Traveller exploring shinto shrine in Japan

Solo Travel Guide for Women 

Feel like you’re constantly in your group chat trying to make travel plans, and no one is replying? This is your sign. It is time to go solo! 

We are in an era where solo travelling as a woman is incredibly popular! Women across the world are feeling empowered to stop waiting for others and to see the world. Whilst we are aware that the prospect of travelling solo can feel daunting, especially as a woman, it is a life-changing experience you will never stop talking about. This guide will fuel your desire to travel the world solo as a woman while ensuring you are equipped with the tips you need to stay safe. 

Why Travelling Alone as a Woman Is Great 

Solo woman traveller in Santorini in Greece

1. Freedom & Independence 

Learn to do things solo and enjoy your own company in a whole new way. This may be the first time you create your plans and put them into action. You will have to learn to budget and manage your time, and this all comes with an exciting sense of freedom. Build an itinerary to see the world in your own unique way, and don’t feel any pressure to conform to what others want. 

2. Not waiting for others

If you are endlessly scrolling through TravelTok, or dreaming of adventure, the worst thing you can do is sit around and wait for someone else to join you. You don’t need to get the trip out of the group chat, you just need to go! The moment you step on the plane, knowing you’re about to travel solo, you will feel the pressure of waiting for others off your shoulders. 

3. Meet people across the world

The best thing about travelling solo is you are never really alone. With the huge popularity of women going solo travelling, you will find yourself arriving at a destination knowing no one and leaving with a group of new best friends. Staying in hostels is a great way to meet other like-minded travellers and connect with people you otherwise never would have met. Likewise, group trips are particularly popular with solo woman travellers as they offer an added sense of safety and are a super easy way of meeting others. 

4. Self-discovery 

It may sound cliche, but you will discover more about yourself when you travel. As you try out new experiences, you’ll likely discover things you never thought you would enjoy. Find a new hobby, and learn about your strengths and weaknesses, all without the opinions of others influencing you. 

Tips for Solo Travel as a Woman 

Solo woman traveller at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore

Avoid oversharing

Connecting with locals is one of the best parts of travelling. However, it is always important to veer on the side of caution. Try not to share that you are travelling alone when out and about, and don’t tell strangers which accommodation you are staying in. If someone keeps asking and it’s making you uncomfortable, remove yourself from the situation. 

This rule also applies to social media. When posting photos and videos to Instagram or TikTok, delay what you share online until you have moved on from that location. 

Share your location 

Have a trusted family member/friend back home that can track your location. Keep in regular contact and let them know what you are up to and with whom. 

You may consider buying a local SIM or an eSIM for when you do not have access to the internet so that you can stay connected and safe at all times. 

Don’t leave your drinks unattended 

Just like if you were going out at home, watch your drink being made, don’t accept drinks from strangers, and keep an eye on your drink at all times. If you are not with a familiar group, don’t drink so much that you lose control of your own safety. 

Don’t walk alone after dark 

Similarly, follow the same rules that you would when going out at night at home. Never hitchhike and only use licensed taxis. Ask the accommodation you are staying in to book a trusted taxi for you. When available, use a rideshare service such as Uber/Grab/Bolt/Cabify etc. You can then share your journey with a trusted family member/ friend. When going on a night out, leave with the group you went out with. 

Be aware of your surroundings 

Avoid looking lost when you are exploring. If you need to look up directions, enter a hotel, cafe or shop to check your phone. You may want to have maps audibly playing in one earphone when walking around so you can stay aware of your surroundings. 

Dealing with unwanted attention 

Travelling solo as a woman, you may occasionally find yourself the subject of unwanted attention. It is important that if you are feeling uncomfortable, or are simply not interested, you remove yourself from the situation. 

If someone approaches you and you do not want to talk to them, you can try politely saying hello and immediately walking away from them. This way you are making it clear that you have no interest in stopping to talk to them. 

If the person is persistent, clearly and confidently say that you are not interested, ask them to leave you alone and ignore you. 

If you feel unsafe, enter a public space such as a restaurant, hotel or cafe and stay until you feel safe. 

Dressing modestly 

All travellers need to take care to dress appropriately when travelling to new destinations. Some cultures have certain expectations of how women should dress and travellers should respect this. Some areas may expect you to cover your shoulders and legs. This is particularly important when visiting religious areas like temples. 

When exploring cities and towns, it is advised that all travellers keep their beachwear to the beach. 

Do your research 

As well as researching local customs regarding how to dress, you should also do general research on the areas you are visiting. Know how to get to your arrival accommodation from the airport. Plus, learn how to say a few basic phrases and how the local currency works. For example, you may find that card is not widely accepted at the destination you are travelling to, and need to be prepared with cash. 

How To Meet Other Solo Travellers 

Group of travellers running into the ocean in New Zealand

A great way to meet fellow solo travellers is to join a group trip. These are organised tours that will plan out the ideal itinerary, ticking off the spots on your bucket list whilst connecting you with a group of new best friends. You have the experience of joining solo, with the safety of being within a group. You’ll explore with an experienced tour guide and transport from place to place sorted for you. 

Many use group trips as a starting point for solo travel. You may choose to explore your first few destinations on a group trip, then venture off on your own with the new friends you have made. 

70% of the travellers that join our trips are solo, and many of them are women. We offer group trips to destinations across the world, which you can browse here. These are especially ideal for first-time, solo travellers as we offer free 1-to-1 advice sessions, as well as help out with flights. 

 

The most important thing to remember is that this experience is supposed to be fun! This is a time for you to embark on new adventures, push yourself out of your comfort zone, and tick off your bucket list. Whilst you should always take care when travelling solo, don’t let your fears stop you from exploring the world! 

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