Are you planning an adventure and feeling apprehensive? These solo female travel tips will help you make the most of your trip.
I still remember that feeling as I said goodbye to my mum at the airport and jetted off to Mexico for a three-month travel adventure. I felt a heady mix of butterflies, adrenaline and excitement. I couldn’t wait to get off the plane and start my travels.. but I was anxious too. Would I get homesick? Would I make friends? Would I like being on my own? Would I get sick?
I returned home over three months later claiming it was the best thing I’d ever done! It was a transformative experience, and one that prompted my change in career, as I worked to turn my blog into a full-time role.
It’s not just me who raves about travelling solo! I read that 24% of Brits are planning trips alone this year. It’s a way to explore new places, experience diverse cultures, make friends and, perhaps most importantly, step outside your comfort zone. When you combine all of these things, you’re guaranteed to grow as a person.
For many female adventurers, travelling solo isn’t just about sightseeing. It’s about connecting with themselves, others and gaining a new type of confidence. It’s also a way to escape from the expectations of others, gender norms, and prejudice. I think when I jetted off on that plane to Mexico, I was looking for something new. I had hit a wall in my career and lost a lot of confidence. It was amazing what good came from a few months without restrictions!
These days, you’ll see a lot of people travelling solo while they work. The digital nomad lifestyle is bang on trend! With technology and WiFi keeping us connected wherever we are in the world, it’s easy enough to do your job while sitting by a beach in Thailand or with views of the Swiss Alps!
Technology has also made travelling solo a lot safer. Personally, I love that I can use my phone to look at maps, plan routes, translate signs, as well as keep in touch with my friends and family.
When I travel abroad I always organise an eSIM before I go. Holafly’s website has lots of options depending on where you’re travelling to and for how long. eSIMs download directly to your phone, and offer a hassle-free way to stay connected abroad.
In this guide I’ll share some more great tips on how to stay safe when you’re travelling solo. I’ll also be suggesting a few of my favourite solo travel destinations, and some great apps to download before you go! Hopefully this guide will give you all the tools you need to travel with confidence.
Safety Tips for Solo Female Travellers
Travelling solo as a woman is empowering and exciting, but let’s not pretend there aren’t challenges too. While there’s a world of incredible experiences waiting for you, you need to be prepared so that you enjoy your adventures safely and with confidence.
These are my top tips for staying safe when you’re travelling on your own.
Trust your gut
Your instincts are your best travel companion. I’m a firm believer that if something feels off, it probably is! Change your plans, move locations, or say a polite but firm “no.” Trusting your intuition is one of the biggest ways to stay safe, wherever you are.
Keep people in the loop
It’s easy to keep your friends and family updated with your itinerary. It’ll help ease their worries too! When I jetted off on some of my first adventures, I was travelling before the likes of Whatsapp and cheap sim cards! It was a lot harder to stay in touch. Text messages and phone calls were really expensive, so I was limited to sending emails sent from internet cafes (wow, I sound like I’m 100 years old!).
These days it’s easier than ever, so make sure you turn your location on for your family to keep track of where you are, or chat via WhatsApp. You could also take a look at safety apps like bSafe and Life360,which can offer added peace of mind.
Do your homework
I always do a bit of pre-trip research on safety. It’s good to be aware of crime rates and areas to avoid. If I’m going somewhere known for having issues, I would also take a look at the UK Foreign Office Travel Advice page too. For more detailed info relating to women, I sometimes look at recent travel blogs or videos, which have great on the ground advice.
Stay somewhere social
Hostels are great places to meet fellow travellers. I booked one for the start of my trip to Mexico. The hostel had a lovely rooftop bar where everyone gathered to socialise each day. One thing I didn’t think about, was I booked a mixed dorm. In hindsight, I’d have felt a little more comfortable staying in an all-female dorm for the first part of my trip, but it all worked out OK.
Dress the part
Unfortunately (and frustratingly) what you wear as a woman can have an impact on your safety. In some places, wearing skimpy clothes may attract unwanted attention. It’s wise to check what locals are wearing and adjust your style accordingly. I’d also suggest you leave flashy jewellery and expensive gadgets at home unless you really need them.
Choose your transport wisely
Public transport is convenient but in some destinations isn’t that safe. Stick to busy, well-lit areas and avoid late-night journeys if you can. If you’re using a taxi, you could share your location with a friend.
Have your emergency contacts ready
It’s a great idea to look up local emergency numbers before you travel. They vary by destination. Just have them saved somewhere so you can dial them easily if you ever needed to.
7 Amazing Destinations For Solo Travellers
Pick the wrong destination and you might not have the transformative experience you’d hoped for. You can’t go wrong with one of these amazing spots!
Iceland
Iceland is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts and one of the safest places in the world. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, hiking volcanic landscapes, or soaking in the famous Blue Lagoon, this compact, easy-to-navigate country won’t disappoint. The locals are friendly, and Iceland ranks highly for gender equality, making it ideal for women travelling alone.
Why I’d recommend it: Safe, jaw-dropping nature, and progressive attitudes towards gender equality.
Heads up: The weather can be pretty dramatic, so check forecasts and pack wisely!
New Zealand
New Zealand is made for adventurers. From the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and the stunning beaches of Coromandel, to the majestic Fiordland National Park, it’s paradise for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. Prefer a chilled vibe? Queenstown’s charm or Wellington’s cosmopolitan energy will hit the spot.
Why I’d recommend it: Gorgeous scenery, low crime rates, and friendly locals.
Heads up: Rural areas can feel a bit isolated, so plan ahead.
Japan
Japan blends futuristic cities with serene countryside escapes. Explore Tokyo’s vibrant districts, savour Kyoto’s traditional tea houses, or find peace in the rolling landscapes of Hokkaido. The public transport is legendary for its efficiency and cleanliness, making getting around a breeze.
Why I’d recommend it: Safe, spotless, and full of culture.
Heads up: In rural areas, you might struggle with the language barrier.
Portugal
Portugal combines affordability, stunning landscapes, and a warm, relaxed vibe. Wander Lisbon’s charming Alfama district, sip wine in Porto, or relax on the rugged beaches of the Algarve. It’s easy to meet fellow travellers in hostels, bars and its buzzing café culture.
Why I’d recommend it: Affordable, rich in culture, and popular with travellers.
Heads up: Tourist-heavy areas can get a bit crowded, so stay alert in busy spots.
Canada
From Toronto’s urban hustle to Banff’s majestic mountains, Canada has something for every type of traveller. It’s safe, diverse, and home to breathtaking national parks and vibrant cities.
Why I’d recommend it: Stunning landscapes, inclusive culture, and super safe.
Heads up: Travel distances can be massive, so plan accordingly.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a haven for nature lovers. Hike through Monteverde’s cloud forests, relax on pristine beaches, or explore Arenal Volcano. The country’s “pura vida” lifestyle is infectious, and the locals are warm and welcoming.
Why I’d recommend it: Eco-friendly, naturally beautiful, and safe.
Heads up: Some remote areas can be tricky to access, so plan transport carefully.
Thailand
Thailand offers everything from bustling Bangkok markets to the peaceful shores of Koh Samui. Explore ancient temples, relax on idyllic beaches, or join a yoga retreat. The country is budget-friendly and popular with backpackers and female travellers.
Why I’d recommend it: Affordable, beautiful, and full of friendly faces.
Heads up: You might want to avoid monsoon season (which varies depending on where you are).
10 Apps For Solo Female Travellers
So, hopefully this advice is helping you to feel confident about going away on your own. Now, you’ve had some tips on where to travel to, the final thing to do is download a few handy apps for your trip. As a solo female traveller, I feel reassured having a phone filled with ways to get around safely, plan my trip and stay connected. Hopefully you’ll feel the same!
Safety and Navigation Apps
Google Maps or Citymapper are both great for public transport / walking routes.
me has offline maps, so it’s a great one to download for remote spots where you’ll have limited connection.
TripWhistle provides local emergency numbers and can alert people in your contacts list if needed.
TravelSafe provides emergency information for medical assistance, and travel insurance details, and offers advice on what to do in case of an emergency.
Personal Safety Apps
bSafe allows you to set up emergency alerts that notify your contacts if you’re in danger. It also includes a “fake call” feature to help you avoid uncomfortable situations.
Life360 enables you to stay connected with family or friends, letting them track your real-time location for added security.
Watch Over Me is a personal safety app where you can track your location and share it with trusted contacts while you walk home or travel solo.
Language Apps
Duolingo is great for picking up the basics of a new language.
Google Translate is brilliant for translating signs, menus, and conversations abroad.
Local Experience Apps
Couchsurfing connects travellers with locals who offer free accommodation. It can be a great way to meet people while travelling.
Meetup helps you find local events, so you can meet like-minded people.
Finance Apps
Revolut, Monzo and Wise offer low-fee currency exchange and ATM withdrawals, making it easier to manage your finances abroad without incurring hefty fees.
I hope this guide helps you plan an epic first trip as a solo female traveller. I think one of my key pieces of advice is to remember that it’s not just about exploring new places… it’s about self-discovery and making amazing memories that will last a lifetime. Happy travels!
Looking for more tips on solo travel? Don’t miss my guide to the best tour companies for solo travellers.
