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How to Plan Your First Solo Trip

Thinking about taking your first solo trip but have absolutely no idea where to start?Honestly, that’s normal.When you’ve never travelled alone before, there’s a lot to think about. Where should you go? How long should you stay? What do you need to organise before you leave? What happens when you arrive?It can feel like you need to have the entire trip figured out before you even book the flight.You don’t.You just need to break it down into a few smaller decisions.

1. Start with the type of trip you actually wantBefore you start looking at flights, think about what you actually want from the trip.Do you want beaches and slow mornings? Adventure and activities? Food and culture? Nightlife? Somewhere social where you can easily meet other travellers?There’s no right answer. Choose a destination that suits the kind of experience you want.

2. Choose a destinationOnce you know what you’re looking for, start narrowing down where you want to go.Think about:
The time of year you’re going
How easy it is to travel around
How comfortable you feel travelling somewhere new
Whether you want somewhere social or quieter
How much time you have
You also don’t need to pick the most adventurous destination possible just to prove you can do it.Choose somewhere that sounds exciting and feels manageable for you.

3. Don’t feel like you have to plan every secondHaving a plan can make travelling alone feel much easier, but you don’t need every day mapped out before you leave.Leave yourself some flexibility.You might meet people and change your plans, love somewhere and want to stay longer, or arrive somewhere and realise it’s not for you.That’s one of the best things about travelling alone - you get to decide.

4. Sort the boring stuff before you goThere are always those little jobs you need to get sorted before a trip that aren’t exactly exciting - but they make a huge difference once you’re actually travelling.Things like your travel documents, mobile data, airport transfers, important apps, travel insurance and everything else you need to organise before you fly.The Happens Travel guides include a before-you-fly checklist covering all those little logistical jobs, so you can work through them and know you haven’t forgotten something important before you leave.

5. Give yourself an easy first day
You don’t need to land and immediately try to tick off every attraction.Get to your accommodation, drop your bags off, get connected, grab some food and have a look around your area.Give yourself a chance to get your bearings.Especially if you’re nervous about travelling alone, having a simple first day can make a huge difference.

6. Expect to feel a little nervous
You can be excited about your trip and still feel nervous about it.You might wonder whether you’ll meet people, feel weird eating alone or have a moment where you think, what the hell am I doing?That doesn’t mean you’ve made the wrong decision. It’s just part of doing something new.And once you arrive, you’ll probably find that a lot of the things you worried about weren’t nearly as scary as you imagined.

7. Remember that you’re allowed to change your mind
One of the best parts of solo travel is having the freedom to change your plans.You don’t have to stay somewhere because you booked three nights. You don’t have to do something because it was on your original itinerary.Your trip is yours.If something isn’t working for you, change it.

8. Just book the trip
This is probably the hardest part.You can spend weeks researching destinations, comparing flights and wondering whether you’re actually ready.At some point, you just have to book it.You don’t need to feel 100% confident before you go. The confidence usually comes from doing it.

So, where do you actually start?
Start with the destination.Think about the kind of trip you want, choose somewhere that suits you and start working through the practical things you need to organise.And if you’d rather not spend weeks researching every part of the trip yourself, that’s exactly why the Happens Travel guides exist.They bring together the practical information, recommendations and planning advice you need for your destination - from where to stay and eat to what to do, how to get around and the little things worth knowing before you go.Ready to start planning? Find your destination guide on the Happens Travel website →

What Travel Apps Do You Actually Need?

There are so many travel apps out there that you could probably fill your phone with them before you’ve even booked your flight.But honestly, you don’t need that many.A few good apps can make travelling so much easier - especially when you’re somewhere new and trying to figure out transport, directions, bookings or how to communicate.Most of the Happens Travel guides currently focus on destinations across Southeast Asia, so some of the recommendations below are particularly useful for travelling around this part of the world. But many of them are useful pretty much anywhere.

1. Maps
A reliable maps app is probably the first thing you should download.You’ll use it for everything from finding your accommodation and nearby restaurants to working out how far somewhere actually is.Tip: Download offline maps before you leave Wi-Fi. You don’t want to arrive somewhere with no data and realise you have no idea where you are.

2. Transport apps
This depends on where you’re travelling, but having the right local transport app can make getting around much easier.In Southeast Asia, apps like Grab are incredibly useful for booking cars, bikes and sometimes food delivery.Some destinations also have their own local transport apps, so it’s worth checking what’s commonly used before you arrive.

3. Accommodation apps
You’ll probably already have your accommodation booked before you leave, but having the app on your phone makes it much easier to access your bookings, addresses and check-in information while you’re travelling.It also means you can quickly check your next booking without digging through your emails.

4. Translation
Even if you’re travelling somewhere where English is widely spoken, a translation app can be a lifesaver.It’s particularly useful for menus, signs, directions and those moments where you’re trying to communicate something that Google Translate somehow manages to make even more confusing.

5. Currency conversion
A currency converter is another one I’d definitely have on your phone.You don’t want to be standing at a restaurant trying to work out whether something is actually $5 or $50. The in-built calculator on i-phones has this feature and it is so handy!Having a quick way to convert prices makes it much easier to keep track of what you’re spending while you travel.

6. Airline apps
If you’re flying between destinations, having your airline’s app can make travel days a lot easier.You can usually access your booking, check-in, boarding pass and flight updates all in one place.It’s one less thing to search through your emails for when you’re standing at the airport.

7. Your travel insurance app or details
This one isn’t exciting, but it’s important.Save your travel insurance details somewhere you can access them easily, including your policy number and emergency contact information.You never want to be trying to find your insurance details for the first time when something has already gone wrong.

8. A notes or organisation app
I also recommend having somewhere to keep important travel information in one place.Things like:Accommodation addresses
Booking details
Flight information
Important contact numbers
Visa information
Emergency contacts
You don’t need a fancy travel-planning system. A simple notes app can do the job.

So, which travel apps do you actually need?
The goal isn’t to download every travel app you see recommended on TikTok.You just want a few that actually make your trip easier.And remember, some apps are much more useful in certain destinations than others. What you need in Bali isn’t necessarily what you’ll need in Japan or Europe.

The Happens Travel guides include a travel app checklist for each destination, so you can see which apps are actually worth downloading before you go - rather than filling your phone with apps you’ll never use.Ready to start planning?If you’re heading to Southeast Asia and want the practical stuff already worked out for you, check out the Happens Travel destination guides.They include recommendations for where to stay, eat, drink, work out, party, chill and explore, plus the practical travel information you actually need before you go and once you’re there - including a before-you-fly checklist, useful local phrases, tips for meeting people and building solo travel confidence, a suggested route, activities, beaches, nightlife and hidden gems.Find your destination guide & travel style →

Is Bali Good for First-Time Solo Travellers?

If you’re thinking about taking your first solo trip and Bali is on your list, you might be wondering whether it’s actually a good place to start.If you’re nervous about travelling solo for the first time, Bali is actually a really good place to start.It’s relatively easy to get around, there are travellers everywhere, and there are plenty of opportunities to meet people without having to organise your entire trip around making friends.Here’s why.

It’s really easy to meet people
One of the biggest worries about travelling alone for the first time is wondering whether you’ll actually meet anyone.Bali makes this pretty easy.There are loads of hostels and social accommodation options, and you’ll find solo travellers from all over the world doing exactly the same thing as you.You can meet people in your hostel, at cafés, on surf trips, in fitness classes, at beach clubs or simply while you’re out exploring.You don’t have to be the most outgoing person in the world either. Sometimes all it takes is sitting in a hostel common area and saying hello to someone.

Getting around is relatively easy
Bali has a well-established tourist and backpacker scene, which means there are plenty of options for getting around.You can use transport apps, private drivers, taxis and scooters depending on where you’re staying and what you’re comfortable with.Having those options can make getting around feel much less intimidating when it’s your first time travelling alone.

The culture is so welcoming
Balinese culture is incredibly warm and welcoming, and there’s something really special about experiencing it while travelling.You don’t need to know everything before you arrive. Just be respectful, learn a little about the local customs and stay open to experiencing things differently from how you would at home.

You can easily communicate
English is widely understood in Bali’s main tourist areas, so communicating is generally pretty easy.That said, learning a few basic Indonesian phrases is always worth doing.Even simple phrases like terima kasih (thank you), selamat pagi (good morning) and berapa? (how much?) can make everyday interactions easier and show that you’ve made an effort.

There’s plenty to do
Bali works well for solo travel because you can make the trip whatever you want it to be.Want to surf? You can.Want slow mornings at cafés and afternoons by the pool? Easy.Want a social trip where you’re meeting people constantly? There are plenty of opportunities for that too.You can also mix it all together, which is one of the best parts about travelling alone.

There’s a huge solo travel scene
You’re very unlikely to feel like the only person travelling alone.Bali attracts huge numbers of backpackers and solo travellers, so there are always people around who are also looking to meet others and explore.That can make those first few days much less daunting.

So, is Bali good for your first solo trip?
Absolutely.If you’re nervous about travelling alone for the first time, Bali ticks a lot of boxes.It’s easy to meet people, straightforward to get around, welcoming, easy to navigate in tourist areas and full of things to do.You’ll still have moments where you have to figure things out for yourself - but that’s part of building the confidence that comes with travelling solo.

Ready to start planning your Bali trip?
The Happens Travel Bali guide brings everything together in one place - from where to stay, eat, drink, work out, party, chill and explore, to the practical information you need before you go and once you arrive.You’ll also find a destination overview, before-you-fly checklist, handy local phrases, tips for meeting people, curated recommendations, activities, nightlife, beaches, hidden gems and a suggested route to help tie your trip together.Planning your first Bali trip? Check out the Bali guide →

What to Know Before Your First Trip to Sri Lanka

Planning your first trip to Sri Lanka? There are a few things worth knowing before you go - especially if you’re travelling solo.Sri Lanka is seriously underrated
I think Sri Lanka is one of those destinations that deserves a lot more attention.You can go from beaches to mountains, eat incredible food, meet other travellers and experience completely different sides of the country all in the same trip.It’s one of those places where you can have a completely different experience depending on what you’re looking for.And don’t worry about trying to see absolutely everything the first time around. You’re probably going to leave already thinking about what you didn’t get to see - which just gives you a pretty good excuse to come back.

It’s a great destination for solo travellers
Sri Lanka is a really good option if you’re travelling solo.The backpacker scene is booming during peak season, particularly in the main tourist hotspots, so there are plenty of other travellers around doing the same thing.There are hostels, surf trips, tours and plenty of social places where you can meet people.I’ve included the best areas and places to stay in my Sri Lanka guide, so you can choose accommodation that suits the kind of trip you want to have.

There’s so much more than beaches
Sri Lanka has beautiful beaches, but there’s a lot more to the country than a beach holiday.You’ve got mountains, tea country, wildlife, surfing, hiking, incredible food and plenty of opportunities to get out and explore.It’s one of those destinations where you can fit a lot of different experiences into one trip.

The food is seriously good
Sri Lankan food deserves a mention all on its own.Think curries, roti, fresh fruit, seafood, coconut, spices and plenty of flavour.If you like trying local food when you travel, definitely come hungry.

The weather varies depending on where you go
Sri Lanka’s weather can vary significantly between different parts of the country and different times of year.When you’re planning your trip, don’t just look at the weather for Sri Lanka as a whole. Check the specific areas you’re planning to visit and the time of year you’re travelling.

Don’t underestimate how much you can fit into one trip
There’s a lot to see in Sri Lanka, so it can be tempting to try and squeeze everything in.Instead, choose a few areas that suit the kind of trip you want and give yourself enough time to actually enjoy them.You don’t need to see the entire country in one visit.You’re going to want to come back anyway.

Getting around can take longer than you expect
Sri Lanka might look small on a map, but getting between places can take longer than you expect.Roads, traffic and train journeys can all add time to your travel days, so don’t try to squeeze too much into one day.Give yourself time to actually enjoy each place rather than spending your whole trip getting from A to B.

The train is part of the experience
Getting around by train can be one of the highlights of travelling through Sri Lanka.The scenery is incredible, particularly through the mountains and tea country, but trains can be busy, delayed and not always the most comfortable.It’s worth treating the journey as part of the adventure rather than just a way to get somewhere.

Sort the practical stuff before you fly
Before you leave, make sure you’ve sorted the basics like your entry requirements, travel insurance, SIM or eSIM, accommodation and airport transfer.It’s also worth downloading the apps you’ll need and saving important information offline in case you don’t have data straight away.If you want to make this part easier, my Sri Lanka guide includes a before-you-fly checklist with the practical things to sort before your trip.

Planning your first trip to Sri Lanka?
The Happens Travel Sri Lanka guide brings together the recommendations and practical information you need to actually plan your trip - including where to stay, eat, drink, work out, party, chill and explore, plus beaches, activities, nightlife, hidden gems, local phrases, tips for meeting people and a suggested route to tie it all in together in the best way.Planning your Sri Lanka trip? Check out the Sri Lanka guide →