The Best Tips For An Exciting Solo Female Travel

Tips for travelling alone as a woman

Travelling alone as a woman is one of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself. Simply follow these suggestions to ensure a safe and unforgettable, life-changing event!

 
Travelling alone as a woman used to be a really contentious issue for me. When I originally started planning my solo travels, many of my friends and family gave me a variety of reasons why I shouldn’t do it, and after hearing so much, I began to wonder if it was a smart idea. But I am so pleased I did it nonetheless. After all, travelling alone has the potential to change us permanently.

I’m sure many ladies who plan to travel alone receive similar replies from their friends and relatives. However, evidence indicates that solo female travel is more popular than ever.

Over 70% of American women claim to have travelled alone, and Google searches for “solo female travel” climbed 230% in 2019, before COVID became a problem. In the United States, searches for “solo travel” and “solo female travel” are both at all-time highs.

Travel companies indicate that women account for up to 80% of their solo travellers, and the number of Pinterest boards dedicated to female solo travel has more than tripled in recent years.

Why is travelling alone as a woman beneficial?

So, why do so many women enjoy travelling alone? I’m sure if you’re reading this piece, you already know some answers, but according to a 2021 traveller poll, there are three main reasons individuals desire to travel alone. I realised I could truly identify with these reasons.

 
1. They don’t want to wait for others to go with them.

I can’t tell you how many trips I’ve arranged with friends or relatives only to have them cancelled because the other person backed out. Anyone who has had this experience knows how frustrating it is.

After doing it a few times, I realised that if I had to wait for other people to join me, I’d never have time to visit all of the sites around the globe that I wanted to see.

2. They enjoy having the freedom to do anything they want, whenever they want.

When I travel, I am frequently drawn to destinations that are off the main road. I enjoy some tourist sites. There’s a reason why these destinations are so popular.
However, I also enjoy attending smaller cultural events and eating at local establishments. I prefer to stay in one location for an extended period of time in order to fully immerse myself in the local culture. I don’t like planning every minute of my day.

Travelling alone allows me to do everything I want without ever having to compromise. My travels are exactly what I wanted them to be.

3. Travelling alone provides individuals with a sense of freedom and independence.

I was really miserable before quitting my day job and embarking on full-time solo travel. I felt stuck in my job and bored with my daily routine. Since I started travelling alone, I’ve felt more capable, stronger, more free than I ever had.

As a result, my self-esteem has greatly improved. Travelling alone has been a very powerful experience for me.

Since my friends and relatives warned me that travelling alone as a woman was a bad idea, I’ve done several excursions and learned a lot along the way.

I believe that every woman should travel alone at least once in her life, and I have some advice for your first solo journey.

Tips for travelling alone as a woman – Solo Female Travel

Pack Lightly.

Aside from the fact that you’ll have to carry all of your belongings by yourself, having fewer items to keep track of means you’re less likely to misplace anything.
You might also consider using a rucksack instead of a suitcase to make it easier to come and go.

Wear Your Wedding Ring.

I got this suggestion from other women who enjoy travelling alone. Before you go, purchase a low-cost ring that can be used as a wedding ring. This helps to avoid unwanted attention from men.
It’s sad that we, as women, have to consider stuff like this, but it does benefit. However, avoid purchasing something overly showy, as this can attract the attention of criminals.

Research The Local Culture.

Before visiting a place, you should understand the essentials of its culture and history. We should all respect the local cultures in the locations we visit, and in order to do so, you must first comprehend the local culture, at least to some extent.

Should you tip? If so, what amount? Is it normal or impolite to haggle with shopkeepers? Is it required of you, particularly as a woman, to dress in specific ways in certain situations? You should know the answers to all of these questions before you come.

Be Prepared.

This advice is twofold. Yes, you should prepare for your trip by organising your belongings, gathering the relevant paperwork, and so on. However, you should also be mentally prepared in case something goes wrong. Be mentally prepared by developing a plan to handle the most probable adverse events, such as theft or getting lost.

Allow Yourself Time To Acclimatise When You Arrive Somewhere New.

When you arrive at your destination, it is critical to allow your body time to recover, especially if you are travelling across many time zones.

On your first solo vacation, you may fly overnight and then take a long bus ride to your destination. All of this will make you really exhausted, and you may fall asleep on the bus and miss your stop. When you wake up, you won’t know where you are, but don’t panic; instead, always be prepared with a plan for such situations.

Travel is exhausting, and it’s more difficult to remain cool and deal with minor inconveniences when you haven’t gotten enough rest, so don’t plan too much for your first day in a new city.

Allow The Opportunity For Improvisation.

Speaking of taking it easy, don’t plan every minute of your day. Plan a few important activities you want to do, but leave room for serendipity.

Sometimes you’ll learn about activities at the last minute or meet new people who invite you to do something with them. If you have a flexible schedule, you won’t have to say no to these unexpected opportunities.

Connect With Other Ladies Travelling Alone.

There are many excellent social media communities for ladies who prefer travelling alone. They’re an excellent opportunity to meet like-minded people, whether you’re seeking advice, ideas, or simply someone to meet up with while travelling.

If you travel alone, you are more likely to meet other solo female travellers. It’s an excellent way to make new friends and learn from others’ experiences.

Bring A Journal.

Keeping a trip notebook is an excellent method to preserve memories. It will keep you occupied throughout long bus, aircraft, and train travels, and it is an excellent spot to jot down vital addresses, phone numbers, and other reminders during your trip.

I prefer diaries with pockets for storing ticket stubs, postcards, and other small souvenirs that I collect while travelling.

Talk To The Locals.

Locals are a great source of information and knowledge. They can advise you on which regions are safe to travel alone and which eateries are worth visiting.

Talk to the staff at your accommodation, your hosts (if you’re conducting a work exchange), the shops, and the individuals you sit next to on the bus. You never know what they will tell you!

Do Not Overshare.

Yes, interact with the people and make new acquaintances while travelling. However, when travelling alone as a woman, you must be secure.

Do not tell strangers where you are staying. And always trust your intuition when selecting how much to disclose to the people you meet.

If someone is asking you too many questions and making you feel uncomfortable, remember that you do not owe them any information about yourself.

You should also avoid sharing your every move on social media. When you return home or leave a location, you will have time to post all of your Instagram-worthy photos.

Stay Mindful Of Your Surroundings.

Always be aware of what is going on around you. Take notice of those walking around you. If possible, learn some of the local language before you travel so that you can comprehend what is being spoken there. Keep track of local events and weather forecasts that may affect your safety.

Speaking of safety, purchase foreign travel insurance. Search for the finest possibilities based on your home region and travel destination, and keep in mind the discounts you should receive. Always look for additional benefits and dos and don’ts.

Stay In Hostels Or Volunteer For Projects.

Hostels typically have a very sociable environment, making them ideal for meeting other ladies travelling alone and learning about local events.

And did you know you can stay at a hostel for free by volunteering abroad?

And there are various types of accommodations other than hostels. If you enjoy animals and environmental projects, you can volunteer at a farm, ecovillage, or permaculture project. You can also contribute to a social impact project by volunteering in a community, school, or non-governmental organisation in spectacular locations across the world.

Put Your Phone Down.

Put down your gadgets and enjoy all of the novel sights, sounds, and fragrances that this fresh location has to offer. Watch how people engage with one another. Be present. You’ll be grateful that you did when you finally get back home.

Don’t Eat All Meals Alone.

Many ladies have told me that the most lonely part of travelling alone is eating by yourself. However, there is no reason why you should eat every meal alone while travelling single. 
If your hostel offers group breakfasts or dinners, attend them!

If not, invite others from your hostel to join you at a restaurant. Get creative by taking a cooking lesson or going on a cuisine tour. I’ve discovered that food has the ability to bring people together across cultures.

Relax!

Travelling is thrilling and enjoyable, but it can also be exhausting. Even if you’ve travelled alone as a woman before, things can always go bad. You must be able to go with the flow, manage problems as they happen, and then allow yourself to let go of the pressure and get back into the journey.

Keep an open mind, and don’t let a bad encounter with a native or a stolen bag spoil your trip.

I’m happy that I didn’t listen to everyone who warned me that I shouldn’t travel alone as a woman. I wouldn’t give up my solo getaways for anything since they helped shape me into a happier, more confident, and less worried woman.

I’d love to hear about other women’s solo travel experiences and tips in the comments section below!