Solo travel: a guide to your first trip alone

Scared? Of course. But it's exactly the kind of fear that turns you into a different person — confident, self-reliant and wildly interesting to yourself.

Part 1: Dismantling the fears. 'I'll be bored alone' — boredom happens in a crowd of dull people; alone with yourself and a new city it's impossible, and you'll finally hear your own thoughts and do what YOU want. 'It's unsafe' — attentiveness and a level head are needed in a group too; alone you're more observant and less of a target for scammers who work on groups. 'People will stare at me' — trust me, nobody cares; you're just another tourist, relax.

Part 2: Choosing a starting point. The ideal first solo destination is safe, with friendly people and simple logistics. Top 3 for beginners: Georgia (Tbilisi) — very welcoming to solo travellers, easy to meet people, clear transport, lots of great food and a healing atmosphere. Thailand (Chiang Mai) — the digital-nomad capital, thousands of independent people, cafes, coworkings and yoga centres, perfect for easing in. Armenia (Yerevan) — compact, cosy and warm-hearted; it's hard to feel lonely when people quickly start talking to you, treating you, helping.

Part 3: Booking the right lodging. Forget the dreary single room — your weapon is socialising. A hostel with good reviews: pick not the cheapest but one praised for a friendly atmosphere, shared kitchens and events — a ready-made crowd. A guesthouse with a host: living with a family is cultural immersion plus a personal guide. A coliving: even if you don't work, you can rent a room and instantly have a circle of like-minded people.

Part 4: A survival-and-joy manual. Day 1: settle in, no heroics — check in, walk around, buy water, feel the rhythm. Day 2: get oriented — take a walking or group city tour; it's not embarrassing, it's the best way to find your bearings and spot other solo travellers. Day 3: build a ritual — the same coffee shop each morning, a favourite bar each evening; you'll be remembered and become a 'regular.' How to meet people: in the hostel kitchen, on group tours (excursions, food tours, workshops), in coworkings, via traveller apps (not dating ones!). Main lifehack: bring a book — your best friend in a cafe, on the beach, in a queue; it wards off unwanted attention and fills the pauses.

Part 5: Notes for women (brief and to the point). Learn local norms: in some countries (UAE, Oman) modest dress is respect, not restriction. Trust your intuition: don't fear seeming impolite — if something's off, leave or end the conversation. Choose lodging with verified reviews from women, and carry a slip with the hotel address in the local language.

Part 6: What you get in the end. Absolute freedom — fancy the other side of the city? Go. Want to read in a hammock all day? Do it. No compromises. A boosted self-esteem — every decision becomes a personal achievement, and being at ease alone is the most valuable skill in the modern world. Stories far better than any 'so a bunch of us…' tale.

Your move: pick one city from the list above, check fares for the next two months — not to buy, but to realise it's real. Then close the tab and listen to yourself. Feel not only fear but a tickle of excitement? That's it. You're ready.