How to Travel Solo Successfully: 39 Tips for Solo Female Travellers
Are you wondering how to travel solo successfully? If it’s your first time travelling alone as a woman, a solo trip may feel daunting, but it’s absolutely worth it.
I love travelling solo, and it’s my favourite way to explore. Over the past 30 years, I’ve visited more than 50 countries across five continents on my own. I took my first solo trip in my early twenties, and decades later, I still love the freedom and adventure of exploring independently.
Solo travel is exciting, exhilarating, and sometimes challenging. But with the right preparation: choosing the right destination, planning effectively, and staying connected, you can enjoy a safe and fulfilling solo vacation.
Here are my tips for solo female travellers, designed to help you make the most of your journey, even if it’s your first time travelling alone.
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Is Female Solo Travel a Good Idea?
Yes! Female solo travel is definitely a good idea. I love to travel solo. In fact, I think it’s the best way to travel. When I travel alone, things are less complicated, and decisions are easier to make. I can choose my destination, go when I want and stay wherever I please.
On a solo trip, you can fill your days with things that you want to do. There’s no waiting around for someone else or compromising to suit another person.
When you travel alone for the first time, you’ll become more independent, confident and self-reliant. You may even discover personal qualities you didn’t realise you possessed.
I find it easy enough to meet people when I’m away. I’m more open and approachable when I travel solo, and when I’m alone, I simply enjoy my own company.
Solo travel can feel overwhelming sometimes, but it’s also exciting. You’ll develop confidence quickly as you discover you can find your way around and take care of yourself in an unfamiliar environment.
First Time Travelling Alone Anxiety
Travelling alone as a woman can feel intimidating, especially if it’s your first time travelling alone. Taking a solo vacation often means stepping out of your comfort zone and brings excitement, anxiety and self-doubt.
For a week before my first solo trip, I felt sick with nerves, but I pushed through the fear and got on the plane anyway. That solo vacation to London changed my life and helped me learn how to travel solo successfully.
I ended up staying in England for several years and used it as a base for more exciting solo travel in Europe and Africa.
Of course, things didn’t always go to plan. But when you travel solo, you learn to adapt and trust that you’ll handle the tough moments. Help sometimes comes from unexpected places, and it can be humbling and heartwarming to experience the kindness of strangers when you need it most.
I remember a New Year’s Eve in South Africa feeling very unsafe, and a kind taxi driver helped me out. He took me back to my hostel, even though I had run out of cash, and I’ve never forgotten that kindness. (Now I always make sure I’m carrying enough money for an emergency taxi ride).
If you’re travelling alone for the first time, it’s worth remembering you’re more capable than you think. With a few practical tips for solo female travellers, your first solo vacation can be safe, empowering and incredibly rewarding.
How to Travel Solo Successfully: 39 Tips for Solo Female Travellers
1. Choose the Right Destination
Choosing the right destination is important for successful solo travel as a woman. If you’re like me, you’ll have a long list of places you’d love to see and things you’ve always wanted to do. But some destinations are better than others if it’s your first time travelling alone as a woman.
2. Choose a Destination Close to Home
If you feel very nervous about travelling alone for the first time, choose a destination close to home. you can change your plans whenever you want, and you can even go home early if you feel like it. Remember that you have complete control of a solo trip.
3. Go to a place where people speak your language
For your first solo vacation, choose a place where people speak the same language as you. It’s easier to meet people, ask for directions, and get around. You’ll feel more comfortable and less alone if you can communicate your needs and wishes effortlessly.
4. Choose a Similar Culture
When you travel alone for the first time, ease yourself in by choosing a culture that’s not so different from your own. You’ll settle in more easily and enjoy the new experiences, people and places that travelling alone as a woman will bring.
For example, as an Australian, my first solo trip was to England. I could speak the language and understand the culture, which made the adjustment easier. I stayed for several years and discovered many similarities and some surprising differences.
5. Prepare for Culture Shock
If you visit a country that’s very different to your own, you can expect to experience culture shock when you first arrive in a new place. Travelling to countries like India and Iran, I felt uncomfortable at first. I needed a settling-in period to adjust to the cultural differences, but overall it was a fascinating experience.
Solo travel as a woman can be more challenging for Western women in certain countries, particularly in parts of the Middle East and some Muslim-majority regions, where women may not have the same rights and freedoms as in other places.
Being aware of cultural norms and preparing accordingly makes your solo trip safer and more enjoyable.
6. Prioritise Safety
Research the safety of your destination before you leave home
Whether it’s your first time solo travelling or you have years of experience, staying safe is crucial to the success of a solo vacation. While some places are safer than others, nowhere is entirely safe.
Check your government’s recommendations for safety in your chosen destination. The advice they give may change your mind about whether or not you want to visit.
7. Take Care of Yourself
Don’t walk alone at night, don’t leave your belongings unattended and watch out for scams. Travelling alone in Shanghai, China, I got caught up in a Chinese Tea ceremony scam.
There was no real damage done, but it’s always a good idea to be on your guard so that you can avoid tricky situations like this.
8. Seek Local Safety Advice
Ask around for local advice when you arrive. Hotel staff can be very helpful and have a wealth of local knowledge. When I travel solo, I often ask questions like:
“Is it safe for me to walk there alone at night? and “Can you recommend a taxi driver?”
Find out more about travelling solo to Vietnam, Bali, Myanmar, Hong Kong or Australia
Before you leave home
9. Organise your Passport
Finding the right destination is important when you’re planning to travel solo, but your travel documents must be in order before you can go anywhere, and this process should be started 2 – 3 months before you leave home.
Make sure you have a current passport with spare pages for new stamps and at least 6 months of validity.
10. Apply for a Visa
Check entry requirements carefully for the country you plan to visit. This is especially important if you’re travelling alone for the first time, and should be done before you leave home, well in advance.
You may need a visa to enter the country you’re visiting. This usually involves providing passport photos, supporting documents, and paying a fee. Requirements vary by country, and failing to meet them can result in denied entry.
On a recent trip to Vietnam, I met a young English woman who spent a few nights in a detention centre simply because she arrived without a visa. Proper preparation can prevent this kind of unwanted stress on a solo trip.
11. Get Travel Vaccinations
Visit your doctor or a travel clinic, follow their advice and have the recommended travel vaccinations a few months before you leave home. Some vaccinations require several injections to be fully effective.
12. Take out Travel Insurance
Travelling solo successfully means being prepared for all eventualities, and taking out travel insurance is essential. The right policy can save you a lot of money if something unexpected happens or if you face a health emergency. And it happens more often than you might think.
For overseas travel, I often use Zoom or World Nomads travel Insurance. They provide health coverage and protection for lost baggage and other unexpected things. Zoom covers pre-existing medical conditions, giving me peace of mind, while World Nomads covers a range of adventure activities.
**Always read the fine print to ensure your travel insurance policy meets your specific needs.
13. Research & Plan Your Trip
If you’re wondering how to travel solo successfully, research and planning are key. While some people like to wing it, a well-planned solo vacation can remove much of the anxiety that comes with travelling alone as a woman.
Knowing where you’re going, where you’ll stay, and how you’ll get there gives you confidence in an unfamiliar place.
Good planning is essential to successful solo travel.
14. Create an Itinerary
In my experience, it’s worth creating an itinerary and planning how to spend your time away. Staying busy and organised is a great way to avoid homesickness if it’s your first time travelling alone.
Research and plan how you will get from place to place, how far it is and how long it will take and make allowances for short-notice changes to the schedule.
I also make a list of must-see sights and activities so I don’t miss anything important, and it’s a good idea to book key experiences and tours in advance. Sometimes I book tours ahead with Get Your Guide, and other times I book them on the go at my hotel.
There’s nothing worse than missing a popular attraction because it was booked out, unknown to you, or because you didn’t plan properly. Planning is key to successful solo travel.
TIP: Booking buses, trains, and ferries online with 12Go in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe is a convenient option.
15. Stay in Hostels or B&Bs
Travelling alone doesn’t mean you have to be lonely. If you want to meet people, consider staying in hostels or B&Bs instead of hotels. Many hostels offer private rooms, so you don’t have to sleep in a shared dormitory to enjoy the social atmosphere. Shared kitchens, lounges, and bathrooms are great places to meet other travellers.
Hostels aren’t just for young people. Families and older travellers stay there too. For travelling solo in Australia, hostels are a great option if you’re on a budget.
But make sure you read the reviews carefully to avoid party-focused hostels unless that’s what you’re looking for.
Communal areas and social events like pizza nights, pub crawls, or movie nights make it easy to connect with others and enjoy the company of fellow travellers on your solo trip.
16. Book Ahead
Whether you’re travelling alone for the first time or are an experienced solo traveller, it’s wise to book your travel and accommodation in advance, especially during peak periods and school holidays.
Book long-distance travel, including domestic flights, trains and some bus trips to ensure you don’t miss out, especially if you’re on a tight schedule.
When I book accommodation in advance, I find there’s more choice, and I can avoid wasting precious holiday time working out where to stay.
You can book a range of hotels, B&Bs & hostels online, but always check the ratings and read the reviews before you book. After a few tricky experiences, I usually choose flexible cancellation policies in case my plans change.
17. Stay Flexible
Allow some flexibility in your plans, as things may change while you’re away. While it’s wise to book key experiences in advance, leaving room to organise some details on the go can make your solo trip more enjoyable.
You’ll discover new places and get recommendations and ideas from people you meet along the way, adding spontaneity and richness to your adventure.
18. Download Apps
Whether it’s your first time travelling alone or you’re an experienced solo traveller, it’s worth setting up your phone before you leave home.
Before a solo trip, I download any Apps that I might need when I’m away. This varies from place to place, but I often use Grab & Gojek & Uber for booking taxis, WhatsApp for communications, Get Your Guide for booking tours online, Google Maps for navigation and Google Translate.
19. Plan How to Get to Your Hotel
Know how you’ll get to your hotel from the airport, train, or bus station. This can make the most overwhelming moments of travelling alone as a woman much easier to handle, and it’s especially important when you travel alone for the first time.
Upon arrival, you’ll likely be navigating busy airports or crowded bus stations while carrying all your luggage. In some places, there are throngs of taxi drivers hustling for business.
Have your hotel address ready and know exactly where you’re going. I often take a printed copy of my hotel address to give to the taxi driver. If you’re just arriving, you may not have internet access.
Safety Tips for Solo Female Travellers
20. Don’t Overshare
Don’t share too much information with someone you’ve just met. Keep your hotel details and the fact that you’re travelling alone to yourself.
21. Lock up Your Valuables
Use the hotel safe to store your passport and valuables, and leave them there when you go sightseeing.
22. Avoid Alcohol & Drugs
Avoid getting drunk and taking drugs when you’re out alone, and never leave your drink unattended. Unfortunately, drink spiking is common, so extra caution is essential if you’re a woman travelling alone and you’re out alone at night.
23. Dress Conservatively
Try to blend in. Dress conservatively and appropriately for the culture of the country you’re visiting to avoid unwanted attention. I leave expensive jewellery at home and wear a cheap travel watch.
24. Don’t be Afraid to Say “No”
When you travel solo, you have the freedom to change your plans on a whim and say no to anything that doesn’t feel right. Trust your instincts and prioritise your safety.
When in doubt, it’s always best to say “no thanks” and remove yourself from the person or environment that’s making you feel uneasy. Listen to yourself and make choices that keep you safe when you’re travelling alone.
If a situation makes me uncomfortable, I simply leave.
How to Organise Your Money for Travelling Alone
25. Make a budget and stick to it
Knowing how much your trip will cost is crucial for successful solo travel, especially if you’re travelling alone for the first time.
Make sure you budget for all expenses, including hidden costs. Daily expenses like food, local transport, tours, entry fees, and souvenirs can quickly add up.
Experience has taught me that things almost always cost more than you expect, so planning is key to a stress-free solo trip that doesn’t break the bank.
26. Take Emergency Cash
Setting aside extra cash for emergencies is essential when you travel solo. I once experienced credit card fraud on a trip to Spain and suddenly couldn’t access my money.
It’s stressful enough dealing with this, but even more so when you don’t speak the language, and especially when you’re a woman travelling alone.
Carrying some emergency cash ensures you’re prepared for unexpected situations and won’t be left stranded.
27. Carry Cash, Credit Cards & Local Currency
Depending on the destination, I usually carry both cash and credit cards.
I take a travel credit card for drawing money when I’m away and a spare credit or debit card for emergencies.
I use a Wise travel card to change money and save on bank fees, and I can use it like a debit card while travelling overseas.
In some countries, you’ll get a better exchange rate for cash, and I always recommend carrying some local currency.
Cash in US dollars and euros is widely accepted overseas, and I sometimes carry Australian dollars depending on my destination.
28. Use a Money Belt
When I travel alone, I carry my cash in a money belt hidden under my clothes and keep a separate wallet for local currency. While sightseeing, I only take what I need for the day and often lock my money and passport in the hotel safe.
If I’m swimming alone and can’t lock up my valuables, I use a waterproof pouch to keep them safe and dry around my neck.
29. Notify Your Bank
If you’re travelling alone as a woman, it’s wise to tell your bank where and when you’re going. You’ll be less likely to run into problems accessing your money overseas. Banks freeze accounts if they detect unusual activity, and the last thing you need on a solo trip is to be caught without funds.
It’s even more stressful if you don’t speak the local language. A quick notification to your bank before you leave can prevent a lot of unnecessary stress while you’re away.
30.Take Emergency Contact Numbers
Make sure you have emergency contact numbers for your bank with you. Put them on your phone and also in your travel diary.
It’s also a good idea to carry contact information for your hotels, travel insurance and the embassy of your home country in case of an emergency.
31. Travel Light
Travelling with a light bag is essential for women travelling solo. You need to be able to manage your luggage easily, and one of the most common mistakes beginners make is packing too much.
A heavy, oversized bag is a burden when you’re navigating airports, buses, trains and new streets on your own, especially if you’re travelling alone for the first time.
You’ll be amazed by how little you really need on a solo trip. Leave the “just in case” items at home and embrace simplicity. I usually wear the same shoes with everything, and that means I might wear hiking boots or those ugly walking sandals with a summer dress.
I always pack the bare minimum and wash my clothes as I go. Keeping extra space in my bag means I can pick up a few treasures, such as a scarf from a market in Cambodia, a silk cushion from Thailand, or a leather jacket from Argentina or Italy.
When I’m back home, these little finds are reminders of the independence, freedom and joy I experienced on my solo travels.
32. Take a book & a journal
Taking a book or a travel journal is a simple way to make a solo trip more enjoyable. When you travel alone, it keeps you occupied during quiet moments. Ending the day reliving my adventures in a diary or getting lost in a good novel is my favourite way to enjoy time alone while travelling.
I always take a book on a solo trip and often swap it for a new one once I’ve finished. Sometimes I download e-books or travel guides onto my phone, but reading on a tiny screen isn’t ideal.
I also enjoy journaling, documenting my days, and noting small memories, and this is also how I keep track of my expenses.
Books and journals are perfect companions when you’re waiting for a flight, sitting in a café, or having dinner alone. They’re also a good way to avoid chatting with strangers on a solo vacation when you feel like keeping to yourself.
33. Stay Connected
Staying connected is essential when you travel solo. Being able to call, message, or email friends and family gives you peace of mind, especially when you’re travelling alone for the first time.
It also reassures the people who care about you that you’re safe, happy and enjoying your solo vacation.
34. Buy a SIM card
Although free Wi-Fi is widely available, it’s often slow, unreliable and unsafe to use without a VPN. When you travel solo, it’s much better to buy a local SIM card so you have your own secure internet connection. It’s usually far cheaper than using international roaming, which can become very expensive if you’re away for more than a few days.
I stay connected through email and WhatsApp, both free and easy to use, so I can call, message or update friends and family while I’m travelling alone.
35. Leave a Copy of your Itinerary at Home
It’s a smart idea to leave a copy of your itinerary and important documents with a trusted friend or family member before you travel solo. If something goes wrong, they can help from home, and they’ll know exactly where you’re meant to be during your trip.
This simple step also eases their anxiety, especially when you’re travelling alone for the first time, because they can reach you if needed and feel confident that you’re safe.
36. Register Your Travel Plans
If you’re Australian, you can register your travel plans with SmartTraveller (or use the equivalent service offered by your own government).
It’s a simple step that gives you access to important safety updates by email, and in an emergency, it ensures authorities know how to contact or locate you while you’re overseas.
37. Book a Group Tour
If you’re travelling solo for the first time, you might be wondering whether a group tour is the right choice. Many women choose organised tours when they first travel alone, and this style of travel can be very appealing if you’re feeling unsure about navigating everything by yourself.
In a tour group, you’ll have built-in company and the chance to meet other solo travellers. All the logistics are handled by an expert, which makes a solo trip feel much easier. You don’t have to plan routes, organise transport or worry about where you’re going next.
But group travel also comes with limitations. You won’t control the itinerary, and you may need to compromise if the group’s interests don’t match yours. And, of course, if you don’t gel with the people you’re travelling with, an organised tour can quickly become difficult.
A group tour might be a good option if:
• you’re worried about feeling lonely on your first solo trip
• you don’t feel safe travelling alone to a particular destination
• you prefer someone else to handle the planning
• travelling alone for the first time feels a little overwhelming
I once joined an overland group trip from London to Kathmandu, and we were on the road for three months. It was an incredible experience and a great introduction to solo travel, but I discovered that I prefer the freedom of travelling independently.
While I’m unlikely to join another long group tour, it was a good choice for me at the time and a valuable first-time solo travel experience.
38. Stop Worrying
Worrying rarely helps, but careful planning can ease the uncertainty and anxiety you may feel when it’s your first time travelling on your own. If you’re feeling nervous, channel that energy into preparing well for your solo trip.
A well-researched vacation is far more likely to run smoothly, with fewer hiccups along the way.
As a woman travelling alone, it’s normal to feel butterflies before you leave. But once your solo travel adventure actually begins, you’ll start enjoying the moment, exploring new places, noticing new sights and sounds, and realising you’re capable of far more than you thought.
For most people, excitement quickly replaces anxiety when they travel alone for the first time.
I felt it myself, travelling alone in Cambodia. Riding from the airport to my hotel in a tuk-tuk, excitement bubbled up inside me. My solo trip was officially underway, and I knew that I’d made the right decision to travel alone. The fear faded, and pure joy took its place.
39. Don’t wait. Just Go!
Prepare well, and you’ll set yourself up for a safe and successful solo trip. Once you’ve researched your destination and planned your itinerary, it’s time to book your ticket and go.
Don’t wait for someone to travel with you; you might wait forever. Other people have their own plans, priorities and budgets. When you travel alone for the first time, you’ll start doing the things you’ve always wanted to do.
Solo travel gives you the freedom to follow your own interests, set your own pace and create a life that’s truly fulfilling.
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