lets you do what you want, when you want. Whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, a museum hopper or a beach lounger, you set the schedule. It’s a chance to learn more about yourself, build independence, and maybe even make new friends along the way. It also means you don’t have to wait for someone else to be ready to explore the world. You can go now.

Solo doesn’t always mean days spent alone, either. Guided trips in general offer the chance to get away with like-minded travelers and provide added safety, and expert travel advisors can help you find itineraries specifically designed with solo travelers in mind.

Provident Travel can source specialized itineraries such as women-only journeys through Insight Vacations and women-focused river cruises with Uniworld. These itineraries blend independence with connection so that you can travel safely and socially with like-minded adventurers.

Top Destinations for Solo Travelers

Some places are better built for solo travelers than others. These destinations are known for welcoming communities, easy navigation, and activities that are as rewarding solo as they are with others. Provident Travel advisors share some of their favorites:

• Banff, Canada: Nature lovers can find serenity in this mountain town. Go solo hiking (on well-traveled trails), relax in hot springs, and take a scenic ride on the Banff Gondola.
• Barcelona, Spain: This colorful, coastal city bursts with solo-friendly energy. Explore Gaudí’s whimsical architecture, indulge in tapas, and take a cooking class to meet fellow travelers.
• Kyoto, Japan: With its respectful culture, low crime rate, and tranquil temples, Kyoto offers peace and the opportunity for introspection. Visit a tea house, stroll the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and learn calligraphy from a local master.
• Lisbon, Portugal: Friendly, walkable, and full of affordable charm, Lisbon is great for a solo escape. Sip coffee in the Alfama district, ride the iconic tram 28, and take in sweeping city views from São Jorge Castle or the many miradouros (lookouts).
• New Zealand: For adventure soloists, this is paradise. Whether you're kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park or hiking near Queenstown, the country is safe, scenic, and known for its kind residents.
• Savannah, Georgia: This charming Southern city welcomes solo travelers with walkable squares, historic architecture, and plenty of food tours to join.

Experienced advisors at Provident Travel can also help you connect with curated solo experiences to balance safety with immersive adventure, even when you want complete alone time.

Ideal Experiences for Solo Travelers

Solo travelers benefit most from activities that encourage local connection, self-reflection, or easy social interaction. Look for the following opportunities:

• Local workshops
  Cooking, art, and dance classes offer skill-building and a natural way to meet others.
• Guided day tours
  Short excursions provide structure, safety, and light social engagement without full-time commitment.
• Wellness activities
  Yoga sessions, meditation, and hot springs allow for personal reflection and relaxed exploration.
• Volunteer projects
  Short-term opportunities give purpose and bring together like-minded travelers.
• Nature experiences
  Hikes, bike rides, and scenic walks offer flexibility and solo-friendly immersion in the outdoors.
• Communal dining
  Counters, food halls, and shared tables invite conversation without pressure.

How to Stay Safe While Traveling Solo

A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to your personal safety. Here’s what to do before and during a trip:

• Share your itinerary.
  Let someone at home know your travel plans, including hotel details, flight numbers, and excursions.
• Register with the US State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
  It’s free and gives you access to important safety updates and embassy resources.
• Book vetted accommodations.
  Provident Travel’s partnership with Virtuoso ensures hotel and cruise options are trusted, comfortable, and secure.
• Stay alert, but not anxious.
  Avoid flashing valuables, keep an eye on your surroundings, and trust your instincts. Heed the adage: If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
• Use reliable transportation.
  Skip unmarked taxis and opt for known services or hotel-arranged rides.

What to Pack for Solo Travel

Packing smart makes travel smoother, especially when you’re on your own. Keep these essentials close:

• Passport and copies
  Keep the original in a secure money belt or neck wallet, and leave a copy in your luggage.
• Travel insurance
  A Provident Travel advisor can help you choose the right coverage so that you're protected in case of medical issues, delays, or theft.
• Portable charger and local SIM or eSIM.
  You’ll want your phone working for maps, translations, and emergency calls.
• Medication and a small first-aid kit.
  Don’t count on finding your exact prescriptions or favored remedies abroad.
• Credit cards and a small amount of local currency.
  Use hotel safes for any backup cards or extra cash.

Leave electronics, valuable jewelry, copies of documents, and large sums of money securely stowed in the hotel or ship cabin. In general, if you’d be devastated to lose it, don’t carry it every day.

Provident Travel advisors know which properties are truly solo-traveler friendly, how to book seamless transfers, and which itineraries offer the safest and most enriching solo options. With smart planning and a partner like Provident Travel in your corner, you’ll be equipped to explore the world on your terms, safely and confidently. Just because you’re traveling solo doesn’t mean you have to go it alone.

Contact us to start planning your next adventure!

Harper’s Station
11309 Montgomery Road
Suite B
Cincinnati, Ohio 45249
513-247-1100