Guide to Empower Women to be Successful Solo Female Travelers

Special Travel Guide Curated for Solo Female Travelers

Traveling is fun, empowering, and a truly memorable experience. But traveling can also be stressful and, at times, intimidating. While more women are embracing solo travel, many still hesitate to take that leap of faith and journey alone. And I completely understand, which is why I am writing this guide: to share my experiences, lessons learned, and travel tips, giving you the confidence to wander the world solo.

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Wandering the World as a Solo Female Traveler

International travel is another story. I’m still working on building up my confidence to travel abroad to Europe or South America without the support of a tour group. On my last trip to Europe, although I participated in a tour, I also stayed for about 6 extra days, during which I was 100% solo. A work in progress! There are some countries, like Egypt, where I will always visit via a tour group due to the language barrier and more complicated transportation logistics. Yet for some women, those factors are not an issue, and they would not have a problem venturing completely on their own.

Along with comfort level, here are some additional key points to help you determine which style best suits you.

Planning
A successful trip requires considerable planning. If this aspect of travel does not interest you, then participating in a tour group may be a better and more enjoyable option.

Safety
When traveling, especially abroad, there is always an extra layer of security when you are a part of a group. The tour guide and your fellow tour mates help keep an eye out to ensure you are okay, and if any issues arise, they can assist. Tour guides are familiar with current happenings in a city and can proactively steer you and the group away from any unpleasant situations.

Company
Solo traveling means spending a lot of time alone, so if you thrive in the company of others, venturing 100% on your own may be challenging. I am an introvert and can handle days of being solo, but that may not sound ideal for a sociable person!

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Things to Consider as a Solo Female Traveler

In this section, I delve into more detail on various aspects of solo travel, drawing on my personal experiences and the lessons I have learned.

Planning

📝 If traveling completely independently, research local customs before choosing a destination. Some countries have laws and cultural norms that prohibit solo travel or make it challenging. In these cases, joining an organized tour may be the best option. Also, keep in mind that in some countries, women may be more likely to experience harassment.

I love Egypt and have visited twice, but the frequent flirtation and lack of personal boundaries can be tiring. From the hotel busboys to the market vendors, there’s no escaping it. When it comes to this behavior, my best advice is to be assertive and walk away without engaging in conversation. And it’s not just Egypt; unwanted attention can happen in many destinations. As a solo female traveler, being prepared and mindful can make a big difference.

📝 The internet is full of free resources tailored to solo female travelers. These include travel websites and blogs curated by women for women that provide invaluable advice and guidance. There are other sites, such as TripAdvisor, that will note reviews written by solo travelers. On my website, in the intro destination guide for each city, I include a “Key Fact” that focuses on the safety of a location, and I also incorporate comments on safety in some of my destination guides about lodging and transportation.

📝 If you’d feel more comfortable traveling with women only, look into companies that offer all-female tours. This is also an excellent opportunity to travel and connect with like-minded travelers.

One thing I love about solo travel is having the freedom to plan a trip entirely around your own interests and preferences. There is no need to coordinate schedules, take into account what others prefer, or spend time on things you have minimal interest in.

Transportation

✈️ When traveling solo, remember that you will need to handle all of your luggage on your own. I highly recommend packing light, especially if you’ll be relying on public transportation to navigate between the airport and your hotel, as well as between cities. Packing light is also essential from a safety perspective; when you pack light, you have a better handle on your bags, making you less susceptible to pickpocketing and other travel-related crimes.

Note that if you are participating in a tour, the company may arrange an airport transfer and assist with luggage throughout the trip.

During my first trip to Europe, I learned the value of packing light. On that trip, I took an overstuffed 24-inch luggage that was a pain to schlep over cobblestone streets, squeeze into tiny elevators, and clearly screamed “tourist”. For my recent trip, I traveled with a lighter 21-inch luggage that was considerably easier to handle.

✈️ If using ride-share services like Uber, always take advantage of the in-app safety features. For example, Uber allows you to share your trip status with family and friends, verify your ride with a PIN, and more. When I travel, I always share my Uber trip status with my father; it gives us both peace of mind!

After an unpleasant Uber experience in Munich, I decided to stick to public transportation or licensed taxi services while abroad. In many countries, rideshare services are poorly regulated, and companies may use contract third-party drivers, which can affect safety and accountability.

✈️ Public transportation is a great, budget-friendly way to get around, but as a solo traveler, you need to be more mindful of your surroundings. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind.

• Always hold your purse securely and keep it closed; you don’t want others to know its contents (especially if it has your passport or electronics).
• Try to avoid poorly lit or deserted train platforms and bus/tram stations.
• Grab a seat or a spot near the door; if a person or situation is making you uncomfortable, get off at the next stop.
• Consider taking a cab rather than using public transportation when it’s late at night.

These tips may seem like common sense, but they are essential when traveling alone!

✈️ If you have to catch an early flight, see if your accommodations offer private car service to the airport. While this may cost slightly more than a taxi, hotels usually work with reputable companies. In Vienna, I had to leave for the airport at 3:30 AM, so I decided it would be best to reserve a ride with a private car service. Yes, it was more expensive, but the peace of mind was well worth every penny.

Lodging

🏨 When traveling solo as a female, choose accommodations that are both secure and located in a safe area. Whether it’s a hostel or a high-end hotel, it is not worth compromising your safety for convenience, cost savings, or the appeal of a trendy “Instagram-famous” property.

🏨 Before booking, scan reviews for red flags like “poorly lit”, “propped doors”, “sketchy neighborhood”, or similar phrases. These reviews signal that the property may not be secure and that management does not prioritize guest safety.

A good sign of safety when I arrive at a hotel is the presence of working security cameras at the entrance, elevator, and common areas. Most cameras will have a small red or green light that shows it’s operating.

🏨 When I travel, these are a few of my lodging safety practices:

• Request a room by the elevator; yes, it may be noisier, but I find it safer than walking long hallways alone.
• Request a room without a connecting door; if not possible, prop a chair against the door.
• Select a hotel that has a well-lit entrance and pick-up/drop-off zone for taxis and ride-share services.
• Choose lodging with interior hallways, ideally one that has secure floor access that requires a room key.
• Select a hotel that is near a bus stop/train station to minimize walking at night.

🏨 Never share the name of your accommodations with anyone except trusted family and friends.

If front desk staff requests your room number, never say it aloud! Instead, show them the key chain or card key holder that displays the room number.

One safety feature I have taken for granted is a 24-hour staffed desk. When I traveled to Munich, the hotel chosen by the tour had a front desk that was only staffed until 9:00 PM, and after that point, you needed to use your hotel key to enter. Fortunately, I did not have any issues, but I did not like the thought of being stuck outside the hotel waiting for help to arrive if my key did not work for any reason.

Dining

🍽️ For me, dining is one of the more challenging aspects of solo travel. My fellow introverts will understand that sitting alone in a busy restaurant can be an uncomfortable experience. If you are like me, low-key places like a café or sandwich shop are a better and more enjoyable option. You can also stop by a local grocery store or market and purchase local food items to enjoy later at a park or in your hotel room.

While traveling, eating out every day can get pricey, so buying food at a local grocery store or market is a great way to save money.

🍽️ If you’re an extroverted traveler, consider lodgings and eateries that offer communal, family-style meals. This can alleviate some of the loneliness that comes with solo travel, and it can be a great way to meet fellow solo travelers.

When dining alone, if approached by a stranger offering to sit with you or pay for your meal, it is okay to decline politely. I know being assertive may not be easy, but it is essential not to compromise your comfort and safety.

Health & Safety

⚠️ These are the health & safety trips I follow when traveling both domestically and abroad:

Staying Safe

• Use cloud-based services like Google Docs and Google Sheets to share flight and lodging reservations, itineraries, and other key information with trusted family and friends.
• Use a location-sharing app, such as Life360, to stay connected (Dad and I both use this app while traveling for added peace of mind).
• Refrain from sharing travel information on social media and avoid posting real-time updates during the trip.
• Dress according to local cultural norms; be mindful when visiting more conservative destinations.
• Leave the jewelry and flashy watches at home; the less attention you call to yourself, the better.
• Ask the hotel front desk for safety advice, such as which neighborhoods are considered unsafe, the safest way to navigate the city (public transportation versus ride-share services), and the best restaurants and bars for solo travelers, among other recommendations.

Visit the U.S. Department of State’s Womens Traveler site, which provides great tips and resources for women travelers.

In the U.S., pepper spray is solely allowed in checked bags, not in carry-on luggage. For international travel, check the country’s laws to see if pepper spray is allowed.

Preparing for Your Trip

• Visit the U.S. Department of State’s Learn About Your Destination page to learn more about your destination’s entry requirements, currency restrictions, laws concerning prescription and over-the-counter medications, and more.
• Learn the laws surrounding photography, particularly when capturing images of government and military buildings, spiritual relics in religious sites, and individuals in crowds.
• Check your destination’s plug type and voltage for electronics; always use the correct plug adapter and, if needed, the proper converter to avoid damaging your items or, worse, risking electrocution.

Before traveling abroad, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This free program provides crucial safety services, allowing the US Embassy at your destination to send alerts, reach out in the event of an emergency, and more.

Protecting Your Documents and Money

• Lock all bags and luggage using a TSA-approved lock; never leave anything unsupervised.
• Keep cash and credit in a money pouch or belt that can be worn discreetly under your clothes.
• Store your passport in the hotel safe; if you need to carry it, place it in a discreet location, such as a money belt.
• Avoid 3rd-party ATMs abroad as they can expose your information to scammers (they also have unfavorable exchange rates).
• Purchase wallets, money belts, and day bags that feature RFID-blocking technology to protect your passport and credit cards from identity theft.

Staying Healthy

• To stay healthy, drink plenty of water, check if the tap water is safe to drink, get enough rest, pack a first aid kit, use hand sanitizer and wipes, and exercise caution when consuming street food.
• Get up and stretch your legs to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during long flights.
• Make sure to wear comfortable, supportive shoes with non-slip soles to help reduce muscle fatigue and decrease the chances of slipping.
• Keep a card in your wallet that lists your emergency contact information, medical conditions and allergies, and any necessary prescriptions.
• Learn the terms for your medical conditions, allergies, and prescriptions in the local language.

Be extremely careful if you are drinking!! Keep an eye on your drink, be mindful of the amount you consume, and have a plan for getting to the hotel.

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Final Thoughts

Fellow female travelers, I hope you found this guide insightful and that it inspires confidence while giving you the tools needed to travel and conquer the world. Remember, traveling doesn’t have to be perfect. We all make mistakes, and each one is a lesson that makes the next trip even better! If you have questions, need advice, or would like to share your own travel experiences, please leave a comment below ⬇️ or use the ‘Contact Me’ link in the page menu to send me an email.