It seemed like a controversial idea when I thought about traveling alone as a woman. My friends and family gave many reasons why I shouldn’t do it, making me doubt if it was a good idea. Despite the concerns, I’m glad I went ahead with it. Traveling alone has the potential to bring about lasting changes in us.
More than 70% of American women claim to have experienced solo travel, and searches for “solo female travel” on Google rose by 230% in 2019, before COVID became a concern.
Travel companies note that around 80% of their solo travelers are women, and there has been a more than threefold increase in Pinterest boards dedicated to traveling alone as a woman in recent years.
What makes solo travel attractive to many women? If you’re reading this, you might already have your own answers. Tips for traveling alone as a woman:
1. Stay in hostels or volunteering projects
Hostels are usually very social places, making them great for meeting other women who are also traveling alone. You can learn about local events and ease any feelings of loneliness. Did you know you can even stay in a hostel for free by volunteering abroad? Worldpackers is a safe community for travel and volunteering. Through their platform, you can connect with hosts worldwide. There are various projects available, not just in hostels. If you like animals and eco projects, you can volunteer on a farm, ecovillage, or permaculture project. You can also contribute to a social impact project, volunteering in a community, school, or NGO in amazing places around the world.
2. Pack light
Traveling alone makes it easier to keep track of your belongings because you have less stuff to manage. Consider using a backpack instead of a suitcase for more convenience in moving around.
3. Be prepared
This tip has two parts. First, make sure you’re well-prepared for your trip by organizing your belongings and having all the necessary documents. Second, mentally prepare for potential challenges like theft or getting lost. Have a plan in mind for dealing with these situations.
4. Give yourself time to adjust when you arrive somewhere new
Especially if you’re traveling across many time zones, giving your body time to recover when you arrive at your destination is crucial.
A friend of mine recently went on her first solo trip. She flew overnight from the US to Dublin and then had to take a 2-hour bus ride to her destination. Because she was so tired, she fell asleep on the bus and missed her stop. She panicked when she woke up and had no idea where she was.
Travel can be tiring, and staying calm and dealing with minor inconveniences is challenging when you haven’t had enough rest. So, avoid scheduling too many activities on your first day in a new place.
5. Leave room for spontaneity
Speaking of taking it easy, don’t plan every minute of every day. Plan a few important things you really want to do, but leave some time in your schedule for spontaneity.
Sometimes, you might learn about events at the last minute or meet new friends who invite you to join them in something. If you’re flexible with your schedule, you won’t have to say no to these unexpected adventures.
6. Connect with other women traveling alone
There are many wonderful social media groups for women who like to travel alone. They’re a great way to connect with people who share similar interests, whether you’re seeking advice, opinions, or even someone to meet up with while traveling.
If you’re traveling as a volunteer with Worldpackers, there’s a good chance you’ll meet other solo travelers, including women in the project. It’s an excellent way to make new friends and learn from other people’s experiences.
7. Research the local culture
It’s essential to understand the basics of a place’s culture and history before you visit. Respecting the local cultures is important when traveling, and to do that, you need to have some understanding of the local culture.
Questions like whether tipping is customary, how much to tip, whether haggling with shopkeepers is acceptable, or if there are specific dress expectations, especially for women, in certain areas should be answered before you arrive.
8. Bring a journal
Keeping a travel journal is a great way to remember your experiences. It’s something you can do during long rides on buses, planes, or trains. It’s also handy for jotting down important addresses, phone numbers, and reminders during your trip.
I like journals with pockets where I can keep ticket stubs, postcards, and other small souvenirs from my travels.
9. Talk to locals
Locals have a lot of useful information. They can advise you on safe areas for solo travel and recommend good restaurants.
Take the time to talk to the people at your hostel, your hosts if you’re doing a work exchange, shopkeepers, and even the people you meet on the bus. You might learn something valuable!
10. Don’t overshare
Absolutely, connect with locals and make friends during your travels. But, for your safety as a solo female traveler, be cautious.
Avoid telling strangers where you’re staying. Trust your instincts and be mindful of how much information you share with new acquaintances. If someone is making you uneasy with too many questions, remember that you’re not obligated to reveal personal details.
Also, it’s wise not to share every detail of your journey on social media. Save those Instagram-worthy moments for when you’re back home or have moved on to another place.
11. Wear a wedding ring
I picked up this tip from fellow solo female travelers: get an inexpensive ring that looks like a wedding band before your trip. It can discourage unwanted attention from men.
It’s unfortunate that women have to consider such measures, but it can be effective. Just ensure it’s not too flashy, as you wouldn’t want to attract the attention of thieves.
12. Be aware of your surroundings
Stay alert to your surroundings. Be aware of the people behind you. Try to learn a bit of the local language before your trip, so you can understand conversations nearby. Stay updated on local events and weather forecasts that might impact your safety.
13. Put down your phone
Put away your devices and fully experience the unique sights, sounds, and smells of the new place. Observe how people interact with each other. Stay in the moment. You’ll appreciate it once you return home.
14. Don’t eat every meal alone
Eating alone can be the loneliest part of solo travel for many women. However, there’s no need to eat every meal alone. If your hostel offers group meals, join them! If not, invite fellow hostel guests to join you at a restaurant. Be adventurous and consider attending a cooking class or joining a food tour. Food has a way of bringing people together across different cultures.
15. Relax!
Traveling is exciting and enjoyable, but it can also be stressful. No matter how much experience you have traveling alone as a woman, things can go wrong. It’s important to go with the flow, address issues as they come up, and then let go of the stress to continue enjoying your trip.
Maintain an open mind, and don’t let one negative interaction with a local or even a stolen bag spoil your entire trip.
