Paris has lived rent-free in my imagination for years.

From high school French class posters to studying abroad in art school, the City of Light was always that place for me. So when choosing my first international solo trip and spending Christmas abroad, alone — I knew I wanted the experience to feel intentional, empowering, and smooth.

If you’ve ever thought:

• “I want to travel solo, but I don’t know where to start”
• “International trips feel overwhelming and I need to hire someone to organize”
• “I don’t want to look like a clueless tourist”

This one’s for you.

Here are the three things that helped me confidently book and execute my solo trip to Paris and honestly, they apply anywhere in the world.

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1. Research Is Your Superpower (Use It Wisely)

Whether you’re heading to Paris, London, Jo’Burg, or Rio, proper research is non-negotiable.

But here’s the twist:
I don’t just Google. I intentionally follow:

• Americans who’ve already traveled to the city
• Expats currently living there
• People who share lived, real-world experiences in a digestible format

Why? Because they tell you what guidebooks won’t.

Beyond logistics, I also research culture:

• How people dress
• How they communicate
• How they move through public spaces
• What’s considered respectful, eg: tipping, greeting and asking questions

The goal isn’t to “blend in perfectly”, it’s to travel with awareness and avoid being that tourist. Trust me, a little cultural fluency goes a long way.

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2. Plan Your Days by Neighborhood (Not Chaos)

Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements (districts), and understanding this changes everything.

Instead of bouncing all over the city, I planned my days by location:

• Pick a landmark (like the Eiffel Tower)
• Explore everything nearby
• Maximize time without exhausting yourself

Pro tip:
Not everything requires going inside. Some landmarks like the Eiffel Tower included are just as magical from the outside. Get the photos. Watch it sparkle at night. Keep it moving unless going inside truly matters to you.

This approach saves time, energy, and money.

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3. Master Your Logistics + Tours (The Game Changers)

Roam to Rio: Your Global Logistics BFF

One app I swear by is Roam2Rio.

It shows you:

• How to get from Point A to Point B
• Every option (bus, train, taxi, Uber)
• Time estimates + cost ranges

I’ve used it in cities all over the world and it’s never failed me. Knowing exactly how long it’ll take to get somewhere instantly lowers anxiety — especially when traveling solo.

WithLocals: Tours That Don’t Feel Tourist-y

When I do book tours, I often use WithLocals.

Why?

• Guides are actual locals
• You get cultural nuance, not just facts
• You’re taken to places tourists usually miss

I’ve used them in:

• Paris
• Florence
• Johannesburg
• Cape Town

From walking tours to food experiences, it’s one of the easiest ways to feel grounded in a new city especially on your first night. My walking tour through Paris helped me learn:

• Where the metro was
• Where to eat
• Where to grab a cocktail
• Where I actually was in relation to everything else

That sense of orientation? Priceless.

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Final Takeaway: Solo Doesn’t Mean Unprepared

My Paris trip wasn’t just about travel, it was about trusting myself. This was incredibly important as I was learning to trust my gut again after navigating divorce.

Traveling solo abroad (and during a major holiday) taught me that:

• Preparation creates confidence
• Structure creates freedom
• Solo experiences can be deeply fulfilling – this unlocked a new level of freedom for me

So whether you’re planning a solo trip, a solo dinner, or celebrating a milestone on your own, remember: you’re allowed to do life your way.

À bientôt
I’ll see y’all at the gate.

– Tina B.

📍 For more solo travel stories and practical tips, follow me on Instagram @SoloInspoWithTinaB and TikTok at @SoloInspoWithTinaB