# Practice solo travel at home first

> A reporter who has traveled alone to 10 countries recommends exploring your own city before taking your first solo trip.
- Title: Practice solo travel at home first · Business Insider
- Summary: A reporter who has traveled alone to 10 countries recommends exploring your own city before taking your first solo trip. A solo travel veteran recommends…
- Keywords: solo travel, travel tips, first-time travelers, millennials, gen z, travel planning, business, technology, Practice, solo, travel, home
- Source: Business Insider — https://businessinsider.com/solo-travel-tip-first-timers-2026-9
- Author: Joey Hadden
- Published: 2026-09-21T14:14:01.29+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: solo travel, travel tips, first-time travelers, millennials, gen z, travel planning, business, technology
## Solo travel is booming
More people are traveling alone to escape work stress and reconnect with themselves, especially millennials and Gen Z. Travelers come from all backgrounds and professions.
## One reporter's solo journey
Since working as a reporter in New York City seven years ago, the author has traveled to ten countries, three Canadian provinces, and dozens of US cities alone.
## The key to starting solo
The author recommends one thing to anyone considering solo travel: practice. Treat your own city like a destination and explore it independently to build confidence.

> Treat your city like a destination.
## How to practice locally
Start with ticketed attractions where planning is minimal. Then plan independently: spend days exploring neighborhoods, create themed walking tours, or take day trips to nearby attractions.
## The author's practice adventures
She visited observation decks in New York City, mapped walking tours of the skinniest homes in the five boroughs, photographed historic carriage houses, and visited Elf filming locations.
## Practice prepares you for real trips
These local excursions prepared her for weeklong solo trips across the US, Canada, and Europe involving multiple cities and train travel. Facing fears locally builds skills for anywhere.
## Key takeaway

A solo travel veteran recommends practicing in your own city first by planning and executing days of activities alone to build confidence for international trips.