Solo Female Traveling 101

It’s been said and heard before, “You can’t travel by yourself. It’s too dangerous, especially for a woman!” and that’s not saying they’re wrong. Women typically have to be a bit more cautious than men when it comes to solo traveling. It’s a disheartening truth, but it’s best to be upfront and acknowledge it. However, it’s time to break the stigma of this supposed belief. Women are more than capable of traveling on their own while being able to keep themselves safe.

Staying safe while traveling alone:

While it may feel like it at times when you’re solo traveling, you’re not alone. When you explore all that the world has to offer, you’ll end up meeting locals and other travelers. This brings up the point of learning how to be assertive and say, “no” when necessary.

Safety Tip: Trust your gut

As cliché as the saying goes, it’s true. If a situation or place doesn’t feel right, don’t stay there. When you’re on your own, you may find yourself relying on strangers for directions. If you’re approaching someone who you feel has different intentions, walk away and ask someone else.

• Travel Tip: Be careful who you open up your travel plan to, especially if you just met them. You’re allowed to lie if you have to, mainly if you get bad vibes from someone or if they’re asking questions such as “Are you alone?” it’s okay to make up a response and say, “No, I’m waiting for my friend.”

Safety Tip: Pack lightly

Packing for a trip can be a daunting task in itself, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you plan to trek around for a week or a month, pack lightly. Only pack what you’ll need.

• Packing Tip: Don’t forget to pack a…doorstop? Yes, this may sound like a silly thing to bring with you. However, if you’re worried about being alone in the room, give yourself the extra comfort of feeling safe. Sticking a rubber doorstop under the door makes it harder for someone to come in while you may be unaware.

Safety Tip: Avoid walking alone at night

As a solo traveler, you’re looking out for yourself the entire time. To reduce the risk of getting an uneasy feeling of someone following you to your accommodation, either buddy up with someone you trust to walk with you or head back to your accommodation before the sunset.

• Recommendation: When you’re booking your flight, try to aim for the one that arrives in the daytime.

Gaining the courage to travel alone:

Solo traveling is a freeing experience. You find that your independence is a luxury and that there are many benefits to being on your own. All it takes is a little push to get the strength to book the flight to your dream destination. The key is to be patient with yourself and start small if you have to.

How I became a solo traveler:

Looking back on how I started to travel, I realize that I didn’t have a specific reason I began. One day it just happened. When the opportunity arose, and the timing appeared to be right, I decided to take a gap year in college. One thing led to another, and I found myself globetrotting around parts of Central and North America and Europe. During the gap year, I ended up relocating to Berlin, Germany for part of the summer and later moving to Vail, Colorado to be a ski bum. Since then, I’ve learned to feel that home is wherever the adventure is.

Whether you’re a first-time solo traveler or onto your second or third adventure, I am a firm believer that everyone should solo travel at least once in their life. Traveling by yourself is empowering and lets you discover things you may not have known about yourself. It’s a truly remarkable experience.

Happy and safe traveling, friends!