Your first solo holiday: 9 small steps to help you get started

There’s a place you’d love to visit. You’ve looked at hotels, pictured yourself wandering the streets, and maybe even checked flights. But finding someone to go with you at the same time hasn’t been quite so simple.

Going on your own could mean finally making that trip happen. It also brings a few questions. How will you get from the airport to your hotel? Will eating out feel awkward? And what if you’d like some company?

You don’t need to have it all worked out straight away. A first solo holiday can start with a few nights somewhere familiar, a comfortable place to stay and one or two things you’re looking forward to. These solo travel tips will help you think through the practical details, leaving more room to enjoy a holiday on your terms.

9 ways to make your first solo holiday feel more manageable

Some parts of travelling alone will be new. Thinking about them before you go can help you decide what would make you feel comfortable, without planning every minute.

1. Start with a trip that feels right for you

Your first solo holiday doesn’t have to be a big adventure. A few nights in a city you’ve visited before could be a good starting point. So could a short break somewhere you already know you enjoy.

Think about the kind of days you’d like to have. Browsing museums? Walking by the sea? Reading by a pool without keeping an eye on the time?

Then consider what would make getting there straightforward. A direct flight from your nearest Irish airport and a simple transfer might appeal more than a cheaper journey with several connections.

There’s no need to choose somewhere just because it appears on a list of the best solo travel destinations. Choose somewhere you actually want to spend time.

2. Look closely at where you’ll stay

When you’re travelling alone for the first time, your accommodation can make a real difference to how settled you feel.

Before booking, check:

• The location and how you’ll reach it from the airport.
• Recent reviews, including comments from solo guests.
• Reception opening hours and arrangements for late arrivals.
• Access to cafés, restaurants and transport.
• Lifts, steps and other features that matter to your comfort or mobility.

A room that costs a little more but puts you close to the places you want to visit may suit you better than one that involves a long journey back each evening.

Check the total price for one person, too. Some hotels and organised holidays charge a single supplement, so compare the full cost before deciding.

3. Plan the journey from the airport to your hotel

Stepping out of an unfamiliar airport can feel overwhelming when you’re tired and carrying your bags. Having the next part of your journey sorted gives you one less thing to work out.

Look up your options before you leave Ireland. You might prefer a pre-booked transfer, an official taxi rank or a direct airport bus. Check where to go, how to pay and what happens if your flight is delayed.

If you can, choose an arrival time that lets you reach your accommodation in daylight. Save the address and booking details somewhere you can access without an internet connection, and keep a paper copy as a backup.

Your first evening can be simple: check in, find something to eat and settle in. The sightseeing can wait until tomorrow.

4. Give your first day a gentle shape

It can be tempting to fill the itinerary so you’ll never have a spare moment. But you’ll also want time to get your bearings and see how you feel.

Choose one main activity for your first full day. It could be a museum visit, a guided walk or a wander around the old town. Find somewhere nearby for lunch, then leave the rest open.

A small plan can give you a reason to head out without making the day feel like a schedule to keep up with.

And if you discover a lovely café and stay longer than expected? You’re the only person whose plans need to change.

5. Make your first meal out an easy one

Asking for a table for one may feel unfamiliar, especially if you usually eat out with someone else. You can ease into it.

Try a café lunch before booking a longer evening meal. Look at menus while you’re exploring, or ask your accommodation for a nearby recommendation.

If you’d prefer to know what to expect, book ahead and ask for a table where you’d feel comfortable. Bring a book, jot down the day’s highlights or simply enjoy watching the world go by.

You don’t have to eat out for every meal, either. A picnic, a market lunch or a quiet evening with something from a local bakery can be just as much a part of the holiday.

6. Add a little company when you want it

Travelling on your own leaves plenty of room for shared experiences.

A small-group excursion, cooking class, or guided visit can give you something to enjoy alongside others. A shared activity also gives you an easy starting point for conversation.

You could book one group activity early in your trip and see how you find it. Check the group size, meeting point, pace and cancellation terms before paying.

If you’d prefer more structure throughout your holiday, an organised tour could be worth considering. You can travel independently while having someone else handle much of the planning.

7. Put a few practical backups in place

A little preparation can help you handle everyday hiccups more easily.

• Share your accommodation details and travel plans with someone you trust.
• Agree on a simple way to check in during your trip.
• Save offline maps and keep your phone charged.
• Keep a backup payment method separate from your main card.
• Store copies of important documents securely.
• Save local emergency numbers and your insurer’s assistance details.

Before booking and again before departure, check the Department of Foreign Affairs’ travel advice for your destination, including entry requirements, local laws, health and security information.

When you’re out, keep your accommodation details private and avoid sharing your live location publicly. If somewhere feels uncomfortable, you can leave or change your plans.

8. Leave room for familiar comforts

You might love having the day to yourself, then find you miss chatting to someone over dinner. Both feelings can fit into the same holiday.

Bring a few things you enjoy at home, such as a favourite book or music for a quiet evening. Arrange a call with a friend if you’d like to share how your day went.

Give yourself permission to rest, too. You don't need to justify an afternoon at the hotel because you’re away.

If you’re managing a medical condition, include your usual health needs in your planning. Think about medication supplies, rest breaks and any advice you need from your doctor or pharmacist before travelling.

9. Check your travel insurance before you go

Alongside your flights and accommodation, take time to arrange travel insurance that suits your plans.

The DFA recommends comprehensive travel insurance that covers the activities you intend to do. Read the policy details so you understand the cover limits, excesses and exclusions, and answer the medical questions fully and accurately.

Save your policy number and emergency assistance details somewhere easy to find. Share them with someone you trust at home, too.

JustCover’s single trip travel insurance could be an option for a one-off break. Check the policy wording to make sure the cover meets your needs before buying.

Your holiday, at your pace

Perhaps the next step is looking at a hotel in a place you already love. Or working out how you’d get there from home. You don’t have to make every decision today. Your first solo holiday can be as simple as a few days away, with somewhere comfortable to stay and something you’re looking forward to.

Work through the practical details, include travel insurance in your plans, and give yourself time to settle in. Then enjoy choosing how to spend the day – right down to where you stop for lunch.