Travelling alone isn’t just about boarding a plane with nobody else’s itinerary weighing you down.
It’s about discovering who you are when nobody’s watching, and, yes, figuring out how to be okay on your own – especially when you’ve always had company.
Whether you’re jetting off to Lombok, wandering the streets of Tokyo, or hopping on a budget flight to Bangkok, solo travel can be equal parts freeing, nerve-wracking, and life-changing.
Here’s the good news: with a little prep (and some confidence tricks up your sleeve), it can also be safe, empowering, and seriously fun.
Why Women Are Doing It Anyway
The rise of solo female travel isn’t just a TikTok trend (hopefully).
More women are packing their bags and heading off alone because:
- Freedom: No compromise on where to eat, what to see, or how many museums in a row you want.
- Confidence: Nothing makes you feel like a boss more than navigating a new city alone.
- Self-discovery: Turns out you learn a lot about yourself when Google Maps is your only travel buddy.
And this is something every solo traveler will tell you – Waiting around for the “perfect” travel partner means you might never go.
So, go!
The Non-Boring Safety Rules You’ll Actually Use
Let’s skip the lecture and get straight to the good stuff:
- Research smart, not paranoid: Know which neighbourhoods are cool and which are “maybe don’t walk there at 11 p.m.”
- Share your location: Drop your live location to a friend or sibling. It’s like having an invisible travel buddy.
- Fake phone calls work: If someone’s bothering you, pretend you’re on the phone with a local friend. Works like magic.
- Two wallets are better than one: Keep a “decoy” with a little cash and expired cards. Your real stash stays hidden.
- Blend in: Learn the cultural vibe. Sometimes that means covering your shoulders and one should respect that.
- Trust your gut: If a place, person, or situation feels off, it probably is. Leave. No explanations required.
Real-Life Fixes for Tricky Situations
- Eating alone? Order something fun, people-watch, or bring a book. Honestly, no one’s judging.
- Taxi feels sketchy? Politely ask to stop and get out – ALWAYS better safe than sorry.
- Unwanted attention? Duck into the nearest café or shop. Instant exit plan.
How to Beat the Lonely Moments
Here’s the part no one puts on Instagram: solo travel can get lonely (and if it is for you, it’s normal)!
- Talk to people: Hotel lobbies, coffee shops, walking tours -they’re full of travellers just as awkwardly eager to connect.
- Make little rituals: A morning coffee spot, an evening walk – something that feels like yours in that city.
- Journal or snap daily selfies: Future you will thank present you for capturing the details.
The Empowerment Bit You’re Looking For
Yes, we hear you – and you are right.
At some point, you’ll look back at your trip and realise: I did that. By myself. (HOW CRAZY IS THAT?)
The courage it takes to hop on a plane alone will spill over into other parts of your life – work, relationships, even how you stand up for yourself.
Travelling solo is ultimately about learning that you’re capable, resourceful, and braver than you thought.
So, pack your bags, slip your passport into that cute little holder, and go!
The world’s waiting and you don’t need anyone else’s permission.