By Fenny Leah
Thinking about embarking on your first solo adventure as a woman? You’re not alone! A recent study by Condé Nast Traveler found that more than 72% of women have taken a solo trip or are planning to and the number keeps rising. That mix of excitement and nervousness you’re feeling? I’ve been there too.
After visiting 30+ countries solo over the past decade, I can tell you that solo female travel is one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. It’s transformed my confidence, expanded my worldview, and given me stories I’ll cherish forever.
But I know you have questions we all do before taking that leap. Is it safe? How do I meet people? What if I get lonely?
In this Solo Travel FAQ guide, I’ll answer the 10 most common questions I get from women considering their first solo trip, with practical advice and heartfelt encouragement from someone who’s been in your shoes.
- Is Solo Female Travel Safe?
This is undoubtedly the first question I receive, and it’s completely valid. The short answer is: yes, solo female travel can be very safe when you take proper precautions. The reality is that millions of women travel solo every year and have wonderful, trouble-free experiences.
Safety is never guaranteed anywhere even in your hometown but these strategies have kept me safe through years of solo adventures:
Research your destination thoroughly before going (local customs, safe neighborhoods, transportation options)
- Trust your intuition if something feels off, remove yourself from the situation
- Share your itinerary with trusted friends or family
- Keep digital copies of important documents (passport, insurance)
- Avoid arriving in new places after dark when possible
- Learn a few phrases in the local language (especially “help” and “leave me alone”)
- Dress appropriately for the local culture to avoid unwanted attention
- Walk confidently, even when you’re lost (fake it till you make it!)
Pro Tip: I always book my first night’s accommodation in advance and arrange airport/station pickup if arriving late. This simple step eliminates a lot of stress and vulnerability when arriving in a new place.
Remember that most destinations popular with tourists have infrastructure designed to keep visitors safe.
- How Do I Budget for Solo Trips?
Solo travel can be more expensive than traveling with others since you’re not splitting accommodation costs, but there are plenty of ways to make it affordable:
Smart Budgeting Strategies for Solo Female Travelers
Accommodation Savings
- Stay in female-only hostel dorms (safe and social)
- Use Booking.com to find budget-friendly guesthouses
- Consider homestays for cultural immersion and safety
- Look for accommodations with kitchen access to save on meals
Transportation & Activities
- Use public transportation instead of taxis when safe
- Book free walking tours (just tip the guide)
- Find destination-specific travel passes that include attractions
- Travel during shoulder season for better rates
One of my favorite budget hacks is joining free local events through apps like Meetup or Couchsurfing. You’ll meet locals and other travelers while experiencing authentic activities that often don’t cost a thing.
Remember that solo travel gives you complete freedom over your spending. Want to splurge on that cooking class but save by eating street food for dinner? There’s no one to negotiate with, it’s entirely your call!
- What’s the Best Way to Meet People While Traveling Alone?
One of the biggest misconceptions about solo travel is that you’ll be lonely. In reality, you’ll likely meet more people traveling solo than you would with a companion! When you’re alone, you’re more approachable and more likely to reach out to others.
My Favorite Ways to Connect with Others While Traveling Solo:
- Stay in social accommodations – Hostels with common areas, B&Bs with family-style breakfasts, or boutique hotels with social events
- Take group activities – Cooking classes, walking tours, day trips, and wine tastings are perfect for meeting like-minded travelers
- Use travel apps – Bumble BFF, Tourlina (women-only), and Couchsurfing Hangouts connect solo travelers
- Eat at communal tables – Many restaurants have shared tables or bar seating where conversation flows naturally
- Join a short group tour – Even if you prefer independent travel, a 2-3 day group tour can provide a social boost
I’ve made some of my closest friendships while traveling solo. There’s something special about connecting with someone in a new place—you skip the small talk and often form deep connections quickly. Some of my travel friends have even visited me in my home country years later!
Solo Travel Conversation Starter: “Have you been to [nearby attraction] yet? I was thinking of going tomorrow.” This simple question has led to countless spontaneous adventures with new friends!
- What Essentials Should I Pack for Solo Female Travel?
Packing light is crucial when traveling solo you’ll be the only one carrying your bags! Focus on versatile items that can be mixed and matched, and remember that you can buy most necessities at your destination if needed.
My Solo Female Travel Packing Essentials:
Safety Items
- Doorstop alarm for added security
- Cross-body anti-theft bag
- Money belt for important documents
- First aid kit with personal medications
- Portable phone charger
Clothing Essentials
- Versatile layers that mix and match
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Scarf (for warmth, style, or modesty)
- Quick-dry underwear and socks
- Appropriate attire for local customs
Tech & Comfort
- Universal adapter with USB ports
- Smartphone with offline maps
- Kindle or book for solo dinners
- Earplugs and eye mask
- Compact travel to
I always pack a small daypack that folds into itself for day trips. This allows me to keep my valuables with me while exploring without carrying my full backpack.
Neatly organized packing essentials for solo female laid out on bed
Packing Tip: Pack clothes in neutral colors with 1-2 accent pieces. This creates multiple outfits from fewer items. I once traveled through Southeast Asia for 3 weeks with just a carry-on using this method!
- How Do I Overcome Loneliness While Traveling Solo?
Even the most independent travelers experience moments of loneliness. The key is recognizing these feelings as normal and having strategies to address them when they arise.
Strategies I Use to Combat Loneliness on Solo Trips:
- Schedule regular check-ins with friends and family back home
- Join group activities when you’re craving connection
- Use alone time intentionally for journaling, reading, or people-watching
- Stay in social accommodations when you want company
- Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that feeling lonely sometimes is normal
Remember that solo travel alternates between periods of wonderful solitude and meaningful connection. Embrace both! Some of my most treasured travel memories are quiet moments of reflection that would have been impossible if I’d been traveling with others.
- How Do I Choose Destinations as a Solo Woman?
Choosing the right destination can make a huge difference in your solo travel experience, especially for your first few trips. Consider these factors when selecting where to go:
Factors to Consider:
- Safety record for tourists, especially women
- Language barriers and communication ease
- Transportation infrastructure
- Cultural attitudes toward women
- Presence of other solo travelers
Your personal interests and comfort level
For your first solo trip, consider starting with a shorter journey to a destination where you speak the language or where English is widely spoken. This reduces stress and builds your confidence for more challenging destinations later.
Destination Tip: I often start in a major city where it’s easier to adjust and meet people, then venture to smaller towns once I’ve found my travel rhythm.
- What Safety Apps and Gear Are Recommended?
Technology has made solo travel safer and more convenient than ever before. These digital tools and physical items can provide extra security and peace of mind:
Essential Safety Apps for Solo Female Travelers:
- Maps.me or Google Maps offline – Download maps before arrival to navigate without data Find My Friends or Life360 – Share your real-time location with trusted contacts
- TripWhistle Global SOS – Quick access to emergency numbers worldwide
- Google Translate – Download language packs for offline translation
- Uber or local equivalents – Tracked transportation with driver details
- Tourlina – Connect with other women traveling in the same area
Recommended Safety Gear:
- Door stop alarm – Wedges under your door and sounds an alarm if someone tries to enter
- Slash-proof bag – Prevents cut-and-run theft in crowded areas
- Portable door lock – Adds extra security to any accommodation
- Personal alarm – Small device that emits a loud sound when activated
- Photocopy of passport – Keep separate from your actual passport
I always recommend having a working phone with local data when traveling solo. The ability to access maps, translation, and emergency services provides tremendous peace of mind and practical safety benefits.
Safety Tip: Before arriving in a new location, save important numbers in your phone: local emergency services, your accommodation, and your country’s nearest embassy or consulate.
- How Do I Handle Emergencies While Traveling Solo?
Even with careful planning, emergencies can happen. Being prepared with a clear action plan will help you respond effectively if something goes wrong.
Emergency Preparation for Solo Female Travelers:
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip cancellation
- Register with your country’s travel advisory program (like STEP for US citizens)
- Keep digital and physical copies of important documents (passport, insurance, prescriptions)
- Research healthcare options at your destination before arrival
- Have a communication plan with someone back home who can assist in emergencies
- Carry a small emergency fund in US dollars or euros (separate from your regular money)
For medical emergencies, international hospitals in major cities often have English-speaking staff. In remote areas, contact your travel insurance provider’s emergency assistance line—they can direct you to appropriate care and even arrange evacuation if necessary.
Important: Always get travel insurance that covers your specific activities. If you’re planning adventure sports or motor biking, ensure these are included in your policy.
Woman checking travel insurance documents during solo female travel preparation
- How Do I Deal with Unwanted Attention?
Unfortunately, unwanted attention can be part of the solo female travel experience in some places. Having strategies to handle these situations confidently is essential.
Effective Strategies for Handling Unwanted Attention:
- Project confidence through your posture, walk, and eye contact
- Wear a fake wedding ring in cultures where this provides additional respect
- Learn to say “No, thank you” firmly in the local language
- Dress according to local customs to avoid standing out unnecessarily
- Have a destination in mind when walking to avoid appearing lost
- Trust your instincts and remove yourself from uncomfortable situations
- Use white lies when necessary (“My husband is meeting me” or “I’m meeting friends”)
Remember that in many cultures, curiosity about foreign visitors is normal and friendly. Learning to distinguish between harmless curiosity and unwanted attention comes with experience. When in doubt, move to a public place with other travelers or locals who can assist if needed.
Cultural Insight: In some countries, locals may stare simply because they rarely see tourists or people who look different from them. A smile and nod often transforms curiosity into friendly interaction.
- How Do I Build Confidence to Start Traveling Solo?
Building the confidence to travel solo is a process. Even experienced solo travelers felt nervous before their first trip! Here’s how to build your confidence step by step:
- Confidence-Building Steps for Aspiring Solo Female Travelers:
- Start local – Practice solo day trips or weekend getaways in your own country
- Join a group tour for your first international trip, then extend your stay for a few solo days
- Choose an “easy” destination for your first fully solo trip
- Connect with solo travel communities online to learn from others’ experiences
- Prepare thoroughly – Research reduces anxiety and builds confidence
- Acknowledge your fears but don’t let them control your decisions
- Remember that millions of women travel solo successfully every year
Remember that feeling nervous is completely normal. The magic happens when you acknowledge those feelings but move forward anyway. That first solo dinner, that first conversation with a stranger, that first successful navigation of a foreign subway system, these small victories quickly build into genuine travel confidence.
Confidence Tip: Keep a “travel wins” journal where you record each challenge you overcome. On difficult days, review it to remind yourself of your capabilities and growth.
Embrace the Journey: Your Solo Travel Adventure Awaits
Solo female travel isn’t just about the destinations you visit , it’s about the person you become along the way. Every challenge builds resilience. Every new connection sharpens your confidence. Every quiet moment deepens your self-awareness.
You don’t need to have it all figured out from the start. Begin small, grow at your pace, and expand your comfort zone with each step. The solo travel community is here for you with advice, encouragement, and shared experiences.
Need tips to get started?
Feel free to explore Travel Moran for helpful solo travel guides, expert advice, and inspiring stories from women just like you. You’re not alone on this journey, start where you are and take that first brave step.
