I recently embarked on a 10-day journey in Spain as a solo female traveler. Here’s how I planned out the trip, an overview of my itinerary, and tips I learned along the way.

Venturing out as a solo female traveler can be daunting. However, I recently embarked on a 10-day journey to Spain despite the what-ifs, and the decision was life-changing. Reflecting on my experience, I can't fathom the fear that once held me back. This trip instilled in me a newfound confidence, empowering me to continue exploring destinations I had previously believed were beyond my reach.

Trying to coordinate a trip with other people can get convoluted quickly. After enough time had passed trying to get a friend to join me on my journey abroad, I began doubting the feasibility of taking the trip at all. Before I gave up completely, I began reaching out to friends and family, asking if they knew anyone that traveled alone. I also browsed through a few solo travel blogs for tips and guidance on how to plan safely and efficiently. I learned a lot from browsing these kinds of articles and started to regrow faith that my adventure was possible when I learned how many other people had been in the same predicament I’d found myself in at the time.

Coordinating a group trip can quickly become complex and overwhelming. After futile attempts to persuade a friend to join me on my international journey, doubts arose about the viability of the trip. Instead of surrendering entirely, I expanded my search, reaching out to friends and family for referrals to solo travelers. I delved into solo travel blogs, seeking guidance and practical tips for safe and efficient planning. Immersing myself in these resources ignited renewed hope, as I discovered countless individuals who had successfully navigated similar challenges and learned about EF Ultimate Break. 

As I began browsing their travel packages, I was stoked to see Spain listed among the wide range of countries and excursions. The 10-day itinerary, covering the vibrant cities of Barcelona, Ibiza, and Valencia, immediately caught my attention. Excitedly, I delved deeper into the details and reviews, confirming that this was the perfect adventure for me. The package included lodging, transportation between destinations, and several enthralling excursions, all for around $3,000. (To ensure a seamless journey, I separately booked my own flights to and from my nearest airport, slightly increasing the overall cost.)

As an extroverted introvert, I faced a perplexing decision: should I upgrade to the highest tier package and indulge in the comfort of private hotel rooms, or embrace the social aspect of hostels and stay in shared accommodations? Having never stayed in a hostel before, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. However, numerous blog posts raved about hostels as a safe, enjoyable, and ideal lodging option, which left me torn between the allure of comfort and the potential for a unique social experience.

My decision to book this trip was driven by a desire to step outside of my comfort zone and confront my fear of traveling alone. Instead of following conventional wisdom, I chose to trust my intuition and opted to stay in hostels. Little did I know that this choice would turn out to be one of the most unforgettable experiences of the entire journey. I forged meaningful connections with an incredible group of individuals, and we have maintained contact to this day. Moreover, this choice facilitated my connection with like-minded individuals who share a passion for travel, making it easier to organize future group excursions.

10-Day Itinerary

The below itinerary gives an overview of the trip’s details, provided by EF Ultimate Break.

Day 1: Overnight flight to Spain

Day 2: Arrive in Barcelona + Welcome Dinner 

Day 3: Tour Barcelona + Optional Sagrada Familia & Sangria

Day 4: Enjoy a Free Day in Barcelona

Day 5: Travel to Ibiza

Day 6: Free Day in Ibiza + Optional Ibiza Catamaran Cruise

Day 7: Free Day in Ibiza

Day 8: Travel to Valencia

Day 9: Beach Day in Valencia + Farewell Dinner

Day 10: Fly Home

Lessons Learned

There were a lot of lessons learned throughout this trip, as it was my first real solo adventure; however, I’ve listed my top insights below.

Pack light.

I packed light for my trip (one Jansport backpack and a carry-on roller), and it proved incredibly beneficial throughout the trip. To do this, I carefully curated each outfit, ensuring that each was methodically packed. Before zipping up my suitcase, I took pictures of each outfit for quick reference. This strategy greatly simplified the process of getting ready in the hostels, where storage options were limited to a locker for my suitcase. In the absence of drawers or closets, I often found myself rummaging through my carry-on for the day's outfit. Knowing precisely which article of clothing I was searching for made the process faster and less stressful.

The 16-piece set linked below (paid link) cost $14 and was sufficient storage for all of my skincare and shower products. The bottles are leak proof and worked seamlessly for me. Plus, it comes with labels.

Gemice 16-Piece Travel Bottles Set on Amazon ($14)

Notify your bank you’re traveling.

Two out of the three cards I brought with me were frozen due to suspicious behavior (I tried to use it without letting them know I was out of the country). Pick up some cash to use at local spots from an ATM, as it’s a preferred method of payment for smaller establishments.

Beware of pickpocketing.

Barcelona pickpocket thieves have mastered their form. Most of the time, you don’t even notice anyone near you at all before a phone or wallet goes missing. I brought a crossbody zipper bag that I kept zipped at all times AND rested a hand over the zipper every time I was on the metro or in crowded areas throughout the city. I’m not sure what brand mine was, but I listed a Free People lookalike and a couple Amazon dupes. Paid links are provided for all Amazon products listed below.

When I went out to clubs, I literally clipped in my wallet to the interior zipper of my shoulder bag and danced with my hand over the clasp. Even then, I still would’ve fell victim outside of Shoko after clubbing one night if it weren’t for a local resident bucking “CIAO” at the invisible man in a puffy vest I didn’t notice was practically on top me outside the venue.

Here are three different products that may come in handy to avoid returning with less than you arrived with.

Plan to club late.

Most clubs in Ibiza and Barcelona really get going around 11:30 PM and close anywhere from 4 to 6 AM. I packed some Celsius energy packets that definitely kept my spirit alive, despite the jet lag. If you’re planning to disco through the night, it’ll certainly help. The packets I brought with me are linked below.

Download Whatsapp.

This is the best way to communicate internationally if an upgraded phone plan with your provider isn’t an option. Otherwise, you’ll incur a significant amount of fees on your next phone bill.

Have fun!

Enjoy the experience and embrace any hiccups along the way with a patient heart. Traveling can get sticky at some points along the way, but as long as you have a clear mind and positive attitude— everything will work out just fine. Journaling my experiences helped me document all of the amazing sites I saw and excursions I took. It also helped me recenter myself in the midst of all of the excitement, helping me remain present in the moment. Smell the smells, see the sights, and tap into your emotions as you explore the culture. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed at points, but I never allowed myself to retreat to my hostel for too long. It wasn’t always easy to get myself out there, but I’m incredibly grateful that I didn’t waste a minute. There’s so much adventure out there! You got this.