6 Essential Tips Every Woman Should Know Before Solo Travel
Cheryl Strayed went Wild. Elizabeth Gilbert ate, prayed, and loved. Countless women have conquered their own travel adventures as female solo travel surges in popularity.
Solo travel is rising across demographics, but women travel alone more than men. Google Trends shows searches for solo female travel up 131% in the last two years. If you're planning your first solo trip, here are the 6 essential tips to join the #LadiesGoneGlobal movement confidently.
Don't fear loneliness
The solo female traveler—or sola—often evokes images of isolation, but reality differs. Even introverts find themselves surrounded by fellow travelers. A magnetic pull draws solos together, fostering chats born from necessity or new experiences. Ironically, true alone time is rare on solo trips.
Pack lightly
Solo travel's freedom means repeating outfits without judgment. Include cover-ups for conservative cultures—a lightweight shawl suffices. Ditch the excess shoes: Packing lighter reduces your load and environmental impact. The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions notes that if all passengers skipped one pair (about 2 lbs/1kg), fuel savings equal removing 10,500 cars from roads for a year.
Stash feminine products—any time of month
Don't skimp here. Foreign products may differ from yours, and travel—especially at high altitudes like the Inca Trail—can disrupt cycles unexpectedly. Pack extras, plus pain meds. Navigating cramps and foreign pharmacies is avoidable hassle.
Join an online solo travel group
These communities offer intel beyond camaraderie. Explore Go Wonder, Solo Travel Society, The Travel Women, and Solo Female Traveler Network for city guides, meet-ups, and resources.
Be safe
Most women travel harm-free, but The New York Times highlights rare tragedies. Record-holder Cassie DePecol, first woman to visit every country, uses self-defense, GPS trackers, and shares locations. Jessica Nabongo, nearing the same for Black women, chooses 24-hour secure hotels, vetted Airbnbs, and conservative dress initially.
Add: Post #Latergrams to hide real-time locations, especially Stories with geotags. Travel daylight when possible; know exits and routes. For rideshares or maps, have backups—phone batteries drain fast. Carry hotel cards or printed addresses; local maps help too.
Enjoy yourself
Simple yet vital: Have fun. Challenges or self-doubt may arise—release them. Solo doesn't mean solemn; it's prime time to laugh, smile, and celebrate.
