Updated June 23, 2024
Your first trip as a solo female traveler will undoubtedly bring up feelings of doubt and anxiety. Read about what I learned as a solo female traveler and what traveling solo can teach you.
All your life you’ve probably been told, you can’t do that. I’m here to tell you not to listen to the negativepeople in your life. If it’s something you’ve always wanted to do and it will bring you joy, I say go for it.
I’ve learned a lot traveling solo and I hope this post will encourage you to live your life the way you want to. Go on the adventure, you never know what the future will hold.
Bring your chargers everywhere
What traveling so can teach you is how annoying it is to be on your trip and not have charged electronics, it’s also unsafe. When you’re alone, you want to be able to stay in contact with your friends and family.
You should always be in contact with someone, telling them your location and what you will be doing.
When traveling to these new places, you will probably be out exploring all day, not returning to your hotel until late afternoon or evening. Always remember to bring a phone portable charger with you. Dont forget to charge the charger.
You don’t want to be in an unfamiliar place with no way to get a hold if anybody or find your way back to the hotel.
Its better to be safe than sorry. Always carry your chargers with you.
How to Research and Plan
When you are on a solo trip you can plan your own destinations, where you want to go, what you want to do, where you want to eat.
You don’t have to consult anybody, which is great because it will help you be more self sufficient and self reliant.
Figuring out what you want can be hard, and you might be a little indecisive with so many options. Once you do figure it out on your own you will feel a lot better about the process and it will make it so much easier in the future.
Once you start solo traveling more, it can teach you what you like to do and what you don’t. It will help you plan more activities that you like, so you can enjoy your trip more.
Stay Where you Want to
There are so many options when it comes to accommodations. You can stay at a hotel, hostel, Airbnb and many others.
Traveling solo has taught me, when you are planning your own trip you can stay where you want. On some occasions you may want to stay at a higher end hotel.
You may be on a budget and want to stay at a hostel. If the people you are traveling with don’t like hostels, it may force you to spend more money than you want to.
I have learned that traveling solo can help you stay on a budget. You don’t want to come home with a bunch of credit card debt after your amazing trip.
How to find transportation
If you’re traveling to a new destination, it can be a little overwhelming trying to figure out how to get around.
Do you take a bus, cab, train or maybe a boat? When you’re on your own you don’t have to be concerned that maybe someone doesn’t like flying or gets sea sick.
You can take the cheapest or most luxurious transportation and you don’t have to worry about what someone else has to say about it.
How to dine alone without feeling awkward
At first eating alone can be intimidating, but what I’ve learned as a solo female traveler is that most people don’t care what you’re doing.
You are judging yourself more than someone else is judging you. People really don’t give others a second thought. As harsh as that sounds, think about what would your thought be if you saw someone sitting alone.
Your reaction would probably be good for them, then you would go back to your own meal. Most likely you will never see them again anyway. Enjoy yourself without feeling judged.
How to make the most of your time
When most of us go on vacation it’s for 5 to 7 days. I’ve learned that when you are solo traveling you may not need that much time in one place.
Depending on where you are traveling to, how big the city is and how many things you have on your list to do, you might only need to stay in a place for 2 to 3 days.
If the city is very walkable, you might be able to see most of the attractions in 1 day. This is where the research comes in to decide how much time you actually need which could save you some money.
Why you want to book a walking tour
Traveling solo can be boring or lonely for some people. Or maybe you’ve been doing it and while and want a change of pace.
A great way to explore a city is by booking a walking tour. You can meet people on these tours and decide if you want to hang out with them for a while on your trip.
Walking tours are a great way to explore the city, eat great food you may not have found on your own and make new friends.
How to trust your instincts and stay safe
You know that feeling in the back of your mind saying don’t do that, don’t go there, turn around.
Most of us don’t listen to that voice and continue to do it anyway. It probably turns out fine most of the time, but when you’re alone in a new place why take the chance.
It’s better to be safe than sorry is my motto. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. It’s as simple as that and yet people still don’t listen
As women we’re wired to be a people pleaser and not cause a stir. I would rather look crazy or be embarrassed, than be in an unsafe situation.
What traveling solo can teach you is that if you ever in an unsafe situation don’t be quiet or still. Make noise and get people’s attention because then the person most likely will back away and not bother you because they don’t want the attention.
Does traveling solo get lonely?
Traveling solo can sometimes get lonely, as you might miss the companionship and shared experiences that come with traveling with friends or family. The absence of a familiar face can be felt most during quiet moments or when encountering challenges.
However, solo travel also offers unique opportunities to connect with new people, form meaningful relationships, and immerse yourself more deeply in the destination.
Many solo travelers find that the freedom to make spontaneous decisions and engage with locals and fellow travelers can outweigh the feelings of loneliness, turning solo adventures into enriching and fulfilling experiences.
Traveling solo as an introvert
What traveling solo can teach youbis that, traveling solo as an introvert can be a deeply rewarding experience with the right approach. Start by planning ahead and choosing destinations that align with your interests, offering plenty of solo-friendly activities such as museums, nature hikes, and quiet cafes.
Embrace the flexibility to set your own pace, allowing yourself downtime to recharge in between exploring. Use Facebook groups or apps to connect with other travelers. Join small group tours for occasional social interaction without feeling overwhelmed.
Consider staying in accommodations like hostels or boutique hotels that provide communal spaces, offering opportunities for casual conversations.
Remember, traveling solo allows you to prioritize your comfort and preferences, making it an ideal way for introverts to see the world on their own terms.
How to make friends when traveling solo
Making friends when traveling solo can enhance your experience and create lasting memories. Start by staying in social accommodations like hostels, guesthouses, or boutique hotels that offer communal spaces and organized events.
Participate in group activities such as walking tours, cooking classes, or adventure excursions, which naturally bring people together.
Attend meetups or social gatherings and embrace spontaneity and say yes to invitations, as these can lead to new friendships and unexpected adventures.
How to take photos when traveling solo
Taking photos when traveling alone can be both fun and creative. Start by investing in a good quality camera or smartphone. Your phone and camera most likely have timers you can set. Buy a tripod, which allows you to set up and take shots without needing assistance.
Use a selfie stick or remote shutter for more flexibility in framing your photos. Take advantage of reflective surfaces like mirrors and windows for self portraits.
Traveling solo can teach you to be reliant and self sufficient, so don’t hesitate to ask other travelers in the area or locals to take a picture of you.
Experiment with different angles, and use the opportunity to capture not just yourself, but the beautiful scenery around you.
Traveling solo to find yourself
Traveling solo to find yourself is a transformative journey that offers opportunities for self-discovery and personal growth. Away from the familiar faves and routines, you gain the freedom to explore new environments, cultures, and experiences at your own pace.
This independence allows a betters understanding of your desires, strengths, and values. Embracing solitude allows you to confront and overcome challenges, boosting your confidence and resilience.
Meeting new people along the way provides fresh perspectives and insights about how our view the world. Solo travel fosters a stronger sense of self-awareness and purpose, helping you return home with a renewed sense of clarity and direction.
Conclusion
What solo traveling can teach you is that it’s fun and exciting to be on your own and explore and do things the way you want to. A lot of people will tell you not to do it. They will tell you not to follow your dreams.
Don’t give up on your dreams or let other people tell you what you should or shouldn’t be doing.
What traveling solo can teach you is that you have to live your life how you see fit, so that you can be happy and live up to your full potential.