Do you ever second-guess yourself before booking a short solo travel trip? Most of us do. We wonder whether we deserve the break, whether the timing is right, whether our partner or pet will be okay, or whether the whole idea is “self-indulgent.”
Before my New Orleans getaway, I felt drained, overwhelmed, and unsure. I almost canceled. But I didn’t. I went — with resistance, with nerves, with curiosity — and it changed everything.
Solo travel isn’t an escape. It’s a reset button, especially when you use the empowered.travel framework: a structure designed to support, ground, and gently stretch you.
Planning Solo Travel: Why Monday–Thursday Might Change the Game
My New Orleans trip took place from Monday to Thursday — a simple shift that meant cheaper flights, more affordable accommodation, calmer streets, and a much easier time navigating a new place as a solo traveler.
If you’re nervous, start with a short, strategic trip like this. Small steps still count.
Before Solo Travel: Taming the Inner Critic
Your inner critic will whisper:
“You can’t afford it.”
“You’re being selfish.”
“It’s not safe.”
Acknowledge the voice — and choose action anyway. Often what we really need is a few days somewhere culturally different to gain perspective, energy, and clarity. I felt uncomfortable sharing a female dorm and taking public buses after dark in a city known for being sketchy at times. But I still went. And I grew because of it.
Transport Tips for Solo Travel: Slow, Simple, Stress-Light
- Skip flying if you can — slow travel breeds ease and insight.
- If you must fly, book direct and plan your route to the airport via public transport.
- Pack light: a carry-on and personal item are enough for a 3–4 day trip.
- Avoid flashy luggage or expensive-looking gear.
- Keep valuables close (money belt, hip bag).
- Divide important items across pockets in case of loss or theft.
Comfort = confidence.
Confidence = better solo travel decisions.
Packing for Solo Travel: Practical + Personal
Pack for the lifestyle you love:
- Running shoes and sportswear if you explore by running
- Climbing shoes if you love climbing
- Loose, breathable clothing (linen, hemp)
- Sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent (yes, New Orleans needs it)
Also bring:
- A simple first-aid kit
- One outfit per day plus one sport set
- A small day bag
- One book
- A journal + pen
- A long-saved podcast
- Small reusable containers for toiletries
- Offline Google maps + Mapy.cz + Google Translate
- Healthy snacks and electrolytes
The point isn’t to be perfect — it’s to feel prepared enough to enjoy the trip.
Daily Rhythm for Solo Travel: Gentle Structure, Big Impact
Adopt a simple, intentional rhythm:
- Wake up early
- Have breakfast with others
- Listen more than you speak
- Be kind
- Ask questions
- Follow your gut
- Walk in groups at night
- Wear nothing expensive
- Stay modest and alert
- Download taxi apps in advance
A little structure reduces anxiety and opens space for spontaneity — the soul of solo travel.
Accommodation + Safety for Solo Travel
Book early.
Read reviews (especially the worst ones).
Choose female dorms if that feels right.
Prioritize breakfast, lockers, bed curtains, and a strong rating (7/10+).
Carry a solid lock.
Stay among people, not away from them. Isolation is the enemy of solo travel confidence.
Sightseeing During Solo Travel: Leave Room for Magic
Plan lightly.
Say yes to opportunities.
Don’t overbook yourself.
Leave space for wandering, resting, watching life unfold from a corner café.
Try foods you normally wouldn’t.
Attend live music even if you’re tired.
Let small discomforts stretch you — safely.
Fear and growth share a border. Cross it gently.
When Anxiety Hits During Solo Travel: The Five Points Process
Our empowered.travel framework draws on Japanese psychology. If anxiety spikes, use this grounding exercise:
- Orient to time + place
- Acknowledge thoughts + feelings without trying to change them
- Engage your senses
- Move your body
- Return to the present moment
Practice before you need it — like a fire drill.
Nightly Gratitude for Solo Travel
Before bed ask:
- What did I receive today?
- What did I give to others that benefited them?
- How can I show up better tomorrow?
This reflection transforms a trip into a turning point.
The People You Meet Through Solo Travel
This is the part you can’t plan. But it’s where the magic lives.
On my 3-day trip I met:
- Alessa, 25, riding her motorcycle solo from Alaska to Florida (13,000+ miles!)
- Nik, 34, on an open-ended sabbatical
- A recently released prisoner and a mentally distressed woman who absolutely owned the dance floor
- An elderly homeless man whose joy came from “still having his feet on the ground, walking”
- Old friends I reunited with by chance — if “chance” even exists
Solo travel expands your world through people. But only if you show up and stay open.
Cost Breakdown of My New Orleans Solo Travel Trip (3 nights / 4 days)
- Flights with carry-on: $140
- Accommodation + breakfast: $115
- Public buses: $2.50
- Ubers: $20
- Jazz concert: $28
- City tour with local guide (incl. tip): $40
- Restaurants (gumbo, oysters, etc.): $100
- Other concerts + drinks: $30
- Estée Lauder lipstick (after a life-giving talk with a trans salesperson): $30
- Jambalaya dinner at hostel: $0
- Dinner, drinks, and jazz with old friends: $0
Total: ~$450
For a trip I almost didn’t take.
Reflecting After Solo Travel
On your way home, ask yourself:
- What did I learn?
- What do I want to bring into everyday life?
- Who inspired me?
- Where do I want to go next?
And share your story — it helps you integrate and inspires someone else to say yes.
Where have you traveled solo lately? What did you learn? Who did you meet? Where is your soul pulling you next?
Need destination ideas, packing help, or logistics support? Explore our offerings or schedule a complimentary call.
Our founder’s Instagram post about her solo trip to New Orleans (Nov 3-6th, 2025)
“New Orleans will stay in our hearts forever. It felt as though magic truly existed — because as one learns while wandering its haunted, visually captivating streets built in the 18th century, it really does. Our time in this gem of a city has been nothing short of extraordinary. From the very first moments until the very end, we couldn’t help but feel present, blessed, and enchanted.
The people we met, the fear of the unknown we embraced, and the unforgettable moments we lived will stay with us forever. New Orleans asks one to remain open-minded, vigilant at times, and ready to soak in its omnipresent magic.
We learned from an incredibly kind homeless man in his seventies, who — when asked how he was — responded with an authentic smile and grace that he was doing well because he was still “having his feet on the ground, walking.” We learned that novelty, unknown (that we tend to avoid missing out on all the fun and growth opportunities) and darkness, hold treasures we are often too afraid to see.
We witnessed dance moves most of us can only admire. We formed new friendships that felt as if they had begun long ago. We met random people more than once in completely unexpected places. We contemplated art, savored world-class music, ate things we had never tried before, and woke up early with smiles — even after late nights. We gave and we received (all it takes is to pay attention).
We unexpectedly reconnected with some of our closest friends after many years — without any planning. We met solo travelers, like Alessa, 25, from Germany, who was riding her motorcycle all the way from Alaska to Florida, wild camping along the way and covering more than 13,000 miles since mid-August. We met Ania, a very talented videographer who inspired us with her strength and self-awareness. We met Nik, who had the courage to leave his previous job behind to embrace uncertainty. We met Wendy — for the fourth time — who greeted us with her warmth and spark.
We were privileged to hear the wisdom of our old friend Andrew (also met there by chance — if one believes in such things). His nearly seven decades of life and travel continue to inspire us deeply. Erica, our city tour guide from Havana, Cuba, helped us connect with the city’s complex and rich cultural context in a way we will never forget.
We listened and moved to the best jazz we have ever heard, in legendary venues. We watched Creole people dance as if they were born with music in their souls. We were delighted to see that in New Orleans, everyone is welcome — from a potentially homeless, mentally distressed woman who owned the dance floor, to a man recently released from prison (one of the best dancers, without a doubt).
We were scared at times. And…? That’s where the rewards await. The way is right through it.
New Orleans, you are one of a kind. Thank you to everyone who made this experience truly unforgettable. We return feeling not only recharged in our belief in humanity but also profoundly empowered to be and live better — not just in New Orleans, but everywhere.”
