Are you considering how to travel on your own as a woman?
Travelling alone can be a thrilling and life-changing experience, allowing you to explore new destinations, meet new people, and discover different cultures at your own pace.
However, when it comes to solo travel for women, it’s essential to take extra precautions to ensure your safety while enjoying your journey.
With careful planning, awareness, and common sense, you can have a successful and memorable solo trip.
According to experts in the field, it’s worth noting that 73% of travel agents have found that female travellers embark on more solo trips than their male counterparts. This statistic underscores the growing trend of women seeking adventure and independence through solo travel.
To make the most of your solo journey, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you navigate through different aspects of solo travel, from planning to safety tips and making meaningful connections on the road.
Whether you’re experienced or this is your first time trying solo travel as a woman, this article will provide you with valuable insights into female travel essentials and tips to help you ensure that your solo adventure is both fulfilling and safe.
The Greatest Concerns of Female Backpackers
Women face unique challenges when travelling alone and can, at times, fall victim to scams, harassment, theft, and even assault.
This is why thorough research is your best friend.
Not knowing what to expect after you land
Before you leave your home country, ensure to dive deep into understanding your chosen destination – from its culture and customs to the local laws and safety conditions.
Knowing what to expect and how to navigate any potential issues is empowering.
Being cautious and aware of your surroundings is another vital aspect of solo travel as a woman. Trust your instincts and stay vigilant in unfamiliar environments.
While embracing new experiences is part of the adventure, it’s equally important to listen to your gut feelings and prioritise personal safety.
Staying safe while abroad
Embrace the experience and stay open to meeting new people, but exercise caution when socialising.
While solo travel offers incredible opportunities to make new friends, it’s essential to strike a balance between being friendly and protecting your boundaries.
In addition to safety, there are several other aspects to consider when embarking on a solo trip as a woman.
We’ll delve into these in more detail throughout this article, offering valuable insight to our top solo female travel tips and female travel essentials to help you prepare for your journey.
If you’d like some guidance before booking your first backpacking trip, ensure to register for our FREE Solo Travel Starter Pack.
I’ll talk more about this below.
So, keep on reading to learn and increase your confidence around how to travel on your own as a woman.
Important Considerations When Travelling Solo as a Woman
Overall, solo travel can be an incredibly empowering and rewarding experience.
With the right mindset and preparations, you can embark on a journey of self-discovery and create memories that will last a lifetime.
If considering how to travel on your own as a woman, here are some important things to consider before you go:
1. Plan and Research Your Destination Thoroughly
When researching your destination, start by looking at some travel destination guides or online forums to get an idea of what to expect at your desired destination.
You can also take a moment to explore some of these travel destination articles from places I’ve been to throughout my journeys.
These resources can help to provide the inspiration and information you need to choose your next travel destination with confidence.
In addition to the above, I also recommend:
- Familiarising yourself with the local customs and laws
- Being aware of any potential health risks or natural disasters in the area
- Researching the best accommodation options to suit solo female travellers
Look for accommodation in safe and well-lit areas and with good security measures such as 24-hour reception and CCTV cameras.
When it comes to organising your accommodation, it’s essential to have reliable resources at your fingertips. Two platforms that I trust and highly recommend are Booking.com and Hostelworld.
Booking.com offers a vast variety of accommodations to suit all kinds of travellers, from cosy boutique hotels to budget-friendly hostels. It’s my go-to choice when searching for the best places to stay during my journeys.
Or, if you’re seeking the communal and budget-friendly atmosphere of hostels, Hostelworld is an excellent platform to consider. I’ve had great experiences using Hostelworld, and I recommend it to backpacking women and solo travellers.
2. Be Cautious and Aware of Your Surroundings
Being aware of your surroundings can help you avoid potentially dangerous situations. Be aware of the local customs and behaviours and try to blend in as much as possible.
When I’m travelling, I like to think and act like a local, immersing myself in the culture and customs of the place.
For those who ask me about how to travel on your as a woman, my top tip is always to keep a vigilant eye on your surroundings to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
For your safety as a solo traveller, avoid wearing expensive jewellery or carrying large amounts of cash, and be discreet with your valuables.
If you are carrying a bag or purse, keep it close to your body and avoid carrying it on one shoulder.
When travelling alone, it is important to trust your instincts. If a situation or person makes you feel uncomfortable, try to remove yourself from it as soon as possible.
If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask for it from people in authority, such as police officers or accommodation staff.
Related Resources:
3. Use Common Sense When Socialising
Making friends while travelling is one of the most enriching aspects of the journey.
Whether it’s striking up a conversation with fellow travellers at a hostel or connecting with locals, these interactions often lead to unforgettable experiences and lasting friendships.
Meeting new people can be one of the best parts of solo travel, but it’s essential to use common sense and trust your instincts.
For example, if you plan to meet someone you’ve met online or through a dating app, arrange to meet in a public place and let someone you trust know where you’re going.
Of all the solo female travel tips out there, I would say that being cautious when drinking alcohol is high up on the list. Always watch your drink and avoid accepting drinks from strangers.
I’ve had a bad experience with this myself, and would not wish it on anyone. My drink was spiked, but luckily I locked myself in a bathroom stall. I was vomiting everywhere and was eventually escorted out from the bar.
I don’t remember how it happened. All I know is that if it wasn’t for the staff at my hostel running the pub crawl, I don’t know if I would have made it home safely that night.
If you do decide to go out and socialise, try to stick to well-lit and populated areas and avoid walking alone late at night.
4. Have a Plan for Communication
Before leaving for your trip, make sure to share your travel itinerary and contact information with someone back home.
This way, they can check in on you and know where you are in case of an emergency.
When it comes to female travel essentials, it’s a good idea to have a way to communicate with your family, friends, or emergency services.
Have a working mobile phone with an international data plan, buy a local SIM card or International e-SIM, and carry a backup phone charger.
For my past trip, I bought an International e-SIM, and it was one of the best decisions I made.
It allowed me to stay connected with ease, and I didn’t have to worry about purchasing small data bundles constantly, which can add up quickly.
If you’re planning an extended journey, investing in a larger data bundle for your e-SIM can provide fantastic value for money, making it a worthwhile and convenient addition to your travel essentials.
If you’re looking for more ways to enhance your travel experience, don’t miss our recommendations for must-have travel apps that can be incredibly useful when exploring new destinations overseas.
These apps can help you with everything from navigation and language translation to finding local gems and staying connected on the road.
Check out our complete list of recommended travel apps here.
Relates Resources:
5. Embrace the Experience of Solo Travel as a Woman
Solo travel for women can be an enriching and empowering experience. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore new places, try new foods, and meet new people.
Be open to stepping outside your comfort zone and trying new things.
If you’re a daredevil or adventure junkie like me, don’t miss the chance to add at least one bucket-list activity to your trip.
Get Your Guide is a great resource for this as it provides insight to a vast array of activities you can enjoy while at your destination.
It’s these thrilling experiences that often become the highlight of your journey, creating memories that last a lifetime.
Explore some fantastic activity and day trip options and seize the opportunity to make your travel escapades even more unforgettable.
Relates Resources:
- Research and book activities and experiences at your destination with Get Your Guide
6. Dress Appropriately
Please keep this top of mind when travelling, especially if visiting an Islamic country.
I’ll never forget when I was in Egypt, and one of the travellers on my tour had her arms and half legs exposed – she had forgotten about the local customs. We were literally stalked by the locals down the main street and it was a very uncomfortable experience.
We ended up rushing back to the hotel to get her covered up.
They were taking photos and everything!
This is why it’s so important to have a basic understanding of local customs and dressing standards.
Opt for modest clothing where possible and avoid showing too much skin, especially when visiting religious or cultural sites.
It’s always a good idea to carry a scarf or shawl in your bag as it can come in handy to cover your head and shoulders when needed.
By respecting local customs and traditions, you’ll ensure a safe and culturally sensitive solo travel experience.
7. Learn Basic Self-Defence Techniques
Learning some basic self-defence techniques can help a backpacking woman feel more confident and prepared in case of an emergency.
If you’re considering going backpacking on your own as a woman, it can be a good idea to boost your self-confidence when it comes to personal safety.
For example, why not take a self-defence class before you leave to learn some basic manoeuvres and techniques?
Alternatively, you could practice some basic moves on your own by using valuable online resources such as Self-Defence Tips & Escapes and informative videos like this one.
While I look forward to participating in a full self-defence course myself one day, even having some basic knowledge helps me feel more secure during my solo travels.
Remember, the goal of self-defence is to escape from a potential threat and seek help rather than initiate physical confrontations without provocation.
8. Stay Connected With Other Travellers
Travelling solo doesn’t mean you have to be alone all the time.
Joining a group tour or staying in a hostel can provide great opportunities to meet other travellers and make new friends.
Staying connected with others can also be helpful in case of an emergency or if you need assistance.
Related Resource:
9. Stay Informed and Up-to-date
It’s important to stay informed and up to date on the latest news and events in the area you are travelling to.
Sign up for travel alerts from your government or travel insurance company and check the news regularly. It can help you avoid any potential dangers or travel disruptions.
For Australian backpackers, I suggest saving the Australian Smart Traveller website link to your phone.
This valuable resource provides up-to-date information on travel advisories, safety guidelines, and essential tips for a worry-free journey.
10. Take Care of Your Mental Health:
Solo travel can be challenging and sometimes lonely, especially if you’re travelling on your own a lot.
Take care of your mental health by:
- Staying connected with friends and family back home
- Practising self-care and gratitude
- and seeking help if needed
If you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious, don’t be afraid to reach out to a local mental health professional or support group.
Or even use Google search to get some basic tips of how you can cope in emotionally challenging situations.
Start Your First Backpacking Journey Right
Do you want to learn how to travel on your own as a woman?
Our Solo Travel Starter Pack and Video Series could provide the perfect start to your journey.
Inside this invaluable resource, we delve into a wide range of topics, from solo female travel tips to packing essentials, navigating different cultures, budgeting, and much more.
With years of experience as a solo backpacker, I’ve been where you are now – navigating the exciting yet daunting world of solo travel.
My aim is to help you achieve your travel dreams and make the most of your journey by sharing the knowledge I’ve gained through countless adventures of my own.
Simply follow this link to register and we will send the modules straight to your inbox.
Let’s transform your solo travel aspirations into a reality!
In Summary:
How to Successfully Solo Travel as a Women (Stay Safe & Have Fun!)
Travelling solo as a woman can be a truly empowering and rewarding experience.
It offers the opportunity to explore new destinations, connect with locals and other travellers, and gain independence and self-confidence. However, as with any type of travel, safety should always be the top priority.
By following the tips and guidelines mentioned within this article, you can significantly reduce the risks and stay safe while having fun.
Some of our top tips when considering solo travel include:
- Researching your destination
- Being cautious and aware of your surroundings
- Using common sense when socialising
- Having a communication plan with people back home
- Dressing appropriately
- Learning basic self-defence techniques to help you build confidence
- Staying connected with other travellers
- Staying informed and up-to-date
- Taking care of your mental health
With the right mindset and preparations, you can embark on a journey of self-discovery and create memories that will last a lifetime.
So, start packing your bags, and let’s get you ready for your trip.
