Wanting to travel the world, but don’t have anyone to accompany you? Don’t wait for that someone, plan a solo female travel trip and make some amazing memories.
Solo female travel is one of the best things I decided to do for myself. I was lucky enough to have flexibility in my schedule and was yearning to see more of the world. What I consider to be my first international solo female travel trip was around 3 years ago to Germany and now I’ve traveled to 9 countries solo and I don’t plan on slowing down.
That being said, I already had prior experience solo traveling, in high school and college when I would fly to see my dad in California 2-3 times a year. I also consider myself a pretty independent and self- sufficient person who is generally comfortable being alone. For those first embarking on a solo adventure, it is exhilarating, but also can be nerve-wracking. So if this is completely out of your comfort zone, try doing an activity solo right where you live before getting on that flight. Try going to a movie, a restaurant, or going to the park solo to ease yourself into it.
Here are some of my top 12 solo female travel tips for you to get the most out of your time!
1. Be prepared
Being prepared is my top solo female travel tip. I mean if you’re about thinking or are already a solo female traveler, you probably already have an ambitious mindset. Research the place you are going to, know your flight information, give yourself enough time, get to know the local transportation, pick accommodation that is central to things.
Essentially just being comfortable and prepared going into the trip, this will ensure everything goes smoothly.
2. Don’t over plan
Contrary to being prepared, don’t over plan or over book yourself. This is a time for you to not only explore a new place, but explore yourself. Have some rest days, have downtime, and take time to take it all in.
3. Book a group tour / excursion
Just because you came solo, doesn’t mean you have to be solo the whole time. Going on a group tour or excursion is a great way to be around people and even make some new friends while doing something cool! I find some great ones on GetYourGuide.
4. Act confident
Imagine you are on the street looking lost, confused, or worried, it’s not a great look. Not to mention that kind of mindset won’t serve you well. Act confident while walking on the streets and navigating yourself around. Know that everything will work out!
5. Don’t be afraid to talk to strangers
With that being said, if you’re lost and need directions or advice, go ask someone. If you are in a tour group, make small talk with someone. Talk to the waitress or restaurant staff. Go socialize with people at the hostel. Everyone is a stranger until you talk to them.
6. Stay at hostels
Hostels are great for female solo travelers and solo travelers in general to stay at. There are so many other solo travelers who stay here, so a lot of times they have social events and people are more open and willing to talk with one another. They usually have a really fun vibe to them and are in some of the most central locations. Not to mention they are budget friendly (I’ve stayed at some for $9 a night) and great for the environment!
7. Be back before dark
It’s dependent on where you are and where you are staying, but I generally don’t like to be out too much past dark.
8. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a portable charger with you
Your phone is more than just a phone nowadays it is also navigation, a camera, translation guidance, and more. Therefore, always make sure you are fully charged before going out to explore as well as have a portable charger with you. This is one I use and love.
9. Do not do be under the influence
Sure, drinking and smoking (places where it’s legal) can be fun, but if you’re solo, be on the safe side and don’t partake.
10. Dress appropriately for the culture
This should usually be a given. Definitely express yourself, but be mindful of the culture and traditions where you are. The last thing you want is to make yourself a target or draw unneeded attention.
11. Eat at countertop restaurants, cafes, or bakeries
My favorite places to eat when I solo travel are restaurants that have countertop service, cafes, or bakeries. These places usually have a chiller atmosphere and are more friendly to parties of 1. Outside seating is always a huge win as well.
12. Take advantage of being on your own time schedule
Do the things you want to do and do nothing that you don’t. This is what I found extremely liberating traveling solo – the sheer ability to do whatever I wanted to do whenever I wanted to do it. As a recovering people pleaser, so this was the perfect way to dig deeper into myself for what truly interested me.
These were my top solo female travel tips, I hope you apply some of these as you start planning your trip!
Read more on female solo travel here
