By Cynthia Shimanyula

“I want to travel solo… but I am scared.”

You have dreamed of boarding a plane. You even own a passport. It’s still stiff, barely flipped. You promised yourself you would use it. Maybe on your birthday, maybe next year. But time passes. And that little voice in your head whispers, 

“What if something goes wrong?”

But darling…. Let’s be honest. What is really stopping you?

It’s not money, 

Not the timing, 

Not even your passport. It’s FEAR. And guess what?  You are not alone.

But, what if just once, tell yourself.  What if  something goes beautifully right?

This blog is for every woman whose dreams have been on hold because of fear and they are willing to take a leap into solo travel. Walk with me to the end, you will learn how to face this fear, get actionable mindset tips to boost your confidence, read real stories from other women who were like you and embrace solo travel on your own terms. 

Everything you need to get started-right at your fingertips.

How to Prepare for Solo Female Travel (Mentally + Emotionally)

• Name Your Travel Fear

The fear of solo travel is real. You are not paranoid, You are very normal and your fears are valid. According to recent surveys, over 80% of women cite safety, loneliness, or fear of getting lost as their top concerns when it comes to traveling alone. But the secret to moving forward is to understand exactly what’s holding you back.

Ask yourself:

• What part of solo travel feels the scariest?
• Is this fear based on something you have experienced or just fear of the unknown?
• What could I do to feel more prepared?

The more specific you are, the easier it becomes to manage the fear.

• Mental Tips to Overcome Solo Travel Anxiety

Solo travel is a mindset game. Stop packing your suitcase a dozen times in your head. Here is how to train your brain to feel safe and ready.

Positive Affirmations

This might feel awkward at first. But, say these words daily 

“I am capable of handling new situations.”

“I deserve this experience.” 

“My fears won’t stop me from exploring the world.”

Visualization

I want you to close your eyes and imagine this: 

You are walking confidently through the airport. Passport in hand, luggage rolling behind you. 

Hours later, you land. Right before yours eyes is a place you once saved on your Pinterest board, but never thought you would actually visit. You check into a cozy hotel and a quiet sauna waiting just for you. 

In the morning, the rustle of palm leaves and the hum of the ocean waves wake you up. Sunlight filters through your curtains. You stretch, take a warm bath. Then you slip into a flowing sundress, wear a wide-brimmed hat and adorn your oversized sunglasses. The ones that just complement your smile. 

As you walk to breakfast, you pass a hammock swaying under a bamboo canopy. Other solo travelers sit there, basking in the sun. You choose a garden café that smells like fresh coffee and tropical blooms. The waiter hands you a glass of freshly pressed juice made from tropical fruits that you can’t even pronounce. Everything is slow and beautiful. 

No schedule. No pressure. Just you, 

Later, you lounge by a cliff-top infinity pool in a scarlet one-piece swimsuit and a sheer kimono floating behind you. 

At the golden hour, you remember the perfect spot recommended for sunset pics. You therefore hop onto a vintage scooter and cruise through palm-lined roads. The wind blows your hair just like you see in movies. But, this you. You stop, tuck a strand behind your ear, take a sunset selfie, and update your Instagram story.  

Back home, your friends comment: “Where is this? 

Evening finds you at a long, candlelit communal table with fellow travelers from Germany, Brazil, Japan and other parts of the world. That is the day you realise that you are a self imposed introvert. You laugh, share stories, and toast to choosing yourself. The fear that once held you back? It’s long gone, replaced with a beautiful kind of bravery and you can’t wait to do this again.  

Now open your eyes. 

This kind of mental rehearsal is what I am talking about. Visualization is a powerful spark, it prepares your brain to believe that it’s doable, builds your confidence and turns your dream into your new reality: the solo traveler you have always wanted to be.

 

• How to Build Courage and Confidence for Your First Solo Trip

Fear thrives in uncertainty and the only way to beat it is using structure and planning ahead of time. 

Start by researching: 

• Visa & passport requirements
• Destination basics: Safety, culture, language, dress codes, food, weather, time zones
• Flights: Compare prices. Keep in mind that flight prices often increase as the departure date approaches, and they tend to be higher during holidays and peak travel seasons. Booking early and staying flexible with your travel dates can help you save significantly.
• Accommodation: Prioritize solo-friendly options that offer flexible cancellation in case your plans change abruptly. Google and Trip advisor should be your best friends.  

Accommodation prices can vary greatly depending on the location, season, and how early you book. Also, popular spots often fill up quickly during holidays, festivals, or weekends. So the earlier you reserve, the better your options and pricing will be. Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com are great starting points. But just be sure to check guest reviews, location details, and host responsiveness before booking.

• Local transport: Understand how you will move around to avoid being stranded
• Budget: List all your anticipated expenses no matter how small they look. Start with the flight, accommodation, food, activities entry tickets, medical and travel insurance and other miscellaneous costs like baggage fee including emergencies.

if your pocket allows then you can also include some money for shopping, souvenirs, and tipping. A detailed budget will save you alot from impulse buying and a dent to your wallet.

• Health: Vaccines, water safety, medication 
• Internet: Wi-Fi availability, whether you will need to purchase a SIM card or switch to roaming options
• Fun stuff to do: Look up activities that align with your interests whether it’s history, adventure, food, or nature. Tours, cafes, local experiences, day trips, cultural festivals, food markets, art galleries, and scenic viewpoints. But, be careful not to overwhelm your freedom to explore

 

• Start With Local Solo Practice Trips

You don’t have to be a globetrotter overnight. Confidence grows in small steps.

• Start with local solo outings like a Java Coffee date with yourself, a walk in the park, a movie by yourself.
• Weekend getaways: You can also choose to visit a nearby town or beach. These mini domestic trips have a way of pushing you out of your comfort zone. 

I remember my very first solo trip. It wasn’t international or anything glamorous. It was a weekend in a town that is 6 hours drive from home. My hands trembled as I boarded the matatu (a public transport van). I wasn’t sure of what to expect. But, that trip changed me completely. I realised that my fears are only in the head. And that I could travel the world alone. It’s been years of travel and I wish I started earlier. So how do you start: 

Solo Travel Starter Checklist

This beginner-friendly checklist will help you check off as you plan to avoid forgetting the most important things.

Essentials

• Valid passport (with at least 6 months before expiry) or ID
• Visa (if required)
• Copies of all travel documents (printed and digital)
• Emergency contact card
• Travel & Medical insurance

Packing Basics

• Small backpack or hand luggage
• Toiletries & hygiene products
• Portable charger and powerbank
• Travel adapter – Power outlets vary from country to country. Be sure to check what type of plug is used in your destination and pack a universal adapter to stay connected.
• Water bottle
• Journal or notebook
• Comfortable shoes 
• Weather-appropriate outfits
• Sunglasses, hat, scarf (for sun or cultural coverage)

Top Safety Tips for Women Traveling Alone

• Share your itinerary with someone you trust
• Download useful Apps: Safety & location sharing, Google Translate, Offline navigation apps.

• Pack a tiny first-aid kit with meds and any allergy information.
• Keep a copy of your original travel documents in a separate bag
• Pack outfits that are comfy and make you feel beautiful.  
• Trust your instincts always and watch out for red flags like Pushy strangers, invasive questions.
• Cultivate Self-Care on your Trip: Journal, Meditate, Stretch or take walk to release tension and stay energized. These small habits keep your mind and body calm even when in unfamiliar places.

 

• Join a Solo Travel Community

There are many Solo Female Travellers networks and platforms that you can join to give you destination ideas, safety tips, emotional support and even meet ups to help you overcome your solo travel fear. They include

• Meta formerly Facebook groups/pages on Travel and Solo Travel 
• Whatsapp channels and groups
• Forums on TripAdvisor,Reddit

Real Solo Female Travel Stories That Inspire

I recently spoke to some solo female travelers in one of my Solo escapades and this is what they had to say. 

Anita, 25, Kenya 

Her first solo trip was to Naivasha. She was terrified and imagined all the things that could possibly go wrong. But she chose to face her fear and did it. A year later, she was journaling from Bali with a newfound confidence. Flaunting pictures on her instagram story. Promising to return.

Ruth, 47, UK

After her two kids left home, She experienced ‘the empty nest fever.’ But, travelling solo wasn’t part of her plan because she had always travelled in a group and couldn’t imagine how she would do it alone. 

One day, she challenged herself to book her first solo trip to Maldives. “I thought I would be lonely,” she said. “But, I discovered something I hadn’t felt in years: freedom. I think I should be doing this more.”

Each of these women had fears. They didn’t wait for it to disappear. They took the first step anyway and in doing so, they found not just new destinations, but new versions of themselves. What changed wasn’t the world, it was how they chose to show up in it.

 

This is the Moment: Fear is your fuel

Let me not sugarcoat it. Fear never disappears. It always whispers when you least expect it. But courage grows with each step and each trip.  You have waited long enough.  It’s time to “kupatia mwili pole” a Swahili phrase loosely translated as ‘To tell your body sorry’ meaning to give your body a treat” 

Don’t wait for someone else’s timeline. But, chose now as the right time to rewrite your story. 

Set that date, 

Pack your bag. 

Catch flights, not fear because the world is ready for you.

Are you ready to meet the new version of you who finally chose herself?

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is solo travel safe for women? 

A: Yes, with proper research, planning, and awareness, many women travel solo safely every year. Trust your instincts, stay in safe areas, and always share your itinerary with someone you trust.

Q: How do I deal with loneliness during solo travel? 

A: Connect with other travelers through Facebook groups, or guided tours. Carry a journal, podcasts, or books for quiet moments.

Q: What if I get lost or something goes wrong? 

A: Download offline maps, learn a few local phrases, and always keep your accommodation address written down. Stay calm and don’t fear asking for help. 

Q: What are some safe booking platforms for accommodation? 

A: Use Airbnb, Booking.com. Look for verified hosts, read reviews, and filter by “female-only” or “solo-friendly.