by Hayley Simpson, travel writer and author of hayleyonholiday.com.
You could say I’m a seasoned solo female traveller. I’ve explored more than 40 countries and spent months travelling solo through Europe, the US, and Asia. My journey began over a decade ago when I was just 18. Along the way, I’ve picked up plenty of tips and lessons, and now I’m here to share the solo travel advice I wish I’d known before I set off on this unforgettable adventure.
1. Embrace the fear
You’re not alone if you feel nervous before your first trip alone. Travelling solo is always a bit scary, whether you're exploring your own country or globetrotting. It’s daunting to rely entirely on yourself.
But here’s the thing about solo female travel: you must embrace the nerves! If you don’t, you might never take the leap. There’s no perfect time to go. If you keep waiting for the right moment or a travel buddy, you could be waiting forever while amazing opportunities pass you by.
That first step is the hardest. But once you take it and experience how empowering solo travel can be, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner. Trust me!
2. Solo travel changes you
This flows on from the last point, but solo travel genuinely changed me. As an introvert, it pushed me out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to connect with other travellers, whether on the road or during group tours. It also gave me a huge boost in confidence and self-belief. If I can spend three months navigating Europe solo, I can handle whatever life throws my way.
3. Travelling solo doesn’t have to be lonely
If you want your solo trip to be a purely alone experience, that’s completely valid and follow your own path. But if you’re feeling a little anxious about potential loneliness on an extended solo adventure, there are easy and effective ways to keep those feelings at bay.
First up, stay in a hostel where you’re surrounded by like-minded young travellers, many of whom are also flying solo. Even as an introvert, I’ve found hostels to be a great place to meet people. Strike up a casual conversation with a dorm mate or someone in a common area. Ask where they’re from, where they’ve been, or what they’re planning to do the next day. If you’re heading to the same attractions, suggest going together. Plus, many hostels host daily events or tours. Get involved and you’ll naturally meet people without too much effort.
If hostels aren’t your thing, there are other accommodation options with a social twist. Couchsurfing is a good one if you’re on a budget and want to meet locals. You could also stay in a shared Airbnb where you interact with the host, or book a homestay for a more immersive experience.
Another way to meet fellow travellers is by joining a free walking tour, booking a group day trip, or signing up for a multi-day tour. These activities attract solo travellers and create easy bonding moments over shared experiences.
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of social media. There are loads of solo travel and travel-related Facebook groups to connect you with people before or during your trip.
For me, the best solo travel experience includes a mix of socialising and downtime. Meeting new people adds richness to your trip, but it’s also nice to have time and space to reflect on your own. Find your balance and do what works for you.
4. Prioritise your safety
I know you probably already prioritise your safety in day-to-day life. But when you're travelling solo, especially as a woman, you need to stay one step ahead. It’s not about being scared, but being smart.
Here are my go-to safety tips:
- Arrive during daylight wherever possible. Navigating a new city is much easier when you can actually see where you’re going.
- Book well-reviewed accommodation in safe, central areas. Yes, that cheaper hostel on the edge of town might save you a few dollars. But if it’s a hassle to get to or feels sketchy at night, it’s not worth the risk.
- Share your plans with someone you trust. Whether it’s a friend, parent or partner, let them know your rough itinerary and grab an eSIM or local SIM card to make it easy for you to check in. Apps like Find My Friends or Life360 also take the pressure off and give you peace of mind.
- Don’t tell strangers you’re travelling solo. No one needs to know there’s no one waiting for you back at your accommodation.
5. Trust your instincts
When you’re travelling solo, your instincts are one of your best tools. Without the safety net of a travel buddy to bounce decisions off, you’ll rely more on your gut feeling, which is a good thing.
There’s a reason people say, “If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.” If a street feels dodgy, a stranger gives you an uncomfortable vibe, or an accommodation doesn’t look as advertised, don’t ignore that gut feeling. Listen to it and take action, whether you walk away, ask for help, or adapt your plans.
On the flip side, trusting your instincts can also lead to some of the best experiences. You might suddenly feel like saying yes to a day trip, striking up a conversation with someone in a cafe, or exploring a new part of town you hadn’t planned on visiting. These spontaneous moments often become trip highlights.
Solo travel teaches you how to make decisions confidently. You’ll learn when to take calculated risks and when to play it safe. The more you trust your gut, the more self-assured and capable you become – not just as a traveller, but in everyday life too.
6. Pack light and smart
When you’re travelling solo, there’s no one else to haul your bags up a flight of stairs or help you lift that suitcase onto the bus. It’s all you. That’s why smart packing is essential. I usually stick to a cross-body bag, a backpack and a medium-sized suitcase. It’s manageable, even when I’m navigating cobblestone streets, train platforms or hostel stairwells.
Overpacking is the classic rookie move. It slows you down, makes transfers more stressful, and increases the chance of losing something. Be ruthless, and stick to the essentials. If you forget something, nine times out of ten, you can buy it on the road anyway. Lighter luggage means more freedom, and that’s what solo travel is all about, right?
7. Budget wisely
Solo travel can sometimes be more expensive. You’re not splitting costs for rooms, transfers or groceries, so a bit of extra planning goes a long way.
Here are my top money-saving tips:
- Compare accommodation prices across multiple platforms. Check the property’s official website, Hostelworld, and the Booking.com app, which often has mobile-only discounts.
- Travel in the shoulder season. Fewer crowds and lower prices? Yes please!
- Use public transport where you can. It’s cheaper and a great way to see how locals live.
- Limit eating out to once a day. Fill in the gaps with snacks or simple meals from local grocery stores. It saves money and lets you try everyday food you’d never find on a restaurant menu.
- Carry a refillable water bottle. It’s a small thing that adds up fast.
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Look for free activities. Walking tours, public art, free attractions, and cultural events are everywhere once you start looking.
- Budgeting as a solo traveller isn’t about missing out. It’s about spending smart so your money takes you further.
8. Learn basic local phrases
One essential thing I wish I knew before I started travelling period is just how far a few basic local phrases can take you. Learning to say hello, goodbye, please and thank you makes a real difference. It shows respect, breaks the ice and often earns you a smile (or even better service). Just memorise a handful of words with help from your good friend, Google.
9. Document your journey
Document your journey in more than one way. Snap photos (don’t be afraid to ask other tourists to take your photo, either), film short videos, and jot down your thoughts in a journal. You’ll thank yourself later. It’s not just about sharing the highlights with others on social media. It’s a way to reflect, process your feelings, and create something you can look back on for years to come. You never know who you might inspire to take the solo travel leap!
10. Be flexible
Finally, the key to an extended solo travel trip is flexibility, as it can lead to the most memorable experiences. If you’re a planner like me, I know it’s hard. But from past experience, I understand how being open to spontaneity has enriched my travels and led to unexpected adventures.
Remember, it’s okay to start small. Try a weekend away in your own backyard before booking that big overseas adventure. It’s a great way to ease into solo travel and see how it feels to explore on your own. No matter where you’re headed or for how long, these tips will help you travel smarter, safer and with way more confidence.
