Traveling solo is an experience that invites you to listen to yourself and reinvent who you are while discovering places at your own pace—without depending on anyone else. It’s also a trend that has gained ground among young people, freelancers, and digital nomads who want to connect with the world in a different way.
In fact, in a survey of more than 1,000 Mexicans, 60% said they had traveled alone at least once. This is a clear sign that more and more people are setting off on their own in search of new perspectives and freedom.
Still have doubts?
In this guide, we’ll share the benefits, where to go, and some useful tips to consider when traveling alone.
Traveling alone is a chance for growth and exploration where you can organize your route, timing, and priorities exactly as you want.
In general, traveling solo has these benefits:
Flexibility and autonomy. You have complete control to decide how long to stay in one place, when to rest, or when to change course. Even more so if you work remotely or are always on the move, since you can adjust the itinerary to your own rhythm.
Personal growth. By owning your decisions, you step out of your comfort zone and learn to trust yourself. This, in turn, strengthens your confidence and pushes you to grow.
Development of social skills. On a solo adventure you meet people, practice languages, and learn to communicate better, which increases empathy. This allows you to connect with others in a more authentic and enriching way.
Beyond the destination, it’s an experience that can transform how you see yourself after every trip.
There are many travel tips that can help you enjoy your journey more. But if it’s your first time traveling solo, these are the pieces of advice that will make your experience much easier and safer:
Set a daily budget in line with your financial goals and keep an emergency fund.
Plan a flexible itinerary with the places you want to visit before you leave.
Research safety, customs, and recommended areas in your destination.
Learn basic phrases in the local language to communicate more easily.
Book accommodation on trusted platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo.
Keep your devices charged and carry a universal adapter.
Travel light and keep digital copies of your documents.
Keep family members informed about your plans and location.
If you’re traveling abroad, double-check your documentation. Remember that some countries require visas for Mexican citizens.
It’s also wise to have the right apps on hand:
MAPS.ME: helps you navigate even without an internet connection.
Google Calendar: ideal for planning your itinerary and setting reminders.
Trail Wallet: lets you track your daily expenses.
DolarApp: perfect if you need to pay or manage money in digital dollars or euros.
Gemini (Google’s AI): useful for real-time translation, getting local recommendations, or solving questions in any language.
Remote-work tools: if you’re self-employed.
When you travel alone for the first time, a lot runs through your head. But with proper planning and the right tools, your experience can be much smoother.
Choosing the right destination can completely transform your solo adventure. Whether you’re after culture, nature, or simple disconnection, there are places to travel solo on a budget, with friendly people and plenty to discover:
Mexico is full of culture, history, and hospitality. Some places to visit include:
Place | Why Visit |
Oaxaca | Famous for its cuisine, traditions, and art. Easy to get around the city. Affordable lodging and a vibrant cultural scene. |
San Cristóbal de las Casas | Combines tranquility, a bohemian vibe, and low prices. Surrounded by mountains and nature. Perfect for connecting with local culture. |
Mexico City | Modern and diverse. Museums, parks, history, and nightlife. Ideal for getting around on public transport and enjoying an endless cultural offer. |
Consider these options:
Place | Why Visit |
Portugal | Rich in history. Safe and welcoming. Cities like Lisbon offer great connectivity, cuisine, and a relaxed atmosphere. |
Thailand | A great budget destination with beaches and temples. Lush nature. Easy to meet travelers and enjoy low-cost local food. |
Spain | Rich in culture, art, and cuisine. Practical transport network. Cities like Madrid and Seville are perfect for exploring on foot and living like a local. |
Colombia | Warm, welcoming people. Diverse landscapes—from beaches to mountains. A vibrant, affordable destination. |
There are other popular options for traveling solo on a budget:
Destinations in Mexico | International Destinations |
Mérida. Puebla. Guadalajara. | Budapest (Hungary). Hanoi (Vietnam). Bali (Indonesia). Tallinn (Estonia). Bucharest (Romania). |
With a bit of planning, it’s possible to discover places full of culture, nature, and hospitality without overspending.
Travel lets you build new connections—if you have the right mindset. That way, you can create shared experiences.
How to do it?
Stay in hostels or shared homes with common areas.
Join group tours or free walking tours to meet other travelers.
Take part in volunteer work or local activities (cooking, yoga, surfing classes).
Choose cafés or spaces frequented by other travelers or digital nomads.
Attend cultural events, concerts, or fairs in your destination.
Be open and practice languages by chatting with locals.
Use apps like Meetup or Bumble For Friends to socialize.
Even so, empathy is key to truly connecting. Everyone you meet can teach you something valuable along the way—just listen, show interest, and share respectfully.
Staying alert matters even more when you’re traveling solo. Here are some basic precautions:
Trust your intuition: if something doesn’t feel right, walk away.
Avoid walking through poorly lit or deserted areas.
Keep money and important documents in separate places.
Get travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and lost luggage.
If you’ll use multiple cards for payments, hostels, or transport, be cautious and check your transactions often.
In any case, it’s a good idea to use DolarApp, since it lets you pay and manage digital dollars and euros from anywhere in the world. You can also use it for purchases and to pay less in real costs when buying internationally.
Traveling solo doesn’t necessarily mean being alone—whether you like it or not, you’ll meet other people. You also learn to enjoy your own company, trust your decisions, and open yourself to new ways of connecting.
Every destination has a story that transforms you and leaves a mark—whether you choose a quiet town in Mexico or a vibrant city on the other side of the world. The real adventure lies in how you plan, manage your resources, and adapt to the unexpected.
Fortunately, there are plenty of budget-friendly solo destinations and apps to find people with similar interests.
If you decide to take the plunge on a solo adventure, with DolarApp you can request an international card (DolarCard) to pay in USDc or EURc. By linking a peso account, you’ll be able to convert your balance into digital dollars or euros at a competitive exchange rate.
Use DolarApp’s card instead of international credit cards and avoid foreign currency conversion fees.
In Mexico, Oaxaca, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mérida, and Guadalajara are ideal for their safety and culture. Abroad, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, Japan, and Canada stand out for their hospitality and ease of getting around.
First and foremost, by being friendly and open—this makes it easier to build authentic connections with travelers and locals alike. Staying in hostels, joining group tours, or taking part in local activities are also great ways to meet people.
Safety depends on the precautions you take. Basics include avoiding dangerous or poorly lit areas, keeping your belongings secure, and using apps or maps. The key is to trust your intuition and plan carefully.
It gives you total independence to decide your route and timing. It also boosts your confidence, sparks creativity, and helps you connect with yourself, other people, and cultures along the way.
Sources:
Os países têm fronteiras. Suas finanças, não mais.
Trabalho e viagem Applying for a U.S. visa for the first time in Mexico involves more than just filling out a form, whether for tourism or business. All the details are here.
Trabalho e viagem Discover what an eSIM is, how it works, and which are the best eSIM Europe providers, what they offer, and the advantages of using them on your trips.
