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Advice from female travel bloggers across the globe
Jetting off on a trip all by yourself can feel a little, well... intimidating. But hey, who said the road less traveled was meant for a convoy of tourists? We’re going with no one!
Imagine this: you, wandering through the vibrant streets of a city where the language is as exotic as the street food or gazing out over landscapes so breathtaking that your Instagram followers will think you've turned into a professional photographer overnight.
All of this is on your terms. That's the beauty of solo travel experiences. They're incredibly gratifying and empowering. But traveling alone, especially as a female, isn't always smooth sailing and can often be met with some headwinds. In fact, we’re willing to bet much of it stems from within. 9 times out of 10, as women, we’re our own worst critics… imposter syndrome anyone?
But through the thick of it, embarking on a lone trip is where real growth happens. The transformative power to find oneself through independent travel is limitless, particularly for women who feel the need to break out of their shells — not just in the geographical sense, but socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
Today, lots of brave, adventurous ladies are out exploring the world and traveling by themselves (it's about time!). When it comes to navigating female solo travel, there are things you should do to prepare and set yourself up for the best trip possible.
7 female solo travel tips to guide your next adventure
Setting off on a solo adventure is like stepping into a world of endless possibilities, where every moment is a mix of exhilarating experiences and, let's be real, a few nail-biting ones too. So let’s boost that globetrotter confidence, and you’ll be navigating travel and making memories that will have everyone green with envy. Here are a few solo travel tips to evoke your inner nomad.
1. Unleash your inner detective: know before you go
Before you leap into the unknown, channel your inner Sherlock Holmes and get the lowdown on your destination. Is it a haven for free-spirited wanderers like yourself? Dive into the heart of the matter — from the mood of the local weather to the local do's and don'ts that'll save you from standing out like a sore thumb.
Scour blogs for firsthand reports and take to travel forums with all your pressing questions. Or consider dipping your toes in a group travel experience as a launching pad before you go it alone. Knowledge is your power, your shield, and your best travel buddy on these lone quests.
2. Master the art of pre-booking: your ticket to worry-free wandering
Let's face it: there's something wildly liberating about landing in a new place with the world at your feet. But, savvy soloist, even the freest of spirits knows the value of a good night's sleep. So, secure your nest before you fly. Booking your first night’s accommodation in advance isn’t just smart — it’s your peace of mind.
Let’s avoid having to scramble for a bed while you're more disoriented than a penguin in the desert. (How’s that for a metaphor?) But really, a little planning can go a long way and that’s not just planning your itinerary — that’s traveling like a boss. After all, the only surprises we're here for are the good kind — like landing a room with a balcony overlooking the city, not a "No Vacancy" sign at midnight.
3. Assemble your support system: share your solo saga
Picture this: you've just announced your travel plans, and the fam's reaction is... well, let's just say, less confetti and more concerned than excited. But don't let your loved one's initial reaction discourage you. Consider it an opportune time to initiate a pre-adventure briefing.
Break the news gently, armed with your mindfully tailored itinerary and an open heart. Show them not just where you'll be jetting off to but also how you'll be embracing the world, one stride at a time. By letting your fan club in on your travel plans, you're weaving a safety net made of the strongest stuff on earth: your family and friends' support. This not only equips you with a support squad sending you good vibes from the homeland but also ensures everyone sleeps a bit more soundly at night. After all, solo doesn't have to mean solitary, especially when you've got the best backup team a girl could ask for.
4. Embracing new experiences: dive into the unknown
Solo travel isn't just about ticking destinations off your bucket list. It's a golden ticket to the grand show of life, pushing you to step out of your cozy comfort zone. Think of your independent voyage as an open invitation to dance with the unknown, to test new experiences, and to give a hearty handshake to any personal fears lurking in the shadows — be it the jitters about safety, the specter of solitude, or the mystery of what lies around the next corner.
Welcome each challenge with open arms as a thrilling chance for growth and self-discovery. Let travel be your guru, widening your worldview, fortifying your independence, and transforming you into a more resilient version of yourself. After all, the true essence of adventure lies in the stories you'll have to tell and the person you become along the way.
5. Pack smart, tread lightly: a nomadic travel tip
In the world of self-supported travel, your suitcase is more than just your luggage — it's your travel companion. Make sure it's as prepared for adventure as you are by packing light and sticking to the essentials. This isn’t just about simplifying the packing process. This travel tip is about setting yourself free to roam, explore, and immerse in the adventure without being weighed down by an overstuffed suitcase.
Opt for versatile travel gear and clothing that plays well in any scene — think of neutral colors that you can mix, match, and layer to perfection. And when it comes to footwear, two pairs are really all you need, ready to take you from bustling city streets to tranquil trails in comfort and style. With comfort and ease of mobility in mind, light packing is your ticket to a more liberated and enriching travel experience.
6. Self-care on the go: your passport to wellness
Sure, travel can turn your personal routines upside down, but let's not forget the star of the show: you. Keeping up with #selfcare is non-negotiable, even more so on solo adventures. Make sleep your best friend and probiotics your travel buddy for times when local cuisine means more indulgence and less nutritional balance.
Perhaps most importantly, don't underestimate the power of staying hydrated — electrolyte packets could be your secret weapon against travel fatigue. Pack the essentials, from sunscreen to protect your glow to dental floss for that radiant smile (not to mention fresh breath confidence when you’re arm-to-arm on a tightly packed plane). Taking care of yourself is just as much about feeling good as it is about being ready for whatever adventures come your way.
7. Finding your solo travel sweet spot: mixing mingling with me-time
Navigating the seas of traveling alone means captaining your own ship. But who says you can't pick up a merry crew along the way? The key to a truly enriching journey is finding that perfect balance between connecting with fellow Travelers and savoring moments of solitude. Consider sprinkling your adventure with hostels to cross paths with other solo women wanderers. Or consider booking a group trip that allows you to travel safely and confidently with like-minded people, while escaping for a few hours each day to do your own thing. Either way, the people you meet while traveling can become lifelong friendships or simply a pleasant way to ward off the solo travel blues.
Remember, this journey is yours and yours alone. While new friends can add sparkle to your adventure, it's essential to stay true to your course. Embrace the flexibility to say "yes" to unexpected invitations, but also feel empowered to steer clear if the vibe doesn't align with your journey's rhythm. Let's not let a single sour note dampen the whole symphony. Keep an open heart, and don’t forget, your solo trip's greatest companion is your own sense of adventure and self-discovery.
Equipped with these solo travel tips, you can set sail on your voyage with greater confidence and freedom. But the insights don’t stop here. At TrovaTrip, we’ve pulled together more travel tips from experienced female explorers who know their way around the world.
Advice from TrovaTrip’s female travel Creators
TrovaTrip has gathered advice about solo female travel from some of our incredible Hosts, top-notch female travel bloggers and Content Creators. Seriously, travel is like their thing. So whether you’re a solo Traveler or a seasoned vacationer, these tips will help you get the most out of seeing the world by yourself.
Abena Kusi, @travellingtuesdays
"Tip 1: Start small! Going on a solo trip is a really big jump if you've never done it before, so take it slowly. I recommend going out for dinner by yourself in your local area, doing a day trip to a nearby place, or at least visiting a country where they speak the same language to ease yourself in.
Tip 2: Stay connected. It's important that someone knows where you are for safety reasons and that you're able to contact the local authorities or home if anything happens. I often get a local sim, so I have data, or ensure my roaming plan is switched on. I also download offline maps so I can navigate if I'm in a place with poor connection.
Tip 3. Fill your itinerary with things you actually enjoy! We often plan group trips with others in mind, and so we compromise. But when it's just you, use your freedom and do what makes you happy. When you keep yourself busy and stimulated, you're less likely to be bored or have time to feel lonely."
Kendra Okereke, @ken10hollywood
"Tip 1: Stay in hostels! Hostels are a cheap way to get to see the world and meet other travelers. As a solo female traveler, it can get lonely, but hostels provide the right environment to make new friends that are like-minded. Then you have people to hang out with when you want to!
Tip 2: Go at your own pace. It can be exciting and exhilarating when you're in a new country where you just want to experience everything! But it's okay if you have days where you just want to lounge around and watch Netflix in bed. Traveling is meant to be fun, not stressful! So if things don't go as planned or your plans change, don't stress. Just enjoy being on new soil.
Tip 3: Have an open heart. Whenever we talk about solo traveling as women, all we ever talk about is how to stay safe. It's important, of course, but it's also important to cultivate new experiences in the countries you're visiting. As long as you're using common sense and you have good judgment, say yes to things you normally wouldn't. Some of my best experiences happened when I felt safe enough to say yes. I was able to create memories that will last me a lifetime."
Alea Simone, @thetraveltaurus
"Tip 1: Don't share your location on social media until you have left. You may want to share all your exciting experiences the second they happen, but waiting until after you've left a location is travel safety 101.
Tip 2: Book female-only dorms or private rooms at hostels. Chances are, you'll feel safer and more comfortable sharing a room with other women or having a space to yourself. Plus, the female-only dorms are often wayyyy cuter than the co-ed options for some reason!
Tip 3: Download the city map on Google Maps prior to arrival. This way, you will be able to navigate your way around a new destination, even if you don't have service.
Tip 4: Pre-arrange your airport transportation through your hostel/hotel/Airbnb. Save yourself the stress of trying to haggle with taxi drivers, navigate language barriers, or scrambling to figure out where you're trying to go last minute."
Ariel Rose, @im_arielrose
"Tip 1: Utilize the STEP Program - Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. Send your itinerary to the U.S. Embassy in other nations so your whereabouts are known in case something were to happen. Better safe than sorry!
Tip 2: Share your location using the Find My app with at least 3 people back home. You'll sleep better at night knowing your friends and family are keeping an eye on your whereabouts while abroad — trust me!
Tip 3: Don't tell people you’re alone. Ask for 2 keys at your hotel, tell the taxi driver dropping you at dinner that you’re meeting a friend, and don't share with anyone you just met exactly where you’re staying. Meeting new people is one of the most rewarding parts of traveling, but you should always do so cautiously and trust your gut instinct.
You got this
Ladies, go travel the world. It's yours to see and experience... however you want to take it on. If you’ve already been traveling the planet by yourself, you know how amazing the experience can be. And if you're new to the whole traveling thing, well, let's just say you're in for an incredible ride.
TrovaTrip has lots of itineraries that are perfect for solo female Travelers. In fact, roughly 70% of our Travelers are women. Pretty cool, right? We think so, too.
Many solo female Travelers naturally have an entrepreneurial spirit, transforming their passion for travel into rewarding lifestyles. It’s no wonder why so many Travelers here at Trova transition into Hosts and lead enriching group travel itineraries and community-building experiences. Hosting offers many benefits, like getting paid while traveling the world.
We’re here to help you have once-in-a-lifetime adventures, so come book a group trip and explore the world with other like-minded Travelers. It’s time to get out there and add some stamps to your passport. Party for one — but traveling as a group? Yes, please!