Solo travel gives you total freedom. You pick the plan, eat when you’re hungry, and change your mind whenever you like. More Canadians are choosing solo travel every year. Some want to meet new people, and others just want time to themselves.

Being a first-time solo traveller also means carrying all the responsibility. No one is there to watch your bag, check the map, or notice when something feels off. Travelling alone is very safe when you plan ahead, but a little preparation makes a big difference.

At Aviotra, we want every solo trip to start with confidence. Here are eight simple tips to help you feel ready and relaxed, whether you’re heading across Canada or the world.

1. Pick Your Destination Carefully

Make your first solo trip easy. If you’re asking yourself where to travel solo, look for places with:

  • Good public transit

  • Friendly locals

  • Lots of visitors and tourist services

  • Low crime rates

Japan, Portugal, Ireland, Iceland, New Zealand, and Costa Rica are all good solo travel destinations. They are also popular solo vacation spots, so you’ll find other travellers at hostels, on walking tours, and in cafés.

Check official advice before you book:

  • Government of Canada: Go through Travel Advice and Advisories. It shows each country’s risk level, entry rules, health notices, and local laws.

  • FCDO Travel Advice: This UK source is a helpful second opinion.

  • Timing: Check both again just before you leave, because things can change quickly.

Be picky when you browse travelling alone destinations. A spot that works well for couples or groups can feel lonely for a solo tourist.

2. Buy a Travel Insurance Policy

Insurance can feel like an extra cost, yet a Travel Insurance Policy is one of the smartest things you can buy.

Many Canadians don’t know provincial health plans cover very little care outside the country. A hospital stay in the United States can cost tens of thousands of dollars. When you’re travelling solo, you have no one to help you sort out a problem.

Look for a policy that covers:

  • Emergency medical care and medical evacuation

  • Trip cancellation or interruption

  • Lost or stolen luggage and electronics

  • Any adventure activities you plan to try

Before you go:

  • Read the fine print. Many plans don’t cover activities like scuba diving or riding a scooter.

  • Save a copy of your policy and the 24-hour emergency number on your phone.

  • Give a copy to someone you trust at home.

3. Register with Your Government and Know Your Embassy

Your government offers free safety services, and many first-time travellers don’t use them. This is especially useful travel prep for solo travellers, since no one else is keeping track of your plans.

  • ROCA: Canadians can sign up for Registration of Canadians Abroad. If there’s a natural disaster or unrest, the Government of Canada can reach you and send you updates.

  • STEP: The U.S. version is the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program. It’s useful if you’re a dual citizen or travelling with an American friend.

Write down and save offline:

  • The address and phone number of the Canadian Local Embassy, high commission, or Foreign Consulate in your destination

  • The number for Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If you lose your passport or run into serious trouble, the embassy or consulate can give you emergency travel documents and help you contact your family. Keep everything saved offline, since you may not have a signal when you need it.

4. Share Your Plans and Your Location

One easy habit can make a big difference: always let someone know where you are.

Before you leave:

  • Send your travel plans, flight details, and hotel addresses to at least two Emergency Contacts at home after you book hotels.

  • Agree on a simple check-in, like a short message each evening.

  • Tell them what to do if you go quiet.

Free apps that help:

  • Apple Find My: Lets family see where your phone is. It can sometimes work even when you’re offline.

  • Google Maps Live Location: Shares your movements for a set time. It’s great for a late taxi ride or a hike in a new place.

  • WhatsApp Location Sharing: Lets you send a live location in a chat for 15 minutes, 1 hour, or 8 hours.

Turn these off when you don’t need them. Just don’t skip the habit of sharing your plans.

5. Protect Your Money

Pickpocketing is the most common problem for any solo tourist. A few easy steps make you a much harder target.

Use two layers of protection:

  • Money belt: Wear it under your clothes. Keep your passport, extra cash, and backup cards inside.

  • Decoy wallet: Carry it in your pocket or bag with a little local cash and a few old or cancelled cards. If someone demands your wallet, you lose almost nothing.

Choose the right cards:

  • Bring a travel credit card and leave your debit card at home if you can. Credit cards usually have better fraud protection, and a thief can’t empty your bank account with one.

  • Look for a card with no foreign transaction fees. These fees are often about 2.5%.

  • Check any built-in travel insurance. It’s rarely enough on its own.

  • Carry two cards and keep them in different places.

  • Tell your bank you’re travelling so they don’t freeze your card by mistake.

6. Lock Up Your Belongings and Keep an Alarm Handy

Some small, cheap items give you a lot of peace of mind.

  • TSA-approved luggage lock: It keeps your bag closed but lets airport security open it without cutting the lock. This matters if you travel through a U.S. airport. Put one on your suitcase and backpack.

  • Cable lock: It’s handy for tying your bag to a bed frame in a hostel.

  • Personal safety alarm: This small device makes a loud noise when you pull a pin or press a button. It’s light, legal in most places, and a quick way to get attention if you feel unsafe. Clip it to your bag or keep it in a pocket, not at the bottom of your pack.

  • Document backups: Take photos or scans of your passport, visa, and insurance papers. Save them in cloud storage so you have copies if the originals go missing.

7. Stay Connected and Keep Your Phone Charged

When you’re travelling alone, your phone is your map, translator, wallet, and lifeline. A dead or offline phone is a real safety risk. Canadian roaming fees can be very high, so plan ahead.

Why a travel eSIM helps:

  • You buy a local data plan online before you land.

  • You don’t need to find a SIM card shop at the airport.

  • You have maps and messages as soon as you arrive.

  • It usually costs far less than roaming.

  • Make sure your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked.

Power and backup plan:


  • Pack a portable charger like a power bank.

  • Download offline maps before you head out.

  • Save your hotel’s address, ideally written in the local language.

  • Learn a few key phrases.

If you lose signal, you’ll still find your way.

8. Trust Your Gut and Blend In

No gadget beats good judgment. If a person or place feels wrong, leave. You don’t have to be polite if it puts your safety at risk.

Simple habits for solo travelling:

  • Arrive in daylight. Try to reach new cities and hotels before dark. Plan your ride from the airport ahead of time.

  • Choose your stay wisely. Read recent reviews from other solo travellers. Check the neighbourhood, and look for places with 24-hour reception and strong locks.

  • Go easy on alcohol. Never leave your drink alone. Stay sober enough to make good choices.

  • Dress like the locals. Learn what people wear in the area. Don’t show off jewellery, cameras, or expensive phones.

  • Walk with purpose. If you’re lost, step into a shop or café to check your map. Don’t stand confused on the street.

  • Be careful with new friends. Meeting people is a big part of the fun. Still, keep your hotel details private until you trust someone, and meet in public places.

Conclusion

Solo travel is one of the best ways to see the world, and most solo trips go smoothly. Staying safe doesn’t mean being afraid. It means being prepared so you can enjoy yourself.

Quick checklist:

  • Research your destination

  • Buy insurance

  • Register with your government

  • Share your plans

  • Protect your money

  • Stay connected

  • Trust your instincts

Your first solo trip may feel a little scary. With these tips for solo travel, you’ll come home with more than souvenirs. You’ll bring back confidence, independence, and great stories. Pack smart, stay alert, and go. Aviotra is cheering you on.