I visited New Zealand for the first time. These are the biggest mistakes I made, even as a seasoned solo traveler.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Author Ashley Probst smiling over aerial view of New Zealand
Even seasoned travelers get things wrong, but every misstep serves as a lesson to help the next trip — or traveler — avoid the same pitfalls.

Ashley Probst

I always find the best local recommendations when I travel solo. My strategy involves dating apps and clever prompts.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
A woman stands on a balcony and looks out at a city.
I get some of the best travel recommendations from dating apps.

Adrian Seliga/Getty Images

I visited an island just a 20-minute flight from Maui. Its empty beaches and local gems made it feel like a true paradise.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Author Ashley Probst with sunglasses on smiling
The empty beaches, beautiful drives, and lack of traffic lights make Molokai feel like a paradise for the right kind of travelers.

Ashley Probst

I started taking solo trips for my birthday years ago. Now that I'm in my 40s, it's my favorite way to celebrate.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Man in hat with glasses taking selfie
I don't like organizing parties or events, and planning a trip for more than two people is stressful. So, a birthday solo trip is perfect.

Matthew Lubin

My boyfriend and I broke up hours before the international trip we'd planned together. I still went by myself.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Woman with sunglasses taking selfie in Portugal
Instead of going on a trip with my partner, I headed to a new country all by myself and don't regret it.

Leanna Coy

I thought I'd planned my first solo trip perfectly. After just 3 nights, I was desperate to go home.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
The author smiling at his seat before a Little Mix concert.
I went on my first solo trip and realized that I prefer traveling with friends.

Sean Abrams

I left the US to start over after a tragedy — and fumbled through 5 classic first-timer mistakes

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Author Melanie Gordon smiling with trees behind her
If you're traveling solo for the first time, especially after a significant life event, I hope this helps you avoid some of the pitfalls I fell into.

Melanie Gordon

I take solo trips to Japan every year without my kids. It may seem selfish, but it makes me a better parent.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Environment
Author Ashley Franzen smiling in front of mountain, water in Japan
As an introvert with a rich and complex inner world, I use the time I spend traveling alone to recharge while pursuing my passions.

Ashley Franzen

I left my Hollywood stunt career for 15 months to travel to 35 countries. I came back ready to plan my future beyond LA.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
A woman with yellow hair walking with white lions in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Sharonda Scott's spent 15 months traveling to 35 countries (including Zimbabwe, pictured).

Provided by Sharonda Scott

I rang in 2025 on a solo trip. Now, I'd happily celebrate every New Year's Eve abroad and surrounded by strangers.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The writer posing on a ledge in Portugal, overlooking houses.
caption tk

Chelsia Durkee

Subscribe to solo-travel