My friend Lila was nervous before her first solo trip to Lisbon. She’d heard stories of both amazing adventures and scary moments, so she wanted to make sure she stayed safe while still enjoying herself. By the end of her trip, she’d made new friends, tried authentic pastel de nata, and felt more confident than ever. How? She followed four simple strategies that balanced safety and fun.
4 Ways to Balance Safety and Fun on Solo Trips
1. Stay in Vetted, Social Accommodation
Opt for hostels with high reviews (4.5+ stars) or guesthouses run by locals. Female-only dorms are a great choice for women travelers—they offer privacy and a sense of community. Lila stayed in a Lisbon hostel with a female dorm that had lockers and a common kitchen, where she met other solo travelers from around the world.
Pros: Low cost, easy to make friends. Cons: Less privacy than hotels. Local tip: Book hostels with 24/7 front desks for added security.
2. Join Small Local Group Activities
Sign up for cooking classes, walking tours, or day trips led by locals. These are low-pressure ways to meet people and learn about the culture. Lila joined a pastel de nata cooking class—she learned to make the famous custard tarts and bonded with a fellow solo traveler from Brazil over their shared love of sweet treats.
Pros: Guided experience, safe, cultural immersion. Cons: Slightly more expensive than exploring alone. Local tip: Look for tours with 10 or fewer participants for a more personal experience.
3. Share Your Itinerary with a Trusted Person
Use apps like Google Maps’ Share My Location or send a daily update to a friend/family member. This way, someone knows where you are at all times. Lila shared her itinerary with her sister—she sent a quick text every morning with her plans for the day, and checked in at night.
Pros: Peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Cons: Requires consistent communication. Local tip: Save emergency numbers (police, embassy) in your phone and share them with your contact.
4. Trust Your Gut and Learn Basic Phrases
Your intuition is your best friend—if a situation feels off, leave. Learning a few local phrases (hello, thank you, help) shows respect and can help you in emergencies. Lila learned “obrigado” (thank you) and “ajuda” (help) in Portuguese—she used “ajuda” once when she got lost, and a local helped her find her way back to the hostel.
Pros: Builds confidence, helps in emergencies. Cons: Takes a little time to learn phrases. Local tip: Use apps like Duolingo to practice basic phrases before your trip.
Here’s how the 4 ways stack up:
| Way | Effort Level | Cost | Safety Impact | Fun Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vetted Accommodation | Low (book in advance) | Low-Medium | High | Medium-High |
| Local Group Activities | Medium (research and book) | Medium | High | High |
| Share Itinerary | Low (daily check-ins) | Free | High | Neutral |
| Trust Gut & Learn Phrases | Medium (practice phrases) | Free | High | Medium |
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” — Saint Augustine
This quote reminds us that travel is a way to expand our horizons. Solo travel lets you turn more pages, but safety ensures you can enjoy every chapter without worry. Lila’s trip is proof—she read many pages of Lisbon’s story, and did it safely.
Common Question About Solo Travel
Q: I’m an introvert—can I still have fun solo travel?
A: Yes! Solo travel is for everyone, including introverts. Choose activities that align with your comfort level: visit quiet museums, take a leisurely walk in a park, or stay in a boutique guesthouse with private rooms. Many small group tours are designed for introverts, with limited participants and relaxed vibes. For example, an introvert friend of mine went to Kyoto solo—she spent her days visiting temples and tea houses, and only joined one small group tour (a tea ceremony) which was calm and not overwhelming.
Solo travel is an adventure, but it doesn’t have to be risky. By following these four ways, you can stay safe and have the time of your life. So pack your bags, trust yourself, and go explore the world—one safe, fun step at a time.
