Solo female travel has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It’s not just about discovering new places, but about discovering who I am and what I’m capable of. As a kid, I was super shy—I didn’t even want to go away to overnight camp! But over time, I’ve slowly come out of my shell, and I can confidently say that travel has played a massive role in that transformation. There’s something about navigating a foreign culture, stepping outside your comfort zone, and solving challenges on your own that builds confidence like nothing else.
Whether you’re considering your first solo trip or you’re already an experienced traveler, I want to share some of the best tips I’ve learned along the way to help you feel empowered and prepared. From flying halfway around the world to spending two months living and working in China, my journey as a solo female traveler has been full of growth and amazing experiences. And I encourage you, if you haven’t yet, to take that leap—you’ll be so glad you did.
1. Embrace the Power of Preparation
Traveling solo can feel intimidating, but it’s a lot more manageable if you prepare. Before I head to a new destination, I research everything—accommodation, transportation, cultural customs, and emergency contacts. This gives me a sense of control and confidence. Downloading offline maps, language apps like Google Translate, and writing down important addresses (especially the address of my accommodation) gave me the peace of mind that I wouldn’t get totally lost in a foreign city.
2. Start Small
If you’re a bit nervous about your first solo trip, don’t feel like you have to jump straight into an international adventure. Start with a weekend getaway to a city you’re familiar with or somewhere nearby. It’s a great way to get the feel for solo travel while still having a safety net if you need it. My first big solo trip was to Dubai, where I met up with a group at the Dubai airport to go on a Youth Conservation trip in Kenya. Although it wasn’t entirely solo, the trip turned into a solo journey when I found myself navigating through the massive Dubai Airport halfway across the world before meeting the group. It was empowering to tackle that on my own!
3. Trust Your Instincts
As a solo traveler, your intuition is your best guide. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. Whether it’s the vibe of a neighborhood, a person, or an activity, your gut feelings are there to protect you. This goes beyond just the typical safety concerns—it’s about being aware of your surroundings and trusting that you know what’s best for you. There are several times when I feel a bit unsure about taking public transportation late at night, so I chose a door to door option such as a taxi or ride share so I feel safer. Your comfort and safety should always come first, and if something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to back out or change plans.
4. Join a Group Trip for Peace of Mind
One way to experience solo travel while alleviating some of the planning stress is by joining a group trip with a reputable travel organization. Group trips allow you to travel with like-minded people and take the guesswork out of planning. You don’t have to worry about finding the best places to stay or dealing with logistics because it’s all organized for you. I’ve done this in places like Greece, Scotland, and Peru, and I loved it! There are certain destinations and activities, like hiking the Inca Trail in Peru, where I would not have felt comfortable organizing everything myself. A group tour makes it so much more manageable, and I’ve always felt safer and more relaxed being in a group. Plus, these trips often give you the option to share a room with someone, or you can pay a little extra for your own space—definitely something I recommend if you can. Also, always ask your travel organizer about transportation to and from the airport—having that sorted ahead of time is one less thing to worry about!
5. Make New Connections, But Set Boundaries
One of the beautiful aspects of solo travel is the chance to meet people from all over the world. Whether you’re staying in a hostel, joining group tours, or simply striking up conversations, solo travel is an excellent opportunity to connect with locals and fellow travelers. That said, it’s important to set boundaries—especially as a woman. I’ve had countless wonderful experiences meeting people, but I’ve also had moments where I’ve had to politely but firmly end conversations or leave situations where I felt uncomfortable. Be polite, but assertive in maintaining your personal space and boundaries.
6. Learn the Basics of the Language
Even if you’re not fluent in the language of the country you’re visiting, learning a few basic phrases can go a long way. Simple words like “hello,” “thank you,” and “goodbye” can break the ice and help you feel more confident when communicating with locals. I remember using my limited Spanish skills in Spain to ask for the bathroom and order when the staff at the restaurant did not speak much English. It wasn’t perfect, but I was able to make it work, and the effort was appreciated by those I interacted with. Plus, it felt incredibly rewarding to be able to navigate a situation on my own, even with language barriers.
7. Don’t Wait for Someone Else
As women, we often feel like we need a travel buddy to have a good time or to feel safe. But waiting for someone else to be available can hold you back from having incredible experiences. There’s so much freedom in solo travel, and while it can seem intimidating at first, it’s an incredibly empowering way to see the world. If I had waited for someone to join me, I would have missed out on some of the most rewarding trips I’ve had. Solo travel allows you to do exactly what you want, without compromise. It’s a beautiful thing to be able to explore the world on your own terms.
8. Stay Open-Minded and Flexible
When you travel solo, sometimes things don’t go as planned—and that’s okay! Be open to new experiences and flexible in your plans. The most unexpected moments often turn out to be the best ones. I’ve had some of my most memorable adventures just by saying “yes” to something spontaneous, like swimming to Angel’s pool at the edge of Victoria Falls in Zambia or getting last minute tickets to a West End show in London. Embrace the unpredictability of travel, and trust that you’ll figure things out as you go.
9. Celebrate Your Solo Achievements
Every milestone—whether big or small—is worth celebrating. After spending two months working and traveling in China, I felt like I had truly grown as a person. Solo travel forces you to become resourceful, resilient, and confident. Each time you push yourself to do something new—whether it’s navigating a new city, meeting someone new, or trying a new experience—you build self-assurance and independence. Celebrate those victories!
Solo travel can be life-changing, and it’s something I believe every woman should experience. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a multi-country adventure, the confidence, independence, and empowerment you gain from traveling alone are unmatched. I highly recommend it—don’t wait for someone else to join you, and don’t let fear hold you back. The world is waiting for you, and it’s more than worth it to step out on your own. Happy travels, and remember: You’ve got this!
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