Solo traveling continues to dominate the travel industry and there’s no end in sight. As an avid solo traveler, this craze only makes me grin like an all-knowing Cheshire cat in the jungle that is solo traveling bliss. So much so, that it inspired me to share the wealth of solo traveling knowledge undoubtedly gleaned by those who were brave enough to go too! As a result, I compiled a list of 13 solo female traveling accounts that inspire women (and me!) to do the same on social networks to share some solo travel tips with you all.
When I took to the skies as a BIPOC solo backpacker in 2017, I had zero idea what I was doing. I borrowed a friend’s 50L pack, stuffed it as best as I could, put it on, attempted to stand up straight, fell over, and then tried again.
Seven years later, I am 58 passport stamps deep – over half of those accomplished as a solo traveler – and I have met and fostered a community of other fierce solo traveling baddies. I also help inspire other women to get out there and go with personal solo travel consultations, even if that means they go solo.
From understanding the current climate, cultural, and historical nuances of a destination, to how best to prepare for solo travel, There are dozens upon dozens of reasons why women need a Strategic Solo Traveling Consultation. But enough about me!
Allow me to introduce you to these 13 solo female traveling accounts full of wanderlust and inspiration. These women are fiercely courageous and happy to help you get out there and go solo, too! Read on to hear their stories of solo traveling, how they got started, why they inspire me, and what solo travel means to them.
13 Solo Female Traveling Accounts You Should Follow TODAY!
In their own words, these 13 stunning solo traveling baddies share their solo traveling journey, share some of their best solo travel tips for ladies, and express what solo traveling means to them. Let’s get right into it!
Susana | Curiosity Saves Travel
I jumped off the deep end with my first solo trip to Brazil over a decade ago. That first trip is what I call a solo/group/solo sandwich and to date, that was the most challenging adventure I’ve experienced. I traveled without the internet or knowing any Portuguese. I got lost, was followed, got food poisoning, and had difficulty communicating with people in the hostel.
However, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. It gave me the confidence and travel know-how that launched many more of my solo travel adventures.
As an advocate for sustainable and responsible travel, I love that I can curate responsible trips without feeling like I have to compromise for anyone. Solo travel also presents opportunities for meaningful connections because you’re not relying on your friends or partner, making it great for an immersive cultural experience.
Why Suse inspires me: Born in Alaska, I adore Susana’s curiosity for all things interconnected while she travels the globe. Susana deliberately chooses destinations that educate her or allow her to educate others about the wonders of nature. She harps on the importance of traveling responsibly and solo despite being married! We have bonded countless times over practical living tips with a sustainable twist and the impacts of overtourism on the travel industry, in addition to the destination itself.
Susana’s solo travel tips:
- If you are nervous about solo traveling – start in your home region. Head off on a shorter trip somewhere in your home country to get used to the experience. Or you can do what I did and add a solo adventure at the start or end of a small group trip.
- Find and embrace an avenue of solo sustainable travel. Make these your most responsible trips and strive to give back to your destinations and yourself with meaningful solo experiences.
- Solo travel isn’t just for single women. My partner and I still take off on solo travel adventures and encourage each other to do the same. Never settle for a partner who doesn’t support you in taking off on solo adventures!
For women interested in sustainable travel, embrace the benefits of solo traveling and plan eco itineraries that have a positive ripple effect on yourselves and your destinations.
Nicole | I Luv 2 Globetrot
I took my first solo trip to Cambodia while I was living abroad as an ESL teacher in South Korea at the time. I didn’t want to wait for others to venture out and explore more of S. East Asia while I was on that side of the globe. It was an excellent decision as I grew more and more confident to solo travel after that.
I love the independence I feel when I travel solo. There is nothing like moving about in a place alone and having the freedom to do what you want when you want. Also, I enjoy solo travel as I meet more interesting people when I’m on my own as opposed to traveling with friends or family.
Why I follow Nicole: I found Nicole and her traveling website way back at my origin of travel blogging. Her then partner in crime even took the time to meet up with me while I was traveling through Australia once. Nicole radiates community and supports women traveling, solo or otherwise!
Nicole’s solo traveling tips:
- Always share details of your trip (where you’re staying, flight details, etc) with a friend or family member before your solo trip
- Register with the embassy before your solo trip
- Never disclose to strangers that you’re on your solo while on holiday
Safety is always a concern for first-time solo travelers. Heck, it’s a concern for avid solo traveling females! YouTube can be your best friend when it comes to this, but I made it easy for you with this blog full of enlightening clips to empower your solo travels.
Jess | The Wander Word
The first time I traveled solo was almost by mistake. I was set to visit Amsterdam and Florence with my friend. She backed out at the last minute and I had to decide to cancel or go alone.
I’m so glad I went!.
My favorite thing about solo travel is the empowerment. It builds self-confidence, independence, adaptability, and amazing experiences! Women are too often seen as the caregivers and nurturers for other people, leading to us not giving care or nurturing ourselves.
I follow Jess because her vibe is everything, but more importantly, her message is phenomenal. Jess takes the time to address the topics of travel that most influencers in the trade skip over entirely. Topics like slow traveling destinations vs flash trips and the history of languages and cultural traditions.
Jess’s wanderFULL tips for solo travelers:
1. Pack light! Worrying about a huge bag while traveling alone is not fun. Bring a carry-on-sized bag only, or, even better, a backpack!
2. Leave time to wander. You should be booking activities, but don’t overdo it. Leave time for the magic of travel to happen as you’re getting lost in a new city.
3. Share your itinerary with family and friends. Create a shared doc with all of your dates, hotels, phone numbers, flights, etc., and share it with multiple people back home. This helps them follow your journey and lets you know a loved one always knows where you are, even if you’re alone.
Solo traveling communities can be another lifesaver when on the road.
Ariana | Ariventuras
My “official solo trip” was when I decided to leave the US to live abroad. I moved out of my apartment and landed in Cali, Colombia in 2021. I’ve been traveling solo ever since and made it to 27 countries so far.
My favorite thing about solo traveling is the freedom to do whatever you want, whenever you want. Being solo also opens you up to opportunities that just aren’t possible when you’re with other people – like meeting new friends or getting special treatment or an exclusive experience because you’re alone.
I enjoy inspiring other women to venture out on their own because you learn so much about yourself, and all you are capable of, when you do.
Why I follow Ariana: This lady is a gemstone! Although I am sure you have recognized a pattern by now in the responses of these solo traveling women, Ariana manages to stand out in the crowd. As a fellow BIPOC solo female traveler inspiring others, it’s straight-up solidarity!
Ariana’s tips for solo traveling:
- Trust your instincts, you have them for a reason.
- Don’t expect the journey to be all rainbows and sunshine but do expect the challenges to shape you for the better.
- Stand firm on your boundaries and don’t be afraid to lie or be rude when it’s warranted.
Let’s keep this going with our next solo female traveling account full of wanderlust.
Niki | Mindset Mentress
I was just sick of waiting for people to say YES to travel with me. Plus, I understood that the dream of traveling the world was mine and I had to honor that dream. And so I said no problem, I’m going to book my flights and go. That trip transformed me because I realized how much strength was hidden inside of me to navigate the world. A new me was born that day.
I want to inspire other women to do the same because, for the longest time, women have been told that it’s unsafe to travel solo, that they need a man to go with them, or that they’ll be completely bored if they go alone. None of this is true!
I follow Niki as a solo female traveler because she’s smart as a whip. Her content varies, too, covering her destinations, mental attitudes, fun quips, and tips as she hops from place to place.
Niki’s well-thought-out solo traveling tips:
- You do have to continue taking basic safety measures – don’t explore alone at night after dark, and try not to consume too much alcohol or other substances while alone. Try to blend in with the locals as much as possible so you don’t call any attention to yourself.
- Don’t hesitate to join day trip excursions solo as there are usually other solo travelers as well and it’s a great way to meet other like-minded people in the area. Be open to making small talk with strangers as you never know who you might meet and what you might learn about them.
- Don’t be very rigid with your plans. Sometimes keeping open time/days of your trips is great because you can fill it up with recommendations of things to see/do from the locals – a great way to keep that exploring spark alive.
Who’s up next?
Alyssa | Alyssa Ann Travels
There’s something not only magical but also empowering about being in different spaces in our world while traveling solo. My first time traveling solo was actually because of a project I needed to do for work in Ethiopia. (Nothing quite like diving into the deep end!) I had been there before with co-workers, but this was my first time making the trek alone. The terms and conditions of my travel suddenly were not about a group or couple, but about what I needed and wanted.
Since then I’ve traveled solo from Panama to Rwanda to Portugal to Qatar to South Africa and beyond!
I also started my own travel company where I take small groups traveling. So, I experience many different types of travel regularly. However, I find these aspects of solo travel too valuable to let go of:
- Enjoy the chance to blend in as a solo traveler.
You may look different from the locals; but if you take some time to walk or sit quietly but confidently, you’ll have the chance to witness local life more as it truly is.
- Act like you’re supposed to be there.
When you act like you’re supposed to be there, respectfully taking up the space that you are existing in, I find people treat you differently.
- Tap into your glorious womanly intuition.
Trust your intuition! I rely heavily on this when I’m traveling alone. If I’m in a space and the little voice inside is telling me to move along, I don’t challenge that voice for the sake of adventure. So far, my female intuition has been my best solo travel friend.
I follow Alyysa because she is hilarious! She is also a woman living abroad, which bonds us. Alyssa is sweet, and considerate and doesn’t gatekeep on her best travel tips. Keep reading to meet solo adventuress, Elky.
Elky | Solo Adventuress
I started traveling “solo” in 2021 when I came to Medellin, Colombia for the first time. Traveling for me in general started in 2018 as a gap year after having lost my dad to cancer and deciding to quit my job. I fell in love with Medellin and decided to stay here.
I’ve come to realize that being in a different country by yourself really tests you and forces you to get to know yourself and what it is you truly like and dislike. I believe it’s the best way to build a relationship with yourself cause you’re truly on your own but it’s also an amazing way to meet people that feel like they’ve been put in your path.
I couldn’t agree more with Elky‘s ideals of living solo abroad and solo traveling. It is the fastest way to learn all the things you love and hate about yourself and others while shaking you awake to the realities of the world.
Elky’s adventure-FuLL solo travel tips for beginner solo travelers:
- Look for community groups in the area you’re traveling to before your journey, it’s a great way to inform yourself and have direct and real-time information from people currently living or slow traveling there.
- Use and research resources! There are so many apps that are available to us nowadays, do some research and see which ones work best for you.
- Pack items that serve multiple purposes. When you solo travel you’re limited on space but that doesn’t mean you should be limited on comfort. For instance, a sarong can be used as a towel, blanket, or top/dress.
Want a curated list of 100+ travel apps perfect for solo female travelers? Click the image below to register for my Monthly Newsletter and cop this SHE-mazing travel freebie today!
Ava | Avagail Adventures
The first time I traveled solo was to Australia in 2008 because I’d found out about a “volunteer and adventure” trip to one of my top bucket list countries, and I decided to go for it!
It was my first time traveling solo in the sense that I left home on my own and went on the trip without knowing anyone else. This trip made me fall in love with solo traveling – so many things were a “first” on that trip, but all of it also somehow felt familiar.
What I love the most about solo traveling is always the people I meet. When you travel with people you know or in a group, you usually stick with the people you know (even if you don’t always do so intentionally), but solo traveling allows you to meet many more people from other travelers to locals in the destinations you visit.
And my favorite thing about inspiring other women to solo travel is showing that we don’t have to live the lives that others expect of us – that we can do ALL THE THINGS people have told us we can’t and we can do them unapologetically and joyfully.
Why I follow Ava: I first ran into Ava when seeking awesome travel personalities to feature on my IG LIVEs in 2022. Clearly, Ava was a perfect choice for this! I learned so much about her and her solo travel story and am looking forward to watching her blossom into a micro-influencer all her own.
Ava’s adventurous solo traveling tips:
1. Always trust your gut. What feels safe for you may not feel safe for others and vice versa, so use your intuition to guide you.
2. Say hello! Solo traveling *CAN* feel lonely sometimes, but it doesn’t have to be if you don’t want it to be. A simple “hello” – to another traveler at your accommodation, someone you meet on a tour, the person serving you in a restaurant, etc. – can lead to a great conversation and even new friends on the road!
Here, here Ava! Now let’s get to meet Alexis.
Alexis | The Soul Traveler
Solo travel has honestly been the greatest thing I have ever done in my life. Solo traveling has taught me freedom, independence, resilience, patience, compassion, adaptability, and communication. I never waited on others nor had a breakup or major life event occurred to initiate my decision to travel solo. I just went and I never looked back.
The first time I backpacked solo was in 2018. I was 22 years old and planned an epic 9-week backpacking trip to Seattle, Hawaii, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Australia.
Hands down, my favorite thing solo travel has taught me is that solo does not mean alone. I have learned to embrace and love myself in ways I could have never imagined. When I first realized and properly understood this, it changed the way I looked at myself and lived my travels and my life. I became more confident, fierce, and bold because of it; saying yes to adventures, new experiences, and living. I have met beautiful people around the world who have become good friends and some are now my best friends and I cannot imagine my life without them in it.
To all those beautiful solo traveling beauties out there just getting started, as a girl who has been traveling part/full-time and living abroad for 7 years solo, here are my top 3 soulful solo female travel tips:
Join a community – Facebook, meet up, Couchsurfing, Workaway/Worldpackers, etc. – to connect with other travelers. Even just knowing that you know someone or can hang out with a local who is from there/living there will ease the travel anxiety of trying to meet people and explore a city/region. Who knows? You may even build friendships and travel with them for a little bit and go on epic adventures. Having a community creates an amazing support system for travelers who are always looking out for each other.
Trust in yourself and get lost on purpose. Put your phone away while you explore a city or area and get purposefully lost. Let your intuition and desire to try something new guide you down new streets. Who knows where you will end up, what new cafe or restaurant you will try, and who you will meet and connect with when you are open to new experiences!
It’s okay not to be okay. Read that one a second time. As a fellow female solo traveler who struggles with anxiety, travel anxiety, and depression, and is an introvert, I can wholeheartedly say that this is the best advice I give to myself on every trip I have ever gone on. I have learned to listen to my mind and body when they tell me that I need to slow down or that I am not okay. I find ways to acknowledge and support those feelings and process my emotions, like journaling, working out/dancing, taking rest days, indulging in self-care activities I love, talking with friends or family, and having a good cry. It’s okay not to be okay, be overwhelmed, or burnt out. Give yourself the time and grace you need.
Why I follow Alexis: The little firecracker has been on my radar for many years! She inspires without even trying, embraces her imperfections in an inspirational way, and takes us all with her as she teaches English around the world.
Uncover all of the Sensational Benefits of Traveling As A Solo Female and keep reading to meet Geleen!
Geleen | Travel Not To Escape
I went on my first solo travel trip, complete with a 40L Redwing backpack and fanny pack, to Italy. What I love most about solo travel and inspiring other women to do the same is the opportunity to accelerate their growth.
It’s incredible to share what I’ve learned over a decade of solo adventures and help other women discover themselves more quickly.
I’m passionate about empowering women to explore the world and envision limitless possibilities for their lives. By sharing my experiences and knowledge, I hope to shorten their learning curve and inspire them to embrace solo travel as a catalyst for personal growth.
Geleen’s go-to solo traveling tips:
- Know yourself before you go. Before booking that one-way ticket, consider your current state of mind and body. Are you seeking adventure, relaxation, or personal growth? Understanding your motivations will help you choose a trip that truly nourishes you.
- Define your desired outcome. What do you hope to gain from solo travel? Whether it’s a change in perspective, a new skill, or simply a break from routine, having a clear goal can guide your journey.
- Tailor your trip to your needs. Once you understand yourself and your goals, design a trip that aligns with them. If you’re anxious about solo travel, start with a shorter trip closer to home. If you crave social interaction, choose a destination with vibrant communities. Remember, the perfect trip is the one that supports your personal growth.
I am so pumped to be following Geleen’s adventures and am looking forward to being a guest on her travel podcast in the coming months! Stay tuned!
Rach | Femme Voyager
My first ever solo trip was to Australia for an entire year when I was only 19 years old! I had graduated high school and knew I was not ready to go to college yet. I worked 3 jobs saved up around 10k in a year and secured a short-term Au Pair job in Melbourne, Australia. Before this, I had never even left my home state!
My favorite thing about solo travel is the people you meet. Ironically, I meet way more people when I’m alone than when on a group trip. Solo travelers tend to find each other which is great for developing confidence and problem-solving skills.
This femme voyager’s solo traveling tips:
1. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself. The majority of people are eager to make friends and probably just as nervous as you are! Some of my best memories started with a simple hello!
2. Listen to your limits. You don’t need to push yourself to do every single activity in each location. This will lead to burnout and won’t even be fun if you are too tired. Or If you don’t feel like partying it’s more than okay to skip it you aren’t missing out if your heart isn’t in it-whatever the activity may be! And if you don’t know your limits yet you will learn them along the way! From 12-hour night buses to lugging your backpack in the heat, traveling (especially long-term) can be overwhelming and physically taxing. You are your home when on the road so respect the days when you need rest mentally and physically.
3. Always have a scarf/sarong with you. A lightweight scarf has so many uses from covering your shoulders when visiting temples to keeping you warm on a cold bus to mopping up a spill to drying off the beach after an impromptu dip!
Why I follow Rach: Her adventurous spirit is nothing but contagious. Not to mention she representa all the best elements of solo female travel! Next up, Bea!
Bea | Bea Adventurous
When I was 17, I packed my bags and jumped on a plane to Ireland. That trip taught me that the unknown isn’t half as scary as we make it out to be and propelled me in later years to travel the world solo.
My latest 10-week solo trip took me to Sierra Leone, Tanzania, South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini.
I love the connections I make while traveling solo. It is possible to meet locals when traveling with others, but the level of immersion you can get solo is incomparable. People want to make sure you are enjoying their country or town and therefore go out of their way to make sure you are not lonely.
Traveling solo has made me realize just how kind this world really is!
Why I follow Bea: Bea puts adventure first, every time! Her love for the African continent also allows me to travel vicariously through her all while learning a tip or two along the way.
Bea’s adventurous solo traveling tips:
1. Mingle with the locals. Too often we travel solo but connect with fellow travellers. That’s fun, but if you really want to learn about a destination you need to hang out with the locals instead.
2. Learn some basic language skills. You will transform each interaction if you can learn a few words of the local language. And each time you use them ask that person to teach you another one. You will be surprised how many doors it will open for you.
3. Trust your gut. I’m a huge advocate for smiling at strangers to open up the doors of possibility, but if my gut gets a funny inkling I am the first to leave. But make sure it is your gut you are listening to and not your judgment!
Register for Bea’s newsletter and check out her latest blog on traveling safely in developing nations.
Last, but certainly not least, is Shivani!
Shivani | Live With Shiv
My first solo trip is kind of your cliche, quintessential, “Eat Pray Love” trip. I took the opportunity, said “YOLO”, and embarked on a 20.5-hour flight journey to the other side of the world to heal from heartbreak, indulge in new experiences, and of course, find myself.
Solo travel, in my opinion, is the best form of self-help and self-care. There’s nothing like putting yourself in a totally new environment and seeing how you navigate your way through it. It truly is such a main character moment – it’s like you’re living out a little movie and all the twists and turns are just part of the plot.
Going on a solo trip has so many benefits like meeting new people that expand your mind, discovering new hobbies and activities that light up your soul, and exposing yourself to a new culture that could change the way you want to live your life.
Shivani’s solo travel advice is centered around self-growth and integration:
- Travel as if you’re actually living in that place. Think about what your morning routine would be if you lived in this city. Would you adopt an active lifestyle here? Then, head to a local yoga class or dance workshop. Whether it be reading, sticking to your skincare routine, or meditating, a new environment is perfect to test out these habits and see how they make you feel.
- Document your journey. With how great our phone cameras are these days, there’s honestly no excuse why you’re not capturing moments from your trips. If you’re someone who loves being the main character, then go ahead and do your vacation fit check videos, vlog your day out, or create a cinematic edit of yourself at the beach. For those that are a bit more camera shy, you can create a photo diary of snippets of your day from the best meal you had to a jaw-dropping landscape or a wholesome moment between other travelers or locals.
- Channel your alter-ego. It’s sometimes hard to break out of your mold and reinvent yourself. You’re in a new environment where no one knows the old you, so you can quite literally make up a new identity and feel confident living as her.
I personally LOVE that last tip from Shivani because I have done the same! When I traveled to Bali, I adopted my best British accent for the duration of the trip! I observed that the locals found it easier to understand my English with the accent – a testament to the sheer number of Brits that have been through the island nation in recent decades.
Needless to say, it was an exquisite time and I adored rewriting my story on the fly or embellishing a few fun facts about my life as this British version of me. I highly recommend it because as Shivani brilliantly points out, you can be whoever you want to be while solo traveling. The freedom and the decisions belong solely to you!
Want more than solo female traveling accounts to inspire you?
Try reading through these few helpful guides! Don’t forget to register for my Monthly Newsletter to access your two travel freebies, too! If you need extra motivation, let’s talk about it!
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