Are you one of the over 70% of American women who travel solo? Solo travel for women has drastically increased over the past few years, both internationally and in the US. I wanted to create a comprehensive female travel resource for everyone.
Maybe it’s your first time solo traveling. You might be looking for that extra push. Perhaps you are a seasoned solo traveler seeking additional tips.
Solo traveling can be challenging, especially for women. However, it is also one of the best ways to learn about yourself. And when it comes to the best solo travel destinations, the options are endless. Read for essential tips to get you started and protect you as a solo female traveler.
More Resources
Plan on a Budget
Smart strategies for stretching your travel dollars without sacrificing experiences.
How to Avoid Solo Travel Money Mistakes
Common financial pitfalls solo travelers make and how to sidestep them.
5 Fundamental Solo Travel Safety Principles
Essential safety tips every solo traveler should know before hitting the road.
Safety Wing Travel Insurance
Affordable travel insurance designed for remote workers and long-term travelers.
Tips for Preparing for a Road Trip Alone
Everything you need to know about planning a solo road trip adventure.
Safe and Easy Destinations for Solo Travelers
Top destinations that are welcoming, safe, and perfect for traveling alone.
Let People Know!
Are you taking a solo trip, and nobody knows? That would be your first mistake if you weren’t reading this. It’s normal for those who care about you to be concerned about a solo trip, especially without a tour group.
Your loved ones are not wrong for being worried about you traveling solo. Letting them know and sharing these solo guides might greatly help ease their minds. If you’re a single woman nervous about traveling alone, consider traveling solo but with a group!
This way, you feel safer. Your loved ones are more confident about your whereabouts. You don’t have to feel alone.
Avoid Over-packing
Don’t forget, it is just you. You will not have group dinners or parties, or need those extra pairs of heels. Pack lightly to make your travels easier. Avoid over-packing with these tips:
- Make a checklist of essentials only.
- Pack only your favorite shirts/pants/shorts/dresses and mix and match.
- Pack only two to three good pairs of shoes. Bring a casual pair of comfortable walking shoes and an athletic pair for hiking! If you’re visiting somewhere cold, consider a pair of boots instead.
Use your street smarts, be alert and assertive, and keep your valuables close or hidden. But don’t be so high-strung that you forget to enjoy yourself.
10 Female Solo Travel Tips
Get Travel Insurance
Skipping out on the extra cost of travel insurance might be tempting. It seems friendly to your budget when a trip is already costly. However, it could save you thousands in the case of potential health risks, emergencies, theft, and more.
When I did not think I needed insurance, I regretted it. Please don’t make the mistake of thinking you won’t need it. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Be prepared!
Get A Daypack
Do not pack your valuables into your main bag or a checked bag. During travel, these bags are usually poorly treated and out of sight. Keep your cash & cards spread throughout various compartments and anti-theft bags.
If one bag is stolen or misplaced, you can still have some personal items in another bag. This strategy saved me multiple times. Once, when my luggage was lost upon arrival in Jamaica, all I had was my carry-on and backpack.
Use Uber or Lyft
Uber and Lyft may not always be available, but you can check them out before you arrive. If you have ever visited a foreign country, you know how hectic an arrival can be. Taxi drivers are intense when trying to coerce you to ride with them. They will most likely charge a higher price point. Aside from the cheaper transportation Apps, they’re also safer in most cases. Both Uber/Lyft drivers and Taxi drivers are strangers.
However, you can view Uber drivers’ information and ratings on the app before you get in the car. This is unlike a random taxi driver waiting outside the airport. You also do not know the area. If a random taxi driver decides to drive you to an unknown location, you may not realize it. Unfortunately, by then, it could be too late.
Know Your Limits
You may think a new travel experience means trying new things out of your comfort zone. However, you should be wary of your limits. Here are some things to consider when feeling adventurous:
- Don’t drink until you are inebriated. Have fun, but remain aware of your surroundings. Don’t forget, you are not a local.
- Having an extensive itinerary, you forget to nourish your body correctly.
- Are you a great swimmer? Then, you should not be going into deep bodies of water.
- Eating gluten-heavy or lactose-heavy foods to try new things, knowing how your body will react. Do not end up on the toilet or curled up in your hotel room for the rest of the trip. Choose wisely.
- Continue with that hike even though you start feeling sick. Take a break or turn around if you need to. It’s okay to give up sometimes.
- Get rest and the sleep you need! You cannot push your body to exhaustion and expect to keep going. Only do what you can – your body will thank you.
Be Cautious
Have you heard the saying, “Nothing good happens after 2 a.m. “?” Well, dangerous things tend to happen in the dark. Avoid walking around at night, and keep your valuables at home if necessary. Go with a group if you choose to explore the nightlife, and never let anyone know you are alone.
Read Reviews
Don’t be cheap and naive. Before booking or visiting anywhere, check Google and read the reviews. Your safety and experience may depend on it. Be sure to read reviews when staying at someone’s home. This includes couch surfing, Airbnb, or Roommates. Also, read reviews when staying in hostels, hotels, and resorts. Look for anything mentioning safety and reviews written by women specifically.
Be Social Media Smart
Doing it for the ‘gram will not cut it this time. You are traveling alone. Never post in real time until you have left a specific location before posting a photo. As a blogger, I take photos and videos of my travel experiences. However, I never post them in real time. You never know who is tracking you or watching you. If you choose to meet up with someone from social media while traveling, ensure you meet in a public place. Only choose public locations for safety.
Enroll in STEP
Make sure to check out this post for information. You need to know and do several things before your trip, including enrolling in STEP.
STEP stands for Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. Enrolling in this free program will register your trip with the US Embassy. The registration is for the country you’re visiting.
Lie, Lie, Lie!
Sometimes, you have to lie your way out of a situation. If someone asks if you are alone, feel free to lie. Tell them you are waiting on someone or with someone.
Tell men you have a boyfriend/husband/girlfriend if they are persistent and won’t leave you alone. It’s unfortunate, but men respect other men more in these situations. Now is the time to let patriarchy work in your favor.
Get a SIM
You will need an international phone plan. Without one, you might be welcomed back home with a giant phone bill. I have T-Mobile. International texting and data are free with my plan, which offers up to 4G in over 250 countries. If you don’t have T-Mobile, consider purchasing an international plan.
You could also opt for a data hotspot or an eSIM card before you travel. Alternatively, you can buy a physical SIM when you arrive in the city.
If you still have concerns or don’t think you can do this solo travel thing, you are wrong! Stop the self-doubt and know you are stronger and more capable than you think. Reading other blogs helps you gather the necessary information.
This will make you feel safe and knowledgeable about your travel decisions. You are in the right place, and more solo travel guides await you here.
