How to Travel Alone: Advice for Solo Female Travelers
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Traveling solo can be such a transformative experience. My first solo trip was in 2017 when I studied abroad in Paris. I remember how nervous I was to be visiting France for the first time all by myself. Eventually traveling alone became easier as I became more experienced and challenged myself to explore new places on my own.
Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or traveling alone for the first time, embarking on solo adventures can be particularly empowering, providing opportunities for personal growth and increased confidence.
While safety is a priority for any traveler, it is especially crucial for women traveling alone. In this post, I’m sharing my advice for solo female travelers, along with some tips to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable journey wherever you go.
In this Article
Tips for Traveling Alone as a Woman
Solo Travel Essentials
The Ultimate Travel Checklist for Solo Female Travelers
Best Places to Travel Alone in Europe
Tips for Traveling Alone as a Woman
1. Do Your Research
Before embarking on your solo adventure, it’s essential to research your destination. Learn about local customs, traditions, and social norms. Familiarize yourself with the local language or at least learn a few essential phrases. Understand the culture and dress appropriately to respect local sensitivities. You’ll feel much more at ease when you arrive at your destination.
It’s also important to research your accommodation to ensure it’s safe. Contact your Airbnb host, hotel or hostel to make sure it has a decent lock. I always bring a portable door lock to be extra cautious. It’s small and lightweight so I can easily pack it in my bag, and I sleep better knowing that my door has an additional layer of security.
2. Plan Your Itinerary
While spontaneity has its charm, it's wise to plan a rough itinerary for your solo trip. Identify the must-visit attractions, create a realistic schedule, and allocate sufficient time to rest. Pre-booking accommodations in safe and well-reviewed establishments can provide peace of mind, especially upon arrival in unfamiliar places.
As a type A traveler, I review dozens of itineraries from other bloggers before my trip. This helps me get a better understanding of all of the attractions. The beauty of traveling alone is that you get to decide what to do and see, so next I decide on the sights to add to my itinerary. Then I save all locations on Google Maps so I can easily identify locations while I’m traveling.
3. Stay Connected with Friends and Family
Maintaining communication with your loved ones is crucial while traveling alone. Share your itinerary, including details of accommodations, with a trusted friend or family member. Regularly update them on your whereabouts, and consider using a tracking app or sharing your location for added security. I like to use Google Maps to indefinitely share my location with my parents and boyfriend before I leave for my trip.
4. Create a Main Character Playlist
Embarking on a solo journey is the perfect opportunity to step into your main character energy. Why not create a playlist that inspires this attitude? Add your favorite songs of the moment or those that embody the location you’re visiting. Think bossa nova in Rio de Janeiro, latin beats in Havana, and jazzy ballads in Paris. Listen to your playlist while you’re taking in the sights, just remember to be aware of your surroundings.
5. Be Mindful of Your Belongings
While exploring new destinations, keep a close eye on your belongings. Avoid keeping all your valuables in one place and use hotel safes or concealed pockets for storing passports, cash, and other important documents. Stay vigilant in crowded areas and be cautious of pickpockets.
I’d recommend using a crossbody bag to carry your essentials. I also love Tile trackers to ensure that I can find my wallet, phone and keys if I were to lose them. I keep a slim tracker in my wallet and a small square one on my keys.
6. Carry a Book or Journal
You don’t want to be glued to your phone your entire trip. Reading keeps you occupied but mindful of the present moment. It’s perfect for those moments when you’re waiting in line, dining at a restaurant or just want to unwind for a bit. I love to purchase a pocketbook before any trip to carry in my bag.
A travel journal is another way to entertain yourself during your solo trip. Writing in your journal provides an opportunity to reflect on your surroundings and truly absorb the experience. By dedicating time to articulate your thoughts, you develop a deeper connection with the places you visit. It’s also a great place to jot down important information like phone numbers, hotel address, etc. in case you lose your phone. A simple Moleskine journal is a sophisticated option that I always bring on trips.
7. Talk with People Around You
One of the joys of solo travel is the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds. Engage in group activities, join organized tours, or stay in hostels with communal spaces to connect with other travelers. Making friends along the way not only enhances your travel experience but also provides a support network and potential companions for certain activities.
8. Document Your Trip
Don’t forget to capture and document your trip. As mentioned earlier, a travel journal is a wonderful tool for documenting your trip. Take it with you wherever you go and make it a habit to write in it regularly. Take photos and videos of the places you visit, people you meet and experiences you have. I often pack a compact tripod to make it easy to capture photos and videos. Choose one with flexible legs so you can easily set it up wherever you need to get the shot.
Solo Travel Essentials
As a solo traveler, it is important to pack for both comfort and safety. To help you do so, I have curated a list of travel essentials that are ideal for women traveling alone.
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Papier
Addalock
Anker
Shop Solo Travel Essentials
The Ultimate Travel Checklist for Solo Female Travelers
Before Your Trip
Research your destination
Research your accommodation
Plan your itinerary
Share your itinerary and accommodation details with friends or family
Install a tracking app or share your location
Create your main character playlist
Download your favorite podcasts, movies, songs, etc. on your phone
Pack solo travel essentials
On Arrival
Inspect your accommodation
Lock your door with a portable door lock
Place valuable items in a safe
During Your Trip
Update friends and family about your whereabouts
Document about your trip by taking photos/videos and keeping a journal
Best Places to Travel Alone in Europe
If you’re planning your European summer, here are some of the best places to travel alone in Europe as a woman. Most major cities in Europe, especially the touristy areas, are generally safe. As long as you are aware of your surroundings and use common sense, you won’t have to worry. The cities listed here are either places I've explored personally or ones highly recommended by trusted friends, that I think will cater to solo female travelers.
Always remember to use common sense, stay aware of your surroundings, and follow general safety tips wherever you are in Europe. Be especially cautious of pickpocketing, which is much more common in large European cities.
Ljubljana, Slovenia: Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is known for being a safe city for solo female travelers. This is due to several factors, including its small size, well-lit streets, and low crime rates. I felt incredibly safe when I visited Ljubljana last year and felt very welcomed by locals.
Vienna, Austria: Vienna's reputation for cleanliness and reliable public transport adds to its safety for solo female travelers. With its well-maintained streets and a strong culture of respect, women can explore the city confidently. Having lived in Vienna for six months myself, I always felt safe, even at night.
Lyon, France: Lyon's unique mix of lively energy and relaxed atmosphere creates a welcoming environment for solo female travelers. Not only is it a beautiful city, but you’ll find endless attractions, restaurants and activities. It’s the perfect alternative to Paris that doesn’t lack in French charm. I first visited Lyon in 2019, and it’s still one of my favorite French cities.
Lisbon, Portugal: Lisbon's sunny climate is matched by its welcoming atmosphere for solo female travelers. This vibrant coastal city offers a safe environment to explore its charming streets and historic sites., thanks to its low crime rate and strong sense of community.
Barcelona, Spain: Another lively city that is perfect for solo female travelers is Barcelona. With its efficient public transport and bustling nightlife, Barcelona offers a safe experience for women looking for both adventure and relaxation in the city. I spent a day in Barcelona during a trip to the South of France, and I was pleasantly surprised by how safe I felt in the city.
Edinburgh, Scotland: Edinburgh's historic charm and compact size make it an ideal destination for solo female travelers. The friendly locals contribute to a safe and welcoming atmosphere for exploring its rich cultural heritage. Several of my college friends studied abroad in Edinburgh and appreciated how safe they felt there.
Stockholm, Sweden: Stockholm's reputation for cleanliness and gender equality makes it one of the safest cities for solo female travelers. With its efficient public transport system and progressive attitudes, the city truly offers a secure and enjoyable experience for women exploring the city on their own.
Berlin, Germany: Berlin's dynamic arts scene and progressive attitudes make it a safe and inclusive destination for women traveling alone. You’ll find well-connected public transport, diverse neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community. I felt incredibly safe on my last two trips to Berlin.
Amsterdam, Netherlands: Amsterdam's relaxed atmosphere and well-regulated nightlife make it a popular spot for solo female travelers. The city's extensive network of bike paths, efficient public transport, and friendly locals will make you feel comfortable while wandering the canals and historic streets. During my visit to Amsterdam in 2019, I felt incredibly at ease with the laidback vibe of the city.
Reykjavik, Iceland: Reykjavik, Iceland, consistently ranks among the safest cities in the world, making it a popular choice for women traveling solo. Its low crime rates, stunning natural surroundings, and tight-knit community make it perfect for solo female travelers who crave an outdoor adventure.
Looking for more travel inspiration? Explore these recommended posts:
What are your best tips for traveling alone? Let me know in the comments below.
