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Brave. Inspiring. Adventurous. I’ve traveled a lot by myself but often I hear these superfluous descriptions of how people perceive solo travelers. So, why can’t solo female travel just be normalized? The practicality of it, the necessity for alone time, and the basic desire to travel whether someone is with you or not. I’m not traveling by myself to make a statement, or with the intention of shunning other people. I’m sure 99% of all other solo travelers would say the same.
But the words we often use to describe solo travelers may raise the anxiety levels of someone who hasn’t yet done it. By referring to solo travelers as brave, it implies there is something to fear in solo female travel. And even by using the word adventurous, it could make someone question whether they are ready – not thinking that you don’t have to go halfway around the world to be considered a solo traveler.
The most common questions about solo female travel
Like it or not, solo travel does bring a lot of questions – mostly out of curiosity. And I’m happy to share some of my answers to the most common questions I get asked when I say I like to travel solo. If you’re genuinely interested in solo travel yourself, and are yet to take the plunge (do it, you won’t regret it), this might be just what you’re looking for.
Don’t you get lonely?
A question that is most likely asked by someone who grew up with siblings. Being an introverted only child I am not as fazed by traveling alone as some might be. I see it as an opportunity to take control. To have a little freedom in my decisions without risk of inconveniencing a traveling companion. Or even the need to compromise on an activity I don’t want to compromise on. My vacation, my rules!
However, there are of course times when I crave a good conversation or wish someone else was here to experience a place with me. But the good thing about solo travel is that there are always ways to make friends while traveling if you know where to look.
Why don’t you want to travel with other people?
People are awesome, I love to hang out with people. I love to travel with my boyfriend, my friends and my family. The desire to solo travel does not go hand in hand with hating other people or an irrevocable desire to live a hermit lifestyle.
Sometimes I like to travel with other people, other times I like to travel alone. I think having time by yourself is incredibly important and those solo trips let me rejuvenate with some much needed alone time. Other times, as I mentioned before, it could be that no-one else wants to go to a particular place I do. That’s not a good enough reason to me to miss out on something.
Isn’t solo travel more expensive?
It can be, but it can also be cheaper. Accommodation is probably the biggest expense on any trip. And as a solo traveler your options might be more limited depending on how you like to travel. However, just because you travel alone doesn’t mean you have to be a budget backpacker. If you love luxury hotels, then traveling alone is just as fun. It just means there’s no-one to split the room cost with.
But if you’re open to more economic options, then hostels are not only cheaper but a great way to meet people. Everything else shouldn’t matter whether you’re one person, two people or five. Meals are the same, and when you book public tours they are per person pricing usually anyway.
Don’t you feel unsafe?
Safety is probably one thing I’m always more aware of as a solo traveler. Which is actually strange to say considering the only times I’ve ever been the victim of a crime (pickpocketing) is when I’ve been with other people. Maybe I’m lucky, but safety is something we should all be vigilant of while traveling. Alone or not. I do my research and I use my common sense. There are also some great travel safety products on the market to take with you on your travels.
Do you meet people when you travel?
Absolutely. I’ve made some great friends traveling alone. Some I’m even still in touch with. Taking public tours, booking a shared accommodation, or even striking up conversations with other solo travelers are all great ways to meet people while traveling. But the beauty of solo female travel is that you have the option to hang out with people one night, and have a night to yourself the next. In the most Hannah Montana way, it can be the best of both worlds.
How do you go to a restaurant by yourself?
I probably struggled with this one for much longer than I should have. But what I found was that the hardest part was walking in the door and saying “table for one”. After that, the anxiety levels dropped and I was just another diner in a restaurant, enjoying my meal. Plus I get to choose exactly what I want for dinner without worrying about someone else. It can be tough at first, but there are ways to help yourself be more comfortable with dining alone.
How do you get good photos of yourself?
As a solo traveler you will quickly learn to get your selfie game on point. A selfie stick can help, although I’ve never gone that route. I do however have a flexible portable tripod that I use sometimes. And I’m getting really good at working my phone on selfie mode. But honestly, there are always lots of other travelers who will ask you to take their photo. When they do, ask if they will return the favor.
Where should I go on a solo trip?
Anywhere you want. That’s my honest answer. Don’t let being solo stop you from visiting somewhere you’ve always wanted to go. That said, some places are safer than others. I always like to get recommendations from others about the safest places for solo travelers. If someone else can give you first hand advice and tips that’s the best. Other than that, do your research, and stay within your comfort level. If you’re new to solo traveling, try a shorter trip closer to home for your first adventure. Wherever you choose, you won’t regret it
What if I don’t like traveling by myself?
Short answer: you’ve learned something about yourself and you know it isn’t for you. And that’s OK. However, you may be worried about having committed to a trip that you now are really not enjoying. I feel like we’ve all been there whether it’s traveling with a new boyfriend/girlfriend and discovering you are totally different people, or traveling with your bestie for the first time only to realize they annoy the s&%t out of you.
Solo female travel is no different. So either grin and bear it if it’s a short trip, or book some group activities and tours and meet some people to pass the rest of your trip. Making your first solo trip a shorter one is probably the best play. And plan to visit somewhere that might not be as far out of your comfort zone in other ways while you get used to a bit more alone time. Failing that, bring books. Lots of books!
How did you get to be so brave?
Coming back from a solo trip can feel like you’ve returned from war. Everyone is so busy commending you on your bravery that you start believing you’re a superhero. While it definitely takes guts to pull the trigger on that first solo trip, you’ll soon forget about that and just enjoy the time by yourself. So much so that when you eventually return you’ll wonder what all the fuss is about. My rebuttal to “I could never do that”, is yes you can. If I can travel alone, anyone can.
Solo female travel and you
Solo travel is more often something I do for one of two reasons. One: I enjoy my own company (only child here) and sometimes it feels good to answer to no-one else, and make my own vacation rules. And Two: Not having anyone to travel with is not going to stand in the way of me visiting a place I want to visit.
So if this lone wolf can leave you solo travel virgins with any words of wisdom, it’s that not everyone will love solo travel, but everyone should give it a go at least once. Different doesn’t mean bad, but it doesn’t have to mean scary either. So don’t miss out on a potentially awesome experience for fear.
If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. What are your biggest concerns about solo female travel? How long is the longest journey you’ve taken by yourself?
All so true! I love solo travel and sometimes you just need to be alone to explore a place in your own way. A good tripod is life changing for good pics though!
I love this post so much! It’s so inspiring and I was nodding along to so many of your answers. I’m also quite introverted and don’t usually worry about loneliness when I travel solo. But like you say, it’s so easy to meet people and strike up a conversation when you’re traveling solo. And also like you said, I actually find travelling solo to be a lot cheaper. Yes, you don’t get to split accommodation costs but you also don’t have to pay for stuff you don’t like. I find I often end up paying for an overpriced restaurant, a taxi ride or a museum I don’t care about when I’m with a group whereas when I’m by myself, I’ll eat cheap and spend most of the day walking.
This was so helpful and encouraging to read. (I could write a whole post about trips I’ve gone on with people that weren’t awesome and then realized I should’ve just gone alone.) I love your tips about dining alone! I JUST had the best layover of my life, alone, at an airport restaurant. I need to get brave like you and try a weekend trip then move on from there. Thank you!
Such an interesting read. I’ve traveled solo to more than 20 countries and totally love it. It was a bit scary at first but I overcame the fears and traveled more on my own.
Great article – I absolutely endorse everything you say here. As I was reading it, I was thinking “this could hev been written by me” because my thoughts and feelings completely align with yours. I love solo travel and the freedom it gives me to go where, when and how I want, anytime. I loved your expression ” My vacation, my rules” , you get my agreement. I do travel with friends occasionally – when they can fit in with my schedule. I can go at short notice and they can’t hence why they usually can’t join me. As you said, everything is the same price if you are 1, 2 or 10. The only cheaper option is when you can share a room to half the cost. I have many friends who snore – I thus get sleep derivation. Others get up at ridiculous oclock early before breakfast or anything is open and then sit playing online games, others who want bar, beach and lie in till noon only – I’m back from a trip before they’ve even showered …. so in a nutshell ” solo travel is superb”.
This is such a handy post for people who are wondering if they should travel solo as a woman! I don’t think I researched much before I went on my first solo trip but I probably should have in all honesty.
Some valid points and great answers! Although I haven’t really traveled much on my own, I can fully understand there are times you just feel the need to do that solo trip, for various reasons. It’s only the first time that it’s the most daunting.
Great read! It’s interesting, I never feel lonely traveling alone. It’s a really great opportunity to meet like minded people
Great post! I love travelling solo but also have a fantastic time when I go with friends & family. The best part of it is just that feeling of freedom. Being able to do what you want, when you want but also being able to, not waiting for anyone else to be available, or for them to feel like they are letting you down if their circumstances change. And I have also only ever been pickpocketed when I’m with others, something about letting your guard down when you are with others.
This is such a great post! I always find it interesting when I travel solo that I actually feel safer since I’m much more aware of my surroundings when I’m alone. People always think that’s strange when I tell them that
This is an interesting read. I travel with my family but yes sometimes I feel the need to be just with myself. I liked reading the other perspective.
Fantastic tips! Now that my kids are older I have really been thinking more about taking some trips by myself. I usually come back from them so refreshed and I think my family would enjoy a little break from Mom every once in awhile!
Lots of things to consider when travelling solo, particularly as a female and you have covered them all very extensively. Even with a partner and kids I still do many solo things – maybe not for years at a time like I did originally in my 20s but there is something about the freedom and independence you feel when travelling solo.
Such a wonderful post! I think often times, we worry about not liking the idea of travelling on our own out of fear or loneliness. I find it easy to get past that by just simply learning to enjoy your own company!
All of these really resonate. I’m glad someone has put it down on a post. I especially like the one about eating alone in restaurants. I get asked that a lot
A great look at solo travel. I generally travel with my husband. But there are times when I would love to wander on my own. And many times when I send him off to be alone. When I travelled for business I often had to eat alone. But once you get used to it, I found I didn’t mind at all. I think that many people thing it is “brave” to travel to many places – solo or not. I guess it is just the self confidence of individuals to take some measured risk.
Ha! I used to travel solo a lot and after I got married I still sometimes go off on sightseeing-heavy solo trips. Sometimes people do not understand it and look at you in pity, but wanting to travel solo doesn’t mean you are alone/antisocial/sad! I am pleased it is becoming less of a stigma these days. Solo travel is great.
Such a great read! I’m planning some solo travel next year actually so I loved reading your perspective. I think where I will notice it the most will be dining and the evenings. That’s where I will be a bit self conscious going out for dinner for one and heighten for safety walking after dusk. Day time activities no issues.
This is a great post. I think may people operate from the premise that solo travel is more expensive. I suppose it is if single supplements and single accommodation is part of a travel style. For me, it’s cheaper. I stay in women’s dorms in hostels, and if I crave solitude or need an airport hotel, they’re funded by travel reward programs.
I’m an introvert and I totally get where you’re coming from! I’ve been wanting to take a solo trip for years and it’s just never worked out but this gives me confidence!
As an introvert myself, I completely get it. I’ve only traveled alone a few times for work-related events and was always quite uncomfortable eating alone in restaurants, but still did it – gotta find the best food when I travel, whether I’m by myself or not. I’ve always thought that a true vacation by myself would be difficult, but I don’t think so anymore after coming across so many solo travelers now on social media. Enjoyed your post 🙂
Yes, yes, yes!! So much truth here, I love it. Great article and covers all the points!
Looking forward to my solo trip next week. Although I would prefer someone to share my accommodation coast with. We don’t travel solo because we hate people right^^
Love this post and completely agree with everything in this post when it comes to female solo Travel. I love travelling solo and this just makes me excited for my next adventure.
Loved this, such a great read! I’m an only child as well, so I get that first question a lot and resonate with the process of answering it.
I also agree that solo travel doesn’t have to do with avoiding or not wanting to travel with other people, but rather its the emphasis on enjoying your own company and having the freedom/flexibility to do as you please. Really enjoyed the Hannah Montana reference, of yes “It’s the best of both worlds”.
Some great answers and tips. I know first hand it is very daunting travelling solo but its a great experience.
I think the doubts are the same regardless of sex. I remember my first solo trip- I was a bit freaked. But all went ok. I don’t always like to travel solo, but sometimes it’s great. You addressed a lot of the burning questions really well.
Great post! There are all valid questions about solo travel as not that long ago, I was one of those people who questioned solo travel. But, as with most people I think, it arose out of curiosity from seeing others take that leap and solo travel. After solo traveling for the first time in April of this year, I love solo traveling and can resonate with these points.