What is Solo Travel?

Solo travel is simply the act of travelling alone.

While solo travel is about traveling alone, it’s not necessarily about being alone. Actually, travelling solo is not so much about who you’re with (or not with), but rather, it’s about experiencing a destination in your own company, on your own terms, and on your own accord.

The experience that you have while travelling solo largely depends on you – the traveller – where the choices that you make and the way in which you interpret the world around you ultimately influence the experience that you will have.

To me, solo travel is an expression of the soul, where the world is the canvas, you are the paintbrush, and the experience itself is the masterpiece.

How Do You Travel Alone For the First Time?

First off, you need to pick your destination. For your first solo trip, I would recommend a destination that is travel/tourist-friendly. This will make the transition to solo travel much smoother. For the same reason, you may want to also consider picking a place that speaks the same language that you do, or don’t.

Make sure to do research on the area you’re going to. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to micromanage every single step you take, but being prepared in what to expect and what precautions you need to take might be the difference between having a good travel experience and a bad one. 

Once you have all the prep out of the way, that’s when the fun begins. Then, it’s all about booking the trip, finding things that you want to do, and doing it.

What Are Some Solo Female Travel Destinations?

While there is really no limitation on where you can go as a solo female traveller, there are definitely some travel destinations that are easier to travel to than others. I outline a few in the following list.

Southeast Asia

Whether you choose to visit the hustle bustle of Bangkok, go surfing in Bali, visit elephant sanctuaries in Thailand, or all of the above, the Southeast Asia trip is a definite must-do for solo travellers. The Southeast Asia trip typically encompasses Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and Indonesia. 

New Zealand

Considered the adventure capital of the world, New Zealand is the hub for intrepid travel. Many travelers plan extended trips to indulge in this lifestyle, making New Zealand a great place to meet like-minded people. 

Iceland

Another destination for adventure, Iceland is best known for the northern lights, glacial travel, and #vanlife.

Well-established travel infrastructure offers convenience to solo travelers, and with low crime rates, safety is hardly a concern.

Japan

Cherry blossoms, onsens, traditional guesthouses and so much more, Japan is a country worth exploring. For solo female travelers concerned about safety, rest assured, because Japan is super safe and many places offer female-only amenities like female-only train cars and female-only accommodations. 

Solo Female Travel in India

Full disclosure, India doesn’t have a great travel infrastructure, delhi belly (traveller’s diarrhea) is real, climate conditions are rough, and the culture can be overwhelming (womxn often complain about unwanted sexual attention). Despite all the downfalls, with an open mind and a period of adjustment, India can also offer an extremely rewarding, life-changing experience.

With a history rooted in Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism, and yoga, India opens many doors for those looking to explore their spirituality. Spiritual exploration is a popular reason to visit India, but there is so much more to this country than just that. India is home to seven mountain ranges, coastal beaches, deserts, islands, rainforests and exotic wildlife. The culture is vibrant, and it’s the type of place that will leave you learning something new.

While all that sounds great and fun, for the reasons stated above, a solo female trip to India definitely requires a good amount of preparation, and is best left reserved for more experienced travellers.

Solo travel safety tips

The top tips for travel safety to follow are:

• Be aware of your surroundings

• Walk with purpose with your head held high

• Don’t flash around belongings

• Be mindful of how much alcohol you consume

• Always let someone know where you are

• Avoid walking alone at night – try to walk nearby other people or find a buddy who will walk with you

• Organize your travel plans so that you arrive at your destination during the day – You will feel more secure and comfortable if you arrive during daylight

Travel safety precautions will vary from place to place. In some safer places of the world, some of these travel tips won’t be applicable. In other places, there may even be added precautions. Common sense is going to be the most important tool in many cases. 

How Can I Enjoy Travelling Alone as a Woman?

Be yourself, be mindful, and have fun. Use common sense and be aware of travel safety, but don’t be afraid to open yourself to new experiences and meet new people. Some of the best solo travel experiences are spent with other people.

The best and safest way to meet new people is by staying at hostels. Many people at hostels are also solo travelers looking to meet people who they can enjoy their travels with. Another great way to meet people is by joining group tours.

A lot of times, group tours are hosted by locals. Using Airbnb experiences is a great place to find good local-run tours. Meeting and talking to locals allows you to gain perspective about the place you are visiting.

As you get more and more experienced as a solo traveler, you will develop the confidence to push past your comfort zone and meet people you otherwise would have never talked to.

Meeting people is not the only way to have fun while travelling solo. You can have amazing solo adventures by yourself too. Just find something you like to do and do it. Despite what social media believes, the moments in our lives do not need to be shared in order to be enjoyed. Watch the sunrise, count the stars, climb the mountain, and dance the night away… ALONE. You won’t regret it.

Being a Wakeful Traveller

As much as we support woman totally in their power to travel alone, we also encourage travellers to support ethical and sustainable practices while they travel.

When you travel to a new country, you are entering the home of a people, culture, and land that is not your own.

Being a Wakeful Traveller means respecting those boundaries, celebrating our similarities, and appreciating our differences. Wakeful travelling involves considering the ethical and fair treatment of the workers who provide tourism services; seeking out the environmentally sustainable tourism practices; respecting the culture; and reducing your own individual ecological footprint. 

So what are you waiting for? Travel the world. Fill your soul. There is no one stopping you, and there is no one you need to wait for.