Female travel has become a major phenomenon worldwide, with the number of companies catering exclusively to female travelers having increased by over 200% in the past few years.
Traveling as a solo woman can be intimidating, but it's also very empowering and can expand your worldview. The world is a magical place so don't let fears limit you. Step out of your comfort zone and have fun exploring new fascinating places.
Here we've put together a comprehensive resource that can be useful for both first-time and experienced solo female travelers. We hope these tips and advice will help you stay safe and crush it as a solo female traveler.
Assure your loved ones
Some of your loved ones, including your partner, parents, siblings, and friends, may be against or not comfortable with the idea of you traveling alone, especially if it's your first time.
It's important that you understand their concerns and plan a conversation with them before you make plans. This will also give you greater peace of mind when traveling.
Research
Being well-informed about weather, lodging, transportation, dress code, etiquette, local customs, and similar topics will help you make better decisions and enjoy your trip more. So research before you go.
Book in advance
Common sense is the most important thing you should take with you. Always book accommodation for your first night in advance. This way you don't have to find a place to stay late at night or with jet lag.
Have the address of the booked accommodation ready because you may not have access to the Internet.
Avoid overpacking
Carrying a very heavy backpack can put a damper on your solo excursions. So make yourself a checklist and pack only the essentials.
This includes your passport, cash, credit card, travel insurance, cell phone, laptop, hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, a pair of comfortable sandals, comfortable walking shoes, clothing appropriate for the weather at your destination, a power bank, and a reusable water bottle.
Prepare for the flight
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes on the plane to keep your circulation going and avoid cramps.
Have your hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and breath mints handy. Also pack a few things to keep you entertained during the flight. It's advisable that you stay hydrated and avoid too much coffee and alcohol.
Have offline resources ready
Internet can sometimes be unreliable abroad, and your phone's battery can die in the middle of nowhere. This makes offline resources very valuable for traveling safely.
Keep a photocopy of your travel documents and insurance as well as a written record of your accommodation address.
There are many offline travel apps you can download to use when you need access to maps, currency exchange rates, or similar information.
Find the right accommodation for you
Accommodation is an important factor in solo travel for women. Nowadays there are numerous types of travel and travelers so it shouldn't be difficult to find an accommodation that suits your particular needs.
When choosing a place to stay, prioritize those that have good reviews and a 24-hour help desk. Also, consider booking a place that's well connected to local amenities and public transportation. This way you can save precious time and energy.
Take a look at the listings on Flatio. You may find what you're looking for among the thousands of accommodations on our platform.
Meeting others
Traveling alone doesn't need to be a lonely experience. Solo travel is a great opportunity to meet new people and expand your horizons. So be open-minded and join other travelers on guided tours, cooking classes, or at nearby cafes and restaurants.
But be sure to stay in control. Watch how much alcohol you drink and don't leave your drink unattended. If you feel uncomfortable in a meeting, just walk away.
Uphold boundaries
Connecting with other travelers on your solo journey is a rewarding experience, but you're well within your rights not to reveal your location. It's better to meet others in a way that makes you feel safe, preferably in public places.
It's a good idea to share your location with someone back home whenever you feel it's necessary.
Stay healthy
Traveling usually interrupts our fitness routine, but you can keep fit on the go. The Internet is full of simple workouts that you can easily do anywhere in the world. Commit to exercising at least 10-15 minutes a day to stay healthy.
Diet also plays a big part in how you look and feel. So make sure you eat a balanced diet and avoid these common mistakes while traveling:
- Skipping breakfast
- Not drinking enough water
- Eating oversized portions
- Drinking too much
Pick the right destinations
It's good to be adventurous, but you should make sure your destination is safe. You'll enjoy your trip more if you don't have to worry about violence or petty crime.
Also, if you don't like unwanted attention from men, you should choose places that are more female-friendly.
Here are some of the best places for women traveling alone in 2022:
- Iceland
- Thailand
- Germany
- Canada
- Aruba
- Sweden
- New Zealand
- Indonesia
- Japan
- France
- Portugal
- Spain
- Hungary
Beware of cultural differences
It's important to understand the culture of your chosen location so do a little research before you go. Here's some information that you may find useful:
- Covering up: In some countries, it's considered offensive if you visit religious sites without covering up.
- Removing shoes: Many people in Asia find it disrespectful if you don't remove your shoes before entering their homes.
- Tipping: In some countries like the United States and Canada, it's customary to tip bartenders and waiters.
Enjoy it
It's true that solo travel brings its own challenges, but it's a worthwhile experience that you'll cherish for a lifetime if you do it right.
Be smart, informed, and confident, but don't overthink every step of your journey. Don't forget to enjoy yourself and the freedom to explore the world the way you want.
And remember that a smile and a few local words and phrases can go a long way in helping you meet new fascinating people.
