A Comprehensive Guide to Female Solo Travel

Traveling in any capacity can be a transformative experience. But when you add the fulfillment and empowerment that comes with doing it alone, it becomes life-changing. For women, solo travel is not only an opportunity to explore the world freely, but to gain a renewed sense of self-assurance and independence that will forever influence the way you carry yourself. From finding comfort in solitude to meeting like-minded women along the way, female solo travel is as much an illuminating mental journey as it is an exciting physical adventure.

After three months of solo travel throughout Australia and Southeast Asia and plenty of lessons learned, I brought home a number of tips and tricks to pass onto those who also want to get out there and see the world on their own terms.

The first step of solo traveling is often the most difficult: choosing to go. It may seem daunting, but if you have even the smallest desire to give it a try, just ask yourself, “Why not?” And once you’ve made that pivotal decision, “What next?”

Choosing the Best Place for You

Whether you’re new to solo travel or not, there is a destination for everyone. For first timers, consider factors like language barriers, public transportation, and sight-seeing opportunities. Cities, for example, have plenty of activities that are easy to do alone, whether it be museums, guided tours, or even shopping (for more activity ideas, see below). Walkable cities are especially ideal for first-time solo travel, making it easy to get around and adjust.

For seasoned travelers who may be looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience, consider culturally immersive spots like smaller towns or rural destinations where you can connect more with locals, but still feel confident being alone.

As for accommodation, choose a spot in a good central location. I recommend finding lodging nearby a main public transportation station so it’s easy to move around. It helps to scope out the city or town beforehand and see where you’d like to be located. In bigger cities, you can even switch up locations. Try a few nights in one neighborhood or district and then try another for a whole new perspective. It’s your trip; make it your own.

Consider Group Travel

An increasingly common way for women to travel alone is with an organized group trip. Not only is it an amazing opportunity to ease yourself into solo travel, it’s an opportunity to bond with women who share your values and join a community that thrives on female camaraderie and immersive cultural experiences. Plus, you’ll most likely make lifelong friends from around the world. This is also a great way to find curated trips that fit your preferences; whether you’re looking for thrilling adventures or a spiritual yoga retreat, there is something for everyone. Here are some popular options that offer female-only group excursions steeped in friendship and exploration.

How to Pack: Light and Strategically

Part of the beauty of solo travel is that there is nothing tying you down to a specific place. If you’re planning on longer-term travel with a flexible itinerary, pack light so it’s easy for you to get up and go where the wind blows you. Depending on the destination, backpacks are sometimes more convenient when traversing over dirt paths or old cobbled roads. Other times, you can get away with a small suitcase. For those traveling for a shorter time and to only a few places, feel free to pack a little more. Regardless of how you choose to travel, consider including some of the following to make your excursion go as smoothly as possible.

Depending on where you travel, there will be different options for doing laundry. Some hotels may offer it for an extra charge, or you can often find self-service laundromats in cities. In places like Southeast Asia, there are plenty of affordable 24-hour wash-and-fold services that typically charge by the kilogram.

Keep Photocopies and PDFs of Important Information

A good safety net for any type of travel is to have printed photocopies of passports, IDs, and any other important information with you on your trip. In the off chance that you lose your passport, this proves to be an incredibly helpful resource. I also like to keep a PDF of my information on my cellphone and computer.

Download Offline Maps

You never know what cell service is going to look like when you’re abroad. In case you lose service, download maps of your area so you have access to them when you are offline. Especially when alone, this is a helpful tip to ensure you don’t get lost in unfamiliar places.

Don’t Forget the Basics

Not limited to solo travel, be sure to go through your mental checklist of all your basic travel necessities: check visa requirements, buy a cell phone plan, and book any essential flights, hotels, or tours (leaving room for spontaneity, of course). It helps to map out a vague plan or route, but if you’re like me, you will most likely end up forgoing it.

As exciting as planning a trip can be, nothing compares to finally arriving. Now that you’ve prepared yourself and made it to your destination, here’s how to make the most of your solo adventure and stay safe while doing so. 

Lock Up Your Bags

Whether you buy a small lock for your zipper or a lockable suitcase, it doesn’t hurt to lock your bags while traveling. Even if you’re simply leaving it in your hotel room, it’s an extra layer of security that will give you peace of mind while you’re out exploring.

Keep in Touch with Loved Ones Back Home

With today’s technology, traveling alone is easier than ever. No matter how far away you may be, friends and family are just a phone call or text away. Stay connected with loved ones back home by sharing your location and keeping them updated on your itinerary. This is not only a way to combat any homesickness, but a valuable safety precaution as well.

Safety Hacks

It makes sense that solo travel can be a bit nerve-wracking. Being in a new place by yourself is certainly an out-of-your-comfort-zone experience. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to help ease any anxieties. These safety tips, while helpful in preventing any problems you may encounter, are almost more useful in that they will ensure you remain confident and comfortable during your travels.  

As mentioned before, technology today makes solo travel for women safer than ever. Beyond sharing your cell phone location, you can purchase tracking mechanisms like the Apple AirTag to keep in any other belongings or on your body. Some women may prefer key chain alarms, another simple mechanism that adds a layer of protection. Door stop alarms or portable door locks are another clever security measure and are easy to pack. In places where pick-pocketing may be common, bring a wrist strap that you can attach to your phone and loop around your hand. This is a great way to keep hold of your important belongings.

Beyond physical objects, here are some other things to keep in mind: Don’t tell everyone you’re by yourself. As empowering as traveling alone is, unfortunately advertising it is not always in our best interest. Research cultural norms, especially clothing. Some destinations require certain body parts to be covered, so ensure you are prepared to follow those expectations. Overall, just being aware, confident, and respectful makes a huge difference. 

In terms of activities, you can truly do anything when solo traveling; but if you need some inspiration, here are some ideas:

Whether you choose to travel for months throughout various countries, hunker down in a single city for a week, or embark on an empowering journey with a group of women, solo travel will teach you things about the world and yourself that will change your life for the better. If you’re looking for a reason to finally make the jump, consider this your sign to book that flight.